We hope you enjoy this series where we meet and get to know employees from across campus. Would you like to be featured? Contact us at campusnews@csufresno.edu.

Name: Chantal Castellanos
Title: Administrative assistant
Department: Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
Academic Degree(s): B.A. liberal studies and bilingual authorization (also known as BCLAD) in Spanish, Fresno State

How long have you worked at Fresno State and in which offices have you worked?
I’ve been here for over a year in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and the Registrar’s Office.

Are you a Valley native?
Yes, I am a Fresno native. So proud to have been a student assistant, alumni and now staff.

Are you a Bulldog family with generations of Bulldog graduates or current students?
Yes, I am a Bulldog alum. Two of my brothers also graduated from here.

Do you have a campus mentor or someone who has helped you in your career?
Yes, Belinda Munoz has been my mentor and friend. I’m so grateful to have met such a strong, fair, funny and fabulous woman. I got to work closely with her as a Staff Assembly Executive Committee member. She inspires me and is a role model I look up to.

Chantal with Staff Assembly Executive Committee members.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why?
I’m a teacher by heart. I was a teacher for 17 years. I love that I get to work with our students and help them at a university level. I enjoy talking to students and letting them know there are solutions to their concerns and that we are here to guide and help them in their educational journey.

What is your favorite quote or saying?
My motto, laughter is music to the soul.

What is the most interesting or unusual job you've ever had?
I worked for Heal the Bay in Santa Monica. The beach was my office. I taught children and adults about the importance of our marine ecosystems, habitat restoration and environmental educational sessions with beach cleanups.

Chantal and others at Heal the Bay.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
I love to watch and play sports. I’m in a coed bowling league. I love bowling. I took a bowling class here, and I fell in love with the sport.

Chantal with President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval and his wife, Mariana Anagnostopoulos.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?
I love to assemble furniture and items. Give me a screwdriver and I can help you assemble it.