Counseling Faculty

Sharon Zygowicz, M.C., Ph.D.
She/Her/Ella
Counseling Division Chair
MA1372 (Main Building)

Dr. Sharon Zygowicz graduated from Arizona State University (ASU) with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology and shortly after completed a Masters of Counseling at ASU, as well.  Dr. Zygowicz began her professional counseling career in nonprofit community mental health focused on individuals designated with serious mental illness, as well as individuals court-ordered for treatment following substance abuse and/or domestic violence charges. Dr. Zygowicz returned to ASU to attain her PhD in Counseling Psychology and completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the University of California, Davis with an emphasis on multiculturalism.  Since 2007,  Dr. Zygowicz has been a counseling faculty member at GW and is currently Chair of the Counseling Division.  She sees students in individual counseling sessions, teaches student success courses, and develops and delivers outreach efforts to the campus community.

James Rivera, M.Ed. 
He/Him/El
Counseling Faculty
MA1372 (Main Building)

James Rivera is a seasoned helping professional with over two decades of dedicated service in the field of education. Holding a bachelor's degree in non-profit management from Arizona State University, he furthered his academic prowess with a master's degree in counseling from the University of Phoenix, followed by a second master's degree in higher education/community college leadership from Northern Arizona University. With a career spanning over 10 years as a high school counselor, another decade in education administration at the state level, and an impressive 20 years as a community college adjunct faculty member, James brings a wealth of experience to the academic arena as well as a natural ability to establish connections with students. Currently serving as a counseling faculty member at Gateway Community College, his commitment to fostering academic growth and providing guidance to students remains unwavering. James Rivera's multifaceted background reflects his passion for education and his dedication to shaping the future of students at various stages of their academic journey.

Sarah Hanley, M.S.P.C.
She/Her/Ella
Counseling Faculty
MA1372 (Main Building)

Sarah Hanley has worked at GateWay for over 17 years with experience in student services, student success, and counseling. Outside of GateWay Sarah has been in the behavioral health field for over 9 years. Sarah works together with students to create an open, collaborative, growth oriented environment where students can process and unravel difficulties. When meeting with Sarah students can expect a safe space where constructive ideas can be identified and practiced using a strength and solution focused approach. Sarah graduated from Arizona State University with an education focused in child/human development and received her Master’s in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University.

Dominique Doss, M.A., Psy.D. 
She/Her/Ella
Counseling Faculty
MA1372 (Main Building)

Dr. Dominique Doss earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Portland, Oregon, and shortly after completed a Masters of Arts in Community Counseling from Loyola University-Chicago followed by a Doctorate of Psychology in School Psychology from Argosy University-Phoenix. She has extensive experience working with diverse learners and ages, including adults, adolescents, and children in outpatient, inpatient, elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educational settings. She has a passion for working with students that have diverse academic and social-emotional needs. Dr. Doss has been a residential counseling faculty member at GateWay Community College since 2018. She sees students for individual personal counseling and N.O.W. counseling, teaches student success and counseling and applied psychological (CAP) science courses, and offers college outreach to increase mental health awareness.

Monica Buensuceso, B.A., M.A. 
She/Her/Ella
Counseling Faculty
MA1372 (Main Building)

I am a compassionate residential counseling faculty with over 20 years of experience in education. I am Peruvian-born and fluent in Spanish and English, and I offer counseling services with Dash, the therapy dog. I love what I do! Dash and I use an empathetic approach to create a safe, non-judgmental space for students to explore their unique needs and concerns and empower them to accomplish their academic, career, and personal goals. I also teach First-Year Experience (FYE) to help students obtain an introduction to college, emphasizing developing key behaviors that foster success. Many students come from first-generation cultural backgrounds, like myself, where counseling is not a common practice, and Dash helps make the visit more comfortable. One of my life goals is to contribute to reducing mental health stigma.

Dash is our canine counselor, a licensed and insured 65-pound labradoodle, supporting our students since 2022. A therapy dog in a school setting can greatly benefit social/emotional support if the student would like. His mission is to provide smiles and joy to anyone he meets. With Dash, we eagerly anticipate meeting you, ready to provide the support and encouragement you need to succeed. 

Carlos J. Ortiz, MSW 
He/Him/His
Student Services Analyst - Social Worker 
MA1372 (Main Building)

As a Social Worker, I combine my personal, professional, and academic experiences. I believe I must support and promote student success through my knowledge of campus and off campus resources and programs.  I go back to my training as a social worker when I worked with “opportunity youth” in assisting them to reach their goals, to express empathy through reflective listening, support self-efficacy and optimism, and role with the ambivalence. My teaching and counseling style varies from student to student where I get them to engage/participate by checking-in to see where they are at. My passion is derived from my personal experience with academic advisors, counselors and faculty at higher ed institutions.  I also support student development by sharing “data”, which opens up the opportunity to have a “teachable moment.” 

Outside of work, I enjoy running, hiking, and spending time with my kids.

Look forward to meeting you!

Stephanie Sirmans, A.A. 
She/Her/Ella
N.O.W. Program Advisor
MA1372 (Main Building)

My passion for helping students stems from my desire to serve others. As a N.O.W. Program Advisor, I meet with students to determine their academic plans. I have always been driven by education and know how important it is for students to meet with an advisor to ensure proper classes are taken for degree completion. Navigating college for the first time or even as a returning college student can be intimidating; I hope to relieve some of this pressure by advising the students who need more help building a solid foundation to achieve success. The N.O.W. Program is here to help students reach their goals, and I am elated to be a part of this process within the Counseling Department here at GateWay Community College.

Cathy Balderrama, A.A. 
She/Her/Ella 
Administrative Specialist Sr.
MA1372 (Main Building)

Cathy has been a member of the GateWay Community College community since 2017, when she first enrolled as a summer LIFT student. After completing the summer LIFT program, she enrolled as a full-time student to earn her Associate of Arts. Due to her interest in the field of counseling and psychology, she was hired as a Federal Work Study student for the Counseling Department, where she gained more knowledge and awareness about the role of counselors in higher education. This initial opportunity later blossomed into a full-time position as the Administrative Specialist Sr. for the Counseling Department. Cathy is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts at Grand Canyon University. She enjoys hiking, great coffee, connecting with her colleagues, and supporting students on their educational journey.