Faculty Support Unit

Monique Sanchez Alameldin graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a B.A. in Political Science. Prior to joining Berkeley Law, she worked at a few law firms and at the East Bay Community Law Center. In her free time she likes to ride her bicycle, try out different restaurants and explore the Bay Area. She enjoys working with Berkeley staff, students and faculty.

Lena Anderson (she/her) is an East Bay native and earned her B.S. in Business Administration at the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. Before joining Berkeley Law, she gained valuable experience as an Executive Assistant at an environmental nonprofit and as a Business Operations & Marketing Intern at a small business. Lena is deeply committed to environmental justice and serving her community. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, playing volleyball, and traveling.

Lisa Bazan has won numerous baking awards since joining Berkeley Law, which is unsurprising given her aptitude for excellence.

Annais Bendeganavale holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley. While at Berkeley, she pursued a double major in Political Science and Legal Studies. As an undergraduate, she gained valuable experience working for the OURS National Scholarships Office and participated in the UCDC program in Washington, D.C. Beyond her professional pursuits, Annais is a weightlifting enthusiast who enjoys spending quality time with her dogs and immersing herself in captivating books during her leisure moments.

Melina Cardenas graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Social Sciences: Economics, Business, and Society and a minor in Media Studies. She previously worked as an Academic Administrator at a private university and a Business Administrator at a family-owned business. She is passionate about social justice and has a curiosity for learning about complex topics. She is a sneaker enthusiast, enjoys traveling and spending time in nature, and loves sports.

Iris Cisneros earned her Bachelor of the Arts in Sociology and Spanish, with a minor in Dance from Saint Mary’s College of California. She is passionate about exploring new places and is committed to continuous learning. Iris is a huge coffee enthusiast and enjoys activities that keep her moving, such as hiking and being in nature. She also loves spending quality time with family and friends.  

Elena Gonzalez (she/hers) is an East Bay native and received her BA in International Relations and Spanish from the University of San Diego. There, she developed her passion for connecting with local communities through direct services. Most recently, she worked in the Housing Practice at the East Bay Community Law Center as an intake/program coordinator. Elena enjoys exploring new hiking trails all over the Bay Area, traveling, and trying new local coffee shops.

Shayne Huang is a new Legal Assistant of the Faculty Support Unit, Berkeley Law. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in Art Practice and studied abroad in Bologna focusing on Art History. He received a Paralegal Certificate through UCLA Extension before working as a paralegal, where he assisted with research, case preparation, and trial support. His past experience also includes administrative, writing, and professional roles in law, technology, and client services. He enjoys working out, traveling, and restaurants. 

Midori Kimata graduated from San Francisco Art Institute with a BA in contemporary art history. In her previous position, she worked at a lawyer referral center for artists, musicians, and inventors. She is an East Bay resident by way of New York and Tokyo. Thanks to her sweet cat Umi, it was just a matter of time before she became a cat lady.

Jennifer McBride holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, from the University of California, Davis, with an emphasis in organizational and interpersonal communication and a minor in Art Studio. Jennifer holds a certificate in German language. While in college, Jennifer became interested in law and worked part-time for a private attorney. After graduation, Jennifer worked at Yolo County Superior Court for several years, first in the civil division and then in court services where her primary job was processing and preparing appeals. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys reading, learning new languages, and traveling.

Walla Mohsen (she/her) graduated from University of California, Davis with a B.A. in Psychology. Prior to working at the FSU she gained valuable experience working as an Administrative Assistant at a hospice center. Outside of work, Walla enjoys spending time with family and friends and experiencing everything the world has to offer.

Thea Rood has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government-Journalism (minor in English) and a single subject teaching credential in Social Science, English and Journalism. She taught high school for a few years, but most of her work has been as a writer and editor (most recently Editor-in-Chief at N&R Publications, a media outlet in Sacramento). She and her husband moved to the East Bay in 2023, in part to be closer to their two adult children, one of whom—Hadley Rood—is a Berkeley Law alum (earned her J.D. in 2022). But they also came for the Bay Area weather, the progressive politics and the sourdough bread.

Maud Utstein (they/them) graduated from the College of Wooster with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies with an emphasis in Sociology. Prior to working in the FSU, Maud served as the Interim Admissions Coordinator for the Law School here at UCB. Outside of their professional pursuits, Maud loves rock climbing, reading, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Grace Westbrook (she/her), originally from the Central Valley, holds a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Applied Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Committed to social justice, she has gained experience in legal support and client services through internships and roles at organizations such as the Stanislaus County Public Defender’s Office, a non-profit serving foster youth based in Los Angeles, and, most recently, a civil litigation firm in the East Bay. In her free time, Grace teaches heated group fitness classes and enjoys taking naps with her dog, Tulip.