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, take muay thai classes, and explore the Bay Area. She enjoys working with Berkeley staff, students and faculty.

Megan Barnett holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Boston University with minors in African American Studies, Medical Anthropology, and Music. Prior to joining FSU, they were Marketing Coordinator for Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco. Outside of work, Megan performs with the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir and enjoys catching up on their reading list and exploring the forests around the Bay Area.

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.  

Jessie Davis is an East Bay native and received her B.S. in Environmental Systems (Ecology, Behavior and Evolution) from UC San Diego in 2020. As an undergrad, she conducted research of both corn genetics and the California poppy, and she worked in the UCSD Teaching + Learning Commons, where she discovered and nurtured her interest in academic affairs. Jessie enjoys getting to collaborate with faculty, staff, and students in her role at Berkeley Law. In her free time, Jessie enjoys taking classes at Berkeley Art Studio and exploring the Bay Area with her friends.

Casey Dzubur was born and raised in Oakland before attending college at UC Santa Cruz as a Legal Studies major. After graduation, he joined the Americorps program Reading Partners, which led him to teaching elementary school for six years at Cox Academy in Oakland. In his free time, Casey enjoys cooking, exercising, and watching new movies. Reach out if you have any favorite recipes or movies he should try. Go Bears!

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.

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. In a matter of time, she expects to be an all-embracing cat lady. 

Maddy MacLellan (they/them) is a Los Angeles native and received their BA in Sociology at the University of California, Los Angeles. While there, they developed a passion for law and social justice. Before joining the FSU at Berkeley Law, they worked as an Operations Manager in the healthcare industry and taught yoga and pilates group fitness classes. In their free time, Maddy enjoys taking their pup (Peanut) on walks, catching a sunset, and watching Raiders games.

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.

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.

Rachit Shah earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Public Policy from UC Riverside. During his college years, Rachit participated in the UCDC program, where he developed his interest working in the legal field. As a native of the East Bay, Rachit is excited to contribute to the Berkeley Law community. Outside of work, Rachit enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

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.