Student Success Team

Email: rubalcada@hood.edu
Phone: 301-696-3422
Office: Beneficial - Hodson Library & Learning Commons, 1028
Pronouns: she/her

Camelia Rubalcada was born and raised in Elsa, Tx, a 96% Latino community and border town about 15 minutes away from the Mexican border. She was a teenage parent, first gen, and low-income student who beat the odds. At the age of 19, she left her hometown to work in a factory for Tyson in Columbus Junction, IA. Her plan to stay in Iowa for six months turned into 18 years.

While pursuing her BA, she encountered mentors that helped her navigate the uncertainties she had about college. Through those obstacles, she was inspired to pursue a degree in student affairs, so she could be a powerful voice for students. Upon completing her MAE in Student Affairs from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in 2012, Camelia began her higher education journey as a TRiO Counseling Specialist at the University of Iowa. Her experience with TRiO helped prepare her for roles that aim at advocating for marginalized students and developing strategies that contribute to student success.

Prior to Hood College, Camelia led undergraduate retention initiatives for first- and second-year students, co-developed a peer coaching model, and served on the Provost Leadership Team (PLT) for Luther College. Her leadership journey began at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley as the Director for TRiO SSS; she saw a need to bring more awareness to cross culturalism and implemented co-curriculum activities that focused on diversity, identity development, & communication to aid students in becoming more culturally competent.

In her current position, Camelia will work closely with campus leaders to develop retention initiatives, assess data to identify questions & barriers, and provide leadership to the student success team to identify best practices to better serve students. She is passionate about supporting students.

Email: copenhaver@hood.edu
Phone: 301-696-3860
Office: Beneficial - Hodson Library & Learning Commons, 1029
Pronouns: she/her

Click here to schedule an appointment! 

Clifton Strengths: Positivity - Responsibility - Empathy - Belief - Developer 

Lisa brings over 30 years of work experience in the field of higher education working in various student support and administrative roles. 

Lisa began her career in admissions at Hagerstown Business College in Hagerstown, MD, where she spent over 10 years as the Registrar overseeing the advisement, course scheduling, and registration for the student body.  After the acquisition by Kaplan College, Lisa worked as the Associate Academic Dean facilitating faculty engagement workshops and teaching an orientation to college class to incoming student as well as Public Speaking and Presentation Skills for the Professional.  She then was named the Dean of Student Affairs after college changed to Kaplan University, where her duties included student retention, overseeing the Registrar’s office, student activities and engagement,  and serving as a member of the Senior Team. 

Born and raised in Altoona, PA, she graduated from Shippensburg University where she earned her undergraduate degree in Public Relations and Speech Communications.  She recently completed her Educational Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership and Management from Capella University after completing her Masters Degrees in Online College Teaching and Higher Education College Administration and Leadership.  She resides in Greencastle, PA, and is a proud parent of two grown children and two shih-tzus and enjoys the beach, cooking, baking, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family and friends. 

As the Director of Student Success since 2017, Lisa serves as the chair of the Students of Concern Committee, a member of the Student Success Council,  Learning Commons Committee, and teaches the Academic Success Seminar and the spring First Year Seminars.  She oversees tutoring at the college and works diligently to create support systems for our students.

Email:humphries@hood.edu | accessibilityservices@hood.edu 
Phone: 301-696-3421
Office: Beneficial - Hodson Library & Learning Commons, 1031
Pronouns: she/her

Dr. Humphries serves the Hood community as the Director of Accessibility Services with a broad range of experience supporting individuals with disabilities. She has served as a special education teacher, a district administrator, university teacher preparation program staff, university accessibility office staff, and as a federal contractor. She holds master’s and doctoral degrees in special education from George Washington University, where her research focused on risk and resilience in beginning special education teachers.  

Dr. Humphries is passionate about reaching underserved populations, closing opportunity gaps, and promoting independence. In her personal life, she enjoys bar trivia and exploring hiking trails and coffee shops around the Frederick area. In the fall, you will find her in the stands at men’s soccer and women’s volleyball games. 

Email: guzman@hood.edu
Phone:
Office: Beneficial - Hodson Library & Learning Commons
Pronouns: