Our Team
Raquel McLeod
- Director, Career Development
Raquel graduated from Whittier College with a bachelor’s degree in political science and Spanish. She served in the United States Army for 8 years and deployed in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Prior to coming to 51ÂÜÀò she worked in health care for over 15 years as a director of business development and marketing in Southern California. In her spare time she enjoys traveling with her husband and three beautiful kids.
Aaron Scherer
- Senior Career Specialist: School of Humanities & Social Sciences, Rosemead School of Psychology, the School of Education, and Talbot School of Theology
Aaron graduated from 51ÂÜÀò in 2018 earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with minors in Bible, Business and Intercultural Studies. While at 51ÂÜÀò, he worked alongside his local church in the youth ministry. Post graduation, he transitioned to the private sector, working first for a food broker alongside of various organizations (such as Nestle USA and Coca-Cola) where he learned the importance of organizational collaboration. Prior to 51ÂÜÀò, he also worked as a legal assistant in personal injury law, discovering both a passion for helping those in need and a talent for counseling. With a wide variety of experiences, Aaron is excited to help students reach their goals for the greater glory of God and the well-being of people.
Ava Burdette
- Career Specialist: Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts, School of Fine Arts & Communication
Ava graduated from Chaffey Community College in 2018 with multiple associate degrees in behavioral and applied sciences, then transferred to Azusa Pacific University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Leadership in 2019. Soon after, Ava completed her Master of Science degree in College Counseling and Student Development at Azusa Pacific University in 2022. Ava has over 5 years of experience working in student affairs, and prior to 51ÂÜÀò, she worked as a guidance counselor at Chaffey Community College and as the lead Career Specialist at Azusa Pacific University. Ava is passionate about guiding diverse students in discovering God's unique calling for their lives through professional development and personal branding.
Bitzareth Caldera
- Career Specialist: School of Science, Technology and Health
Bitzareth Caldera earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with an emphasis in interpersonal communication at Azusa Pacific University. Throughout her higher education journey, she experienced support from student affairs professionals that guided her as she navigated higher education as a first-generation college student. She soon realized she wanted to be that helping hand for other students and pursued her Master of Science degree in College Counseling and Student Development at Azusa Pacific University. Bitzareth has supported students in higher education for the past six years by serving students at Community Colleges, UCs, CSUs, and private institutions through career development, course counseling, teaching, and FYE programming. She finds joy in learning about students’ life experiences and highlighting their skills and cultural capital to spotlight their full potential in becoming successful professionals as they impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Brooke Lee
- Career Specialist: Crowell School of Business
Brooke Lee graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and obtained a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary Philadelphia. Prior to coming to 51ÂÜÀò, she was in ministry for 10+ years at a local church in Southern California, and transitioned into a career as a recruiter at AppleOne Staffing and Amazon. She is excited to bring her experiences in ministry and as a corporate recruiter to provide the best Gospel care for the students preparing for their careers.