Meet the Team | Veterans Services | College of San Mateo

Marcos Baluyut-Hand

Title: Program Services Coordinator - Veterans Resource & Opportunity Center
Responsibilities: Manage and coordinate the Center’s operations, services, programs, and events; provide guidance to new and incoming students regarding application and veteran education benefits processes; and serve as an advocate for student veterans and military-affiliated students by connecting them with campus, community, and governmental resources.
Years at CSM: Since 2024
Education: Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Indigenous Peoples Law, University of Oklahoma; Bachelor of Arts (BA), Chicana/o Studies, Minor in Political Science, Loyola Marymount University; Associate of Arts (AA), Social and Behavioral Science, Santa Monica College

Michael Vargas

Title: Lead Veterans Counselor – Veterans Resource and Opportunity Center
Responsibilities: Meet with military-affiliated students (veterans, dependents, and active military) to provide general, career, and transfer counseling; including creating and updating accurate student education plans (SEP).
Years at CSM: Since 2009
Education: Master of Social Work (MSW), San Francisco State University; Bachelor of Arts (BA), Philosophy, Gonzaga University

Daniel Rhyne, LMFT, LPCC

Title: Veterans Personal Counselor
Professional Licenses: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #142611; Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #18060
Responsibilities: Provide mental health counseling and support to student veterans, helping them navigate personal, academic, and career challenges. Offer individual and group therapy sessions tailored to the unique experiences of veterans, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Collaborate with campus departments and community organizations to connect veterans with resources that support their well-being and success. Lead veteran-focused workshops and support groups to foster camaraderie, resilience, and personal growth.
Years at CSM: Since 2019
Education: Master of Arts (MA), Counseling: Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling emphasis, Palo Alto University; Bachelor of Science (BS), Psychology and Social Action, Palo Alto University

Jay Kumari

Title: VA School Certifying Official (Admissions & Records Assistant III)
Responsibilities: Certify eligible students' enrollment for VA education benefits, report enrollment changes, maintain accurate records, ensure compliance with VA requirements, and help veterans and their dependents understand and use their education benefits. Support students by processing admissions, maintaining accurate academic records, assisting with registration, transcripts, grades, and graduation requirements, while ensuring compliance with College policies and state and federal regulations.
Years at CSM: Since 2014
Education: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Administration of Justice, Cal State East Bay; Associate of Arts (AA), Administration of Justice, Chabot College