Staff

Cecilia Ortiz
Executive Director

cecilia.ortiz@csun.edu

Amanda Christianson
Acting Co-Director, Student Recreation Center

(818) 677-5832
amanda.christianson@csun.edu

Amanda is a native of California, living most of her life in Southern California. She developed a love for fitness early in life, spending most of her time after school either participating in sports, working out at the local gym, or helping out at her aunt’s fitness facility. This love for movement eventually grew into the desire to pursue academic studies in the areas of Kinesiology—Exercise Science and eventually Nutrition & Dietetics, here at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Amanda has over 15 years of professional experience in the fitness and wellness industry, and has gone onto acquire over a dozen other certifications in personal training, group exercise, and nutrition, through this time.

In her current role, she hopes to empower and inspire the next generation of students to “find their fit” through the various programs and services offered within the Fitness & Wellness Department, in order to stay active and healthy throughout life.

Jeremy Hamlett
Acting Co-Director, Student Recreation Center

(818) 677-2194
jeremy.hamlett@csun.edu

Jeremy Hamlett grew up in East Los Angeles and attended California State University, Los Angeles. During his time at CSULA, he worked in the University Student Union (USU) as a student employee and discovered his future vocation in higher education. It was during his time at CSULA that he also found his avocation, officiating sports. He has been involved with officiating youth and high school baseball, basketball and football for over 25 years, and has served as a board member and president of his local baseball association.

After receiving his undergraduate degree, Jeremy initially worked at Occidental College and then joined the USU at CSUN in 2002. During his first 16 years at the USU, he was involved with Commercial Services and Operations & Facilities Planning. He joined the SRC team in 2019 as the Manager for Intramural Sports/Day Camp/Games Room.

Tari Hunter
Associate Executive Director, Equity, Programs and Leadership

(818) 677-5652
tari.hunter@csun.edu

Tari is a homegrown, CSUN graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies & Pan African Studies. She earned a Master of Science degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Colorado State University and most recently completed a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. Tari has held various and progressively responsible positions within higher education including Associate Director for Marketing and Programs at Santos Manuel Student Union, California State University, San Bernardino; Executive Director at Associated Students, Inc., San Jose State University; and Director, Office of Student Life & Cultural Centers at Cal Poly Pomona.

As the associate executive director at CSUN, Tari assists the executive director with corporate strategic planning and administration and serves as administrator in-charge in the absence of the executive director. The position provides administrative oversight for the following areas:  Diversity and Inclusion, resource centers (DREAM, Pride, Veterans), HEAL Project, Programs, co-sponsorships & collaborations, and Board of Directors (BOD) leadership and development.

Joseph C. Illuminate
Associate Director, Accounting & Finance

(818) 677-6492
joe.illuminate@csun.edu

Joseph Illuminate has served as the Associate Director, Finance & Business Services since February 2004. He provides leadership and direction for the USU Finance & Business Services department. Joseph is focused on being a steward of student fees to ensure there are sufficient resources to fund programs and services for students at the highest level. He earned his master’s degree in Public Administration and graduate certificate in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge. Joseph also holds a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration with a specialization in accounting from California State University, Los Angeles.

Sharon S. Kinard
Associate Director, Administration & Communications

(818) 677-6025
sharon.kinard@csun.edu

Sharon S. Kinard started her employment with the University Student Union in 1999, serving in several progressively responsible positions prior to stepping into her current role as associate director in October 2020. A former news reporter with the Los Angeles Daily News who covered city and county governments and education, Sharon provides solid news, writing and editing experience. She has oversight of the Department of Administration, Marketing Department, Department of Technology Support Services and Assessment. 

A former part-time co-instructor of assessment for CSUN’s Michael D. Eisner College of Education in its college counseling/student services graduate program, Sharon earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in journalism (English minor) from San Diego State University. She is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and Facilitator.

Sharon is passionate about measuring student success efforts, programs and services. She enjoys writing, hiking and mentoring, as well as thought-provoking books, films, family and good friends. 

Samantha Liu
Associate Director, Operations & Services

(818) 677-2899
samantha.liu@csun.edu

Samantha Liu started her employment as a student assistant with the University Student Union in January 2007 — her second semester at CSUN. She since has served in a variety of roles and currently serves as the Associate Director, Operations & Services. She oversees the Operations & Facilities Planning, Facilities Maintenance and Reservations & Event Services departments. She is a double home-grown CSUN graduate with a master’s degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Public Sector Management & Leadership and her undergraduate degree in Public Health Education.

Kristen Pichler
Associate Director, Human Resources & Professional Development

(818) 677-3849
kristen.pichler@csun.edu

Kristen Pichler, or KP as she’s more commonly known, started her employment with the University Student Union in 1985. Since then, she’s served in a variety of progressively responsible positions prior to stepping into her current role as the Associate Director, Human Resources & Professional Development in 2000, leading HR functions for the USU’s 450 employees and 40 volunteers. KP fosters a legal, safe, and fair employment environment, and is a champion of the student employment experience, encouraging students to acquire knowledge, skills, habits and attitudes that will help them succeed at work both now and post-graduation. She is a devoted Matador, holding both a master’s degree in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in English, from California State University, Northridge.