Emy Lopez Phillips, Ed.D.
Director
Emy has worked in educational programs for over 20 years. She is an Associate Adjunct Professor with the UCSF Fresno Regional Campus and Director of the Office of Health Career Pathways & UCSF Fresno Hildebrand Medical Library. She serves on the Faculty Development Committee and chair of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Outreach Sub-committee. Her research agenda is currently focused on health pathway program outcomes and instructional frameworks for pre-medical education.
Sydney Farnesi, M.S.
CMSP Supervisor 2
Sydney is the Supervisor of the San Joaquin Valley - California Medicine Scholars Program, providing leadership and oversight to the program implementation. Prior to this position, she worked as a program coordinator and academic advisor for the San Joaquin Valley PRIME Program (SJV PRIME), supporting medical students as they navigate their 3rd year of medical school and clinical rotations. She received her undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Counseling and a minor in Mass Communication and Journalism from California State University, Fresno. She then went on to receive her Master’s in Counseling, focusing on Student Affairs and College Counseling also from California State University, Fresno. As a Fresno native and former community college student, Sydney is passionate about the Valley, its community, and student success pathways and programs. She believes that every student can succeed and is humbled to be a part of the SJV-CMSP Program to further bridge the gap in access and extend opportunities for community college students across the Central Valley.
Amanda De Lima Croft, M.A., P.P.S.
CMSP Coordinator & Advising Counselor
Amanda is the Program Coordinator and Advising Counselor of the San Joaquin Valley - California Medicine Scholars Program. She supports all community college to university pathway scholars. Prior to this position, Amanda served UCSF Fresno as a Wellness Specialist and supporting the campus in its various wellbeing efforts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Business-Administration from California State University, Fresno, in addition to a Master of Arts in School Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services credential from Fresno Pacific University. As an immigrant, tri-lingual, first-generation college student, she knows first-hand the challenges students face when pursuing higher education. She hopes to support and empower students on their journey as they pursue their dreams.