Meet Our Staff
Kristen Perry (she/her)
Director, Confidential Advocate
Master of Science in College Student Personnel Administration, Canisius College
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Western Oregon University
503-838-9657 | perryk@mail.wou.edu | WUC 106C
Kristen came back to the Western community in December of 2021. Most recently, she worked as an Advocate at UC Santa Barbara, and before that, served as the first Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator at Central Washington University. Kristen enjoys serving students directly and helping them through their healing journeys, but also finds that it’s important to make systemic changes to improve services and processes for all people, so she works closely with Student Conduct, Title IX, and Public Safety. In her free time, Kristen enjoys taking care of her houseplants, hanging out with her cat Sally, paddle-boarding, and going to the beach!
Maria Barrera (she/her/ella)
Basic Needs Coordinator
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Western Oregon University
503-838-9430 | barreram@mail.wou.edu | WUC 106A
Maria is a first generation, DACA recipient, bilingual member of the LGBTQ+ community, and someone who loves building connections with other diverse populations. She recently graduated from Western Oregon University, and as an undergraduate student, was heavily involved in advocacy through student government and organizations off and on campus where she assisted underrepresented and marginalized students like herself. Maria has always been committed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion to best serve students on campus which is why she’s excited to be back at WOU now helping students as the Basic Needs Coordinator connecting them with resources around Basic Needs on campus and within the community. A fun fact about her is that she loves to make DIY household Decor items using her all time BFF: My Cricut Maker.
Blanca De La Rosa-Hernandez (she/her/ella)
Bilingual Confidential Advocate
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Western Oregon University
503-838-9422 | delarosahernandezb@mail.wou.edu | WUC 106E
Blanca is a first generation WOU graduate and is currently pursuing her Masters in Clinical Mental Health at George Fox University. Before returning to Western Oregon University, Blanca worked as a Family Advocate for 2.5 years. While earning her undergraduate, she worked as a peer advisor in the Psychology department and as a peer mentor on campus. She enjoys working one-on-one with students and is passionate about creating an environment that is equitable and welcoming to all. In her free time, Blanca enjoys baking, hiking and spending time with her family/friends.