Meet the Team: Naomi Carranza, Graduate Support Counselor

When Naomi Carranza (Notre Dame High School ’15) joined the Access team in 2022, it marked a special reunion. Not only was it a homecoming — she’s an Access alumna and 2011 graduate of St. Cecilia — but she was rejoining fellow 2013 alum Vivian Garcia (Rosati-Kain ’17), St. Cecilia’s Graduate Support Director. It would mark the beginning of a powerful partnership, both women guiding our students through the Access program using a wealth of first-hand experience. “I saw value in returning to my community,” Naomi says. “As an Access alumna, it was important for me to join a team that once supported me through middle school and high school matriculation.” She adds: “I really enjoy seeing the growth in my students. Especially witnessing them get to the point where they become strong self-advocates.”

Naomi graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in social work and worked at St. Patrick Center before returning to Access. When not busy guiding students, Naomi enjoys exploring the culinary delights of St. Louis (“STL has so much to offer those looking for good food!”) and dreams of visiting all 50 states — it ranks at the top of her bucket list. To learn more about Naomi, you can read her brief Q&A above.