Marina Zeferino

Marina Zeferino (She/Her/Ella) is a first-year Ed.S. student in School Psychology at California State University, Los Angeles. She graduated in 2022 from California State University, Dominguez Hills with a Bachelor's in Child Development (Concentration in Family Services and Counseling) and a minor in Psychology.
 

Marina has hands-on experience in education and early childhood development. She has worked as a kindergarten teacher in Irvine, supporting students with behavioral challenges and collaborating with parents and administrators to implement interventions.

She also worked in the Santa Ana Unified School District, where she was inspired by the resilience of immigrant families navigating the complex educational system, solidifying her desire to become a school psychologist. Currently, Marina works as an Infant Teacher, using formative assessment tools to observe and support infants’ development by communicating through sign language and narrative observation.

Her research interests focus on the experience of immigrant students navigating higher education and fostering inclusive learning environments. She is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of education and mental health support.
 

Outside of academics, Marina runs for the Valor Track Club, a competitive/elite running club in Irvine, though she is currently running for California State University, Los Angeles’ Track team. She also enjoys boxing and recreational fencing.
 

Fun Fact: Marina is a first-generation Mexican-American passionate about combining her love for athletics and education, believing that sports can be a powerful tool for resilience and personal growth. “Every time I line up at the start line, I carry my community with me. I run to say: We belong. On the trails. On the roads. On the track. On the podium. This space is ours.