Bio

Angel Meraz
Athletic Counselor
Office: Kinesiology 102F

From her earliest days as a student in Indio, through her academic journey across the country, and back home again to the Coachella Valley, Dr. Angel Meraz has built a career centered on one guiding principle: students come first.

Angel’s passion for education was sparked at UCLA while completing an undergraduate course in Education. A professor’s weekly challenge—“If I really loved my students, I would…”—pushed her to reflect on the transformative power educators can have when they believe in their students. That question continues to drive her philosophy as a counselor, mentor, and advocate.

Angel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Master’s of Education in School Counseling from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Doctorate in Community College Leadership from Kansas State University. Her career path has been diverse and impactful: she has worked as a graduate assistant for the Office of the Provost at the University of Maryland, a high school counselor in charter, private, and public schools, Director of Student Support for a nonprofit scholarship foundation, and Director of an Upward Bound program. She has also taught multiple courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, further deepening her role as a leader and educator.

Since 2016, Angel has served as a counselor for College of the Desert student-athletes, helping Roadrunners navigate the balance between academics, athletics, and life beyond the field of play. She is passionate about empowering students to see their potential, achieve their goals, and recognize their ability to impact their families and communities for generations to come.

A proud Coachella Valley native, Angel grew up in Indio and graduated from Indio High School, where she competed as a three-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball, and softball. Returning home to serve the community that shaped her is both a privilege and a calling. Angel’s journey—from Rajah athlete to Roadrunner counselor—reflects her lifelong dedication to creating opportunities for students to thrive.

~ Bio current as of August 2025