Peer Educators
Carmen Pintilie (she/her)
Student Success & Retention Lead Peer Educator
Hi! My name is Carmen. I am enrolled in Business Technology courses, to learn and leverage new tech. Compassionate, do-er and outdoorsy are three words that describe me best. I previously enjoyed being a teacher for over 11 years and, also, an enthusiastic business professional! I received my MBA with Honors from City University of Seattle in 2017, with a double specialization in Human Resources Management and Change Leadership. I hold a BA in teaching from University of Pitesti, Romania.
I have been a BC tutor over the past year and am passionate about helping students succeed academically. As a peer educator, I am keen to serve as compassionate guide and kind support for students in academic distress, provide holistic information and genuine encouragement.
A tip I have for students: get involved on campus by joining a club, participate in campus-wide events, and utilize the various resources available across campus!
Billy Van (he/him)
Student Success & Retention Lead Peer Educator
Hello! I am Billy. I am a student here at BC currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in CS, but it has not always been that way. Before, I had been pursuing a career in Pharmacy for close to 10 years. Close to the end with graduation in sight from the UW School of Pharmacy, I flunked out.
The sacrifices I had made, the efforts that I had put in towards this goal, and the grief I had endured when I realized that this pathway was not for me was a hard pill to swallow. It was several years ago that I started this dream of mine as a student here at Bellevue College, back around 2013.
It was all not for naught, although. Even though I was not able to obtain the Doctorate degree, I have learned much more about myself than I expected. Today as a Peer Educator, I want to help students recognize that what they learn in college is not only in the classroom. I vouch for students to take as much time as you would in Academia to also learn about yourself and your time-management skills, discipline management, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle while attacking your goals.
And ironically, I return to Bellevue College to begin anew back on square one, pursuing a different field. And now, equipped with wisdom I wish I had back when I started in those first steps I took, I would like to introduce myself as one who would like to help guide others with my anecdotes and personal experiences in hopes that others, may benefit from my mistakes.
Now that I am very much more mindful of the steps I take in my chosen pathway, please let me know what questions you have if you ever feel stuck, lost, or are struggling. Because, trust me, I have been there!
Have a question for Billy? Email him at billy.van@bellevuecollege.edu
Carmelo (Exe) Vera (he/him)
Student Success & Retention Peer Educator
Hello! I’m Carmelo, but my friends and family call me Exe. I’m an international student from Argentina currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in application development. Over the past two years, I have worked as a Lead Peer Educator under the Academic Affairs office, where I connected students to campus resources. Recently, I joined the Student Success & Retention office to continue helping students make the most of the resources available to them.
My own experience as an international student has taught me the importance of building a strong support system, both academically and personally. That’s why I’m passionate about helping fellow students find the resources and guidance they need to grow. Outside of school, I love longboarding, snowboarding, traveling, and being outdoors. I’m also a volunteer with a local wildlife rescue, where I help care for animals in need, from squirrels to raccoons.
A tip I have for students: Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Whether it’s academic resources, personal support, or simply connecting with others, there are people and services here to support you every step of the way. You are not alone in this journey, and we are here to help you succeed!
Have a question for Carmelo? Email him at academicsupport@bellevuecollege.edu and be sure to include CARMELO in the subject line.
Professional Staff
Katherine Chen (she/her)
Re-engagement Coordinator
Hi, I’m Katherine! I graduated with a B.A. in Education with a minor in English at the University of Washington and work to create an inclusive learning environment where diversity is valued. I’m interested in having conversations centered around learning opportunities, as well as working towards educational justice. Outside of these interests, my hobbies are: going to farmers markets and having some sort of movement by attending a yoga class or working out at the gym. I also love to read and I’m always open to new recommendations. I’m excited to be starting within this role, as well being part of the Bellevue College community!
Have a question for Katherine? Email her at katherine.chen@bellevuecollege.edu
Beth Luzzi (she/her)
Lead Faculty Counselor of Academic Standing
Beth received her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Seattle University in 2009 and became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington state in the summer of 2012. She holds a BA in History and Secondary Education from Muhlenberg College and has over 15 years of instructional experience, teaching at both the secondary and post secondary levels. Beth also holds her Certified Personal Trainer credential through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and is Precision Nutrition Level 1 certified. Beth predominantly works with students who are struggling academically and also teaches Human Development courses. When she isn’t working, Beth can usually be found running, weightlifting, or walking her dog Hardy.
Have a question for Beth? Email her at bethanne.luzzi@bellevuecollege.edu
Melissa Martinez (she/her)
Director, Student Success & Retention
Melissa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University Fullerton (CSUF) in 2004 and a Master’s of Science in Education with a Specialization in Higher Education from CSUF in 2012. She began her career in higher education in 2007 and has held positions in university and community college settings in academic advising, student support and program development roles. Supporting students who are encountering academic challenges is a passion of Melissa’s and she is especially excited to develop programs so students know they are seen, heard, valued and supported so they may persist and complete their education successfully. Melissa has been working at Bellevue College since Fall 2017.
Have a question for Melissa? Email her at melissae.martinez@bellevuecollege.edu
(Photo by Alabastro Photography)
Learn why we share our pronouns!
- Gender Pronouns in the Workplace: What They Are and Why They Matter | Elevate Leadership
- Why sharing gender pronouns is important in the workplace | Culture Amp
Last Updated April 9, 2026