Meet Your Counselor

Welcome! You may have seen us at your high school, local college fair, or when you visited Dominican. We are your main resource throughout your application and admissions process. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We wish you the best and look forward to working with you.

Admissions Counselors

High School Students
Your admissions counselor is determined by the location of your high school
Transfer Students
Your admission counselor is determined by the location of your permanent address


Rebecca Finn Kenney Assistant Vice President 415-458-3720 rebecca.finnkenney@dominican.edu Recruitment area: Leadership and Management of Undergraduate Admissions Education: B.A. International Language-Business from University of Scranton and MBA from University of San Francisco Hometown: South Plainfield, NJ - South Plainfield High School Favorite things about Dominican: The students. I love the excitement I see in new students as they take this pivotal next step in their lives. And, to see those same students during graduation receive their diploma after years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to their future. It’s wonderful to see it all come full-circle. When visiting San Rafael: I recommend visiting 4th Street in Downtown San Rafael. If you are visiting during the summer, the Farmers Market is the place to be on a Thursday night, full of live music, fresh fruits and vegetables, great food, and perfect weather in the heart of Marin!		Nichelle Passanisi Director 415-485-3206 nichelle.passanisi@dominican.edu Recruitment area: Marin county and International Students Education: B.A. in Global Studies from University of California Santa Barbara and M.S. in Education from Dominican University of California Hometown: Geyserville, CA - Geyserville High School Favorite thing about Dominican: The campus is gorgeous as is our sense of community. From the students to the people I work with, I am truly happy to be part of such a caring and supportive community. When visiting San Rafael: Imagine yourself living here by walking around downtown, eating at the some of the amazing and diverse local restaurants. Get some friends together and head down to the San Rafael bocce courts. I'm there every Wednesday competing with the best Marin has to offer!

Brooke Thornberry Admissions Counselor 415-257-1307 brooke.thornberry@dominican.edu Recruitment area: San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties and out of state students Education: BFA in Dance and a minor in Psychology from Dominican University of California Hometown: Gresham, Oregon – Gresham Union High School Favorite thing about Dominican: Dominican is a hidden gem captivating the best of both worlds. We have large metropolises’ in either direction of us but on campus, you have a family. I love that Dominican students, faculty and staff members genuinely care for one another. They stop to say ‘hi’ and ask about what is going on but when you want to get away you are close to one of the best cities in the United States. The possibilities are endless on and off campus! It’s up to you to go and enjoy! When visiting San Rafael: I recommend getting out of your comfort zone and try something unique to the area. Head down to the beach and kayak, go see an Independent Film at the Rafael on Fourth Street, or see an amazing view of San Francisco from the Marin Headlands.		Sarah Bottger Assistant Director 415-257-1376 sarah.bottger@dominican.edu Recruitment area: Southern California, Ventura County and Santa Barbara County Education: BA in Church Music with a minor in Theology from Valparaiso University and an MA in Arts Management from Columbia College, Chicago Hometown: St. John, Indiana - Lake Central High School Favorite thing about Dominican: The location in Marin County. There are so many things to do right in our back yard, whether its' outdoor activities, like cycling or hiking, sightseeing in San Francisco, or attending any of the professional sports games in the Bay Area. When visiting San Rafael: I recommend going to 4th Street and trying any of the restaurants. There's something for everyone and, if you are a foodie like me, you'll enjoy all the different options right at your fingertips.

Jesus Ramirez Assistant Director 415-257-1369 jesus.ramirez@dominican.edu Recruitment Area: Central Valley, Central Coast, Contra Costa County, and San Francisco Education: B.S. Business Administration from Sonoma State University Hometown: San Diego, CA - Crawford High School Favorite thing about Dominican: As a current MBA student, I enjoyed the small classes and the relationships I developed with my professors. When visiting San Rafael: Marin is known for its gorgeous hiking and biking trails, therefore I recommend going to China Camp—it’s a great location for a picnic, a hike, or just for enjoying the beautiful scenery.		Joshua McCay Admissions Counselor 415-257-1370 joshua.mccay@dominican.edu Recruitment Area: Northern California Education: B.A. in Psychology from Dominican University of California Hometown: Roseville, CA - Woodcreek High School Favorite thing about Dominican: NCAA Athletics (Especially Lacrosse). As an alumni of the program, I enjoyed supplementing my education with athletics. When visiting San Rafael: I recommend having dinner at the Sea Food Peddler in Sausalito. Their swordfish is amazing! A stroll down 4th Street and the surrounding Downtown San Rafael area is also time well spent.
Eileen Burns Caparoso Regional Admissions Counselor 415-717-5287 eileen.burnscaparoso@dominican.edu Recruitment area: Washington State Education: B.A. in Political Science from Dominican University of California and M.S. in Education from Dominican University of California Hometown: Auburn, WA - Auburn High School Favorite thing about Dominican: I spent almost three weeks in Fanjeaux, France, with 30 other Dominican faculty, staff, and students from across the country in 2011 and the sense of community and common purpose was amazing. We discussed why St. Dominic founded the order and walked in his path for several days, this sense of purpose and the ideals of spreading knowledge and education really resonated with what we do every day across campus as faculty and staff. When visiting San Rafael: I recommend grabbing lunch at Sol Food (my favorite is the Bisteak Sandwich or the Veggie Deluxe with a limeade).