Permanent Staff/Faculty
Kim Marquardt (she), MSN, RN, PHN
Director, Health Services
I started my nursing career over 25 years ago in labor and delivery, participating
in one of the most inspiring and life-changing events in a family's life, the birth
of a child. I attended community college for my associate degree in nursing, then
went on to earn a bachelor’s and eventually a master’s in nursing leadership and management.
I have additionally worked in telephone triage, aesthetics, long term care, data analytics,
and outpatient surgery and now, absolutely love and feel so fortunate to lead the
team of amazing clinicians in Health Services here at MiraCosta.
Ghada Osman (she), PhD, LMFT
Faculty Coordinator, Mental Health
Deeply trained in client-centered, trauma-informed work that is multicultural in perspective
and LGBTQPIA+ affirming, Ghada approaches her work with a cultural humility that centers
social justice and equity. She is a Brainspotting Consultant, certified in EMDR and
Yoga Therapies, and also incorporates in her work elements of Cognitive, Narrative,
and Internal Family Systems Therapies. Ghada is passionate about the community college
mission, having herself started her educational career as a community college student.
After receiving her Ph.D. from Harvard University and working as a Professor for 10
years, Ghada returned to school and earned her M.A. in Psychology with an emphasis
on Marriage & Family Therapy from Chapman University. In addition to her clinical
work, Ghada serves as an examination reviewer for the Board of Behavioral Sciences
and as a committee chair for the statewide California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists. She leads workshops and trainings on a range of mental
health topics. Her most recent book is Mental and Emotional Healing through Yoga:
A Guiding Framework for Therapists and their Clients.
Michael Truong (he), MSW, LCSW 128207
Clinical Case Manager
Michael is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and North County San Diego native. As
a second-generation Vietnamese-American and first-generation college student, he holds
deep compassion toward students and their journey and approaches interactions actively
practicing cultural humility, fostering inclusivity, and emphasizing the inherent
dignity and worth of every individual. Grounded in mindfulness and trauma-informed
practice, Michael uses an integrative, strengths-based approach, blending brief therapeutic
modalities (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy, etc.) with practical support such as crisis response, care coordination,
and insurance/resource navigation. Before MiraCosta, Michael served as an Emergency
Response Social Worker with San Diego County’s Child & Family Well-Being Department
where he responded to crises, assessed safety, and connected families with community
resources. Michael is committed to building warm and open spaces to collaborate and provide moment-to-moment support for students at
MiraCosta College.
Abigail (Abby) Burd (she/ella), MSW, LCSW
Mental Health Counselor
Abby is a bilingual (English/Spanish) clinical social worker with over 20 years experience
in mental health. Before joining MiraCosta College in 2020, she served the unique
mental health needs of community college students at San Diego City College for 13
years. There, she was proud to help create innovative programming to reduce mental
health stigma, particularly for disproportionately impacted student groups. Abby is
trained as a trainer in creating LGBTQIA+ safe zones, suicide prevention gatekeeping,
and mindfulness. Abby has been a clinical supervisor on campuses and through her private
practice since 2008, guiding the next generation of pre-licensed social workers, marriage and family therapists and clinical
counselors. She is a culturally-humble, integrative clinician, drawing upon Interpersonal
Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solutions-Focused Therapy, mindfulness,
and trauma-informed approaches. Abby is certified in Perinatal Mental Health and educated
at San Diego State University (Master of Social Work) and Wesleyan University in Middletown,
CT (BA in Psychology-Sociology). Her first book, The Postpartum Depression Workbook,
was published in 2020.
Olivia Dalton (she), DNP, MSN, PHN, AGNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
I came to San Diego from the Central Valley in 2011 and have been at MiraCosta College
since 2014. During my tenure, I have served as an associate faculty member in Nursing
and Allied Health, transitioning into Student Health Services as a Nurse Practitioner
in 2021. My nursing background includes acute care nursing in telemetry and step-down/observation,
medical-surgical patient education, and nursing academia.
Kayla Lauriano (she), BSN
College Health Nurse
Kayla is a dedicated Registered Nurse with 17 years of experience, bringing a compassionate,
patient-centered, and holistic approach to care across both perinatal and student
health settings. Kayla began her academic journey at the age of 16, attending College
of the Mainland, and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University
of Texas Medical Branch. This early start shaped her lifelong commitment to learning,
advocacy, and service. Her background in perinatal nursing has deeply influenced her
work, including a profound passion for perinatal bereavement and supporting families
through both joyful and tender, life-altering moments. As a Prenatal and Postnatal
Certified Yoga Instructor, Motherhood Photographer, and Resolve Through Sharing Coordinator,
she brings a unique, integrative perspective to care—honoring the physical, emotional,
and psychological experiences of those she serves. In student health, she has expanded
this foundation by providing inclusive, accessible care to a diverse population, addressing
both acute and ongoing health needs while promoting overall wellness. She is committed
to creating safe, supportive spaces where individuals feel seen, respected, and empowered
in their healthcare decisions. Grounded in principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion,
her approach ensures that each patient receives personalized, thoughtful care that
honors their unique story.
Fao Safotu (she)
Health Services Assistant, Oceanside Campus
Jenny Russell (she)
Health Services Assistant, San Elijo Campus
