Presenter Bios

Shaun Andrews, M.A.

Shaun Andrews was born and raised in the rural town of Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina. He is currently the coordinator for the African American Male Initiative on the campus of North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina. His role is to support academic excellence among program participants and to prepare them for life success after graduation. Prior to AAMI, Shaun worked in corporate management for two Fortune 100 companies as well as led roles in the educational non-profit sector with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. He focused his pursuits after his time in the corporate sector to closing achievement gaps in education. He attended Winston-Salem State University on a football scholarship and earned a degree in Political Science. Afterward, he attended North Carolina Central University and earned a Masters in Public Administration.

Aly Baker

Aly Baker serves as Rowan's Student Support Coordinator. After expanding the Success Coaching program, Aly has taken a leading role in the continued development of the program. In her position, Aly also spearheads the Student Persistence and Success Program for students on academic probation and academic warning, and she also leads a team of graduate students in student outreach efforts.

Brigitte Bedoya

My name is Brigitte Bedoya. I am a First-Generation Latina Graduate Student pursing my Masters in Higher Education at Rowan University. I am a daughter of immigrant parents, working to help and empower other students as myself, achieve their full potential throughout their college experience. My goal is to work with first generation college students and provide them resources and mentorship opportunities in order to help them grow successfully and professionally.  

Charise Breeden-Balaam, MSW, Ed.D.

Dr. Charise Breeden-Balaam has a long career in social work and higher education administration. She is also a professor at several local colleges and universities, focusing on the social sciences. With this experience, she has worked with various clients in mental health services and corrections departments as well as public and private partnerships. Most recently, Charise has worked as an administrator for the Equal Opportunity Program at Passaic County Community College and as a Director for Special Education Services for several institutions in Newark, NJ. Charise has been recognized by administrators and peers for creating policies and procedures to ensure that each special education scholar receives appropriate accommodations and modifications.Charise is the Founder and CEO of Road to the HOOD. As a dissertation coach, she provides support to students to get motivated, stay motivated and manage the inevitable challenges that arise during the dissertation process. Her dissertation was “Assessing Student Food Insecurity Levels at an Urban Community College.” This mixed-methods research study explored food insecurity at an urban, two-year community college in Passaic County, New Jersey.”By providing a better comprehension of the food insecurity faced by college students, namely those in NJ. Charise earned an EdD in Community College Leadership from National American University, MSW from Rutgers University, and a BS in Sociology from Thomas Edison State College.

Kalitza Bruno

Kalitza Bruno is a third year at Rutgers University – Camden Campus. She is majoring in Childhood Studies and Social Work and involved in EOF and NJPIRG. Kalitza believes that it’s important for first generation students to have access to college because it allows them to get access to more opportunities. She has helped support first generation college students by creating community on campus through programming. After graduation, Kalitza will pursue a career in Social Work as a CPS agent/ Social Worker at a school.

Altonia Bryant, M.A., M.S.

Altonia Bryant is a Career Counselor for the Office of Career Advancement at Rowan University. With over 10 years of experience in the areas of career development, Altonia utilizes various career and student development theories to generate initiatives targeting career readiness for students of diverse populations. Altonia is currently spearheading a First Year Initiative Program/Research Study at Rowan University. Utilizing the National Association of College and Employers (NACE) (2015) definition of career readiness, the study assists Rowan 101 Exploratory Studies students with identifying potential areas of improvement regarding their present career competencies. In 2018, Altonia co-presented at the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and the Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers (EACE) annual conferences, regarding the importance of engaging the next generation of college students, (GEN Z) into the workforce. Altonia Bryant also serves as the current President Elect-elect of the New Jersey Career Development Association.

Russell J. Buono, Ph.D.

Professor Buono is an educator and researcher trained in cell and developmental biology, molecular biology and genetics. His research focus is on the human brain and disease states including epilepsy, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and cancer. Dr. Buono earned his BA, MA and Ph.D. from Temple University (84, 87, 90) and completed postdoctoral fellowships at the National Eye Institute in Bethesda, MD and Whitney Marine Laboratory at the University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL. Dr. Buono began his faculty career at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (92) and has taught undergraduate, graduate, medical and post-graduate students, residents and fellows in the areas of neuro-anatomy and neuroscience since then. He also held faculty positions at The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He currently holds adjunct appointments at Jefferson and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia along with this his full time duties as Professor of Biomedical Sciences at CMSRU.

Prior to joining CMSRU, Dr. Buono served as Associate Chief of Staff for Research at the Coatesville VA Medical Center where he conducted research projects as a scientist and was the lead administrator (service chief) of Research and Development, managing staff and providing oversight for all aspects of animal and human research on the campus. An accomplished researcher, Dr. Buono has authored over 65 peer reviewed articles in biomedical journals, numerous book chapters and over a hundred abstracts and presentations. He has been the principle investigator of NIH grants totaling 3.6 million dollars and a co-investigator on NIH funds totaling over 10 million in his career. He has obtained grant funding from state and private foundations as well and Dr. Buono has acted as an NIH grant reviewer every year since 2001.

Dr. Buono led the “Philadelphia Consortium”, a group of seven hospitals in the US and Canada that contributed to one of the largest collections of blood (DNA) samples from humans with common forms of epilepsy in the USA with over 3500 patient samples banked. These DNA samples have been combined with samples from around the world to complete a project designed to sequence the genome of 25,000 individuals with epilepsy to identify genetic influences on the disease. Dr. Buono is a member of the International League Against Epilepsy Committee for Complex Genetics that leads this effort. Locally, Dr. Buono has been affiliated with the Philadelphia Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience since 1995 as treasurer for ten years and council member since. He is known throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond for his unique public outreach initiative, "Dr. Brain Dude", a traveling collection of brain specimens, from mouse to man, that visits K-12 and college classrooms for education and awareness sessions on brain structure, function and disease. Dr. Brain Dude appeared on Skype a Scientist (Oct 2020) and has been on TV, radio and print media. Dr Buono is also co-founder of Brain Awareness Week (BAW) at The Franklin Institute Science Museum that began in 2000. A kid friendly neuroscience hands-on experience staffed by volunteers from the Philadelphia Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience that interacts with hundreds of children and adults every year.

Veronica Chainey, P.S.M.

Veronica Chainey, P.S.M. is the Project Director for the HSI STEM Pathways Title III project at Rowan College South Jersey – Cumberland Campus. She has more than two decades of experience in higher education and seven years working directly on grant management including a CBJT grant for expansion of healthcare programs and student success. Under her direction, the HSI STEM Pathways project is directly serving over 600 students and impacting hundreds more through the creation of a state of the arts Mechatronics lab, tutoring and academic supports and intensive advising. Ms. Chainey has served in diverse roles in higher education including Assistant Director of Career Pathways, Director of Continuing Education, Student Development Advisor for the STEM Division and Assistant Dean of the STEM division. Inspired by her attendance at the 2019 AHSIE conference, she returned to campus and promoted initiatives around professional development for faculty and staff, increased hiring of diverse faculty and staff and a diversity and inclusion forum that involved the local community. She has earned her Professional Science Masters in Environmental Science from Stockton University in New Jersey and serves as an adjunct professor teaching Geology in the STEM division.

Ekrem Cetinkaya

Ekrem Cetinkaya is a first-generation Turkish-American, born and raised in Virginia. He is a first-year medical student at Rowan School of Osteopathic medicine and is the president of Rowan SOM Class of 2024. Ekrem is also a National Ambassador for the Health Careers Opportunity Program and is working with a team of undergrad and high school students to find solutions to the opioid crisis. Ekrem obtained his BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Christopher Newport University and got is MS in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University.

Angela Cirucci, Ph.D.

Angela Cirucci is a digital media scholar and an Assistant Professor of Communication Studies. Her research focuses on the symbolic meaning of programming languages, the intersection of institutional practice and user knowledge, and user experience. Often focusing on identity, Angela has a passion for studying how digital spaces impact the lives of marginalized communities. She received her B.A. in Radio/Television/Film from Rowan University and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Media and Communication from Temple University.

Dyron Corley, Ed.D.

Dyron Corley, Ed.D. is the Assistant Director of the TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) Program at Rutgers University – Camden. He has over ten years of experience in academic advising and developing student success programs for first-year, transfer, first-generation and adult students. The foundation for Dyron’s commitment to college access and success was established during his undergraduate experience at The College of New Jersey where he was an Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) student. Dyron now strives to share that same passion and commitment with his students and help them achieve their personal and educational goals.

Juliana D'Onofrio, Ph.D. Candidate

Juliana D'Onofrio is one of a group of a first-generation doctoral students in the clinical psychology, Ph.D. program at Rowan University. They maintain ongoing research in various topics including sexual assault, healthy romantic relationships, and treatment dissemination and matching for depression and anxiety. They also provide treatment to individuals suffering from different mental health disorders in a variety of treatment settings ranging from outpatient oncology, primary care, and specialized outpatient services for children and families. Additionally, they teach several classes in the psychology department such as abnormal psychology, psychology as a profession and practice statistics, health psychology, child and adolescent development.

Cassandra R. Davis, Ph.D.

Cassandra R. Davis, Ph.D., is a research professor in the Department of Public Policy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research focuses on the environmental disruptions to schooling, specifically the impact of natural disasters on low-income, communities of color. Dr. Davis’ ultimate goal is to support educators, community leaders, and policymakers to improve responses, preparedness, and recovery in areas with the highest need. Her most recent project focus on the impact of COVID-19 on schooling communities and First-Generation College Students. During 2019 & 2020, Dr. Davis led a team to investigate the extent of hurricane exposure from two isolated storms affected school-wide resilience and student outcomes. The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded this study. During 2018, Davis received funding from NSF to explore the impacts of Hurricanes Harvey and Matthew on public schools in Texas and North Carolina.

Valerie Davis-LaMastro, Ph.D.

Bio coming soon.

Angie Diaz, M.A.

Ms. Anyelina (Angie) Diaz is a proud EOF Ramapo College alumna. Her undergraduate degree is in History and she earned her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Counseling from Rider University. She is a student affairs scholar-practitioner with direct professional experience in Counseling, Academic Advising, Disability Services, and Residence Life. She actively engages in advocating and mentoring historically underrepresented students. Currently, Angie serves as an EOF Counselor/Academic Advisor at Montclair State University. Prior to this role, Angie was the Disability Resource Specialist for the Disability Resource Center at MSU. As a DRC specialist, she assists newly registered students by providing them disability support counseling in the areas of; classroom accommodations, academic advising, and self-advocacy. Aside from her EOF advising administrative duties, Angie is also an adjunct instructor for the Civic Engagement minor course Psychology of Leadership at MSU.

Ralph Dusseau, Ph.D., P.E.

Ralph Alan Dusseau is the DRBA Professor and Chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rowan University.  He received his bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees from Michigan State University. Dr. Dusseau's masters thesis and doctoral dissertation both involved finite-element analysis of steel arch bridges.  He spent 10 years as an Assistant and Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Wayne State University. Dr. Dusseau and his clinic students are currently working on computer modeling of steel deck truss spans for the Betsy Ross Bridge. Dr. Dusseau and his clinic students are also working on the development of transfer student mentoring and advising program. In addition, Dr. Dusseau and his clinic students are working on the development of inclusive teaching materials for civil engineering courses. Dr. Dusseau has received 9 awards for excellence in teaching, 6 awards for outstanding service, and 8 biographical citations, and he has published several educational papers.  He is a registered professional engineer in the State of Michigan and is a member of five professional organizations and four honor societies: ASCE, ASEE, NSPE, EERI, USNI, Phi Kappa Phi, Tau Beta Pi, Chi Epsilon, and Sigma Xi. 

Bobbie Edgar, M.S.Ed.

Not only does Bobbie Edgar (she/her/hers) serve as the Professional Academic Advisor with in the First Year Advising office at Monmouth University she is also a proud Alumna too. She obtained both her undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees from Monmouth. As an undergraduate student she double majored in Elementary Education and Anthropology. Bobbie loved Monmouth so much she came back for Graduate School and double majored again, in School Counseling and Student Affairs & College Counseling. As a First Generation Monmouth University Hawk herself, Bobbie knows what it’s like to walk in her students shoes. Bobbie can always be found assisting her first gen students in navigating the transition from high school academics to college academics, life and everything in-between. Her favorite part about working with first year students is seeing her students transformation from shy and anxious incoming first year students to confident and self-assertive upper level student leaders.

Amanda Fakira, Ph.D.

Amanda Fakira, PhD., joined CMSRU as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences in January 2020. Dr. Fakira earned her PhD in Neuroscience from UMDNJ/Rutgers University in Newark, NJ in 2011.  As a post-doctoral scientist at Columbia University Medical Center, working in the laboratory of Jose Moron-Concepcion, she examined morphine-induced synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus.  From these studies, she has published several articles demonstrating the significant impact of pairing novel contextual cues with morphine administration on synaptic function and structural plasticity which influence morphine craving. Subsequently, she joined Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, as an Instructor, working under the supervision of Lakshmi Devi, where she continued her interests in identifying potential targets to alleviate opioid dependence.  During this time, she identified the role of a neuropeptide receptor GPR83 as a potential target acting in both the pain and reward pathways. 

Before joining CMSRU, Dr. Fakira took on the role of managing an inaugural electrophysiology CORE facility at Mount Sinai under the direction of Robert Blitzer. During her career thus far, Dr. Fakira has published seventeen manuscripts, with six as primary author, and trained several undergraduate and post-bac students who have progressed to medical and graduate programs. At CMSRU, Dr. Fakira will continue studying the mechanisms by which GPR83 acts to regulate pain and reward using behavioral pharmacology, neuroanatomy and electrophysiology.

Thomas N. Ferraro, Ph.D.

Dr. Thomas N. Ferraro is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at CMSRU and is engaged actively in many facets of the school’s educational, research and service missions. Dr. Ferraro earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia (1985) and joined the Jefferson faculty as Instructor (1986). Following promotion to Assistant Professor (1990) and Associate Professor (1995), Dr. Ferraro moved his laboratory to the University of Pennsylvania (1997) where he became a member of the Center for Neurobiology and Behavior in the Department of Psychiatry. He also assumed the role of Assistant Dean for Animal Research at the University of Pennsylvania (2009). Dr. Ferraro joined CMSRU in May 2013. Dr. Ferraro is recognized internationally as an expert in pharmacology, neuroscience and genetics. His teaching resume includes many years as lecturer, laboratory instructor and small-group leader for medical students, graduate students and medical residents, both at Jefferson Medical School and the Medical School of the University of Pennsylvania in addition to CMSRU. With respect to research, Dr. Ferraro’s laboratory has been funded continually by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 1994 with grant awards totaling over $10 million. These projects have been focused on neurological and psychiatric illnesses, especially epilepsy and drug addiction. Dr. Ferraro has published over 130 peer-reviewed scientific research papers. His research uses studies of animal models to inform studies of patient populations, an approach that generates experimental synergism and maximizes clinical relevance. Currently, Dr. Ferraro's lab is funded by an NIH grant on clinical and genetic risk factors for developing addiction to prescription opioids in collaboration with researchers from Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA and the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. In addition to research and teaching, Dr. Ferraro is engaged in many forms of service to the local and academic communities including membership on NIH advisory panels on Research and Research Training and Career Development since 1998. Dr. Ferraro is also a past-president and current member of the council of the Philadelphia Area Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience. Community service activity includes career day lectures to students in elementary and high schools as well as presentations on the importance of animal research in the 21st Century biomedical enterprise.

Maud Fried-Goodnight, Ed.D.

Dr. Fried-Goodnight has served in higher education for more than 40 years. She earned her EdD from Rowan University, MA from Hofstra University, and BA fro the University of Alaska. She has supervised Enrollment, Academic and Student Support Services including several Trio programs (SSS, Upward Bound, Talent Search), EOF Title III, Title V and most recently the NSF funded Adelante Juntos program.

Kevin George

Kevin leads a comprehensive campus recreation department that supports the health and well-being of the Rowan community. The department supports students through informal recreation, intramural sports, sport clubs, group fitness, personal training, and aquatics programs. Kevin’s energetic team of professional staff, graduate coordinators, and over 200 student and part-time staff supports campus well-being through multiple indoor and outdoor facilities, various and diverse programs and services, and initiatives that provide opportunities for student learning and growth. Through collaborations with a variety of divisions and departments, Kevin leads the integration of the Rowan Thrive well-being culture across the campus by supporting students and employees who are navigating the six dimensions of well-being. He received a BS in Sport Management from Robert Morris University in 2002 and a MS in Sport Management from the University of Florida in 2004. Kevin has been blessed to only work for one organization: Rowan University, since 2004.

Erin Hannah

Erin Hannah is the Associate Director of Student Support Services at Rowan University. In her role, she works with the Success Coaching Program, Tutoring, and early intervention outreach. Prior to her current role, Erin served as an Early Intervention Advisor, working with students who were struggling academically for a variety of reasons.

Jonathan Harold, M.S. Counseling (Psy.D. Candidate)

Jonathan Harold is a veteran of the United States Navy who grew up in the Philadelphia region. After completing his time in the military, he finished up his Master's in Counseling at West Chester University and then went on to pursue his doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. He is now in his last year at Immaculata University. To complete the last requirements of his doctorate, Jonathan Harold is finishing up his internship at Rowan University's Wellness Center where he provides therapy to Rowan students on an individual and group basis. Jonathan has presented at conferences for the Pennsylvania Psychological Association and the Delaware Psychological Association. Beyond his years of education, he has worked at multiple government agencies to include the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and the veteran's hospital of Philadelphia.

Harriet Hartman, Ph.D.

Prof. Harriet Hartman is a Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Rowan University. She has a B.A. degree in Public Service from UCLA, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Sociology from University of Michigan and Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Her areas of focus include gender, family, and Jewish studies, sociology of education and religion, socialization, and comparative education. She is the Co-Principal Investigator for the RevED project on diversity in engineering and Editor-In-Chief of Contemporary Jewry. She is also a member of the CONVERGE research team studying first-generation college students coping with the impacts of COVID-19.

Jim A. Haugh, Ph.D.

Dr. Haugh's research focus is on the development and treatment of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and the presentation of comorbid depression and anxiety. He has explored a number of specific psychosocial factors related to the etiology of depression, such as problem-solving abilities, social support, ruminative response styles, coping, personality/schemas, and automatic thinking. In addition, he is interested in the role of such psychosocial factors in the prediction of specific disorders that are commonly comorbid with depressive disorders or symptoms. As a result, he continues to work on understanding the role of underlying belief systems (schemas), coping, temperament, and parenting in depression and anxiety. With regards to treatment, he is interested in the psychotherapy process and outcome research. This research has included examining factors related to treatment progress, the use and effectiveness of bibliotherapy (self-help), and exploring the role of treatment preference in predicting therapeutic alliance, adherence, motivation, and clinical outcome.

Cordelza D. Haynes, Ph.D. Candidate

Originally from the Bronx, New York City, Ms. Haynes is an educator and an administrator in higher education. Her focus in higher education has been the transitional needs of urban youth as they pursue postsecondary education. Ms. Haynes has worked at William Patterson University, Ramapo College on NJ, and presently at Drew University. She holds a Masters in Student Personnel Administration from the Ohio State University, and a Masters of Divinity from the Drew University Theological School. Ms. Haynes’ scholarly interests focus upon cultural identity formation through the Diasporic experience. Currently, she is a PhD student in Religion, Psychology, and Ethics, and the director of a student academic services program known as the Educational Opportunity Fund Program of NJ. She sees the connections of intergenerational narratives pivotal in assisting identity formation and personal healing, and the link and relationship between her studies and work with urban youth, as well as single mothers.

Roderick T. Heath, Ed.D.

Dr. Roderick Heath is the Director of the African American Male Initiative in the Division of Student Affairs at North Carolina Central University. He is responsible for assisting students with academic, social, emotional, professional, and cultural development in this capacity. Before joining North Carolina Central University in 2015, Mr. Heath has worked as a Fatherhood Coordinator for the State of North Carolina, Gang Outreach Coordinator for the Durham Police Department, Education Supervisor for Durham Housing Authority, High School Graduation Counselor and Dean of Students for a K-8th Charter school. Dr. Heath is a graduate of North Carolina Central University, where he majored in Mass Communications. Roderick received his Masters of Education from Wingate University in 2010 and his Doctorate of Higher Education Leadership from Fayetteville State University. Roderick has a passion and dream of helping at-risk youth gain control of their future. Roderick's Objective is to utilize his dedication to assisting students in developing social and emotional skills to help their educational journey. Dr. Heath strives to be an articulate communicator while effectively interacting with diverse populations of students at a variety of academic levels. Outside of his NCCU duties, Mr. Heath provides consultation services to low- income and at-risk youth. In his personal life, Mr. Heath is a father, husband, an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

Marisel Herrera

Marisel Herrera is a high-impact educational leader, author, speaker, consultant and Certified Coach with 25 years of experience who equips and empowers diverse audiences with tangible tools and insights that empower their success. Her message affirms the power of education, faith, resiliency, culture to transform one’s life. This belief is personal. She was the student who almost fell through the cracks and has been there and done that. Individual relationships that meaningfully engaged her were the difference-makers. The founding director of an award-winning coaching program at the largest public university in the nation, she has coached thousands of students. She has a graduate degree in Education and has received leadership and coaching certifications from several prestigious institutions and is the author of 2 books: A memoir about her first-generation journey and a coaching book for women. A visionary leader and student advocate she has received numerous awards locally and nationally.

Brooke Hoffman, Ph.D.

Dr. Hoffman is a Lecturer of Multilingual and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Coordinator of the ESL CUGS and Bilingual Endorsement programs at Rowan University. Prior to obtaining her Ph.D. in Education with an Applied Linguistics concentration at Temple University, she taught English in China for 3 years; third grade in Elizabethtown, PA for 1 year; and Math and Science to middle school English Learners (ELs) in inclusive classrooms for 10 years with the School District of Philadelphia. She holds certifications in elementary education for K-6, middle years Math and Science, English as a Second Language (ESL) for K-12, and teaching in higher education. Her research focuses on language ideologies; the integration of language and content in the instruction for P-16 classrooms and adult education; and the efficacy of teacher education programs, especially for pre-service and in-service teachers preparing to (more effectively) teach Emergent Bilinguals (EBs) in general education classrooms. Her research focuses on language ideologies; the integration of language and content in the instruction for P-16 classrooms and adult education; and the efficacy of teacher education programs, especially for pre-service and in-service teachers preparing to (more effectively) teach Emergent Bilinguals (EBs) in general education classrooms.

Danielle Jones

Danielle Jones serves as the Chair of the Governmental Relations Committee for EOFPANJ, Inc. In addition, she is the Student Communications & Leadership Development Specialist for the EOF program at Brookdale Community College. Danielle currently attends Seton Hall University, pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration, with a concentration in Non-Profit Management. She is actively involved with voter engagement and political advocacy initiatives at various NJ colleges/universities. Danielle enjoys facilitating outreach and advocacy events to educate students & local communities about civic engagement, service, voter education, and government. In November 2020, she was elected to Eatontown (NJ) Borough Council and will serve a three-year term beginning in January 2021. Moreover, Danielle has been selected as a 2021 NJ Fellow for the New Leaders Council and will start her fellowship in January 2021. Her diverse work experience, which includes completing political internships for elected officials & government agencies, fuels her desire to mentor young adults and develop strategic partnerships with various stakeholders. Danielle is an advocate for accessible and affordable post-secondary education for underrepresented groups, especially first-generation college students.

Sukhdeep Kaur

Sukhdeep Kaur is a senior at Rutgers University – Camden Campus. She is majoring in Nursing and Health Science and minoring in Psychology. Sukhdeep is involved in Student Nurses’ Association and TRiO SSS. She believes being a first-generation college student is about creating opportunities for a better future and has supported students by creating a sense of belonging on campus as a first-generation college student ambassador. After graduation, Sukhdeep will pursue a career in Nursing.

Dana Kemery, Ed.D.

Dana Kemery, Ed.D. is the Director of Innovative Course Design and Technological Infusion and an Associate Clinical Professor at Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions. She earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Rowan University, focusing on the student experience of remediation after academic wrongness. Dr. Kemery works with students who struggle with study and test-taking techniques, focusing on behaviors that support student success.

Kevin S. Koett, Ed.D.

Currently serving as the Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students at Rowan University, Dean Koett has been a higher education professional for more than three decades. As a first-generation college, he developed a strong appreciation for mentoring and resiliency while attending college 12-hours from home. The impact of bullying, low self-esteem, and low socio-economic status also serve as building blocks for the passion Dean Koett has for students, higher education, and life in general. As a result, his doctoral work focused on the transition students experience when moving from high school to college.

Cynthia Lascarez

My name is Cynthia Lascarez, and I am a Biological Science major minoring in psychology and neuroscience, with a concentration in honors. I am a first-generation student who grew up in South Jersey and transferred to Rowan University after two years at my community college. While at Rowan University, I have been able to partake in many wonderful opportunities. When I am not in school, I enjoy traveling, running, and hiking with my dog.

Sierra Lomuto, Ph.D.

Sierra Lomuto received her B.A. from Mills College after previously studying at the Peralta Community Colleges, City College of San Francisco, and UC Santa Cruz. She was a dual major in Creative Writing and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She also earned an M.A. in English Literature from Mills College and her Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. She spent two years (2018-2020) at Macalester College as a Consortium for Faculty Diversity Postdoctoral Fellow, where she developed courses on the Global Middle Ages, Race and Medieval Literature, Chaucer and Adaptation, and Travel Literature. Her book-in-progress, Exotic Allies: Mongol Alterity and Racial Formations in Medieval Literature, explores the relation between global contact histories and the discursive production of racial ideologies in medieval literature. Dr. Lomuto’s essays have been published in the peer-reviewed journals Exemplaria and postmedieval, and the edited collection Rethinking Medieval Margins and Marginality (Routledge), as well as public venues such as In the Middle, Public Books, and Medievalists of Color. She has forthcoming work in The Chaucer Encyclopedia (Wiley), Medieval Travel Writing: A Global History (Cambridge), Approaches to Teaching the Arthurian Tradition (MLA), and the journal Arthuriana.

Penny McPherson-Myers, Ed.D.

Dr. Penny McPherson-Myers, the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, is responsible for co-facilitating the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, which includes providing oversight of the DEI strategic action plan, serving as the liaison to Student Affairs and providing leadership of student pipeline and support programs. Dr. Myers also works closely with the Associate Vice President/Title IX Coordinator and Directors of the Faculty Center, ASCEND, CHAMP program, and SJICR to implement the vision and mission of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In her previous role at University, Dr. McPherson- Myers led multiple initiatives to coordinate support services and resources for high school and college first generation, under-resourced and under-represented students through pipeline programs, students with disabilities and veterans, and co-led the development of the Rowan University First Generation Task Force and the SHOP Food Pantry and Resource Center. Dr. McPherson-Myers’ research has focused on learning communities, college affordability, and food insecurity. She is a three-time alumna of Rowan University where she entered as a Minority Achievement Program (MAP) student, completed a B.S. in Law and Justice and Sociology, an M.A. in Student Personnel Services, and an EdD in Educational Leadership. She joined Rowan University in 2007 as the Director of the Educational Opportunity Fund/Maximizing Academic Potential Program. 

Denzell Moore

Denzell Moore is a first-year graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration at Rowan University. He completed his undergraduate degree at Rowan in Spring of 2020 in Economics with a minor in Psychology. It was at this time he was introduced to the Flying-First program and the resources they provide. After seeing the academic and professional growth from that program and others like it at Rowan, he volunteered his time as a Peer Educator in part with Healthy Campus Initiatives.

Diane Mussoline

Diane Mussoline is the Director of Behavioral Services at Rowan College of South Jersey, Gloucester Campus. She works specifically with the Rowan Choice student population offering counseling and case management services to help students manage daily life and access community resources. Diane graduated with a Master's degree in teaching at James Madison University and earned an Educational Specialty Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The College of New Jersey. She is currently pursuing a Doctor in Social Science in Prevention Science from Wilmington University. Diane hopes to transfer knowledge from this program to the development of behavioral health prevention services within higher education. Through acting proactively rather than reactively, Diane believes we can disrupt the onset of dysfunction and potentially prevent various behavioral, social, and emotional problems. Through participation in the EOF summer institute program, Diane began her preliminary work in the prevention field by offering incoming students a space to build a foundation for success. Diane looks forward to building upon this experience by creating a culture of preventative care within the college community.

Terri R. Norton, Ph.D.

Dean Norton serves as the academic associate dean supporting the success of all students within the Bucknell College of Engineering. She is also the executive director of the Engineering Success Alliance, a robust academic success initiative that provides students from under-resourced high schools the skills needed to thrive in engineering. Her research interests are in the areas of hazard mitigation, structural vulnerability, disaster recovery, and engineering education. Norton has served as the PI on grants funded by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Nebraska Department of Roads, and the Department of Energy. She also served as a Co-PI on the NSF INCLUDES Minority SURGE Capacity in Disasters grant to train and mentor minority graduate researchers in STEM fields, with a disaster focus. Norton is also a founding leader of the Bill Anderson Fund, an initiative dedicated to increasing the number of underrepresented professionals in hazards and disaster mitigation research.

Akua Nyame-Mensah

Akua Nyame-Mensah is an international speaker and founder of A.N.M. & Company, a coaching and consulting practice focused on building alternative leadership solutions. Her mission is to support and encourage leaders around the world holistically. After graduating high school from the American Cooperative School of Tunis, she received her B.A. from Bryn Mawr College (U.S.A.) while concurrently enrolled in an accelerated 3+2 Master of City and Regional Planning Program at the University of Pennsylvania. Akua also holds a leadership-focused M.B.A. from the African Leadership University (Rwanda). Possessing a professional coaching certification, Akua is also an International Coach Federation Associate Certified Coach (A.C.C.), certified to administer and interpret the personality type Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI) instrument and the cognitive ability ProfileXT assessment. Akua has worked in the U.S., Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa and has consulted in and visited over 30 countries. Akua leverages her unique leadership experience, coaching training, and knowledge of personality and cognitive assessments to deliver insightful presentations and facilitate conversations to move people to take action. She is the product of two first-generation college parents from two different continents.

Liz O'Brien, M.S.Ed.

Liz O’Brien currently serves as the EOF Director at Monmouth University. Originally from New York where she lived in various parts of the state and even lived in Rhode Island for a short time before she moved to New Jersey. Liz joined Monmouth University in August 2006 working in Residential Life, Student Employment and the Educational Opportunity Fund program. Working in various roles has helped her build a network of support and advocates across campus and beyond! She has a strong passion for working with college students and helping them grow to follow their dreams. As a first generation college student, her goal is to help ease the transition into college and assist others in navigating campus life.

Eleni Papadopoulos

Eleni is a first-year medical student at Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine. She is from central jersey and a first-generation student who graduated with a Bachelors in molecular and cellular biology from Connecticut College. She took 3 gaps years conducting lung cancer research at NYU School of Medicine. On the RowanSOM campus, she is an AHEC scholar as well as an HCOP National Ambassador. She mentors many undergraduate and high school students interested in careers in healthcare. Eleni is currently involved in a research lab studying traumatic brain injury and thinking about pursing a D.O./Ph.D. degree. Her areas of interest are Neurology, Sports Medicine and Hematology/Oncology. 

Joan Pardo

Joan Pardo currently serves at the Assistant Director of EOF for Rowan College of South Jersey, Gloucester Campus. She earned her Master of Arts in Counseling in Educational Settings, concentrating her work in Higher Education from Rowan University in May 2019. As a first-generation college herself, Joan is passionate about empowering first-generation college students develop the tools, opportunities and preparation to successfully navigate college. Through combining her personal experiences and educational background, she has been able to build a rapport with her students that is intentional, authentic, trusting and consistent. She truly believes and strives to fulfill the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program’s mission of providing students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds access and support through educational initiatives, support service and leadership development activities. For Joan, EOF is more than a comprehensive student program— it is a family!

Aneldys Perez

Aneldys Perez is a sophomore at Rutgers University – Camden Campus. She is majoring in Biology and involved in Trio SSS. Aneldys Perez believes first-generation students are fearless since they are not afraid to be the change in their families and has become an example for other students who may have thought they were alone in their college process. After graduation, Aneldys looks to pursue a career in healthcare as a Physician Assistant.

Julie Peterson

A certified school psychologist, workshop presenter, and mentor; Julie A. Peterson was elected to the Winslow Township School Board in April 2010. She served as the Board Past President May 2011 through May 2012. Currently, she serves as the Board Vice President and has chaired both the Education and Negotiation Committees since January 2014. Ms. Peterson is the Director of Student Enrichment and Family Connections at Rowan University. She provides leadership in designing, planning, and implementing university-wide programs and contributes to the support and integration of students and families into the university community. Ms. Peterson is also known as the originator and coordinator of The ASPIRE Leadership Development Experience (Achievement, Success and Progress through Initiative, Respect, and Excellence), an intensive, three-day leadership retreat and year-long seminar which is in its thirty-second year. Ms. Peterson has received numerous awards for her outstanding achievements and contributions to her profession and her community.

Darshak Rana

Hi guys! My name is Darshak Rana, I am a senior at Rowan University and have ambitions in pursuing the medical field. I have been involved in many things such as research, internships, and as well as being a mentor to incoming students at Rowan University. I hope with my experience I can address all questions also give tips regarding college and any other questions you guys may have.

Angelle E. Richardson, Ph.D., LPC

Dr. Angelle E. Richardson is an Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University. She is a licensed professional counselor who has a passion for working with individuals and families who have experienced trauma. Dr. Richardson specializes in working with people affected by adoption, foster care, grief and trauma. She strives to provide a safe therapeutic space for them to share and re-author their stores in order for them to heal and grow. Dr. Richardson has presented at numerous conferences, been published in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, and has been on the TODAY Show. One of her most rewarding experiences so far, was being part of a team that provided trauma training in Haiti. Dr. Richardson holds a Doctorate in Couple and Family Therapy from Drexel University, a Master’s in Counseling from Rider University, and is trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

Logan Robenolt

Hello, I’m Logan Robenolt and I’m a freshman here at Rowan University, I am currently studying in the preprofessional phase of the Master’s athletic training program. One day I hope to be working for a professional sport team.  I’m currently a commuter student from Barrington New Jersey and in addition to being a full time college student I’m a third generation volunteer firefighter for the town I live in. 

Amy Ruymann, M.S.

Amy Ruymann is the Director of University Advising Services (UAS) at Rowan University working with the dedicated advising team to change students’ lives by supporting their higher education journeys.  Amy’s experience includes over twelve years’ working in university advising including oversight of degree completion programs at community college campuses.  Amy works to remove systemic barriers to student success through the use of data-informed advising and business process redesign. Amy is passionate about the work of the First Generation Task Force and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council to address equitable educational outcomes.

Jenice Sabb-Dumas, Ed.D.

Dr. Jenice Sabb-Dumas is currently the Assistant Dean and Director of EOF at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. Jenice also worked at NJIT and Seton Hall University where she was an administrator and taught college mathematics courses. A former EOF student, Jenice graduated from Rutgers with a BS in Business Economics and Seton Hall - Paul W. Stillman School of Business with an MBA in Finance. She earned her Ed.D. degree from Rutgers Graduate School of Education. Jenice has worked with opportunity programs for more than 30 years and remains an advocate for low income and first-generation college students. Understanding the personal desires of students who are marginalized by a society that uses assessments and finances to determine access and opportunity, Jenice uses her research to inform academic and administrative policies by including student voices to create academic pedagogy to enhance learning outcomes for students.

Mary Ellen Santucci, Ph.D., RN

Dr. Mary Ellen Santucci attended most of her educational endeavors at night or on a part-time basis and worked full-time while going to school. Her RN is from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing, BSN and MSN in Adult Neuro Rehabilitation from Thomas Jefferson University and her PhD in Nursing Education/Health Promotion from Widener University. So Dr. Santucci can identify with many of you who are working and attending school. She has been an educator for 25 plus years and still enjoys it! She is a recent widow, mother and grandmother so her family life is pretty full. Dr. Santucci has also taught Medical/Surgical Nursing, Pharmacology and Pathophysiology and Nursing Research at Thomas Jefferson University, Rutgers University, Widener University, and Immaculata University. Her educational research interests are examining evaluation methods, use of problem based learning in online courses as well as increasing diversity in Nursing. Her practice research focuses on health promotion particularly nutrition and exercise among pre-adolescent girls.

Julie Sexton, Ph.D.

Julie Sexton is a discipline-based science education researcher in Environmental Studies at University of Colorado Boulder. She has B.A. and M.S. degrees in geology (from Vassar College and Colorado State University, respectively) and a Ph.D. in education, specializing in science education and diversity and equity (from Colorado State University). After receiving her M.S. in geology, she worked as a professional geologist, community college instructor, and science education and outreach coordinator at a nonprofit. Her passion for teaching led her to a Ph.D. in education with an emphasis on diversity and equity in science. Her experiences as a low-income, first-generation college student and as a woman in a science sparked her interest in addressing systemic barriers to diversity and inclusivity in science. Julie currently conducts education research focused on understanding persistence, success, recruitment, and retention of underrepresented and underserved groups in science. She also teaches an inclusive pedagogy class.

Karen Siefring

Karen Siefring, Assistant Director in the Office of Career Advancement on the Employer Relations Team started her professional career working for the NJ State Employment Service as an Employment Interviewer. She’s been helping people ever since. Her career at Rowan University began in the then Placement Office, finding students internships, part-time and summer jobs. She worked in other departments on campus during her career as well. These included the Alumni Office, the Office of Continuing Education Educational and Career Services for Adults, and the Rohrer College of Business as their Academic Advisor. Her work has been recognized. She received the Gary Hunter Excellence in Mentoring Award in 2018; Virginia C. Forneron Outstanding Alumni Award Career Award in 2016 from Highland Regional High School and the Joseph A. Barnes Award for Outstanding Service to Rowan University for 2007-2008. Recently, her office received The PROFessionals of the Week for July 27, 2020.

Karen Stout, Ed.D.

Since 2015, Dr. Karen A. Stout has served as president and CEO of Achieving the Dream, leading the nation’s largest movement to improve success for all students, especially low-income students and students of color. Dr. Stout leads, through ATD, a network of institutions in whole-college transformation using a coaching process that is constantly informed and improved by its longstanding partnerships and practice in the field. ATD anticipates future needs and issues, leveraging knowledge through collective learning. She has received national recognition for her achievements and accomplishments in higher education innovation and leadership including Diverse: Issues in Higher Education’s Leading Women, Honorary Degree from Miami Dade College, American Association for Women in Community College’s Woman of the Year and Washington Monthly’s 16 most innovative higher education leaders.

Dr. Stout serves as a member of the College Promise National Advisory Board, Campus Compact Board of Directors, Jobs for the Future Policy Leadership Trust, Center for First Generation Student Success, Community College Research Center Advising Board, Montgomery County Community College Foundation Board of Directors; and Chair of the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research Advisory Board. She also contributes her time and experience as an Achieving the Dream Leadership Coach and Aspen Institute Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence faculty contributor and mentor, and has served in the past on the American Association of Community Colleges Board of Directors and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Prior to serving as President and CEO at ATD, Dr. Stout was president of Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) from 2001 to 2015, where she led the college through a transformation process to improve student success. The college distinguished itself as an ATD Leader College, earned the prestigious Leah Meyer Austin Award in 2014 for its college-wide approach to student success, and won numerous awards for work on campus sustainability. MCCC was an early iPASS grant recipient and is a national leader, now in advising redesign efforts. Under her leadership, MCCC established dual admission and core-to-core transfer agreements with more than 20 colleges and universities, including the Bucknell University Scholars program and a transfer program with Bryn Mawr College, and created a physical University Center at the college’s West Campus for students and faculty involved in the college’s bachelors, masters and doctoral degree programs. To accommodate their growing enrollment and demands for new programs, MCCC developed and implemented its first comprehensive Campus Facilities Master plan, yielding more than $160 million in improvements to the Blue Bell and Pottstown campuses, including construction of a new Advanced Technology Center, Children’s Center, Fine Art Center, Health Sciences Center, and Culinary Arts Institute. In addition, the college increased public grants support from $800,000 annually to $12 million annually, tripling the net assets of the college’s Foundation and completing the institution’s first capital campaign for scholarships, raising more than $9 million. In addition to institutional awards, Dr. Stout was recognized for her achievements including American Community College Trustees CEO of the Year Northeast Region, American Student Association of Community Colleges President of the Year, and Montgomery County Woman of the Year. 

As president of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges, Dr. Stout led the formation of a Trustees Council to support advocacy efforts and successfully changed the 40-year Community College Act with legislation to improve operating and capital funding for the Commonwealth’s 14 community colleges. She also led the development and securing of Pennsylvania’s $20 million TAACT I grant and $2.5 million TAACT2 grant in consecutive years, including managing the grant to develop a state-wide prior learning assessment framework and portal that launched in January 2015.

Prior to her presidency at MCCC, Dr. Stout held leadership positions at Camden County College from 1994 to 2001, including Vice President/Campus Executive Officer, William G. Rohrer Center, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Enrollment Services, and Dean, Planning, Research and Communications.

A frequent speaker and writer, Dr. Stout focuses on strategies for enhancing student success and completion, accelerating and scaling innovation, and on launching a new era of community college fundraising.

She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Delaware, a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore, and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Delaware.

Jalesa Sutton

Bio coming soon.

Stephanie Taboada

Stephanie Taboada is a second-year masters student in the Community and Trauma Counseling Program and Thomas Jefferson University. She earned a BA in psychology from West Chester University. She has an interest in neuro psychology and children and has done field research at a Head Start preschool looking at cognitive effects on the developing brains. She is currently enrolled in the Community and Trauma Counseling Program at Thomas Jefferson University, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2021.

Claude Taylor, M.A.

Claude Taylor serves as Director for Academic Transition and Inclusion at Monmouth and is a lecturer in the Department of Communication. Claude leads the campus-wide initiative First to Fly: First Generation at Monmouth designed to offer academic, social, and personal support for students who identify as a first-generation. This student success initiative connects Monmouth students who are first in their families to go to college with campus resources and encourages their active engagement with an inclusive, multicultural community of support. Under his leadership Monmouth has been designated as a First-gen Forward Institution, the nation’s first recognition program acknowledging higher education institutions for their commitment to first-generation student success.

Iris Torres, M.S.

Iris Torres has been employed at Rowan College of South Jersey since 2012. Originally from New York, she went to school in New Rochelle where she received her Bachelor in Business Administration in 1992 from Iona College. She moved to South Jersey and worked 17 years in corporate America before starting in Higher Education. She started as a researcher and transitioned into Student Services where she became a Student Development Advisor. She developed a passion for serving students and helping them achieve their goals and is currently a Bilingual Advisor for the Las Vías program on the Cumberland Campus of RCSJ. Iris feels fortunate to have this role because it gives her the opportunity to work with the Latino student population helping them achieve successful degree completion and graduation. She is an avid NY Yankee and Giants fan and maintains close ties to her hometown. She is also a proud mother of two children, ages 19 and 13. Iris recently completed her Masters of Science in Management at Wilmington University and looks forward to continuing her work with Hispanic students.

Mila Turner

Mila Turner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, FL. She received her Ph.D. in sociology from Howard University with a concentration in social inequality and a research focus on environmental justice. As a broadly trained environmental sociologist her research and teaching experience are in diverse areas including how social inequalities intersect with environmental harms, natural disasters, and COVID-19. She centers her analyses within broader conversations about racial inequality and community. Dr. Turner, an agent of social change, is also a member of regional and national professional associations.

Ernest Wallace, Jr.

Ernest Wallace Jr. is a native of Sicklerville New Jersey and graduated from Winslow Township High School in 2015. Following graduation, he attended Rowan University in the fall of 2015 on the Achieve the Dreams Scholars scholarship. During his tenure at the institution, he held a strong campus presence as a leader with positions including president of the Minority Association of Premedical Students, Resident Assistant, and mentor in the Achieve the Dream Scholars. Ernest graduated from Rowan University in May of 2019 with the academic honor of cum laude and he also received the Deans Outstanding Senior Award from the Office of Health Professions. Ernest spent a year after graduation working as a medical scribe for various cardiologists, teaching multiple MCAT courses for Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU), and being the music director for his church. Ernest is now a first-year medical student at CMSRU and is the president of his class. Ernest hopes to one day foster a spirit of excellence in underrepresented minorities in medicine and beyond.

Lauren Wallace, Ph.D. Candidate

Lauren Wallace is one of a group of a first-generation doctoral students in the clinical psychology, Ph.D. program at Rowan University. They maintain ongoing research in various topics including sexual assault, healthy romantic relationships, and treatment dissemination and matching for depression and anxiety. They also provide treatment to individuals suffering from different mental health disorders in a variety of treatment settings ranging from outpatient oncology, primary care, and specialized outpatient services for children and families. Additionally, they teach several classes in the psychology department such as abnormal psychology, psychology as a profession and practice statistics, health psychology, child and adolescent development.

Beth Wassell, Ph.D.

Dr. Beth Wassell is a Professor in the Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Education and the current Chairperson. She teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses related to language teaching and culturally and linguistically responsive education. Dr. Wassell received an Ed.D. in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum from the University of Pennsylvania, an M.A. in Spanish from the University of Central Florida, a graduate certificate in TESOL from the Pennsylvania State University, and a B.A. from Rowan University in Spanish and Secondary Education. Prior to coming to Rowan, Dr. Wassell taught Spanish as a world language at the high school level in Florida and New Jersey and English as an Additional Language to adults in Philadelphia, PA.

Amanda R. White, Ph.D.

Amanda White, PhD joined the Department of Biomedical Sciences as a Master Lecturer and teaches gross anatomy to first and second year medical students as well as facilitating an active learning group. She also is involved in teaching anatomy related topics in CMSRU's summer pipeline programs. Dr. White earned her doctorate degree in Anatomy from Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. In addition to her research in traumatic spinal cord injury, she was trained as an anatomy educator and is well versed in teaching clinically orientated medical gross anatomy (both didactic and lab dissection), histology, embryology, and neuroanatomy. After receiving her doctorate, she pursued a postdoctoral position at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University where she continued to do research and teach medical gross anatomy. Although she does not currently do research at CMSRU, her interests lie in the pathological alterations that occur within the enteric nervous system following traumatic spinal cord injury, and she hopes to pursue such interests in the future.

Tiffanie Williams

For six years Tiffanie Williams has been an advocate for students from underrepresented populations at Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ). She began her higher education career in the financial aid office assisting students with New Jersey state grants and those who endured special circumstances in need of additional support and assistance. In 2019, Tiffanie Williams accepted the position as the Director of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program overseeing both the Gloucester and Cumberland Campuses. With a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from Louisiana State University, Tiffanie maintains a student-centered philosophy while developing an extensive support program focused on student development through EOF. As a mother of two school aged children and wife to a husband in the K-12 field, providing adequate support for those with various academic and financial barriers is a 24/7 continuous journey.

Jamie Yingst, M.A.

Bio coming soon.

Ebru Yucel, Ph.D. Candidate

Ebru Yucel is one of a group of a first-generation doctoral students in the clinical psychology, Ph.D. program at Rowan University. They maintain ongoing research in various topics including sexual assault, healthy romantic relationships, and treatment dissemination and matching for depression and anxiety. They also provide treatment to individuals suffering from different mental health disorders in a variety of treatment settings ranging from outpatient oncology, primary care, and specialized outpatient services for children and families. Additionally, they teach several classes in the psychology department such as abnormal psychology, psychology as a profession and practice statistics, health psychology, child and adolescent development.

Viviana Zambrano, M.Ed.

Ms. Viviana Zambrano serves as a Counselor/Academic Advisor in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOF). Viviana is a proud alumna of the Upward Bound and EOF Programs. She is a two-time graduate of Seton Hall University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2003, followed by her Masters of Education in Counseling in 2008. Viviana is an advocate for college access and has a particular interest in working with First Generation College students. Prior to joining Montclair State University, Ms. Zambrano worked with the EOF programs at Seton Hall University and Rutgers University. Viviana currently serves on the Educational Opportunity Fund Professional Association Board. Viviana is also a co-advisor to the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) at Montclair State University. In addition, she Is the Scholarship/Education Program Manager for the non-profit organization, Latina Made, Not Maid.