Office of Residential Programs – Central Staff

Amanda Horvat
Associate Director of Residential Programs
(St. John's University- B.S. Paralegal Studies, St. John's University- M.S. Student Development Practice in Higher Education)

Amanda is originally from Long Island, New York. As an undergraduate student at St. John's University, New York, Amanda was involved in numerous activities on campus. She was a proud member of the first Resident Assistant staff at St. John's. Amanda continued at St. John's to pursue her Master's degree in Higher Education and gained experience in Student Activities and Greek Life.

After completing her degree, Amanda began her career as a Residence Life Coordinator at the Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA. In 2006, Amanda joined the Residential Programs staff at Hofstra University and is excited for another fun-filled year!

Jean Anne Smith
Associate Director of Residential Programs

After 8 years of working in banking and finance, in the metropolitan area Jean Anne decided to change her career path and began her university career at Hofstra, in 1991, as a clerk specialist in the Office of Residential Life. Over the next several years she increased her knowledge in the field of higher education by holding various administrative positions in the Division of Student Affairs at Hofstra. After a decade of service at the university she accepted a new position at SUNY Maritime College as the Director of Residential Facilities in order to gain additional experience outside of the Hofstra Community. She returned to Hofstra 3 years later to assist in the budget management and with the upgrading of the university residential facilities.

During her time at Hofstra Jean Anne has not only worked in the Department of Residential Programs but also in the Department of Public Safety, the Office for Campus Operations and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. 

Novia Whyte
Associate Director of Residential Programs
(Hofstra University - B.B.A Management, Hofstra University - M.A. Foundations of Education)

Novia is originally from the island of Jamaica, in the West Indies. She started her college experience at Nassau Community College as an Accounting major. After receiving her Associates in Applied Science in Accounting, Novia attended Hofstra University where she started her career path in Student Affairs. She has been a member of the Residential Programs staff since June 2000 when she started out as the Housing Assignment Coordinator. Today she is the Associate Director of Residential Programs and her responsibilities include the assignment of all new students for the fall semester into housing. She coordinates the annual room selection process and is currently assisting with the creation of and upgrade to an automated assignment process for the office.Novia is looking forward to continuing to mold the lives of students she encounters within the division of student affairs.  

Jennifer Spade
Assistant Director of Residential Programs
(B.A. in Sociology; Keene State College - M.A. Higher Education Administration; New England College)

Jen is originally from Merrimack, NH. She received her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Keene State College. She attended New England College to receive her Master's in Higher Education Administration in 2010. Although Jen has lived in NH most of her life, she is excited to be back in Long Island. Jen is passionate about student engagement and development and is looking forward to working with the first year learning communities and upper-class themed housing.

Monique Alexander
Assistant Director of Residential Programs 
(Seton Hall University- B.A. Psychology; Hofstra University - M.A. Industrial/Organizational Psychology)

Monique Alexander is a native of Long Island, NY and has been working at Hofstra for the past five years. She has attained her B.A. in Psychology from Seton Hall University and her M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Hofstra University. During her time at Hofstra, Monique has been the Resident Director of Colonial Square and currently serves as the Assistant Director for Upper-class Housing Communities. Monique is truly excited for the future of the department and the University and looks forward to being a part of their continued success.  

Scott Raulsome
Operations Coordinator for Residential Programs
(Providence College- B.A.)

Scott began working at Hofstra University  as a Graduate Assistant to Jean Anne Smith in the Residential Operations department while pursuing his Masters degree  in education and curriculum. He is now a full-time member of the Residential Programs staff and looks forward to helping improve the quality of life for all on campus residents at Hofstra.

Resident Director Staff

Katerine M. Dionne
Resident Director - Colonial Square
(Fairfield University- B.A. Organizational Communication, Rhode Island University - M.A. College Student Personnel)

Originally from Orange, Connecticut, Katie received her Bachelor's degree in organizational communication from Fairfield University. At Fairfield, Katie was very involved in student activities and was an RA for two years. Katie then went on to pursue her Master's degree in College Student Personnel at the University of Rhode Island, where she worked as a Graduate Assistant Hall Director for two years. During the summer of 2009, Katie served as an intern in Hofstra's Office of Orientation and New Student Programs. Katie is very excited about returning to Hofstra to work with the student population here and to begin her career in student affairs. 

Jessica Burke 
Residence Director - The Netherlands; Coordinator of Marketing & Special Events 
(Montclair State University- B.A. English, Rowan University, M.A. Education Higher Education Administration)

Jessica is originally from New Jersey. She completed her undergraduate degree in English and Journalism at Montclair State University. At Montclair, Jessica was a Resident Assistant for three years and the News Editor of the school paper for two. Seeing the excellent career potential within Student Affairs, Jessica attended Rowan University for her Masters degree in Higher Education Administration and served as a Resident Director for two years. Jessica joined Hofstra in 2009 and served as the Resident Director of Liberty/Republic Halls for two years before transitioning into The Netherlands.

Kerri Krajewski
Resident Director – Stuyvesant Hall
(Hofstra University- B.A. Psychology, Hofstra University, Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in Higher Edcuation [Anticipated May 2013])

Kerri was born and raised in East Setauket, New York. As an undergraduate student here at Hofstra, Kerri was a Resident Assistant for two years in Enterprise Hall. She was involved in Hall Council, was a member of the Psychology club, was on the Senior Class Challenge and worked in the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs for four years. Kerri was the Assistant Resident Director in Colonial Square from August 2010-August 2011. She is very excited to be starting her professional career as the Resident Director of Stuyvesant Hall.

Kimberly Murray
Residence Director - VanderPoel and Enterprise
(Siena College - BA. Economics, Hofstra University, M.S. Education Elementary Education)

Kimberly is originally from Wantagh, New York. While she was an undergraduate student at Siena, she was a Resident Assistant for three years. After completing her graduate program, she returned to Siena College and worked as a Resident Director for 3 years. For the past year, she held the position of Assistant Director of Campus Programs and Student Activities at Siena College. She is truly excited to be working as a Resident Director again and she looks forward to supervising a staff of 22 Resident Assistants. In addition, she is happy to be back home in the Long Island area! In her free time, she likes to bake and go the beach. Also, she is busy planning a wedding as she is engaged to be married in June, 2010.

Daniel Percopo
Resident Director – Nassau/Suffolk (Roger Williams University – B.S. Legal Studies & Anthropology/Sociology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania – M.A. Student Affairs in Higher Education)

Dan is originally from Hamden, CT. Dan received his Bachelor's degree in legal studies and anthropology/sociology at Roger Williams University. At RWU, Dan was a Resident Assistant and Orientation Advisor for three years, and Student Admissions Assistant/Tour Guide for four years. He also was the campus mascot for a year. After graduating, Dan worked as a full-time Residence Director at St. Bonaventure University for a year before pursuing his Master's degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. At IUP, Dan worked as a Graduate Residence Director then Assistant Residence Director. Dan is looking forward to continuing his passion for working with students in Nassau/Suffolk and the greater campus community at Hofstra University.

Michael Perlmutter

Resident Director - Liberty/Republic Halls

University of South Carolina - B.A. International Studies, University of Maryland M.A. Education and Leadership Policy Studies

Michael is originally from Hatboro, Pennsylvania. At South Carolina, he received a B.A. in International Studies and minored in Business Administration. While at South Carolina, Michael was a Resident Mentor for three years. After graduation, Michael attended the University of Maryland. At Maryland, Michael received a Masters in Education Leadership and Policy Studies, was a Graduate Assistant for the Department of Resident Life, and joined the local volunteer fire department serving as a Firefighter and EMT.

Justin Smith

Resident Director – Alliance and Bill of Rights 

(Fairfield University - B.A. Communication, Boston University - M.A. Education)

Originally from Braintree, Massachusetts, Justin received his Bachelor's degree in Communication from Fairfield University. At Fairfield, Justin was heavily involved in Student Activities as Vice President of his class, and in New Student Programs as the Freshman Orientation Co-Chair. After Fairfield, Justin accepted an opportunity with Teach for America where he was a teacher and advisor at Health and Human Services High School in Lawrence, MA. During this time, he earned his Master's in Education from Boston University. Justin is extremely excited to become a part of the Hofstra community, and he is looking forward to being a resource to help further the development of students at Hofstra. 

Graduate Assistant Staff

Zach Dane
Assistant Resident Director – The Netherlands
(Hofstra University – B.A. History & Secondary Education, Hofstra University M.S.Ed. Special Education [Anticipated May 2014])

Zach is from Syosset, New York. He spent his undergraduate career at Hofstra University majoring in History and Secondary Education, becoming a certified teacher. Zach spent his undergraduate years as a Resident Assistant in the Netherlands and then the Senior Resident Assistant of Estabrook Hall. He also was a Chairperson for the Relay For Life of Hofstra University as well as an active brother in Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Zach worked closely with the Resident Student Association for 4 years and was a committed member of the Senior Class Challenge Committee of 2012. He is very excited to return to the Netherlands Complex as the Assistant Resident Director.

Michael Masterson
Assistant Resident Director – Colonial Square
(Eastern Connecticut State University- B.S Mathematics, Hofstra University-M.S Educational Leadership and Policy Studies [Anticipated May 2013])

Michael is from a little town called Gales Ferry found in South Eastern Connecticut. He began his undergraduate career at Eastern Connecticut State University in 2006 and received his degree in Mathematics. Michael graduated from Eastern being in the Mathematics honor society, Kappa Mu Epsilon. Michael was highly involved with the club 180 Christian Fellowship and the Residential Programs during his time at Eastern Connecticut State University. After graduating in 2010, Michael took a year off of schooling to serve in AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) for 10 months, traveling across the West Coast doing various type of service work. Now, Michael is working as an Assistant Resident Director for 2011-2013 and earning his degree to work in Higher Education.

Erica Serrazina
Interim Resident Director - Constitution and Estabrook Halls; Graduate Resident Director - Graduate Residence Hall 
(Hofstra University – B.A. Biology, Hofstra University – M.B.A. Health Services Management [anticipated May 2013])

Erica was born and raised in Ludlow, Massachusetts. She attended Hofstra University for her undergraduate and received a bachelor's in Biology and her minor in Chemistry and General Business. As an undergraduate Erica was a Resident Assistant for one and a half years and a Senior Resident Assistant for one year. She is now pursuing her Master's degree in Health Services Management and is excited to continue working for the Office of Residential Programs in her new role as Assistant Resident Director in the Netherlands.

Support Staff

Patricia Brennan
Senior Accounts Clerk

Patricia started her career at Hofstra University in 2001, serving as a temp for the Office of Public Safety. She then worked in the bookstore for a short period of time prior to being recruited by the Office of Residential Programs as a temp in the receptionist position. She was hired shortly thereafter as the permanent receptionist.

In January 2007, Patricia replaced the Senior Accounts Clerk who retired. Her responsibilities include but are not limited to creating applications for new and returning students; she enjoys working closer with students and parents.

Joan Enea
Senior Assistant for Residential Programs

Joan began working at Hofstra in September 2008 as a part time secretary in the Department of Drama and Dance. She joined the staff of Residential Programs full time in August 2011 where she directly supports the Director of Residential Programs. Joan is a native Long Islander who resides in South Hempstead with her husband, two children, Matthew and Kristen, and their maltipoo, Rigly.

Mary Prine Laurino
Receptionist
(NASD (National Association Security Dealers) sponsored Municipal Bond School - 1975 Certificate of Completion)

Proudly born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Mary began working for Ehrlich-Bober & Co. Inc., Municipal Underwriters upon Graduation from High School. Mary also started NASD School September, 1973 and remained at Ehrlich & Bober working as an Assistant Vice President /Assistant to Trader until "retirement" in 1985.

She served as member of New York State mandated Site Based Team for Shared Decision Making for Milburn Elementary School, Baldwin, NY, from 1991 through 1996. Mary has served Hofstra University since 1999 in the following areas:

1999/2003 - Part time, Axinn Library
2003/2004 - Plant Department
2004/2007 - Student Accounts, Repayment Office
January 2007 to present - Office of Residential Programs

Carol Ruppeiko
Senior Assistant for Residential Programs

Carol was born and raised on Long Island. She has lived in Wantagh, Islip and currently resides in Bellmore, on the south shore. Carol joined the Hofstra family in 1985, originally working as the Clerk Supervisor for Financial Aid and Academic Records office. During her time in Financial Aid, Carol created and implemented the Competitive Scholarship Exam, which grants scholarships to high school juniors in the local community. Carol joined the Residential Programs Office in 1996. She is directly responsible for overseeing billing for housing and meal plans for our incoming First Year students.