Staff - Office of Academic Advisement

Staff Bios

University Advisement - Memorial Hall | University Advisement - Student Center |

University Advisement - Memorial Hall

Anne Mongillo B.A. Anthropology, University of Connecticut
Graduate Diploma, Communication Studies, Concordia University
M.A. Administration and Policy Studies in Education, McGill University

Worked in Advisement at Hofstra since: January 2010
Previous university experience:
Columbia University – Associate Director of Academic Affairs and Special Programs; Senior Assistant Dean, Junior Senior Advising Center
University of Toronto – Graduate School, Admissions Officer

Anne believes that the college experience can be one of the most rewarding in a person's life. She consistently works to create a safe environment for students to grow personally and academically while recognizing that college is a time of self-discovery, change, and adventure. The Center for University Advisement offers students much more than help with registration. Anne encourages students to get to know their advisers as they continue to explore Hofstra University's resources.

Pilar Barreto (Maria P. Barreto) Assistant Dean of University Advisement

Pilar is originally from Puerto Rico, and grew up in a bicultural home. After receiving her B.A. from Harvard College in 2006, she taught middle and high school English and Spanish in the States and Puerto Rico. She truly enjoyed teaching, but was eager to return to a university setting and work with older students. This led her to pursue a master's in higher education at the University of Michigan. While in graduate school, she developed a deep interest in issues of access and retention of underrepresented and underresourced students, and in the growing importance of community colleges for many individuals in the United States. She also had the opportunity to mentor student athletes, which inspired her to seek a position in academic advising. Most recently, she worked as an assistant dean with the Harvard Summer School before moving to Long Island with her partner, who began his residency at the Nassau University Medical Center. She enjoys reading and writing, traveling, and watching sports. She is also a proud Red Sox fan. She is excited about joining the Hofstra community and helping students find personal and academic success.

Bert Binder B.S. Business Administration, Fordham University
M.A. Education Administration & Supervision, New York University
M.P.A Financial Management, New York University
30 Advanced credits in Economics, Fordham University
Worked in Advisement at Hofstra since: Spring 2010
Previous experience:
Fordham University – Associate Dean for the Graduate School of Religion, 2+ years
Fordham University – Assistant Dean, College of Business, 7+ years
New York University – Student Advisement Coordinator, Physical Therapy Department, 5+ years
Catholic University – Assistant/Development Officer, Major Gifts & Planned Giving, 2 years

Let's focus on what you wish to accomplish over the next 4 years and then craft a plan of action for success.
Advice –
Go to class: "80 percent of success is just showing up." Woody Allen US film actor, comedian and director
Stop by to see me on a regular basis. I'll help you with resolve course conflicts, adding or dropping courses, scheduling of classes for future semesters, deciding on majors and minors, planning an academic and professional portfolio, pursuing graduate study as well as the person you should turn for mentorship, guidance and support
Seek a balance. The first-year experience is a mixture of social and academic happenings. Don't tip the balance too far in either direction

Matt Hickling B.S Horticulture, Kansas State University
M.S.Ed Rehabilitation Counseling Hofstra University
Worked in Center for University Advisement since Fall 1984

Working with college students is the most fun job I have ever had. This is not what I originally thought I would end up doing for my career but all things happen for a reason. I decided to take this job because while in graduate school I was the graduate assistant to the advisor who worked with students with disabilities and found that I liked not only working with that group of college students but students in general. I realized that as specific as my graduate studies were, I could use the knowledge that I gained to work with all students in my capacity as Advisement Dean.

Jennifer Lebowitz, Assistant Dean, Academic Success Programs

Jenn Lebowitz graduated from St. John's University with both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English. As an undergrad, Jenn competed on the Cross Country and Track & Field teams, representing St. John's at the USTFA Junior Nationals and as winner of two Metropolitan Conference championship titles. She also contributed as a writer for Sequoya, the University's Art and Literary Magazine, and enjoyed being a tutor in the Writing Center.

Jenn most recently worked as an Assistant Director in her alma mater's Student Development for Athletes. She served as academic advisor for over 100 student-athletes across six teams as well as the department's Tutor Training Coordinator. Currently, Jenn is pursuing her Doctorate of Arts in English at St. John's. She is excited to bring her passion for higher education, and specifically tutoring programs, to Hofstra University's Academic Success Programs.

Rachel Peel-Macandrew

Ellen Miller BA, Psychology, Hofstra
MS, Counselor Education, Hofstra
Certificate of Advanced Study, Educational Administration, Hofstra
Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Hofstra, anticipated date: Dec. 2011

Has worked in various positions in higher education including: financial aid, student activities, Dean of Students, continuing education in addition to spending the last 20 plus years in academic advising in one form or another.
Enjoys working with college students of all ages and seeing how they grow and change throughout the educational process
Particularly enjoys watching students achieve their goals and dreams!

Marianne Nargentino BA – Psychology, Hofstra University
MS – School Counseling, NYIT
Worked in Advisement at Hofstra since Sept. 2007
Previous Experience: Career Counselor – Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus

Getting to know and assisting young people is the best job in the world. I've held many different jobs, but working in academic advisement is my favorite. I did not take a conventional approach toward my own education, so I have a deep understanding of students who struggle finding their way through their undergraduate days. I've worked pretty much in every field imaginable, but higher education is my favorite. From my experience, I think it is important for students to get as much experience as possible as an undergrad. I understand how difficult it is and the pressure involved to figure out what you want to do with your life at such a young age. Get involved as much as possible!

Danielle Robin B.A. Economics, Binghamton University
Worked in Advisement at Hofstra since: January, 2008

Throughout my college and post college experience I have always been drawn to working with and helping people. Although I had a sense of where my passion lay, it took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I had various jobs and internships in television, business, entertainment, health care and in tutoring/teaching. What I came to learn I enjoyed and valued the most were the times when I acted as an advisor and counselor to my peers and students. This realization led me to my current position here at Hofstra.

My advice to new and current students is to be true to yourself. I would encourage everyone to follow their passion by both gaining hands on experience and speaking with people in your areas of interest. I have found in life that nothing quite compares to hands on experience to help one figure out what they truly like and dislike.

Gina Sandoval M.Ed, Higher Education, Loyola University Chicago
B.A., Communication Studies, The University of Iowa
Previous Experience
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Chicago
Loyola University Chicago

What I love about Advising The best part of my job is seeing the transformation students undergo throughout their college experience. For many, this may be the first time they are away from home. They may be scared and unsure as to how college works, what they want to major in, or to whom to turn to for help. I pride myself on being that resource that students can turn to for guidance and assistance throughout their Hofstra stay.

Eventually, before you know it that scared and timid student is now completing a graduation check, talking about internships and job opportunities, and preparing for life after Hofstra. It is those moments that make my job truly worthwhile.

As your Advisement Dean, I welcome the opportunity to meet with you regularly to help you accomplish your personal and academic goals. Although I may not have all the answers, you can be assured I will make every effort to help you find it!

Michelle Spatarella Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Master of Science in Education in Counseling

Michelle Spaterella is excited to be back at Hofstra, working in Student Affairs as an Assistant Dean in the Center for University Advisement. Michelle has been a member of the Hofstra community for over 18 years. She started as a teenager working as a Recreation Counselor in the Summer Camp Program. She then went on to study Psychology as an undergraduate while working in various departments on campus as an undergraduate assistant. She joined the advisement team from 2001-2006, while attending graduate school and obtaining her Master's Degree in Counseling. Taking a brief break from Hofstra, Michelle worked as a guidance counselor in her hometown for 3 years but couldn't stay away for too long! She is proud to be back for the past year and is pursuing another Master's with the intent and hopes of making Hofstra her permanent home. She enjoys her daily interactions with students, faculty and Hofstra colleagues. Most of all, she looks forward to being able to work one-on-one with international students, student-athletes, coaches and her department team.

Jennifer Tepper B.A. Psychology, State University of New York at Albany, Minors: Business & Education
M.S.Ed School Counseling, K-12, Hofstra University
Worked in Advisement at Hofstra since: November, 2008

Throughout my college career I always knew I wanted to work with people and help others. I changed my major three times until realizing that Psychology and Counseling was my passion. While in college, I volunteered for a Nationally Recognized Program called Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program. This program was developed to help students and people in the community have someone to talk to. During this time, I would answer crisis and non crisis phone calls on a weekly basis. This experience led me to pursue a career in the rewarding field of counseling and advising.

Sometimes it takes time to figure out where your passion lies. Making use of campus resources, such as your advisement dean, can help you get there a little faster. Take advantage of everything Hofstra University has to offer.

Support Staff:

Lorraine Cotton
Irene D'Aversa
Anna McManus
Marilyn Vekas

University Advisement - Student Center

Jennifer Boscarino-Green B.A. Social Science Interdisciplinary Studies, University at Buffalo
M.S. Ed Counseling, with a specialization in College Student Development, Long Island University/C.W. Post Campus
P.D. Counseling (Professional Diploma), Hofstra University
Worked at Hofstra since: Fall 1996
Worked in Advisement at Hofstra since: Spring 2007

Previous experience:
Includes experience working with first-year students and transfers from orientation through the first year. Primary focus on acclimation to campus, support services and advisement.
Office of Freshman Advancement – Assistant Dean (1996-2001)
Office of Freshman Advancement – Director/Assistant Dean of Students (2001-2004)
Center for New Student Support Services – Director/Assistant Dean of Students (2004-2007)

I enjoy working with college students and being able to help them learn and develop. Sometimes we have to troubleshoot hurdles and sometimes we have to build bridges but it is a learning process that carries us further. As an undergraduate student I felt lost and confused. I was not aware of all of the options and support that was available to me. I was able to come out on top and I want to help other students find their path. I also enjoy working with a team of talented and dedicated individuals who share my work ethic and desire to help others.

My advice to new and current students is to ask questions and own your experience. It is what you make of it and I hope you enjoy it.

Gillian Atkinson-Young

Randa Hodges B.A. Sociology, University of Illinois
M.S.W. School Social Work, University of Illinois
Worked in Advisement at Hofstra since: Fall 2007
Previous experience:
University of Illinois - Academic Advisor 6 years
Macon County Public Schools - Social Worker K-12

I love working with college students! The best part of my job is watching students reach their potential. I remember what it was like not knowing exactly where my path would take me; I explored wildlife biology, environmental sociology, and then sociology in general. Volunteer work directed my interest to social work, and an assistantship in graduate school introduced me to working in higher education. You can never know what path lies around the corner! If I could change anything about my first year of college I would have asked for more help from my academic advisers.

My advice to new and current students is to talk to many people in various disciplines and get to know your professors. If you are exploring a career, talk to people doing that career. Most of all, utilize the resources available to you.

Stephanie Hricko B.S. Television-Radio, Video Production, Ithaca College
M.S. Human Development & Family Studies, College Student Personnel, University of Rhode Island
Worked in Advisement at Hofstra since: Summer 2010
Previous experience:
University of Rhode Island – Graduate Assistant Academic Advisor, College of the Environment & Life Sciences
Bryant University – Graduate Intern, Intercultural Center

College was an amazing time for me because of my school's Student Affairs department and my experience as an Orientation Leader. After I graduated, I realized that I loved working with college students more than I loved television (and trust me, that's a big deal). I attended graduate school and gained great experience working with a variety of students in Rhode Island. I became very interested in social justice, academic advising, and research on the first-year experience of college students.

My advice to new and current students is to get involved in your campus community and plant your own roots here. If I could change anything about college, I would have become more involved earlier on and looked outside of my major for different extracurricular activities. Having a variety of experiences in college can be helpful when you get out in the "real world."

Claudine Johnson B.A. Growth and Structure of Cities, Bryn Mawr College
M.Ed Policy, Planning and Administration, Boston University
Worked in Advisement at Hofstra since: Spring 2010
Previous experience:
Bottom Line – Senior College Counselor for 5 years

As the first in my family to graduate from college and also to receive my Masters degree, I have always understood the value of an education. I truly enjoyed my undergraduate and graduate years and saw how beneficial those years were in helping me build my career. I wanted to share this joy I had for education with other students and help them see that obtaining a college degree would be a valuable investment in their future. I first began working with college students at a nonprofit in Boston called Bottom Line. At Bottom Line, I worked with low income, first generation college students at many different colleges and universities in Massachusetts. I was responsible for providing students with academic advising, financial aid assistance, career counseling and emotional support. Working at Bottom Line was the most humbling five years of my life. I am excited about continuing that work here at Hofstra University and can't wait to see the wonderful relationships I establish with my cohort of students.

Alison Milewski B.A. Speech Communication, Rhetoric and Performance Studies
Worked in Advisement at Hofstra since: Summer 2006

I like to tell my students to think of their time here as the longest job interview they will ever be on. With that in mind remember that you would want to :
-learn about the company's policies and procedures that you are applying to,
-take in as much new information as possible and ask many questions (participate),
-join/volunteer for anything and everything that peaks your interest,
-make good first impressions (with professors and administrators),
-and remember to never forget who you truly are (keep your integrity).
If you keep all of that in mind, not only will you be very successful here at Hofsta, but you will make one awesome candidate to your future employer.

As seen on my office wall there is a quote I would like ALL students to remember: "It's never too late to be what you might have been."

Support Staff:
Florence Marcantonio