Admission
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Select your area below to learn more about your Admission Counselor.
Daniel Alexandre

516-463-6319 | Send an Email
Hometown: Boston, MA
College Major: Music & Business
Unique fact about myself: I play piano, guitar, bass, drums, and the alto saxophone
Favorite ice cream flavor: Strawberry
Favorite book: Stamped From the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi
When I’m not reading applications…: I’m binge watching documentaries on Netflix or playing 2k
If I could go anywhere in the world: Take me back to Ballyvaughan, Ireland!
Advice for the first year of college: Asking for help is the best way to get it
College search tip: Remember to take a moment to appreciate yourself for all the hard work you’ve done to get this far!
Theresa Button

516-463-6319 | Send an Email
Hometown: Tallahassee, FL
College Major: Psychology
Unique fact about myself: I once drank a 3lb milk shake.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Rocky Road
Favorite book: Unbroken - Laura Hillenbrand
When I’m not reading applications…: I’m exploring a new Long Island trail.
If I could go anywhere in the world: Iceland
Advice for the first year of college: Write all deadlines for the semester in your planner the first week of classes and assignments won’t sneak up on you.
College search tip: It’s ok not to know your major when you’re looking for colleges. Having an idea of the environment and community you are looking for and keeping your options open with majors is also a great approach!
California Admission Counselors
Andrew Cavara

516-463-6445 | Send an Email
Hometown: West Chester, PA
College Major: Political Science/Secondary Education
Unique fact about myself: I have 6 siblings (5 brothers, 1 sister)
Favorite ice cream flavor: Cookies and Cream
When I'm not reading applications…: I am watching the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers or Sixers.
My most memorable college experience: My most memorable college experience was student teaching.
If I could go anywhere in the world: Rome, Italy
Advice for the first year of college: Get involved in as many clubs and organizations as you can. College is a time of discovery and getting involved on campus is a great way to experience new things.
College search tip: Get in touch with your admission counselor early and often. Every college has a different admissions process and your admission counselor can advise you on the best application strategy.
Courtney Cyr

516-463-7161 | Send an Email
Hometown: Mystic, CT
College Major: I completed my bachelor’s degree in Biology and my master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies – both here at Hofstra!
Unique fact about myself: I am a vegetarian – if you need veggie-friendly restaurant recommendations, I am the girl to ask.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Mint chocolate chip (with lots of hot fudge)
Favorite book: Heart Talk by Cleo Wade
When I’m not reading applications…: I am traveling! I love exploring new places and checking out local shops and restaurants.
If I could go anywhere in the world: I would head to a remote tropical island. I am a huge beach bum!
Advice for the first year of college: Get involved! Keep in mind that your college experience is what you make of it – put yourself out there and you won’t regret it, I promise.
College search tip: Visit campus, and get to know your admission counselor! Most admission counselors are not as intimidating as you might think. We are here to help, and can’t wait to get to know you as you work through your college admissions process!
Claire Fitzgibbon

516-463-7160 | Send an Email
Hometown:
Seward, Nebraska
College Major:
Marketing and German. I'm pursuing a graduate degree at Hofstra in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Favorite Month:
October - college football, the changing leaves on Hofstra's beautiful campus, a chilly morning followed by a warm, sunny afternoon...what else could you want?
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
South Africa, Iceland and Australia are currently tops on my wish list. However, a visit to my family in Nebraska is always a welcome trip!
Unique fact about myself:
the first snowboard run I ever went down was the 1964 and 1976 Women's Olympic run. I was studying abroad in Innsbruck, Austria, and decided it was the perfect place to take up a winter sport! Needless to say, I did more scooting down that run than actual snowboarding!
Advice for the first year of college:
don't wait for your college experience to come to you - go out and start your experience. Get to know the people on your floor. Get involved in a club or new activity you may not be familiar with. Go talk to your professor during office hours when you've become intrigued by a class topic.
Florida Admission Counselors
Christopher Hoffman

Texas, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisana, and Mississippi
516-463-6589
Hometown: Flemington, NJ
College Major: Public Relations (Minor in Music)
When I'm not reading applications, I enjoy: Writing and recording music, watching superhero movies, and finding the best mac & cheese that New York has to offer.
Favorite jelly bean flavor? Tutti Frutti
Unique fact about myself? I can play eight instruments, and once I master the piano, it'll be nine!
Favorite book? Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
College search tip? Keep an open mind! Sometimes your best fit is a school that doesn't make your initial list. But remember that a college or university isn't just the sum of its parts; it's somewhere that you'll call home for four years, and if you keep an open mind, that home will give you more opportunities than you ever thought possible!
Alyssa M. Knipfing

516-463-4164 | Send an Email
Hometown: Merrick, NY
College Major: Elementary Education & Social Studies Education
Unique fact about myself: Lived in Greece for a month!
Favorite ice cream flavor: Pistachio froyo
Favorite book: The Great Gatsby
When I’m not reading applications…: I’m at the gym!
If I could go anywhere in the world: Disney World, Florida (favorite place)
Advice for the first year of college: Time management is the key to success.
College search tip: Look at the transportation options nearby (airports/train stations/etc.) – You want to make sure that you can easily get back home for spontaneous weekends and holidays!
Jane LaRocco

516-463-6389 | Send an Email
Hometown:
Scotia, New York
College Major:
Double Undergraduate Major in Spanish and Sociology
Graduate Major in Foundations of Education
When I'm not reading applications, I enjoy . . .
traveling to new and interesting places, visiting national parks, spending time at the beach, drinking really good coffee, eating jelly beans, shopping at TJ Maxx and spending time with friends and family.
Favorite jelly bean flavor:
Jelly Belly Sizzling Cinnamon
Unique fact about myself:
While in college I spent a year living and studying in Spain. I was smitten with the love of travel and have the passport to prove it. I've visited more than 30 different countries in Europe, Latin America and Asia and can't wait to add to my list!
Favorite book:
Harry Potter series, Big Stone Gap series and the Thornbirds.
College search tip:
Trust your instincts. Selecting a college or university will be one of the first major decisions that you'll make. It's important for you to make an informed decision. You'll also find, however, that your final choice will be emotionally based on a feeling about where you will best fit in and be most happy. Even amongst colleges which are similar in size, quality and academic offerings, each is unique in atmosphere, student diversity, and general feel. In the end, one college will most likely "feel right" to you. You'll be able to easily imagine yourself as a student there. Go with your instincts!
Joseph Marrone

516-463-6711 | Send an Email
Hometown: Trinity, Florida
College Major: Marketing and Management
Unique fact about myself: I used to want to be a meteorologist.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Mint Cookies n’ Cream
Favorite book: or Favorite movie: Oryx and Crake/Dark Knight Rises
When I’m not reading applications…: I am at a show seeing my favorite DJ perform, or cooking up some innovative dishes!
If I could go anywhere in the world: Australia or Falkland Islands
Advice for the first year of college: Find an on-campus job. It is a great way to get some extra money in your pocket, meet administrators, and maybe launch a potential career in higher-education!
College search tip: Think about the post-grad life as well. It’s important to look at success rates of students and what resources you can utilize still as an alum.
Krysten Murphy

516-463-4364 | Send an Email
Hometown: Wingdale, New York
College major: Public Relations, Communications
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Halo Top Chocolate Fudge Brownie, basically anything chocolate & more chocolate
Favorite Book: A Song of Fire & Ice Series (GoT)
When I’m not reading applications, I enjoy: Going to the beach, shopping, spending time with friends & family, watching sports & watching every scary movie possible
Most memorable college experience: Meeting my sorority sisters, who became my best friends & meeting my fiancé.
Unique fact about myself: I learned how to play the ukulele by listening to Eddie Vedder on repeat. Thanks Eddie!
If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to: Australia! My dream is to go shark cage diving & see the amazing great white sharks. I’d love to go to Alaska & Greece too.
College search tip: Put everything in prospective, definitely make a pros & cons list. Don’t make a decision based on pictures or other people’s opinions. Go & actually check out all the schools first-hand, & if you can envision yourself at that school for four years or more, you’re on the right path.
Andrea Nadler

516-463-6693 | Send an Email
Favorite Hofstra Tradition:
Homecoming. All the student organizations build a float and march in the parade. As a finalist for Homecoming Queen in 1997, I felt honored to be part of the festivities.
Favorite ice cream flavor:
Cookies 'n' Cream
College Major and Graduate Degree:
B.A. in Psychology; M.S. Ed in School Counseling
Unique fact about myself:
I am originally from an urban area (Brooklyn, NY)... yet I love country music.
College search tip:
Be honest with yourself through the process. You will experience great personal growth and find out a lot about yourself and the kind of environment you are seeking. Ask questions of the current [college] students you meet on campus and then observe the interactions among students as they move about on campus [in a coffee shop or in the quad] in their natural everyday routine. You will learn a lot about the "campus culture" through this experience.
Advice for first year:
College life is very fast-paced. Keep yourself organized and take advantage of the opportunities that are available (academic and co-curricular), but be careful not to overload yourself. Most new students are anxious about meeting new people and making friends, so do not be afraid to be the first to reach out to someone new and introduce yourself.
New York Admission Counselors
Kristy Niemeyer

Northern California, Pennsylvania, and Western New York
516-463-4165 | Send an Email
Hometown: Commack, NY
College Major: Elementary Education
Unique fact about myself: My first flight ever was to Italy!
Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Favorite book: Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
When I’m not reading applications…: At the beach or sitting outside reading a book.
If I could go anywhere in the world: Greece
Advice for the first year of college: Learn as much as you can about the campus and get involved!
College search tip: Go with your gut, you’ll know it’s right when you set foot on campus
Ying Qiu

516-463-7324 | Send an Email
Hometown: Xi'an, China
College Major: B.A. in Language and Culture/M.A. in International Political Economy/Ph.D. in Geography and Environmental Sciences
Unique fact about myself: Although I was born and grew up in China, I lived six years in Britain and five years in Thailand, and this has been my 4th year in the USA. In the past 17 years I travelled extensively in the East and the West for implementing projects, attending and organizing conferences, or pursuing degrees, etc.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Tiramisu
When I'm not reading applications…: I enjoy reading, cooking, jogging or simply spending time with my family and friends.
My most memorable college experience: I took an internship at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, which not only broadened my horizon, but also helped me to make up my mind to pursue a career in international education to promote the exchanges and cooperation among the young people from different countries/cultures/languages.
If I could go anywhere in the world: I would like to go to anywhere that I have not visited, e.g. Greece, Egypt, Australia, Brazil.
Advice for the first year of college: First year of college is a time for you to celebrate your independence, prepare for a future full of opportunities and embrace a world of infinite possibilities. It is also a time for you to witness your growth and face a lot of challenges. My advice is to make full use of all resources around you and explore your potential. Most importantly, enjoy yourself!
College search tip: It is important to make an informed decision. So, talk to admissions counselors via email, on-line chat, education fair or meet them. Do your own research online. If it is possible, take a campus tour. Feel it with your heart. Follow your instinct.
Bryan Rothstein

516-463-7465 | Send an Email
Hometown: Bayside (Queens), New York
College Major: Undergraduate: Psychology and Social Science, Graduate: Higher Education Administration
Unique fact about myself: I collect licenses plates and hope to one day have one from every state and every country.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Cookies and Cream
Favorite movie: The Fast and the Furious Series (I’m a car guy)
When I’m not reading applications…: Hanging out with friends and family, going on adventures, attending car shows, or sitting by the pool.
If I could go anywhere in the world: I would go to Greece, Italy, Ireland, or Israel.
Advice for the first year of college: Get involved, connect with your campus, and explore courses that interest you! I found my niche and career path by taking that advice.
College search tip: VISIT! I remember when I was looking at colleges the visit made all the difference. I met with current students, faculty, administrators and immediately felt the connection. You’ll hear often about best fit, when you find it; you’ll know…and hopefully it is here with us at Hofstra!
Tamara Russo

516-463-7151 | Send an Email
Hometown: Parkland, FL
College Major: Psychology with a concentration in Cognitive Science
Unique fact about myself: I play Quidditch and I’m currently Hofstra’s Quidditch coach
Favorite ice cream flavor: Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked
When I’m not reading applications…: I am at the beach, going on adventures, or traveling the world.
Most memorable college experience: My most memorable college experience was interning for Target, because who doesn’t love a good Target run?!
If I could go anywhere in the world: I would go back to Israel.
Advice for the first year of college: College is about self-discovery and finding out who you are. Take exciting classes that interest you, join clubs and organizations to meet new people who challenge you. Be fearless and take chances!
College search tip: Visit as many schools as you can and see if you can envision yourself making a home there as you walk through campus.
Lindsay Salvucci

516-463-9010 | Send an Email
Hometown:
Ronkonkoma, NY
College Major:
BA Elementary Education & Speech Communications and Rhetorical Studies, I also have an M.S. in Special Education
When I'm not reading applications, I like to…
sit on the beach and enjoy a good book.
Favorite Hofstra Tradition:
The Dutch festival to celebrate Hofstra's heritage. I always enjoyed the cultural entertainment ranging from foods to unique arts and crafts. I also love walking around the beautiful campus along the thousands of tulips that are planted each spring.
Favorite Book:
Bridge to Terabithia
Favorite ice cream flavor:
Cherry Garcia
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I have visited many different countries, but I still want to be able to travel and see the entire United States. We have so many amazing places in the in the USA that we sometimes forget that it is right within our reach.
College search tip:
The best way to really get a feel for a college is by visiting the campus, taking a tour, meeting with students, attending a class, reading the campus newspaper and eating in the cafeteria. You have to feel "at home" at the place where you will spend the next four years of your life, so visiting is important.
Advice for the first year of college:
College is the time for you to really discover who you are, what you enjoy doing, what you're good at, and what you want to be. It's not a race, take your time and enjoy exploring your options.
Meagan Schuster

516-463-4014 | Send an Email
Hometown: Bellmore, New York
College Major: English and Psychology
Unique fact about myself: I named my dog Achilles because I thought it would be funny to teach him to heel.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip
Favorite book: “The Picture of Dorian Gray” – Oscar Wilde
When I’m not reading applications…: I’m watching Netflix, cheering on the New York Rangers, listening to music, or spending time with friends and family.
If I could go anywhere in the world: The Irish countryside.
Advice for the first year of college: Get out of your comfort zone! College is the time to explore new things, so join as many clubs as you think might interest you, take classes outside of your intended major, and meet new people along the way!
College search tip: Visit! The best way to know if a school is the right fit for you, or where you’ll feel the most comfortable, is by stepping foot on campus and seeing what it’s actually like in person.
Jonathan E. Valerio

516-463-6292 | Send an Email
Hometown: Freeport NY
College Major: Marketing
Unique fact about myself: I share a birthday with Beyonce!
Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate
Favorite book: The Catcher in the Rye
When I’m not reading applications…: I’m watching sports or playing baseball
If I could go anywhere in the world: Australia
Advice for the first year of college: Don’t wait to get involved. You can make an impact as soon as you get on campus.
College search tip: Make sure to find a college that fits you! You want to feel at home when going to college.
Melissa Siscaretti

516-463-6689 | Send an Email
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
College Major: Elementary/Special Education
Favorite ice cream flavor: Haagen Dazs Chocolate Chocolate Chip
Favorite book: The Copper Beech by Maeve Binchy
When I’m not reading applications, I enjoy: Spending time with my family
Most memorable college experience: Getting an A on a 14 page paper, after staying up with a crying baby and accidentally deleting it. Being a later in life college student, I’m going to guess my memorable experiences are different than most.
Unique fact about myself: Most significant events in my life are attached to the number 3.
If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to: Paris
College search tip: Keep an open mind, and relax and enjoy the experience!
Amy Vu

516-463-6554 | Send an Email
Hometown: Babylon, NY
College Major: Sociology and Minor in Writing
Unique fact about myself: I proudly never did an all-nighter in college!
Favorite ice cream flavor: Coffee
When I’m not reading applications…: I am reading a good book or watching a movie!
Most memorable college experience: Never doing an all-nighter! And making long-lasting friendships.
If I could go anywhere in the world: Any of the cat islands in Japan
Advice for the first year of college: Figure out what study habits work for you, and whether you like to study in groups or by yourself!
College search tip: I recommend that you check your email regularly! You certainly do not want to miss out on any great opportunity that comes your way. Visit as many colleges as you can! You will see which college(s) feel right for you.
Christy Wizior

516-463-5018 | Send an Email
Hometown: Bay Shore, NY
College Major: Exercise Science
Unique fact about myself: I cook bacon every morning for breakfast! Sometimes I even have bacon with multiple meals per day.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Ben and Jerry's Non-Dairy Coffee Caramel Fudge!
When I’m not reading applications…: You can find me outdoors! I love going to the beach, fishing, playing beach volleyball, camping, skiing, and hiking.
My most memorable college experience: Joining my sorority. I had leadership opportunities, community service experiences, networked with numerous intelligent alumni, and made lifelong best friends. It also helped me discover my true passion for working in a college setting.
If I could go anywhere in the world: It's my dream to backpack through Europe.
Advice for the first year of college: Explore unique class options to discover your interests – you may find a new passion! Remember, it's okay to change your major/minor. Join organizations to meet new people and bond over your common interests. And most importantly, buy a planner and learn time management so you can balance all of these exciting activities!
College search tip: Apply to a range of schools, and visit as many as you can. You may find that an unexpected college could be the perfect fit for you.