Meet the Center for University Advising Team

I started at Hofstra in 1996 and have served in several capacities as a student affairs professional. I have been fortunate to work with all areas of campus life throughout the years. I attended a large state university as an undergraduate and a mid-size private institution for graduate work. My experiences as an undergraduate led me to pursue a graduate degree in higher education. I am a strong proponent of a liberal arts education. The knowledge that I acquired along with the life skills I developed have prepared me well for a successful career.

I began at Hofstra as an academic advisor for first-year students who were still exploring academic majors. My role included programming for new students, assisting with the acclimation to campus life. For the next 10 years I continued to coordinate programs for first-years, transfers and families. I re-joined the Advising team to continue the efforts of providing academic support to all students.

As the senior associate dean of University Advising, I am able to connect with new students as early as orientation and work to support them through to graduation. I love working with students and feel rejuvenated every fall when the new incoming class joins the Hofstra family.

I majored in Urban and Public Policy, a social science interdisciplinary program, at the University at Buffalo. My graduate studies include a master of science in education in Counseling with a specialization in college student development from Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus as well as a professional diploma in counseling from Hofstra. I am currently completing my Doctorate in Educational and Policy Leadership. I am very proud to call myself an alum and serve our students. Go PRIDE!

I am excited to join the Hofstra community as a member of the Center for University Advising team. After professional experience in Career Development Services at CUNY Hunter College and, most recently, as a high school counselor, I am happy that I get to continue to advise students in my role as Assistant Director of Strategic Outreach and Retention. I am looking forward to helping students to make the most of their college experience, and to assist them in reaching their academic goals.

As a native of Long Island, I am excited to begin working here at Hofstra! I hold a BA in Social Science from Providence College, and an MS Ed. in School Counseling from CUNY Hunter College. In my spare time, I enjoy concerts, cooking, going to the beach, and traveling the country on road trips.

Hey Hofstra Pride, I’m so excited to work with you! I’m a native Long Islander and have worked alongside college students to help them achieve their goals since graduate school. I am a double alumna of Stony Brook University, where I studied history and higher education administration. Before I joined the Hofstra community, I worked in student life, planning events such as New Student Orientation and helping student leaders grow and develop their leadership skills. I am thrilled to continue to advise students, now academically. 

I love going to the beach and going for hikes, but also love to binge both new and favorite shows. It’s all about balance right!? I’m a theatre kid at heart, so I love catching a Broadway show and meeting up with friends in New York City. I am also a Disney fan and try to visit the parks when I can.

I began career as a higher education administrator at Hofstra in 1987 in the financial aid office. During my tenure at Hofstra, I have held many different positions including Director of the Office of Part-time Student Services, Director of Undergraduate Business Advisement and Assistant Dean of the School of Communication. However, the majority of the time I have spent here is as the university’s chief PreHealth advisor and Associate Dean of the Center for University Advisement. I thoroughly enjoy working with and guiding highly motivated students interested in pursuing a career in the health professions. There is no greater pleasure than helping students achieve their goals and identify their life’s work.

I am proud Hofstra alum several times over. In 1987, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and subsequently earned a Master’s in School Counseling in 1989. I took time off from school to raise my two sons and then returned to school to complete my doctoral studies in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in January of 2013. From each degree, I have learned to expand my mind and beliefs and hone my communication and critical thinking skills.

Prior to working at Hofstra, I was employed at Adelphi University as an administrative assistant in the Dean of Students, Counseling, and Student Activities offices. It was there that I first feel in love with student affairs and knew I wanted to spend my life working with students in a higher educational setting.

I am married to my best friend, Al, and have two boys—James and Robert. James has given my precious grandchildren—James, Lily, and Ben, who is expected in April. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my family and puppy, Hank. When I have free time, I enjoy cooking, reading and listening to music.

As a native Long Islander, Monica has been a member of the Hofstra PRIDE family since 2013.

Prior to coming to Hofstra University, Monica earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Keene State College in Keene, NH. Through her undergraduate experience as a Resident Assistant, and a Science Tutor she discovered her passion for Higher Education and Student Affairs. When she first came to Hofstra University Monica worked in the Office of Residence Life. Monica first worked as a Graduate Assistant for two years, working with graduate students then as a professional Resident Director for two years.

In 2015, Monica graduated from Hofstra University's Higher Education, Leadership and Policy M.S.Ed program and in the Fall of 2018 she began pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational and Policy Leadership at Hofstra University.

Currently her research area of interest for the EdD program encompasses, identifying what factors impact female STEM student academic success, a topic she is very passionate about!

Currently Monica works as an Advising Dean for STEM students. Monica loves advising, and mentoring STEM students as she was a STEM student herself in college. Her cohort includes, Psychology, Neuroscience, Speech-Language Hearing Science, and Urban Ecology students.

In her free time Monica loves spending time with her family and friends, cheering on the NY Giants, cooking, as well as DIY crafting.

A native of Pennsylvania, I have found my home here on Long Island. I graduated from Hofstra with both my Bachelor of Arts in English Publishing (2008) and my Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (2011). I have been at the University since fall 2004, and have been working here from the very beginning!

I was first a Student Aide in the Center for University Advisement from fall 2004 – spring 2008 and then a Graduate Assistant for the Center from August 2008 – June 2009. The summer of 2009 I helped to develop and launch Student Leadership and Activities’ Discovery Program as the Graduate Coordinator and was then their Graduate Assistant from September 2009 – May 2011. My first professional job at Hofstra was as the Assistant Director of Community Service and Leadership Development in Student Leadership and Activities from July 2011 – January 2014.

In January 2014 I transitioned to my current position as Assistant Dean in the Center for University Advisement. I work mostly with Pre-Health students, but I have students in all Hofstra’s different colleges in my cohort! I help guide them in what classes to take, what major they may be interested in, ensure they are aware of Hofstra policy and procedures, and just generally answer any and all questions they have. As a Pre-Health advisor I also help plan and oversee our Pre-Health programming including our Health Professions Scholars Program.

Back when I was a student, I was Editor-in-Chief of Hofstra's arts and literature magazine, Font, and was also named College Volunteer of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island. Ashley's involvement with the Center for University Advisement as both an undergraduate and graduate student led her to discover her passion for higher education and for helping students throughout their college careers. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys the simple pleasures of life: laughing, the ocean, cantaloupe, and the stars.

A native Long Islander, Marissa joined the Hofstra PRIDE family in the fall of 2018.

Prior to coming to Hofstra University, Marissa earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. When she first came to Hofstra University Marissa worked as a Graduate Assistant for two and a half years in the Center for University Advising before becoming a full-time Advising Dean in 2021.

In December 2020, Marissa graduated from Hofstra University’s Higher Education, Leadership and Policy M.S.Ed program.

Currently, Marissa works as an Advising Dean for STEM students. Marissa, a STEM student herself, enjoys mentoring and advising STEM students.

In her free time, Marissa loves spending time with family and friends, playing tennis, reading, and traveling.

Jesika has been a member of the Hofstra PRIDE family since 2021. She is from Suffolk County, but makes the commute daily to follow her passion and work to help students find theirs.
Prior to coming to Hofstra University, Jesika earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Family Studies from SUNY Oneonta. During her time at Oneonta, Jesika was very engaged in student led programs and activities which sparked her interest in Higher Education.

Initially, her plan was to accept her offer for the Peace Corps but ultimately decided against it when accepted into Stony Brook University’s Master of Higher Education program. While earning her degree, Jesika worked as a graduate assistant in the Pre-Professional Advising office working with pre-medical students, nursing students, and finish in 4 cohorts. In addition, she also worked in the office of Student Engagement and Activities working with student led organizations and fraternity and sorority life.

After receiving her Master’s degree in 2020 during the pandemic, Jesika worked with the foster care system until she began at Hofstra. Currently, Jesika works as an Academic Advisor for STEM students. Her cohort includes Psychology and Neuroscience. She enjoys working with students who have similar interests as her and offering advice for different career paths to help students achieve their goals.

During Jesika’s free time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as traveling.

Bert joined the Hofstra community in January 2010. As the Associate Dean of Advisement, he co-manages various office functions and transfer efforts that include a cohesive network of peers, staff and faculty who provide academic advising and support services for the undergraduate student population. His goals are to help students ask informed questions about their academic career and get the most out of their college experience. Bert has worked in higher education since 1993, and prior to arriving at Hofstra served as an Associate Dean with the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University, as an Assistant Dean with the College of Business at Fordham University, and as the Coordinator of Student Advisement for the Department of Physical Therapy at New York University. Bert earned a MPA in Financial Management and a MA in Education Administration from NYU along with a BS in Business Administration from Fordham University. Outside of advising, Bert enjoys exploring his new hometown of Hempstead and cultivating the luxuriant plot of books on his “to read” shelf.

I have been working at Hofstra since 2007 and prior to coming to Hofstra, I worked at LIU in Brooklyn. Prior to entering into higher education, I worked as a product manager at Seagram.

In my position in the Center for University Advisement, I try to convey to students the importance of educating oneself, hard work, and taking care of themselves in every capacity. The beauty of my position is the high volume of students whose lives I can impact, enhance, and guide from orientation through graduation. Working with young people at the start of their adult lives and witnessing first hand their potential and growth, is the best job in the world.

A proud Hofstra alumni, I graduated with my B.A. in Psychology. I received my M.S. in School Counseling from NYIT and my M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hofstra. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and reading.

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!

I feel grateful to be a part of the Center for University Advising team. It is a privilege to work with Hofstra students each day and to guide them in their journey.

The last 15 years of my career have focused on advising students in various capacities. I previously worked as the Director of Disability Services at Fordham University and as a private college advisor assisting high school students. I am the co-author of the award winning book Life After High School: A Guide for Students with Disabilities and Their Families which serves as a resource for students, families and educators.

I grew up in Suffolk County, Long Island where I currently reside with my husband and two daughters. I attended Boston College and earned my undergraduate degree in Human Development and my masters in Pastoral Ministry. I lived in California post-college and participated in a year-long program called the Jesuit Volunteer Corp. where I was “ruined for life.” I went on to lead high school and college students on mission and immersion experiences in El Salvador, Ecuador, and Mexico.

I have a special interest in issues of social justice, as well as in teaching organizational and time management skills and studying the impact they have on students’ college success. I am considering applying for my doctorate in Higher Education. In my free time I love to play soccer, bike ride, cook and eat!

I came to Hofstra in January 2014. When I was fresh out of my BA program at SUNY New Paltz, I started working at a youth and community service agency on Long Island. I worked there for over 11 years, developing educational, community service, counseling and recreational programs that focused on creating positive outlets and alternatives for youth. Once I earned my MS in school counseling at Long Island University, I worked in middle and high schools. My favorite part of each of those roles has been the opportunity to assist students in the process of maximizing his or her potential. At Hofstra, that still remains true!

Students at Hofstra can come to me for anything that they have questions about in their college career. I can help students develop their academic plan and connect them with a wide variety of additional resources to make the most of all that their Hofstra education can provide.

On a beautiful day, I gravitate toward outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and kayaking. Otherwise, I enjoy doing crafts and reading. My husband and I love to travel and we have taken a few roadtrips, including a month-long trip across the country and back!

As a proud three-time Hofstra alum, I am thrilled to be home again as an Academic Advisor on the CUA team! I know firsthand what it is like to be a Hofstra student, having earned my BA in Psychology, as well as two Master’s degrees in Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling on our beautiful campus.

Before entering the counseling and higher education fields, I taught students with disabilities in K-12 settings for about 4 years. It was this experience that sparked my passion for advocacy and equity for those in the disability community, and I chose to return to school to earn my Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential. As a CRC working in higher education, I am trained to work with individuals with disabilities and young adults in the transition phases of their lives on career planning, academic goals, and accessing the full college experience. This is not my first position in Hofstra’s Division of Student Affairs, as I formerly worked as a Graduate Assistant in Student Access Services. Most recently, I was a Disability Services Counselor at SUNY Farmingdale for almost 3 years. I am also a fierce advocate for including disability in conversations and initiatives focused on social justice in higher education, the workplace, healthcare, and beyond.

Love of learning is one of my greatest strengths, and I am committed to instilling passion for knowledge into my students while supporting them in achieving their goals. Each day I am amazed at the unique ways that students are using their majors and degrees to shape their lives. I am living proof of the opportunities that one can earn from making the most of a Hofstra education, and I am privileged to be a partner on the journeys of my students. When I’m not on campus, you can find me out to eat with family and friends, hanging out with my dog, or at a concert or Broadway show