Stephanie (Steph) Foran is theAssistant Director of CARE at Kansas State University. She is a nationally credentialed Victim Advocatethrough the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) and has over 8.5years of field experience. She received her BA in Political Science from RiderUniversity in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and her Global MA in InternationalRelations from Webster University. Steph's areas of expertise include digitalinterpersonal violence and media literacy, and she is passionate about framinggender-based violence as a critical human rights issue.

Helen Mulhern Halasz (she/her) is assistant director of student affairs assessment, research, and planning at East Carolina University. Helen previously served in academic and student support roles for undergraduate and graduate students at five large universities and three small colleges in academic advising, fraternity/sorority life, residence life, student conduct, study abroad, associate dean of students, and acting VP of student affairs. She is an alumna of Davidson College and earned a master’s degree and PhD at the University of South Carolina. Helen earned university and national research awards for her dissertation research on advising students in academic transition leaving selective academic programs. During the last six years, Helen’s focus has been on fostering a culture of evidence and building assessment confidence and capacity among department assessment leaders. She enjoys writing about and developing engaging learning experiences for student affairs educators related to professional competency areas. Helen became a Certified Student Affairs Educator in January 2024.

Jasmine Jennings-Rentz is the Associate Director for Leadership & Service at Texas State University. Jasmine attended Bowling Green State University for her undergraduate degree and attended Mississippi State University for her graduate degree. Originally from Detroit, MI, Jasmine has worked at different schools in the South and Midwest such as Ball State University, Baylor University, and Southern Methodist University. Jasmine’s work portfolio includes positions in Housing & Residence Life, Academic Affairs, and Leadership & Service.

Jessica Henault, MS (she/her) serves as NASPA’s program coordinator for the Culture of Respect Collective. Prior to joining NASPA, Jessica served as Kansas State University’s first violence prevention specialist, where she worked to develop and employ a university-wide violence prevention plan. Jessica is passionate about improving college campuses’ safety and well-being, earning her master’s degree in Counseling and Student Development with an emphasis in Administration. She is a current doctoral student in the Applied Family Science program at Kansas State, centering her research on prevention sciences.

An educationist by profession, Mrs. Vinnie Mathur is an Author, Craft Trainer, Workshop Consultant and environmentalist. Vinnie specializes in conducting best out of waste workshops, in other words converting waste into wealth in her free time. Vinnie has written various articles in leading newspaper and magazines and books. In her early career, she has been associated with St. Mary’s School & Delhi Public School, New Delhi and also worked with the Galgotias Group of Educational Institutions as Dean-Student Affairs & Clubs. Presently she heads external relations at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence. Ms. Mathur has done her M.B.A., B.Ed. and diploma courses in Child Development & Psychology and Nursery and Primary Teachers Training. She has also written numerous books for children. Her very own popular series of Do It Yourself Craft is a big hit. She has a credit of more than 25 books.

At Shiv Nadar University, she looks after Student Development Programmes initially which included a series of workshops, seminars etc for students on various topics. She headed student clubs of the University . She has to her credit the able organization and execution of Orienation programme, Farewells, Freshers Party, Business Fest, Club activities, Blood Donation Camps etc. Under her able guidance students have represented the University in various Inter- College Fests and competitions across the country and have brought laurels to the University. The student clubs , more than 50 under her are in various categories- Social, Cultural, Technical, Management and Sports. Theatre, Music, Dance, Technical and management clubs are a few to name.

Osamah Al Nammary is a Residence Hall Coordinator at the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. He has worked within the student services sector for the past seven years. Starting his career in student services in Canada, he pursued the skills and knowledge to assist students in pursuing their degrees effectively. During that time, mental health and wellness have become a critical factor in Osamah’s career due to the rising awareness of the importance of mental health within the world and its effect on individuals. Promoting wellness and mental health has become a key factor within Osamah’s career in student services, promoting wellness and self-care within universities, and educating students of its importance.

Ann Tan is an accomplished higher education professional with extensive experience in residential life, hostel admissions, student life programs, and the coaching and mentoring of staff and student leaders. Over the past decade, she has developed expertise in managing pandemic-related challenges, student leadership development, crisis and pastoral care, as well as training and facilitation. She is a certified ACTA facilitator with an MBA from the University of Adelaide and a Graduate Certificate in Counselling from Swinburne University of Technology.

Tisha currently works at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) as the Associate Director of Student Recruitment. Her main responsibilities include international student recruitment, educational partnerships, short-term programs, and marketing. Prior to this role, Tisha worked at the university leading Saudi graduate recruitment and development efforts. Tisha is excited to continue highlighting the rapid growth taking place within Saudi Arabia and the educational opportunities available.

Claudia Trevor-Wright, JD, MA, MCHES, is an attorney and health promotion professional focused on advancing health equity in higher education. Claudia is currently leading a project funded by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research Connect for Success Initiative and consulting for the American College Health Association (ACHA). Prior to these roles, Claudia led the Campus COVID-19 Vaccination and Mitigation Initiative at ACHA, and served as Director of Student Wellness at Wellesley College.

Connect with Claudia on LinkedIn

Miriam is the Director of Academic Advising and Student Success at Northwestern University in Qatar. Before this role, she was the Senior Academic Adviser at the American University in Dubai, where she gained extensive experience in academic advising and academic and student affairs.

Throughout her career, Miriam has held various academic positions across Lebanon and the GCC, advising diverse students in engineering, business, international relations, and media studies. She has successfully led a team of advisors and contributed to numerous academic committees focused on curriculum and quality enhancement.

Miriam’s expertise lies in multitasking, mentoring, researching, and implementing best practices to create a culture of student engagement. She is skilled in developing student-centered strategies, conducting data analysis and reporting, enhancing student retention and success, and supporting first-year student experiences and accreditation processes.

In her teaching career, Miriam has instructed finance, management, accounting, and mathematics courses, and has published research papers on academic advising.

Her passion for data analysis led her to complete three certificates in data analysis and reporting in 2021. More recently, she has completed a postgraduate program in AI and Machine Learning at the California Institute of Technology, further expanding her knowledge and expertise in cutting-edge technologies.

Recognized for her dedication, she was nominated for NASPA’s Dedicated Professional Award in 2021.

Miriam earned her MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance with distinction from the Lebanese American University in 2002 and 2005, respectively.

She currently serves as the Communication Team Lead for MENASA NASPA, where she continues to contribute to the field of student affairs and higher education.

Dr. Brett Perozzi is Vice President for Student Affairs at Salt Lake Community College in Utah, USA. He previously served as Vice President for Student Affairs at Weber State University (WSU), Executive Director of Student Engagement at Arizona State University, and has worked at Colorado State, Indiana, and Texas Tech Universities.

 Dr. Perozzi holds a Ph.D. from Indiana University and a Master’s degree from the University of Arizona, both in Higher Education Administration; with a bachelor’s degree in Education from the State University of New York. He served as a faculty member in the higher education graduate programs at Indiana, Colorado State, and Arizona State, and is the cofounder of the Higher Education Leadership program at WSU. Brett has authored dozens of publications in journals, textbooks, monographs, and book chapters. He has published three books, two on the topic of international student affairs and services, and one on student employment during college.

 Dr. Perozzi is an active leader with NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, helping coordinate and shape their global agenda, by establishing a Global Advisory Board, culturally relevant educational programming abroad, and advancing intercultural understanding among those doing student affairs work globally. He has been invited to speak and present on higher education topics worldwide, and seeks to give back to the field through his speaking, writing, and research. Brett is a founding member of the International Association of Student Affairs and Services.

Dr Niamh Nestor (she/her) is the Director of the University College Dublin Student Advisory Service. Niamh manages a team of advisers whose work is focused on student support, mental health and wellbeing among approximately 38,000 UCD students. Niamh’s background is in sociolinguistics, migration and integration, and her doctoral research focused on Polish children and teenagers who had migrated to Ireland since Poland joined the European Union in 2004. For ten years before coming into her current role, Niamh was the Student Adviser in UCD Veterinary Sciences, providing pastoral support to veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing students.

Niamh is an active member of the community life of UCD. She runs UCD Purl Jam, the university’s craft/creative group. She co-founded the UCD Veterinary Community Garden. She is an active member of the UCD Community Choir. Niamh is involved in the implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives in UCD. She co-chairs the UCD LGBT+ committee as well as the UCD LGBTI Staff Network. She is an active member of Athena SWAN in UCD. She is deeply committed to challenging injustice, intolerance and bigotry and in achieving equality, diversity and inclusion for all. She believes in active allyship and she is passionate about fighting against complacency. The work of Athena SWAN is vital in this regard, and Niamh is particularly interested in empowering and supporting students to continue the fight for equality into the future. Outside of work, Niamh loves to garden, travel, and be creative, recently taking up sewing. She also volunteers for Dublin Lesbian Line.

Dr. Kerrie Montgomery Orozco boasts a 25-year career in higher education, specializing in international education, student programming, strategic planning, leadership, and teaching. She's held progressively responsible roles in academic advising, study abroad, and campus life at various institutions. Kerrie is also an accomplished writer, with publications in the peer-reviewed Journal of International Students. 

Kerrie has been an active member of NASPA for more than 20 years. She has held a number of volunteer leadership roles and currently serves as Professional Development Chair for the Global Division, Membership & Engagement Chair for the Mid-Level Administrators Steering Committee, and NASPA-FL Conference Chair. She is a past Chair for the International Symposium, and remains active on the planning committee for the 2024 International Symposium.

Kerrie holds a BA in Classical Studies, dual Masters degrees from the University of Florida in Art History and Higher Education, and a PhD in Higher Education from the University of Denver.

As the Executive Director of the Marilyn Kent Byrne Student Success Center for the College of Education & Human Development at Texas A&M University, Kelley leads all retention and persistence efforts for the close to 5,000 undergraduate students enrolled in CEHD. This includes leading the programming for students on academic probation, first-generation student programming, and programming to support the leadership development of students within the college. With experience working with first-gen students and minoritized populations at a two-time ASPEN Award finalist HSI community college, a small private HSI institution, and now at a large Tier I Research Institution he has been involved in creating and implementing multiple programs to support students holistically. Kelley is a current doctoral student, the past Chair of the Advocacy Group for FirstGen Forward (NASPA - Center For First-Generation Student Success), the Co-creator of the Black First-gen Collective, and the Co-Chair for Professional Development for the NASPA Knowledge Community Student Affairs Partnering with Academic Affairs. 

Dr. Joseph Sanchez was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M-San Antonio, followed by a Master’s degree in Adult Education from Texas A&M-College Station, and an Ed.D. in Developmental Education Administration from Sam Houston State University. A third-generation educator, Dr. Sanchez has dedicated the past 14 years to higher education, contributing to enrollment management, recruitment, advising, and student success. Currently, he serves as the Program Manager for the Byrne Student Success Center, overseeing learning communities and academic coaching initiatives within the College of Education & Human Development. Dr. Sanchez is also a proud father of three daughters: Cecilia, Juliana, and Liliana.

Victor Alfonso Castillo joined CEHD as the Assistant Director for the Byrne Student Success Center in September 2024. Born and raised in Bryan/College Station, TX, Victor earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Texas A&M University (TAMU). After completing his undergraduate degree, he spent about ten years advising and managing programs for first-generation and low-income students in multiple roles at TAMU. During this time, he also earned a Master of Science in Educational Administration in Higher Education from TAMU. Victor is passionate about working with first-generation and low-income students because he identifies with their experiences. He draws on his own background to guide his students, helping them navigate their educational journey in ways he himself had to. My primary role is to support and promote student success both inside and outside of the classroom.

Therese Wales earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communication and Journalism from Texas A&M University in 2022. As an undergraduate student, she worked in Development as an Administrative Intern and Program Aide. She has planned and coordinated many large events for the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M. She now acts as the Administrative Coordinator and Student Success Advocate for the Byrne Student Success Center.

Destiny Andrews transferred from a community college, Temple College before earning a BS degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University. She received her Master’s in Adult and Higher Education from University of Houston-Victoria. She has worked in higher education for approximately 7 years with professional experience in scholarships and financial aid, recruitment & onboarding, advising & academic coaching, and worked as a Development Coordinator in the Foundation at the College of the Mainland. Her journey has now brought her back to Texas A&M University as she is currently working towards her PhD in Higher Education Administration and holds a graduate assistantship in the Byrne Student Success Center. “I have served in many different roles carrying one common goal, being of service to students."

Joycelyn Anderson, LPC-S, NCC, serves as the Embedded Professional Counselor IV in the Byrne Student Success Center. Joycelyn approaches therapeutic individual and group counseling from a multifaceted viewpoint, being both gentle and passionate when working with emerging adults at Texas A&M University. Her clinical interests include interpersonal awareness, holistic personal growth/identity development, self-worth/self-esteem, and performance issues. Understanding the competitive nature of credentialing examinations and the pressure applicants face, Joycelyn employs a behavioral blend of solution-focused brief, cognitive behavioral therapeutic approaches. She is dedicated to creating a positive, safe environment for all Aggies.

Her research focuses on examining active help-seeking behavior in first-generation college students, the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students, networking institutional resources for strengthened mental health support of college students, and organizational leadership within embedded mental health university counseling settings.

A proud first-generation college graduate, Joycelyn is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership at South College and has earned an M.A. in Professional Counseling, an M.A. in  School Counseling from Amberton University, and a B.M.E. from Alcorn State University. She has completed clinical training in Counselor Supervision and has served as a doctoral internship administrative group supervisor.

Manal Ammagui began her student affairs journey during her undergraduate years as a Resident Assistant in the halls on campus at the University of South Florida (USF) where she also participated in numerous student affairs conferences. Manal continued at USF to pursue a Master of Arts in French while serving as an Assistant Residence Life Coordinator her first year and then as the inaugural Graduate Assistant for Residential Student Success her second year. She stayed in Florida for two more years at Stetson University where she was a Residential Life Coordinator and developed their Residential Curriculum thanks to her previous experience and passion for student development and leadership in the residential halls.

Manal has now been at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) as a Residential Hall Coordinator, the first-ever position of its kind at AUS. While in the region, Manal joined the MENASA-NASPA board in 2022 under the Professional Development Committee and then continued the following year through the Conference Team for the 18th MENASA-NASPA Conference. Manal is now the Co-Chair for the 19th MENASA-NASPA Conference.

Amar Granulo is a Residential Coordinator at American University of Sharjah currently. He has a BA in international relations from Hood College in Maryland and an MA in higher education administration and student development from Shepherd University in West Virginia. Previously, he worked at Florida Atlantic University as an Operations Manager and as a Hall Director at Shepherd University.

His scope of work mainly focuses on coordinating youth action programs for higher ed institutions and non profit organizations. He also offers guidance and support to all of his students and make sure that they become the best in their future careers.

Osamah Al Nammary is a Residence Hall Coordinator at the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. He has worked within the student services sector for the past seven years. Starting his career in student services in Canada, he pursued the skills and knowledge to assist students in pursuing their degrees effectively. During that time, mental health and wellness have become a critical factor in Osamah’s career due to the rising awareness of the importance of mental health within the world and its effect on individuals. Promoting wellness and mental health has become a key factor within Osamah’s career in student services, promoting wellness and self-care within universities, and educating students of its importance.