With more than 29 years of experience in education across international universities and secondary schools, Dr. Sara L. Montero has served as Dean of Student Affairs at the American University in Dubai since 2019.

In this role, Dr. Montero leads a broad range of student services and advocates for student well-being, engagement, retention, and success. Drawing on extensive experience guiding students and teams through change and uncertainty, Dr. Montero will share practical insights on navigating uncertain periods while continuing to support students. Dr. Montero holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership in Higher Education from Gwynedd Mercy University and a master’s in human relations from the University of Oklahoma.

Malak Elmoh is a Career Services Program Manager in the Office of External Relations at Georgetown University in Qatar. In her previous role as a Student Development Officer in the Office of Student Affairs, she played a key role in designing and implementing student programming, while also mentoring and advising student clubs, the Student Government Association (SGA), and the broader student community. A proud GU-Q alumna, Malak also holds a Master of Public Policy from Hamad bin Khalifa University, where she concentrated on education policy. Her experience extends beyond academia, having worked on high-profile events like the Doha Forum and with Memac Ogilvy's Public Relations team, where she developed a robust network in Doha. In her current role, Malak focuses on supporting students and recent graduates through career coaching and graduate school advising as well as further departmental initiatives such as professional development workshops, employer events and career fairs.

Ms. Wadad Youssef El Housseini started her career as in higher education as Instructor of Social Sciences at Balamand University in Lebanon where she taught for a decade. In 2001, she joined the American University of Beirut as Director of Student Activities. In 2009, she joined Qatar University as Consultant to VP of student affairs where she resumed the responsibility of Acting Director of Student Activities till May 2012. Her role entitled her to get involved in various strategic initiatives to ensure the success of Qatar University students. She is the chair of the Student Affairs Professional Development committee at Qatar University.

Founding member and former vice president for the IASAS (International Association of Student Affairs and Services). Member of the MENASA-NASPA board for 2020-2023. Recipient of the Wisdom Award of the Commission of Women’s Identities – ACPA in 2021. Interested in Leadership of Higher Education and Student Affairs, assessment and women role in higher education.

Well known for having her finger on the pulse of the region, Wadad continues to be an engaged advocate of professional development, and student affairs leadership in the Middle East.

Chris Pastore joined the University of Arizona Office of the General Counsel in September 2019. His practice areas include employment (staff and faculty), compliance, student affairs, first amendment, and collegiate athletics. 

Prior to joining the University, Mr. Pastore was Of Counsel at Ogletree Deakins, an international labor and employment law firm, where he represented employers in state and federal lawsuits and in administrative investigations and litigation. Mr. Pastore also provided advice and counsel to employers on a wide range of employment law matters, with an emphasis on occupational safety and health. 

Mr. Pastore earned his law degree from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in 2008 and his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Arizona in 2004. Mr. Pastore is a member of the State Bars of Arizona and Nevada and is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA).

Chrissy Lieberman is the Dean of Students at the University of Arizona. She joined the Dean of Students Office in 2012 as an associate dean overseeing Student Assistance & Accountability and was appointed Dean of Students in Spring 2025 after serving in the role as interim during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Lieberman plays a pivotal leadership role in campus health and safety and fostering an environment that emphasizes community and well-being. In her role, she offers leadership for the campus community in navigating the First Amendment, conflict management, critical incidents, behavioral intervention, student rights and responsibilities, restorative practice, and student well-being. The Dean of Students Office also provides recognition and support for hundreds of student organizations and leadership and engagement opportunities across the university.

A first-generation student and two-time University of Arizona graduate, Lieberman holds a B.A. in Education and an M.A. in Art Education. She is committed to fostering a campus culture where students can excel academically, socially, and personally.

Whitney Platzer O’Regan, Ed.D., serves as the senior director of prevention and safety, under the research, policy and student success team at NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. Dr. O’Regan received her doctorate in educational leadership and policy from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University where her doctoral research focused on student sense of belonging and engagement through a public health lens. Dr. O’Regan has significant experience working to reduce high risk substance misuse on college campuses with functional area expertise in student affairs, policy, student conduct, crisis response, peer education, and health promotion.

Dr. Betzabel Martinez Bleech has been working with student equity and achievement programs within the California Community Colleges system for the past seven years. She is currently the Director of Student Equity and Success Programs at Citrus Colleges overseeing Black Scholars, Mi Gente Scholars, and Rising Scholars (formerly incarcerated students). In this role she has overseen the writing and implementation of the college’s 2025-2028 Student Equity and Achievement Program Plan, as mandated by the state of California. Previously, she served as the Director of Equity and Inclusion at Cerro Coso Community College. In this role she oversaw the implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion focused programs for the following student populations: Black/African American, LGBTQ+, Native American, and Undocumented/Non-Citizen. Furthermore, Dr. Martinez Bleech serves as an adjunct faculty member in the University of La Verne’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership program. Dr. Martinez Bleech has been an active member of NASPA since 2016, and serves as the Region VI Community College Representative. Dr. Martinez Bleech holds a degree in statistical science from UC Santa Barbara, a masters in educational counseling from the University of Southern California, and a doctorate of education from CSU Fullerton.

Letitia Williams, Ph.D. serves as Vice President for Student Affairs at Morgan State University, where she provides strategic leadership for a broad Student Affairs portfolio focused on student success, well-being, engagement, learning and development, and career readiness. An educator and higher education leader with more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Williams has worked across the K–16 educational continuum and in higher education systems in both the United States and the Caribbean. Her career has spanned student and academic affairs, with a focus on strengthening the student experience, closing gaps in support and opportunity, and developing integrated approaches that help students persist, develop, and thrive. Her leadership is informed by experience working across different institutional and national contexts. A former Fulbright Fellow, Dr. Williams holds a Ph.D. in Education Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Case Willoughby is a nationally recognized student affairs leader and Vice President for Student Affairs at Brightpoint Community College. Centering his work on student learning and success, he oversees academic advising, admissions, athletics, career services, financial aid, student conduct, and support services. At Butler County Community College, he spearheaded student success efforts that were credited with a doubling of student graduation rates.

His national leadership roles include serving on the NASPA James E. Scott Academy Board and teaching at NASPA’s Institute for New Vice Presidents of Student Affairs. Recognized as an ACPA Diamond Honoree, Case also co-authored the award-winning paper "Crafting a Culture for Student Success" (2020 National Symposium on Student Retention). He holds a Doctorate and Master's in Higher Education from Columbia University, alongside a Master's from NYU. Case resides near Richmond, VA, with his husband and two dogs.

Kim Bock, Ed.D., is the Director of First-Year Experience and Retention at Wartburg College. She has over a decade of experience in higher education, spanning academic advising, student success, first-year experience, and student transitions. Kim began her career as an academic advisor at Edgewood College and later served in leadership roles at St. Cloud State University, the University of Northern Iowa, and Wartburg College.

Kim earned her B.A. in History and M.S. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Ed.D. in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs from the University of Northern Iowa. As a first-generation college student, she is passionate about helping students feel supported and connected throughout their college experience. Her research and professional interests include first-year experience, retention, advising administration, and leadership development for higher education professionals.

Kevin Willis serves as part of the NASPA Membership Team to provide member support and customer service for NASPA. Kevin previously served in positions on campus in residence life and admissions before coming to NASPA in 2022. 

Gavin earned their Ph.D. in Foundations of Education and Inquiry from the University of South Carolina’s College of Education and completed a graduate certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies. Prior to joining the faculty at Illinois State University, Gavin worked for several years as a university administrator in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at the University of South Carolina, where they led and supported social justice- and equity-focused initiatives. Earlier in their career, Gavin was an outdoor educator at Princeton University, leading youth in backpacking and other experiential education programs, work that continues to inform their approach to leadership, pedagogy, and community building.

SMF is the NASPA Region 2 Faculty Representative and co-lead for the NASPA Faculty Institute. With over 25 years of professional experience in res life, student life, and academic affairs, his scholarship focuses on mattering, belonging, graduate teaching, and graduate student services. Prior to Villanova, he was a visiting professor and faculty-in-residence at the University of North Texas.  A graduate of the University of Florida and The Ohio State University's HESA programs, he unofficially majored in college at Florida Atlantic University. He is a proud cat dad.

Kerry earned an Ed.D. in Counselor Education, Graduate Certificate in Gender & Women’s Studies, and M.S. in College Student Affairs from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Before joining the faculty, their career included practitioner experience in identity-based centers at private and public institutions, community college counseling, and public university academic advising. Drawing on this broad background, Kerry enjoys supporting students navigate graduate pathways and career progression in student affairs. Their work is rooted in mentorship and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging in higher education.

Emily Gray is a new professional with experience in leadership education, transition and support programs, and First Generation student success. Emily currently serves as the Co-Lead for Professional and Scholarly Development on the NASPA NPGS leadership team. She is deeply passionate about supporting emerging professionals in finding their home within Student Affairs. Emily recently graduated from Texas State University with a Masters of Education in Student Affairs in Higher Education. 

Currently serves as a Residence Hall Director at the University of Connecticut since fall 2022. Originally from Praia, Cabo Verde, he attended the University of Rhode Island for his masters and Bridgewater State University bachelors.

Marte Marshall is the Director of Residence Life & Conduct at Concordia University, St. Paul. Additionally, he is an EdD candidate studying belonging among male students at a faith-based institution and Co-Chair-Elect of the NASPA Black Diaspora Knowledge Community

Charlie Sloop (He/They) is a second-year graduate student pursuing a master's degree in Student Affairs Administration in the College of Education at Michigan State University. They currently work as a Graduate Assistant for Registered Student Organizations in the Office of Spartan Experiences. Charlie is a graduate of Virginia Tech with two bachelor's of art in theatre arts: performance and public relations. Charlie first explored student affairs by becoming an orientation leader and working across multiple functional areas. Charlie's main role prior to graduation was serving as a Hazing Prevention Specialist & Project Assistant to Student Engagement and Campus Life. Charlie began exploring NASPA through the NASPA Undergraduate Fellowship Program (NUFP), and now serves as a co-chair of the Communications Subcommittee on the NUFP Steering Committee, and a member of the Graduate Associate Program (GAP). Charlie's philosophy toward student affairs is to let your art forge a change amongst people to be curious and serve in lifelong learning.

Dr. Asha’ Jones serves as the Associate Director for Community, Access, and Professional Pathways at NASPA, where she leads initiatives supporting undergraduate and graduate students and emerging student affairs professionals, including the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP) and Graduate Associate Program (GAP). With more than 17 years of experience across higher education and government, she is a scholar, speaker, mentor, and storyteller committed to creating pathways, cultivating community, and ensuring the voices and experiences of historically overlooked communities are heard. Dr. Jones earned her Ph.D. in Education, with research examining Black girlhood, Black womanhood, identity, education, and mentorship through critical autoethnography. Mentorship is at the heart of her work, and she is passionate about helping the next generation recognize their possibilities, find their voice, and bring somebody with them.

Meeghan Milette serves as the Associate Director of Professional Development in University Life at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. She provides leadership to divisional professional development initiatives and signature professional development programs coordinated by the Professional Development team. Ms. Milette has a background in professional development, staff training, building and facilitation of professional learning experiences, collaborative programming, along with supervision and staff management. Milette is committed to enhancing professional staff experiences through her work. Professionally, Milette worked in Housing & Residence Life for over 15 years in various professional roles gaining skills and professional competency in staff management, crisis response, leadership, and training development. Milette currently serves as the Co-Chair of the NASPA Mid-Level Administrator Steering Committee and served on the 2025 Mid-Level Administrator Conference (MLAC) planning team.

Tania Velazquez is a student affairs administrator with more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience across both four-year universities and community colleges. She currently serves as Assistant Dean of Student Services at Suffolk County Community College, where she provides executive oversight of Counseling, Advisement, Career Services, Transfer Services, and mentoring initiatives serving over 11,000 students. She also holds a concurrent role as College-Wide Director of Career Services, leading strategy and operations across three campuses to advance career readiness, employer engagement, and workforce development. She is an active contributor to the field through national presentations, publications, and professional service. Tania has presented extensively at NASPA conferences and currently serves as Co-Chair of the NASPA Mid-Level Administrators Steering Committee. Her previous leadership roles include Chief of Staff for the NASPA Community College Division and Chair of the NASPA Latinx/a/o Knowledge Community. She is also an elected member of the SUNY Community College Leadership Academy.

Loreal N. Marshall is the Associate Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), bringing over 18 years of experience in education, student affairs, and leadership development. Her expertise spans student engagement, cultural identity, risk management, and parliamentary procedure. Loreal previously worked in Fraternity & Sorority Life at The University of Iowa and in Student Leadership at Columbia College Chicago, supporting holistic student success and organizational

excellence.

She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Northern Illinois University, deepening her commitment to inclusive leadership and institutional change.

A Life Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Loreal served as the 23rd Centennial Central Region Syntaktes (Regional Director), leading strategic initiatives around chapter growth, retention, and member development. She also holds membership in Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Loreal is the founder of Profound Healing, LLC, a wellness initiative focused on empowering women through mental health, faith, and holistic support. Above all, she is the proud mother of her amazing five-year-old daughter, Autumn Bright. Her life and work are guided by faith, purpose, and an unwavering passion for equity and empowerment.