Jenny Tyniec is the Senior Assistant Dean of Students for Residential Life and Student Engagement at Claremont McKenna College. She has more than 20 years of experience in higher education spanning admissions, community service, student activities, orientation, residential life, and academic advising. She has also served as adjunct faculty, teaching psychology classes and first year seminars. She is an avid marathon runner and dog love. She earned a Master of Education in Psychology and Counseling from Springfield College and her Bachelor of Arts in History from Drew University. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the USC Rossier School of Education in the Global Executive program.

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.

Milette earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a focus in International Relations from the University of Rhode Island. She earned a Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University. She has presented multiple times nationally and regionally on topics that include Supervision Skills and Strategies, Professional Development Design, the Multigenerational Workforce, Professional Staff Experiences, Graduate Assistant Experience, Second-Year Experience, Inclusive Housing Practices, Leveraging Technology in Collaborative Work Environments, amongst others.

Tania Velazquez is a student affairs professional with extensive experience in both large public universities and community colleges. She currently serves as Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and College Director for Career Services at Suffolk County Community College.

Her career has centered on supporting diverse student populations, including at-risk students, veterans, individuals facing mental health challenges, and those exploring career development. A published author and seasoned presenter, she has shared her expertise at local, regional, and national conferences.

Tania’s research interests focus on middle management and self-care within the community college sector. She earned an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Suffolk County Community College, a B.S. from SUNY Geneseo, and an M.S.W. with a specialization in Student Community Development from Stony Brook University.

Passionate about higher education, Tania is committed to mentoring others while championing resilience, representation, and purpose-driven leadership.

Tim Burkhalter serves as the Associate Dean of Students at UNC Greensboro, a dynamic campus of over 18,500 students in North Carolina. In this role, Tim's portfolio includes leadership and supervision to a multifaceted Dean of Students Office which consists of areas such as basic needs assistance, behavioral assessment, bias response, crisis management, mental health and academic support, student advocacy, student rights & responsibilities, and Title IX support.

Tim is an educator, student affairs pro, and wellbeing advocate. Over his 29-year career in student affairs and higher education, he has worked on several campuses, serving in various capacities also inclusive of student conduct, residence education/housing, student life, and as adjunct faculty. He has served in leadership and service roles with NASPA, currently serving on the Mid-Level Administrators Steering Committee.

Tim has a Ph.D. is in Counselor Education from the University of South Carolina Columbia. He has a M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from James Madison University and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina Charlotte.

In his “free time”, Tim is an avid sports fan and shih tzu dad who enjoys time with family, nature, personal fitness, and the arts

Jess Raffaele (she/her) has nearly 20 years of experience in Student Affairs and Higher Education, with roles at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island School of Design, Bryant University, and Rhode Island College. Her work has centered on student transitions, co-curricular engagement, leadership development, and event planning.

Jess is an active leader within NASPA, serving as Rhode Island State Director since 2019, a member of the NASPA Region I Conference Committee (2023–2025), and previously on the NASPA Region I Mid-Level Institute Committee (2016–2017). She is currently serving a two-year term on the NASPA National Mid-Level Administrators Steering Committee (2025–2027).

Certified as a Gallup CliftonStrengths Coach in 2018, Jess has facilitated coaching sessions and trainings for individuals and teams, empowering people to recognize and maximize their unique talents. She holds both a B.S. and M.S. from the University of Rhode Island and resides in Rhode Island, where she enjoys reading, the beach, and time with her dog, family, and friends.