Master's Program, Fall 2021 Entry

Sarah Abbey

Undergrad: George Washington University

Major: International Affairs

Hometown: Arlington, TX

Assistantship: Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Bio: Hello all! My name is Sarah Abbey. I grew up in Arlington, TX but moved to Washington, DC, where I currently live, for my undergrad degree. Throughout my time in undergrad, I very accidentally fell into student government and student facing work at my university. These experiences very quickly developed into a passion for student affairs, which I was able to explore in many different capacities. Furthermore, I became fascinated by social identities and culture and the ways those lenses shape our understanding of the world. I am particularly interested in research around the intersections of race/ethnicity, sexuality/gender, and religion. I am fascinated by the ways that all of those identities interact with each other and create communities, bolster a sense of collective narrative, foster senses of belonging, and help students grapple with their self-conception.

While at UConn, I would like to learn to better acknowledge the impact of students’ lived experiences on their development, shift institutional and curricular methodologies towards those helpful for marginalized students, and develop the ability to implement long-term strategies that facilitate dialogue across differences. My long term goal is to become a Provost for Diversity and Inclusion or head the Retention and Graduation department at a University.

In my free time, I love to read-queer theory and YA fiction are my top two genres, love to cook and eat good food and have a high value for deep conversations. I am obsessed with cider and can’t wait to take advantage of all the cideries the Northeast has to offer! Looking forward to building community and learning together.

Cara Connor

Undergrad: Missouri State University

Major: Communication

Hometown: Lee’s Summit, MO

Assistantship: Office of Fraternity & Sorority Development

Bio: Hello! My name is Cara Connor (she/her/hers). I am from Lee's Summit, MO, right outside of Kansas City. I recently graduated from Missouri State University, where I majored in Communication with minors in Ethical Leadership and Advertising & Promotions. As a bright-eyed college freshman, I dove straight into all the leadership opportunities available at my university. I was fortunate enough to be involved in various student leadership positions in Orientation, Admissions, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and Student Government. Through these positions, I had so many impactful experiences that led me to find my passion in working with college students.

I want to work to provide an environment in which all students feel supported and appreciated. I am fueled by seeing all the inequities and injustices we still currently have in higher education. I believe that college should be a right, not a privilege, and I want to advocate for this throughout my work as a HESA professional. I have loved all the experiences I have had working in student affairs as an undergraduate, and I am looking forward to having many more at UConn.

Outside of work and academics, I enjoy hiking, trying new foods, hanging with my dog, and taking care of my vast collection of house plants. I'm excited for the opportunity to be a part of UConn's HESA program and further develop as a higher education professional. I can't wait to embark on this journey for the next two years at UConn! Go Huskies!

Claire Dutton

Undergrad: Kenyon College

Major: Psychology

Hometown: Dublin, OH

Assistantship: Dean of Students Office

Bio: Hello! My name is Claire Dutton (she/her/hers) and I'm originally from Dublin, Ohio. I graduated from Kenyon College in 2014 with a psychology degree. I lived in Boston for 5 years and now I live in Los Angeles.

Before I started college, I participated in the Kenyon College Community Service Pre-Orientation Program, where incoming first year students arrive on campus early to volunteer at local community service sites. Pre-O was an incredible, positive start to my college experience and I spent the next three years as a leader then head coordinator of the program. My time leading Pre-O helped shape my identity and my passion to create welcoming, inclusive communities, which I want to bring to a career in student affairs.

After graduation, I worked in the mental health field in Boston. As a mental health worker at a residential treatment program called Monte Nido Laurel Hill, I worked with clients who were recovering from eating disorders. When I was promoted to Program Coordinator at the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Boston (a day treatment program), my role was both clinical and administrative as I supported clients with the admission and orientation process. In Los Angeles, I was the project manager for a mental health and wellness retreat company. I look forward to bringing my experience in mental healthcare to my work in student affairs.

During my free time, I enjoy playing ultimate frisbee, hiking, camping, and sewing. I am so excited to start the UConn HESA program in the fall and pursue a career in higher education where I can support students with their learning, growth, and wellbeing!

Alicia Harlow

Undergrad: Old Dominion University

Major: Business Management

Hometown: Ramsey, NJ

Bio: Hi! My name is Alicia Harlow, and I grew up in the small suburban town of Ramsey, NJ. I moved to Norfolk, VA to attend Old Dominion University for my undergrad years. After graduation, I worked in the retail sector for several years in Virginia & North Carolina. In 2015, I became a mother and many of my life & career goals and aspirations changed. By chance, I ended up working in an administrative role at the college of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA and fell in love with the world of higher education. In August of 2020, I was offered the Educational Program Assistant position at the UConn School of Pharmacy, and relocated to Connecticut amidst the pandemic. I am eager to continue my education, and look forward to being a part of the UCONN HESA cohort!

Shannon Healey

Undergrad: UConn

Major: Business management & Human Development and Family Sciences

Hometown: Milford, CT

Assistantship: Residential Life: Assistant Residence Hall Director

Bio: Hi everyone, I’m Shannon! I graduated from UConn in 2020 with a BS in Business Management and a BA in Human Development and Family Sciences. I have a 2 year old Sheepadoodle named Aspen and spend most of my time thinking and talking about her. I also love to play basketball (if you can’t find me, try the rec), enjoy reading, video games, swimming, and am on my way to becoming an expert hiker. During my UConn career I was an orientation leader and pack leader, volunteered with res life, and worked in the admissions office among other things. I was also a manager for the Women’s Basketball team, working practices and games and traveling with the team. During the summer of 2018, I worked abroad at a company called Immedis in Dublin, Ireland which was an incredible experience. While trying to figure out what was coming next on my journey, I compared my different business internships and my jobs worked across campus and realized that I felt much more myself working with and for students. I am really excited to see where my time in HESA leads me to next!

Tarah Jordan

Undergrad: Clark University

Major: Women's & Gender Studies

Hometown: Old Bridge, NJ

Assistantship: Office of Institutional Equity

Bio: Hi all, my name is Tarah (she/they). I graduated from Clark University in Worcester, MA in December 2020 with a degree in Women's & Gender Studies and a minor in Political Science. My undergraduate studies directly impact my passion and work in student affairs. Higher education accessibility is extremely important to me, especially for disabled students and LGBTQ-identifying students. As someone who faced obstacles in my own higher education journey due to these identities, it's important for me to pave an accessible path to college for all students that takes into account their varying identities.

Most of my student affairs experience lies in Orientation — I was a Peer Advisor for two years working directly with incoming students, and as a senior I served as 1 of 6 Orientation Coordinators. I specifically planned and executed my university's Early Orientation Program for students registered with the accessibility office. It was this experience at the nexus of my passions for orientation, accessibility, and student leadership that really pushed me to pursue student affairs as a career. I also have experience in interpersonal violence and Title IX related issues which is what my assistantship will focus on, as well as study abroad experience; I studied in Perugia, Italy my junior year! Overall, I find that I am my best self when I am connecting and collaborating with others, advocating for and supporting students, and helping people find a home within their university.

I see myself as an (anxious) extrovert who loves to hang out with others and explore new places. I enjoy spending time outdoors, going to concerts, shooting and editing photography, playing board games, drinking chai lattes, and snuggling my cats!

Nicki Hosey

Undergrad: University of Connecticut

Major: Human Development and Family Studies

Hometown: Coventry, CT

Assistantship: Community Standards

Bio: Hello! My name is Nicki (she/her/hers) and I graduated from UConn in 2018 with a B.A. in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in Psychological Sciences.

Being a UConn Connects Mentor in the Academic Achievement Center was one of the most meaningful experiences in my undergraduate career and inspired me to pursue a profession where I can help students navigate their personal, professional, and academic goals. I also had the opportunity to work in the Office of Student Financial Aid Services and serve as a mentor in the Rainbow Center. Following graduation, I had the privilege of joining UConn’s Office of Global Affairs. I worked in Education Abroad for just over two years before transitioning to Global Partnerships & Outreach.

Each of these roles have confirmed my passion for advocating for students as well as working to understand and actively address the inequities and challenges students are faced with, particularly those in marginalized communities. I am so grateful to be able to continue my education at UConn in a program that emphasizes continuous reflection and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Pedro Santiago

Undergrad: Wagner College

Major: English

Hometown: Staten Island, New York

Assistantship: Student Activities- Major Events and Programs

Bio: Hey y, all! My name is Pedro Santiago, and I am from Staten Island, New York. I attended Wagner College for my undergraduate degree in English with a minor in civic engagement and sociology. During my undergrad, I was a member of the Bonner leaders Program, which focused on community engagement and identity. Through this program, I was fortunate enough to work with many community partners and nonprofits, addressing issues within surrounding neighborhoods while thinking of solutions through the perspective and engagement of those within. I grew passionate about culture, race, identity, and systematic oppression, all of which impact the development of minority youth and limit our choices.

Growing up with a father incarcerated, a young mother, and being Latinx, I constantly was looked down upon due to these factors. Seeing that college wasn't expected of students in similar situations and identities pushed me by not allowing myself to be defined by my circumstances. Yet, I noticed that these disadvantages usually limited individuals. This realization caused me to become fascinated by the impacts of socio-economics, community, race, and identity had on the individual and their success.

These experiences cultivated my passion for Higher Education and its endless opportunity to spark changes through a vast network of outlets. I look forward to being part of the HESA community, obtaining new perspectives while fostering change to encompass all forms of identity within Higher Education for our future youth. Let's keep pushing for change!

P.S. I love listening to music, hiking, enjoying nature, designing and repurposing furniture, and intellectual conversations that get deep.

Crismar Santos

Undergrad: UConn Hartford

Major: Psychological Science and Human Development and Family Sciences minor

Hometown: Hartford, CT

Assistantship: Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Bio: Hola! My name is Crismar Santos, I was raised and born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States in 2015. I earned my Bachelor of Psychological Sciences with a Minor in Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Connecticut in 2021.

During my Undergrad years at UConn Hartford I was part of the AAC. I started my journey as a peer mentor and eventually became an intern. Also my involvement in the Office of Student Services allowed me to have the opportunity to make more relationships, develop a passion for students affairs and also helped me find the path that I wanted to follow for my future career. My passion to support students and help them through their college journey and future careers led me to UConn HESA. I am excited to continue my education as a Husky now in UConn Storrs.

Besides work and school, I love to spend time with my friends, go shopping, listen to music & cook. I can’t wait to be part of this new experience!

Stephanie Sellin

Undergrad: UC Santa Barbara

Major: Communication

Hometown: Los Banos, CA

Assistantship: Residential Life - Student Welfare

Bio: Hi! My name is Stephanie (she/her/hers) and although I moved around a lot as a kid, I consider myself to be from Los Banos, CA. I graduated with honors from UC Santa Barbara in 2020 with a degree in Communication and minor in socio-cultural Linguistics. Upon graduation I began working at a law firm, aiding an attorney on mass tort cases for those that lost their homes from California wildfires. I knew prior to graduation that my passion lay within higher education and I am eager to get back to a college campus! I fell in love with student affairs from my on campus jobs including orientation programs, a peer mentorship program, working to combat food insecurity, and an internship in the office of the vice chancellor for student affairs. I’m keen to be an advocate for students on multiple fronts, especially mental health. In my free time you will typically find me at the beach, hiking, baking bread, reading, or snuggling with my cat.

Ani Terterian

Undergrad: Kalamazoo College

Major: Mathematics and French

Hometown: Dearborn, MI

Assistantship: Residential Life: Assistant Residence Hall Director

Bio: Hello there! My name is Ani (she/her) and my chosen hometown is Dearborn, Michigan. A few things that I love: indoor plants, astrology, traveling, my Armenian heritage, and bubble tea. As I write this bio, I am still processing the reality of starting my masters degree at UConn. Some may call it fate, destiny, or luck, but I truly believe that everything that happens in life, occurs to teach us a lesson and reach our higher selves. I graduated from Kalamazoo College with my bachelors degree in Mathematics and French. My undergraduate experience can be highlighted by my role as an RA for first year students, where I learned that Student Affairs was the path for me. I didn’t anticipate that experience to be life changing, but here we are.

I am coming to Connecticut after living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for two years, where I was an Assistant Director of Residential Life at Coe College. I am feeling equipped to dive into my masters degree with an open mind and grateful heart. I aim to focus my studies on the experiences of students who are children of immigrants, and amplify the needs of South West Asian and North African (SWANA) students. I am so thrilled to start my UConn journey, and I welcome all that comes with it. Go Huskies!