Master's Program Class of 2020
Elizabeth Ajagbe
Undergrad: College of Saint Rose
Major: Forensic Psychology
Hometown: Bogota, NJ
Assistantship: HESA Program
Bio: Hi friends! My name is Elizabeth and I'm from a small town in Bergen County, New Jersey. Up until my first semester sophomore year, I was convinced I would secure a job working for the FBI after I graduated. That was true until my mentor convinced me to apply and I was accepted into NASPA's Undergraduate Fellows Program. That spring semester I was funded to go to the national conference, but still skeptical that any of this student affairs "stuff" was relevant to a forensic psychology student like myself. It was sitting in this conference that I was motivated and inspired by the keynote speakers and humbled by all of the other undergraduate students passionate about what they did on their prospective campuses. Since then, the NUFP program as well as my involvement on campus have been pivotal in my exploration and deeper understanding of the field. During my time as an undergrad I was involved in a number of student clubs and organizations as well as worked with a number of different offices. Some of the positions I've held during this time include being a resident assistant, tour guide for undergraduate admissions, and Intercultural Ambassador for our Office of Intercultural Leadership.
Interesting fact about me I was born in Nigeria! On my down time you can usually find me in the kitchen. I love cooking and going to try new restaurants. Also, I play the trumpet, which I picked up sometime around my sophomore year. Excited to start a new chapter of my life in Connecticut and looking forward to learning new things at UConn.
Tessa Bravata
Undergrad: Stetson University
Major: English
Hometown: Palm Beach, FL
Assistantship: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Alumni Relations
Bio: My name is Tessa and I’m from sunny South Florida! I graduated in 2018 from Stetson University where I studied English and Creative Writing. My passion for student affairs developed through my positions at Stetson serving as a leader of the Student Ambassador team and interning in the Leadership Education and Development office. Those experiences allowed me to understand the importance of student affairs professionals and opened my eyes towards the path of becoming one. At a small private liberal arts college, I was able to make strong connections with the faculty and staff advisors, as well as find mentors in many of the graduate assistants that worked in my offices. Now I’m excited to experience a bigger state school in the north and gain a wider understanding of how different campuses operate.
While I’ve found a career in student affairs, I will continue my passion for creative writing, as well. I love to read, write poetry and short nonfiction, and learn how to communicate more efficiently with others. I also enjoy traveling, dancing, visiting Disney, and learning from others.
I’m thrilled to start my journey into higher education with the UConn HESA program and my assistantship in CLAS Alumni Relations! I’m excited to continue my learning through research, immersive experiences, and conversations with my peers.
Mickey Capps
Undergrad: University of Minnesota Morris
Major: Psychology (Communications, Media, and Rhetoric minor)
Hometown: Rogers, MN
Assistantship: Residential Life – Assistant Residence Hall Director
Bio: My name is Mickey Capps and I am from Rogers, Minnesota. For my undergraduate years, I spent one year at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and then transferred to the University of Minnesota Morris where I graduated with a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Communication, Media, & Rhetoric.
While in Morris, I was a Community Advisor (CA) for two years and then became a Hall Director my senior year. I also worked as a Gender/Sexuality Advocate for two years, where I worked on implementing a new pronoun policy for my institution. My experiences in all of these positions helped me realize my love of student affairs and my dedication to student development.
I am an avid performer, having done so for a majority of my life. I was heavily involved in theatre and choir throughout my undergraduate career. In my downtime, I enjoy watching Netflix while cuddling my cat. My favorite colors are dark shades of other colors (Navy Blue, Maroon, Forest Green, etc.). I am excited to continue my student affairs journey at UConn.
Rachel Charette
Undergrad: University at Buffalo
Major: History
Hometown: Ballston Spa, NY
Assistantship: Residential Life – Assistant Residence Hall Director
Bio: My name is Rachel Charette. I grew up in Ballston Spa, New York; a small town within Saratoga County. I have spent the past four years in Buffalo, New York, earning my Bachelor of Arts in History. I completed two minors during my undergraduate years; Education and Educational Leadership and Policy for Equity. During that time, I also worked as a Resident Advisor for two years within First-Year Residence Halls and as a Student Administrative Assistant. Exploring the field of education through my classes and as being a Paraprofessional allowed me the opportunities to learn more about Higher Education, Student Affairs, educational pedagogy, and ways in which I can help make an impact on student’s lives. I used these interests to develop my Senior Thesis which focused on gendered activism; allowing me to gain research experience and a larger context for identities and their impact on student’s lives. Starting in the Fall of 2018, I will be an Assistant Residence Hall Director. I hope to continue to learn and to help students within this role.
Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, art, cooking, and music. I love movie nights and trips to museums. I am very much looking forward to being a part of the UConn community and go Huskies!
Steven Feldman
Undergrad: Muhlenberg College
Major: Music and Gender & Sexuality Studies
Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ
Assistantship: Rainbow Center
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Steven Feldman and I grew up in Cherry Hill, NJ. I graduated from Muhlenberg College in 2016 with a double major in Music and a self-designed major in Gender & Sexuality Studies. During my time as an undergraduate student, I was Vice-President of Membership for the band service fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi, a tour guide, a student employee in the Admissions office, and an active performer around campus; I performed in roughly ten music ensembles each semester of college.
After graduating from Muhlenberg, I spent two years at Stony Brook University, where I received a Master’s degree in Music History & Theory. In addition to working as a Teaching Assistant in a couple of undergraduate music classes, I also had the privilege of working as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Not only did I gain Admissions-related experiences such as reading applications and presenting at college fairs and information sessions, but I also fell in love with Higher Education and Student Affairs. Through my assistantship at Stony Brook and my experiences as a tour guide at Muhlenberg, I’ve found that I am most passionate about working with students and helping them along their journey through the college search process and through college itself. There is no greater reward than seeing the growth and success in the students I work with.
Outside of work and academics, I love to listen to music, eat brunch food, travel, and spend time with the greatest love of my life, Netflix. I am super excited to begin my assistantship in the Rainbow Center and I cannot wait to get started with the UConn HESA program! Go Huskies!!
Joe Galarza
Undergrad: University of Redlands
Major: Sociology and Anthropology
Hometown: San Dimas, CA
Assistantship: Residential Life – Assistant Residence Hall Director
Bio: Hi hello! My name is Joe Galarza and I am from San Dimas, California; a small city outside of Los Angeles. I graduated from the University of Redlands in 2017 with a degree in Sociology and Anthropology. I am lucky to have grown up surrounded by mountains and deserts and beaches and I continue to spend as much time enjoying each as I can.
Throughout my undergraduate work I became involved in numerous ways on and around campus. In my sophomore year, I began working with Residence Life and Housing as a Community Assistant before becoming a Community Director of a residence hall. I became a member of the greek community my sophomore year and after spending a semester abroad in Dublin, Ireland in the spring of my junior year, I began a position as the Greek Intern to program for, foster, and support the Greek community.
In reflecting on each of these experiences in the post-grad, I realized that I could make a career out of my most influential and rewarding experiences thus far. I am beyond excited and humbled to be a part of the HESA program at UConn and to continue to develop my passions in the many experiences to come. Go Huskies!
Will Harmonay
Undergrad: Rider University
Major: Secondary Education, English Creative Writing
Hometown: Poughkeepsie, NY
Assistantship: Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life/Student Activities
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Will Harmonay and I am originally from Poughkeepsie, New York. I completed my undergrad at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ, receiving a degree in Secondary Education and English Writing in the Spring of 2018! While I was at Rider, I found my love for Student Affairs working in Admissions as a Tour Guide, serving as an Orientation Leader, joining Sigma Phi Epsilon, holding multiple positions on our Greek Council, and living in multiple residence halls for three years as an RA! All of these experiences have solidified my desire to pursue a degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs, and I couldn't be more excited to do that at UConn! My undergrad has about 4,100 students, so it'll be interesting to see the difference at a school with over 20,000 undergrad students!
In my free time, I enjoy going on hikes, discovering new music, and driving around exploring new places! I also love spending time with my family, especially my two baby nephews. I am beyond excited to spend the next two years with everyone and to see what those years will bring!
Ryan Haynes
Undergrad: California State University, Monterey Bay
Major: Liberal Studies, Literature Emphasis
Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA
Assistantship: Residential Life - Assistant Residence Hall Director
Bio: Hey y'all, my name is Ryan Haynes (he, him, his)! I grew up in Santa Cruz, California and graduated with honors from California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) where I studied Liberal Studies (Education) with an emphasis in Literature. In my time at CSUMB I focused my studies on social justice, as it relates to education, specifically focusing on low-income, first-generation, students of color, and LGBTQ+ identifying students in K-12 and higher education. In undergrad I continually worked in K-12 classrooms as a service learner, served in many different roles within Student Housing and Residential Life, did research on LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum and how school discipline affects LGBTQ+ youth, worked as a Cultural Enrichment Commissioner for Associated Students, and had a summer ACUHO-I internship at Northwestern University.
Since graduating I have worked as a Residential Manager for a property management company and currently work as an Academy Assistant for Special Projects at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. I look forward to once again being a res-lifer and fostering an inclusive and positive living-learning environment with the rest of the res life team.
In my free time I love traveling, attending drag shows, looking at memes and watching vines, hiking, cooking, making art, reading, writing, and spending time with loved ones. Most of all, I love my dog, Boo Boo. I cannot wait to begin this exciting experience at University of Connecticut! Go Huskies!
Kailee Himes
Undergrad: University of Connecticut
Major: Actuarial Science
Hometown: Arvada, CO
Assistantship: Center for Career Development
Bio: Hello! My name is Kailee Himes and I am originally from the foothills of Colorado (Go Broncos!). This is not my first time as a student in Storrs! I attended UConn as an undergraduate and graduated with a degree in Actuarial Science. When I wasn’t studying, I spent most of my time in student organizations such as Student Government as the Student Services Chair, Community Outreach, and I also worked at Four Arrows which provides experiential learning programs for groups on campus. Working closely with mentors and administrators in these positions is where my interest in a career in Student Affairs began.
I graduated in 2015 and have been working in Boston for a corporate firm since then. While I love math and data, contributing to large corporate growth has not led to finding meaning in my career. Having been out of the higher education realm has given me the perspective that I needed to solidify my desire to develop college students. I’m looking forward to earning my master’s degree and serving students, once again!
Outside of work, I love exploring Boston and visiting all of the quaint towns that New England has to offer while listening to my favorite podcasts. I’m thrilled to be going back to Storrs and cannot wait to see what the future holds. Go Huskies!
Shay Hopley
Undergrad: Clark University
Major: English
Hometown: Princeton, MA
Assistantship: The Graduate School
Bio: My name is Shalyn Hopley, but please feel free to call me Shay. I am from Princeton, MA, but I have been working in Residence Life for the past four years, first in Fargo, ND at North Dakota State University and most recently in Danbury, CT at Western Connecticut State University. Prior to that, I received my undergraduate degree at Clark University in English with concentration of women and gender and a minor in business management.
Student Affairs unites two of my passions: education and storytelling. I come from a family of educators, and it is through my involvement as a Resident Assistant and student leader that I found my education niche working with students to help them develop the skills they will use for life. As I started to get more interested in Student Affairs, my assistant dean of students at Clark said to me that his job was to teach people the value of their stories and how they can tell their stories in a way that impacts the world around them. For me, that was the moment the light went off, and I knew this was the field for me.
I deeply enjoy crafting and working out, even though I’m bad at them. I love to cook and bake, listen to podcasts, go for walks, and spend time with folks over a snack or cup of tea. I have four siblings, three of which are under the age of 10, and one amazing partner who has followed me on this student affairs journey. I am excited to create community with the HESA Class of 2020 cohort and make UConn one of my homes!
Corey Moore
Undergrad: University of Connecticut
Major: Finance
Hometown: New Haven, CT
Assistantship: Residential Life - Assistant Residence Hall Director
Bio: My name is Corey Moore. I was born and raised in New Haven, CT, and have always been a truly devoted leader in my own right, constantly working to better myself and my community. Previously, I was an honors student at UConn and worked hard during my four years to excel in the classroom as a Day of Pride Scholar. But although Finance was my major, the work I was most proud of took place outside the classroom. Utilizing the coursework and strong network provided by the School of Business, I served as an intern at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP for three summers.
But as I prepare for graduate school and the next chapter in my life, it will not be the accolades received but rather my impact on this campus that I will be most proud of. Most recently I served as the President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and the Resident Assistant for the ScHOLA²RS House Learning Community. In both roles I worked to enhance the experience and promote the success of Black males at UConn. Through the planning of meetings, panels, and a Black male leadership conference entitled Dear Young Brother, I have continued to facilitate meaningful conversations on campus. Moving forward, I am excited to continue my work with Residential Life, while taking full advantage of all the UConn HESA program has to offer.
Kayla Cole
Undergrad: Eastern Connecticut State University
Major: English
Hometown: Manchester, CT
Assistantship: Education Abroad
Bio: Hey! Although I was raised in Connecticut, my blood line originates from Grand Anse, Grenada (Wah say, Kirani James) and I couldn't be more proud! My higher education journey began at Manchester Community College, where I got my Associates in General Studies. During my time at MCC, I decided that I was going to be the first person in my family to go for a Bachelor’s degree. Enter, Eastern Connecticut State University. While at Eastern, I started working in the Office of Continuing Studies and Enhanced Learning as a student worker. It was here that I discovered my passion for Higher Education and Student Affairs as I worked with Study Abroad and International Students, in addition to my time spent as the Vice President of United Voices of Praise - a gospel choir on campus. I also enjoyed being a part of the Multicultural Leadership Council where I got to collaborate with other minority students.
After graduating, I continued my work with Study Abroad and International Students at Eastern as a Study Abroad Advisor and Designated School Official.
When I am not at work, you can catch me writing (I am currently working on my second collection of poems called "Hold"), reading, volunteering at my church or drooling over the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Collection at Target!
One year later, I am excited to start this new leg of my higher education journey at UConn with HESA and Education Abroad. I am so blessed to have this opportunity and look forward to growing during this next stage as a husky!
Santana Mowbray
Undergrad: University of Georgia
Major: Criminal Justice and Spanish
Hometown: Port Antonio, Jamaica
Assistantship: Careers for the Common Good
Bio: Hi y’all! My name is Santana Mowbray. I was born and raised in Port Antonio, Jamaica but now reside in New Haven, Connecticut where I teach Spanish to high school sophomores and juniors. I attended The University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) where I studied Criminal Justice and Spanish. Shortly after graduating in 2015, I chose to serve as a Teach for America corps member because I am passionate about working with and advocating for low-income, first-generation students. During my time at UGA, I served as a resident assistant for three years and was involved in numerous other organizations that sparked my interest in student affairs.
In my spare time, I enjoy dancing, listening to music, and traveling to new countries. I love scented candles, anything coconut-flavored, the color red and spicy foods. I also currently play netball for a club team here in CT. I am excited to begin this journey at UConn. Go Huskies!
Cody Olson
Undergrad: Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Major: Marketing and Management
Hometown: Elysburg, PA
Assistantship: Pre-College Summer Program (Office of Early College Programs)
Bio: My name is Cody Olson, and I am from Elysburg, Pennsylvania (Home of Knoebles Amusement Park). However, I was born in rural North Dakota, and nearly every member of my extended family still lives in the Midwest. I graduated from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania in May of 2018 with a dual degree in Marketing and Management. I enjoyed my business classes at Ship, but my involvement outside of the classroom allowed me to discover my true passion of helping other college students learn, grow, and succeed.
At Shippensburg I created my own mentorship program for every incoming undeclared student meant to prepare them for their collegiate careers academically, socially, and emotionally. I also worked with Ship’s president to create the Presidential Student Advisory Committee, which provides student leaders with a chance to communicate their ideas and concerns to the president of the university. Additionally, I became heavily involved with my university’s New Student Orientation Team, Alumni Association Ambassadors, Admissions Staff, Honors College, and an educational club called Reach Out that travels every January to teach in an impoverished elementary school in the Dominican Republic. I also had the chance to serve on various professional committees pertaining to our new president’s inauguration, Fall Welcome Week, and the university’s new First-Year Experience program.
Outside of the classroom, I love watching and playing sports, playing board games, listening to music and NPR, exploring new coffee shops, appreciating trees, and going to concerts or musicals. Shippensburg will always have a special place in my heart, but I am so excited for the next chapter of my life as a Husky!
Kellie Ruccolo
Undergrad: University of Massachusetts Boston
Major: Communication
Hometown: Acushnet, MA
Assistantship: Student Union
Bio: My name is Kellie, and I am from Acushnet, a small town in Massachusetts, but I’ve spent the last four years living in Boston majoring in Communication and minoring in Professional Writing.
As an undergrad, I was involved with UMass Boston’s Honors College, the Office of Student Leadership and Community Engagement, student media, and Student Affairs. My passion for working with students was realized when I began working as an Honors College Ambassador. I was able to talk with both current and prospective students to share the college’s story. I was also the editor-in-chief of an on-campus magazine called Writ Large, with which I was able to help students tell their own stories on topics like privilege. These experiences contributed to my passion for Student Affairs.
My goal is to positively impact students’ experiences during college. I feel like I have learned so much during college, and I have had such a great support system, and I want to pass that on to other students. I’m so excited to begin my journey at UConn, and I can’t wait to see what these next two years will bring. Go Huskies!
Merry Ryer
Undergrad: Ithaca College
Major: English, Theatre Studies
Hometown: Grafton, MA
Assistantship: Dean of Students Office
Bio: Hi, everyone! My name is Merry Ryer and I’m from central Massachusetts. I pursued my education in beautiful Ithaca, NY and graduated from Ithaca College in 2016 with degrees in English and Theatre Studies. My college experience also gave me lots of outdoor adventures, transformative leadership and volunteer experiences, and ultimately an interest in higher education administration.
This interest led me to my first job as an Undergraduate Admissions Counselor at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, where I have worked for the past two years. While I have enjoyed exploring the field professionally (and not having to pump my own gas in NJ!), I’m looking forward to taking the next step with a master’s degree and growing as a professional through the HESA program.
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, podcasts, and getting way too invested in The Bachelor. I am so excited to start my next chapter at UConn. Go Huskies!
Yasmine Taha
Undergrad: SUNY Genesco
Major: Sociology
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Assistantship: Women's Center
Bio: My name is Yasmine Taha, and I am from Rochester, NY. In 2015, I graduated from SUNY Geneseo where I was a Sociology major with a minor in Spanish. As an undergraduate student, I served in various leadership roles as a writing tutor, teaching assistant, resident assistant and a peer advocate for a student helpline. Since graduation, I have been working as a Residence Hall Director at SUNY Delhi. In this position, I enjoy collaborating with faculty to organize living learning communities in the residence halls. I love that I help develop and support both resident assistants and peer tutors in my role!
In college, I heavily explored issues of racial injustice, gender inequality, neoliberalism and neocolonialism. I would like to dedicate my career to supporting historically marginalized students in some capacity. During my senior year, I conducted an independent study on the academic and social experiences that students of color have on primarily white campuses. I also explored how college administrators can best support underrepresented students in these settings. I look forward to continuing my work as an educator and activist at UConn.
Anthony Tellez
Undergrad: Rutgers State University of New Jersey
Major: Psychology and Human Resource Management
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Assistantship: Residential Life - Assistant Residence Hall Director
Bio: Hello friends! My name is Anthony Tellez and I am a graduate of Rutgers University as of May 2018. Prior to attending Rutgers, I actually attended a community college for two years where I received my associate’s degree. I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, but have lived in New Jersey for most of my life. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new locations and finding new hobbies. I’m a HUGE fan of dogs and have traditionally spent my summers working at an animal shelter near home (even though I am actually allergic to them).
Throughout my time as an undergrad, I have been involved in many activities which have ultimately sparked my interest in Student Affairs. I worked in residence life, new student orientation, student programming, and student leadership and student advocacy. It was through my involvement in these activities that I met the mentors and individuals who I aspire like in this to be as I enter this field.
I am beyond thrilled to begin my journey in the HESA program at UConn. Can’t wait to see what the next two years have in store, I am looking forward to continuing my education and creating new friendships!
Anna Will
Undergrad: Indiana University
Major: Biology
Hometown: St. Wendel, Indiana
Assistantship: Student Activities – Student Union Board of Governors
Bio: My name is Anna Will and I grew up on a dairy farm in St. Wendel, Indiana. I have spent the majority of my life in the Midwest and cannot wait to experience the Northeast! I graduated in May 2017 from Indiana University with a major in Biology and a Psychology minor. Two of my favorite undergrad experiences were studying abroad in Wollongong, Australia and serving as President of Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity.
Funny enough, my interest in higher education and student affairs began with me teaching elementary students about dairy cows. This experience motivated me to seek out opportunities to educate and assist students during their own journeys. Eventually, I found my way to student affairs thanks to several mentors and working as an IU Peer Coach during my undergrad. My passion for the field was reaffirmed after serving as the UIndy 21st Century Scholar Specialist and being part of my students’ college experience. I hope to continue positively impacting students during my time at UConn. I intend to combine my two passions of student affairs and dairy cattle by working for an agriculture college and helping dairy science students.
In my free time, I love to read, watch my favorite sports teams, listen to Def Leppard, and show dairy cattle at competitions. I actually hope to become involved with the UConn Dairy Club! I am excited to begin my assistantship in Student Activities with the Student Union Board of Governors and see what the next two years bring as a Husky!