Skip to main content
University of Rochester

College Center for Advising Services

About Us

Our Staff

To schedule an appointment with an advisor, please call our office at (585) 275-2354 or stop by Lattimore 312. Advisors are also available to answer your questions by email. Contact us at cascas@ur.rochester.edu.

Photo of staff member.

Anna Alden

Academic Advisor

Anna joined CCAS in March 2019. She is a graduate of the University of Rochester and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in educational administration at the Warner School of Education.

Anna has previously worked in the Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program as the assistant for the Writing and Speaking Center. In that position she coordinated tutoring, organized undergraduate writing events, and supported students in their writing processes.

She currently advises students in the Hajim School, coordinates aspects of the GEAR program, and manages undergraduate prizes. She is very excited to be supporting engineering and applied science students!

Stephen Armstrong

Stephen Armstrong

Academic Counselor

Stephen is an alumnus of Wells College, class of 2016, majoring in psychology. Currently, Stephen is pursuing a masters degree in educational administration from the Warner School of Education here at the University of Rochester.

Stephen was our very own graduate assistant and recently hired as an academic counselor. In addition to general advising, Stephen reviews independent and internship proposals, coordinates the Peer Advising Program, serves as a GRADE advisor, and coordinates AP and IB credit.

Chip Bailey

Chip Bailey

Academic Advisor

Chip Bailey joined CCAS in June 2010. He is a 2010 graduate of Nazareth College, Rochester with master of arts in liberal studies degree and holds a bachelor of music degree from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi.

He has had a diverse career in higher education serving as adjunct instructor in voice for the Music Department at the Rochester Institute of Technology and as adjunct lecturer in arts management for the Department of Dance at the SUNY College at Brockport.

Chip is an academic advisor whose primary responsibilities include general academic advising, coordinator for change of status, coordinator of the Independent Studies/Internships team, and coordinator for the academic review process each semester.

John Ballou

Supervisor of Academic Records

John Ballou graduated with a BS in environmental science from the University of Rochester in 1997. He joined the staff of CCAS in November 2002 as an academic advisor for the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He moved into the role of supervisor of Academic Records in August 2009.

John serves as oversight of all official undergraduate student files and serves as the system administrator for the OnBase student document system. His role also includes monitoring incomplete contracts, non-registrants, late grades, mid-term warnings, and undeclared majors.

Kelly Barbic

Kelly Barbic

Assistant Director

Kelly Barbic joined CCAS in January 2002. She graduated from the University of Rochester in 1998 with a BA in health and society and psychology. As an undergraduate, Kelly studied abroad in London where she interned at a child psychiatric facility. She then worked as a psychiatric technician with child and adolescent patients at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Kelly earned her MS in higher education administration from the Warner School in 2003. Before arriving at CCAS, she spent a year in Residential Life and completed an internship at the Career Center. Kelly does general and transfer student advising, serves on the Independent Studies team, and coordinates AP and IB credit. She manages the CCAS email and the cluster exception process. Kelly also assists with petitions to the Administrative Committee.

Brooke Brehm

Records Specialist

Brooke Brehm joined CCAS in 2018. She graduated with a BA in music from the University of Rochester in 2016, and obtained her MS in arts administration from Drexel University in 2017. Before returning to the University of Rochester, she worked in ticketing and database roles at Walnut Street Theatre for two years. As an academic records specialist, Brooke evaluates transfer credit and assists in the Records office.

Justin Bruce

Assistant Director for Orientation and First Year Programs

Justin graduated from Lafayette College with a BS in neuroscience, followed by a Master's program at the College of William and Mary. After being involved with Student Affairs at the College of William and Mary, as well as Lasell College, he joined our beloved University of Rochester as the Assistant Director of Orientation and First-Year Programs.

Justin's work currently focuses with Orientation, Advising Week, First-Year Fellows, Peer Advisors, First-Year Programs and advising.

Angela Buchiere

Academic Counselor

Angela joined CCAS in 2017. She earned a BA in women and gender studies with a minor in Spanish from The College at Brockport State University of New York. Angela was a first-generation college student and a member of the McNair Program at SUNY Brockport. She received an MS in Conflict Resolution from Portland State University. Angela most recently held the position of Clinical Team Lead, working in case management for Medicaid recipients with chronic conditions.

In addition to her role as an academic counselor, Angela is also assisting with the Brady and Handler Scholars, the E5 Program, coordinating The College’s Prizes, counseling students on academic probation, and processing requests for independent study.

Eddie Coomber

Administrative Support

Eddie joined CCAS in August 2018. He previously worked at Strong Memorial Hospital as an Outpatient Access Specialist in the Pediatric Specialty Offices of Pediatric Endocrinology, Adolescent Medicine, and Infectious Disease.  As a CCAS front staff member, Eddie helps perform administrative assistance duties as needed. Outside of work, Eddie can be seen on stage in many local Theater productions.

Emma Derisi

Academic Counselor & Coordinator for Undergraduate Global Initiatives

Emma has worked at the University of Rochester since 2015, when she returned to Rochester after living abroad and working in higher education in Argentina and England. She also has experience working with community college students, especially in transfer advising. She now advises students in the Hajim School; including engineering and computer science majors. Some of Emma's other responsibilities include: directing the Grand Challenges Scholars Program, managing programs for international experiences other than study abroad and exchange programs, and overseeing the Industry Practicum and Co-Op program for HSEAS students. Emma holds a BA in psychology, and MS Ed in Counselor Education.

Meredith Doubleday

International Student Counselor

Meredith Doubleday joined CCAS in 2018. She earned her B. A. from the University of Rochester with а double major in Russian and Classics and her M.A. in Russian language from Middlebury College. After undergrad, Meredith taught English in Russia through the Fulbright program and conducted Russian rare book research in Europe on UR’s Phi Beta Kappa O’hern scholarship.

Meredith worked as International Counselor in the Financial Aid Office and now serves as International Student Counselor in CCAS and manages the International Student Mentor program.

Elizabeth Flanagan

Elizabeth Flanagan

Administrative Support

Liz joined CCAS in January 2016 after beginning with the University of Rochester in 2001. While working at the University of Rochester's Mt. Hope Family Center, Liz was accepted as a student of the University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with honors in 2013. She later pursued studies at Warner School of Education in mental health counseling, and maintains a lifelong interest in psychology and brain and cognitive science. Liz enjoys volunteer work with EquiCenter, time with loved ones, artwork, writing, and hiking. She loves seeing the passion in our students for their coursework that she herself experienced.

Profile Image

Laura Gavigan

Associate Director

Laura Gavigan returned to CCAS in April, 2016. She had previously worked as an academic advisor from 2000-2002 and then joined the Undergraduate Admissions office until March 2005 where she assumed leadership of the Simon Business School's Student Services office. Laura began her career in higher education in 1990 as an academic advisor for the University of Maryland's overseas divisions in Spain, Germany, and Japan.

Laura holds a BA in anthropology from SUNY Oswego, an MS in higher education administration, and an MS in school counseling, both from the University of Rochester's Warner School. She is Associate Director of the College Center for Advising Services.

Anika Simone Johnson

Anika Simone Johnson

Academic Counselor

Anika Simone Johnson joined CCAS staff in April 2016. Prior to her transition, she worked in Residential Life and Housing Services at the University for three years, along with two years at Fairfield University and one year at Mitchell College. She has seven years of experience working with K-12 students. Anika earned a B.S. in communication from SUNY Fredonia and a M.A. in education from Fairfield University. She completed her Ed.D. degree in Educational Administration in Higher Education from the University of Rochester, Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development in May 2018.

Anika manages the readmission process, repeat course process and evaluate independent studies. She serves as an academic probation and undergraduate advisor for undergraduate students. She co-coordinates the Peer Advising Program, co-leads the academic probation team and a co-instructor for leadership training courses.  She works directly with the Study Zone team and provides general advising to all undergraduate students. 

Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson

Academic Counselor

Kelly Johnson has worked at the University of Rochester since 2007 and began as an academic counselor in 2009. Kelly advises students in the Hajim School; including engineering and computer science majors. She works especially with probation students and transfer students but meets with any student during walk-ins and general appointments.

In addition, Kelly helps to run the Peer Advising program and co-teaches the CAS357: Peer Mentoring and Advising course. Her overall focus is on retention and graduation so she also works closely with the Registrar's Office on degree audits to make sure seniors are on track to graduate. Kelly received her BA in psychology from SUNY Fredonia and her master's degree in school counseling from the Warner School at the University of Rochester. 

Molly Jolliff

Molly Jolliff

Director of International Student Engagement and Associate Director of Advising Services

Molly Jolliff joined CCAS in December 2010 and serves as the director of International Student Engagement and Associate Director of Advising Services. Molly transitioned from her previous role as an international student advisor in the International Services Office where she worked since 2004.

Molly works on a variety of programs and projects designed to foster international student success. She is the lead instructor of the US Life: Customs and Practices course for first year international students. She has an MS in international studies from St. John Fisher College and a BA in international studies from Cortland State University.

Shandra Kieffer

Shandra Kieffer

Administrative Assistant

Shandra Kieffer joined the CCAS front staff in December 2014 with the Take Five program, Orientation, and international students.

Shandra worked at EFP Rotenberg as an administrative assistant in general administration, billing, accounts receivables, and human resources. Shandra has over 15 years of administrative experience in several different fields including public accounting, construction and retail. 

Marcy Kraus

Marcy Kraus

Suzanne Jagel O'Brien Director of the College Center for Advising Services

Marcy Kraus joined our staff in 1999. Marcy began her career in higher education as an academic advisor at the University of New Hampshire and Washington University. She spent seven years in the University of Rochester's Admissions Office before returning to academic advising.

Marcy holds a BS in psychology from Viterbo University and an MA and PhD in experimental psychology from the University of New Hampshire.

She is the director of the College Center for Advising Services and the Dean of Freshmen.

Kate McKenna

Kate McKenna

Associate Director, Coordinator of Transfer Student Advising and Office Manager

Kate McKenna joined CCAS as an academic advisor in February 2005 and brings a diverse background in counseling and academic advising to the University of Rochester.

Kate earned her BS in social work from Nazareth College and has worked in academic advising at Palm Beach Community College in south Florida. Kate finished her MS degree in higher education administration at the Warner School in May of 2009 and is the assistant director, Coordinator of Transfer Student Advising, and Office Manager since April 2010.

Liz Monte

Liz Monte

Academic Counselor

Liz Monte joined CCAS in the fall of 2010 after seven years in the Department of Athletics and Recreation as the lacrosse coach.

As an academic advisor, Liz reviews Independent Study and Internship proposals, monitors the Basic Science Sequence database, and assists with the Prizes Program in addition to general advising for students in the College of Arts and Sciences. She earned a BA in American Studies from the University of Maryland.

Vicki M. Mullen

Vicki M. Mullen

Administrative Assistant

Vicki M. Mullen joined CCAS in 2008 as administrative assistant after spending 21 years at the Simon School of Business. Vicki has been with the University of Rochester for 32 years. She holds a BS degree from the State University College at Buffalo in elementary education and 30 graduate hours in education from SUNY Brockport and Geneseo.

Vicki serves as the University testing assistant for the National Exams (GRE, LSAT, MPRE), and the assistant to the dean of freshman and director of CCAS, Marcy Kraus. Vicki is actively involved in other projects for CCAS as assigned.

Lisa Norwood

Lisa Norwood

Assistant Dean

Lisa Norwood serves as the assistant dean in the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, taking her back in some sense to her roots. In 1986 she earned a BS degree in geomechanics from the Hajim School, and worked in the "outside world" for a few years. As an undergraduate, she was one of two coordinators of our Orientation Programs.

When she was hired in Advising Services she eventually assumed the position of director of orientation. In 1995, Lisa completed a master's degree in higher education administration at the Warner School, and shortly thereafter began working with undergraduates in the Hajim School.

Tommy Paez

International Student Counselor

Tommy is a 2012 graduate of Grand Valley State University, Michigan with a BA in international relations. Shortly after graduating, he spent four years teaching English in Japan through the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme where he helped students connect to their English education in new and unique ways.

After returning to the US, Tommy joined the International Services Office as the Office Manager and Immigration Assistant and is excited to have recently become part of the team here at CCAS as an International Student Counselor advocating on behalf of international, DACA, and undocumented students at the university. Tommy also assists undocumented and DACA students with orientation and in ensuring that they achieve their full academic potential. Tommy is currently pursing his graduate studies at the Warner School of Education in Educational Policy.

Belinda Redden

Belinda Redden

Assistant Director

Belinda Redden joined the CCAS advising staff in January 2000. Belinda earned an AB from Dartmouth and an MA from Middlebury, both in French language and literature.

Belinda is no stranger to the world of higher education, having spent most of her adult life in academe. Not only was she a graduate student, but also as a French instructor, research assistant, library assistant, and special programs coordinator at institutions such as Princeton, Bryn Mawr, and Ohio University prior to coming to the University of Rochester in 1999.

Her previous roles in academia have afforded her a unique perspective on undergraduates. She brings this perspective to her duties in CCAS as an assistant director, and serves as director of Fellowships.

JB Rodgers

Academic Counselor

J.B. returned to CCAS in the summer of 2017, having previously served as an advisor from 2009-2013. He graduated from the University of Rochester in 2002 with a B.A. in film and media studies. In 2009, he received his Masters of Science in higher education administration from the Warner School of Education. Outside of the advising world, J.B. has worked for the Registrar and the Warner Center for Professional Development and Education Reform. 

J.B. is an academic counselor who manages the Take Five Scholar's Program and does general advising as well.

Jennifer Sherwood

Jennifer Sherwood

Assistant Director

Jennifer Sherwood joined the College Center for Advising Services team in 2004 as an academic counselor and now works as an assistant director in Multidisciplinary Studies Center. Her responsibilities include:

  • Working with students interested in the undergraduate public health-related programs
  • Helping to support two interdisciplinary graduate programs
  • Working with interdepartmental programs

Jennifer graduated from Stanford University with a BA in history, and is working to complete a master's in higher education through the Warner School of Education.

Juliet Sullivan

Juliet Sullivan

Academic Counselor

Juliet Sullivan advises the students in the Take Five Program and applicants to competitive national fellowships.

After graduating from Boston University, Juliet studied English literature at the University of Rochester, and wrote her dissertation on etiquette in medieval English literature. She has taught courses in medieval literature, Shakespeare, children's literature, and writing at the River Campus and Eastman School of Music. She joined CCAS in 2008.

Hillary Tatar

Hillary Tatar

Academic Counselor

Hillary Tatar started as an academic advisor in January 2012 in the Multidisciplinary Studies Center after working in the Office of the University Registrar from 2009-2011. She serves as the advisor for the undergraduate business program as well as administering the KEY program.

Hillary received her BS in business administration, a BA in sociology from Houghton College, and completed her MBA through the University of Massachusetts Lowell with a concentration in information technology in May 2013.

Marshall Troidl

Marsháll Troidl

Administrative Support

Marsháll joined CCAS in December 2016. She previously worked at the Registrar’s Office for Arts, Science and Engineering as their coordinator in charge of verifications and non-matriculated registrations.

As a CCAS front staff member where she performs administrative assistance duties, she is now involved in Change of Status, administrative committee, and special CCAS projects as needed. Marsháll grew up in Rochester, NY and enjoys any opportunity to try something different, meet someone new, or help others in their adventures.

Nick Valentino

Nick Valentino

Academic Counselor

Nick Valentino advises students in the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences with a focus on the STEM-Gems program which strives to increase the recruitment, retention and graduation of Hajim School undergraduates who are historically at-risk of not completing an engineering or computer science degree. This includes setting strategic priorities for this population, and working with relevant on and off-campus offices and student organizations to help the school meet its goals.

He has advised undergraduate and graduate students at Rochester since 2007, previously as an assistant director in the David T. Kearns Center, and as a financial aid counselor in the Financial Aid Office.

Qiuyi Wang

Program Manager of International Student Engagement

Qiuyi Wang joined CCAS in 2014 as a student worker while finishing her MS in higher education at the Warner School of Education in the University of Rochester. She continued to work in an advising role at CCAS after graduating in 2015.

She returned to CCAS in July of 2017 after working for a year in the Office of Student Engagement at the Simon Business School. She hopes to use her experience as an international student as well as her work in advising to collaborate with various departments on campus and support international students at Rochester.

Top