Meet the Staff in Undergraduate Advising

Contact all staff through the Main Office, 613 Goodell
phone: 413-545-2191
email: undergradadvising@acad.umass.edu

 

Academic Advisors

 

Vanessa Blais, Assistant Director,  Academic

Advisor Services

EDUCATION: ABD and MA in German, UMass Amherst; BA in German, Wells College, NY, with minors in Music and Secondary Education

LIKES BEST:  Getting to know so many students and helping them figure out what they're passionate about.

ADVICE:  Wait until at least mid-October before going home for the first time-- you need to start building a life here, plus going home too soon can make homesickness worse.  "Get adjusted" by getting involved!

Tonya Blundon , Academic Advisor 

EDUCATION: M.Ed. in Educational Policy, Research, and Administration, with a focus on policy studies, UMass Amherst; B.A. in English & Psychology, UMass Amherst.

LIKES BEST:  Getting to know the students and watching them progress through experiences that will shape their futures at UMass and beyond.  There is nothing like witnessing a student's ideas unfold right in front of you! 

ADVICE:  Be adventurous, both socially and academically!  UMass and the Amherst area have lots to offer, so take advantage of your time here by exploring a class or two in a subject you've never heard of, attend an event at the Fine Arts Center, or spend an afternoon lounging in the downtown common.

Greg Boisseau, Academic Advisor

EDUCATION:  MEd, Bowling Green State University ; BS, Physical Education, Norwich University .

LIKES BEST:  The intrinsic satisfaction of working with & mentoring young adults as they strive to achieve their goals.

ADVICE:  Enjoy your experience here at UMass, stay focused on the goal of earning a Degree, follow your heart, and study what interests you!  Let us help; see us early and see us often!

 

Chanti Chanthavong, Academic Advisor

EDUCATION: MA in Multicultural/Bilingual Education, UMass Amherst; BA in Elementary Education, UMass Amherst.

LIKES BEST:  Helping students to reach their personal and academic goals by guiding them through their individual learning process.

ADVICE:  Procrastination is the worst enemy.

Alex Cuellar, Academic Advisor 

 EDUCATION: MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction), UMass Amherst; BA American and Latin American Studies and Literature, Hampshire College.

LIKES BEST:  Being able to help students 'decode' the language and requirements of the University, and hopefully, relieve some of the stress that the 'code' can induce.

ADVICE:  Be nice to any dept. staff! They can be just as helpful, if not more so at times, than anyone else here. 

 

Julie de Chantal, Graduate Advisor

 

EDUCATION: PhD Candidate in History; MA - History (2008) and BA - History (2005) from the Université de Montréal. 

LIKES BEST:  My favorite part of working with undergrads is helping them link their personal interests to academic paths that they may not have originally considered.

ADVICE:   Explore every interest you have! Try everything at least once, and sample all that life has to offer. Go, discover, learn! 

 

Zach DuBois, Graduate Advisor 

EDUCATION: PhD (in progress) in Biocultural Anthropology, UMass Amherst; MA and BA in Anthropology, UMass Amherst

LIKES BEST:  Helping students discover their interests and make the connection between what they love and a major.

ADVICE:  Get involved in something (ANYTHING!) you're passionate about! Study abroad and learn another language.

  
Tamatha Gaumnitz, Academic Advisor

EDUCATION: M.Ed. in Higher Education, UMass Amherst; B.A. in Women's Studies, Mount Holyoke College. 

LIKES BEST:  Connecting with students as individuals and working together to figure out what their next steps should be: whether it is finding the right courses, thinking about different majors, or pursuing other areas of interest like study abroad, internships, etc.

ADVICE:  Go to class.  And take your own notes.

Valerie Gramling, Graduate Advisor

EDUCATION: PhD (in progress) in English, UMass Amherst; MA in Performance Studies, Northwestern University; BA in Theatre, George Washington University, with a minor in English Literature.

LIKES BEST:  Teaching and learning from students; working with students as they discover and explore new passions and interests

ADVICE:  Say "Yes!" to as many opportunities as you can - you never know where each one may lead. And keep challenging yourself.

 

Colleen Kelley, Graduate Advisor

EDUCATION: PhD (in progress) in Geosciences, UMass Amherst; MS in Geosciences/Geography, UMass Amherst; BS in Physical Geography & BA in Anthropology, UMass Amherst, with a minor in Sociology/ Criminal Justice Certificate.

LIKES BEST:  Finding such an amazing outlet for information that I have accrued over my undergraduate and graduate careers here at UMass.  I really enjoy the fact that I can help students navigate through the numerous resources available and my personal background has such resonance with undergraduate students.  I've been there and I can help!

ADVICE:  Negotiate a balance between academics and your social life.  Do not get frustrated with this process as there is a learning curve and one that takes some time to acclimate to.  Change things up and step out of your comfort zone, at UMass there are so many various organizations, clubs and departments that you can get involved in. Faculty enjoy getting to know students!!

 

Jennifer Kleinman, Graduate Advisor

EDUCATION: M.A. History, M.Ed. Bilingual/ESL/Multicultural Education (in progress), UMass Amherst. B.A. History, American University.

LIKES BEST: Helping students navigate the services and opportunities this campus offers. I also enjoy listening and learning from students' experiences. We are all learners!

ADVICE: Be active - participate in classes, clubs, and the community. There are many ways to enhance your learning, but you need to reach out and find those opportunities and connections. Asking an advisor or professor is a great place to start.

Jessica Landis, Graduate Advisor

EDUCATION: PhD (in progress) in English, UMass Amherst; MA in English, Boston College; BA in English with drama concentration, University of Delaware.

LIKES BEST: Hearing about students' diverse personal experiences, interests, and goals, and helping students to combine these factors to create a path that excites and satisfies them.

ADVICE: Consider every course and extracurricular activity an opportunity. Know that being a self-aware and engaged learner will help you to get the most fulfillment out of your time at UMass.

 

 Susan Machala, Senior Academic Advisor

EDUCATION: Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Johns Hopkins University; B.A. in English from SUNY at Buffalo.

LIKES BEST: That "eureka moment" when I realize a student I've worked with has learned how to assume responsibility for his or her own education and take the next steps solo.

ADVICE: See an academic advisor early and often. Be sure to join an extracurricular activity that is meaningful to you as a way of meeting kindred spirits. Use the add/drop period to reevaluate and refine your academic schedule.

 
Undergraduate Advising Staff

Sheila Brennan, Associate Director, Undergraduate Advising

EDUCATION: Work toward PhD in Anthropology, UMass Amherst; B.A. Anthropology, Hartwick College.

LIKES BEST: Matching students with educational opportunities that expand learning beyond the UMass campus. I also really enjoy working with our many Peer Advisors who have gone on to wonderful careers, many in Higher Education.

ADVICE: Do not limit your educational experiences to only what you have heard through the grapevine.  Investigate all opportunities because an internship, community service, taking courses at one of the Five Colleges or going for a semester to a state where you have never been on National Student Exchange contributes significantly to your educational and life experiences.

 

Joyce Grabon, Office Manager

EDUCATION: in progress

LIKES BEST:  I find it rewarding to be able to help students and watch their progress as they move forward towards graduation.

ADVICE: Make sure you see an advisor a couple of times through out each semester.  Advisors are one of the best contacts a student can have to help with courses, majors, and other resources available to them on campus. 

 

A.J. LeBlanc, Administrative Assistant

EDUCATION: M.Ed in Secondary English Education, UMass Amherst; BA in English and Secondary Education, Marymount College.

LIKES BEST:  Hearing about students' favorite classes.  It's great to watch them get excited about the work they are doing.

ADVICE:  Ask for help as soon as you need it.  Putting off talking to a professor or TA is going to add to your stress and make catching up that much harder.  Take advantage of the Learning Resource Center!

KD Maynard, Director of Academic Advising

EDUCATION: MA in Liberal Studies (focus: women's studies), Dartmouth College; BA in Linguistics with minor in Classics, Brown University.

LIKES BEST:  Witnessing students discover themselves.  I also learn something new from pretty much every student I meet.

ADVICE:  ENGAGE!  If you're passive about getting involved in your classes, going to office hours, meeting friends, joining student organizations, seeking assistance and support when you need it . . . you're only cheating yourself.  Get involved!

Kregg Strehorn, Academic Dean

EDUCATION: PhD in Counseling Psychology, UMass Amherst; BA in Psychology, University of California Berkeley.

LIKES BEST:  Watching some students discover that their personal interests and academic paths are not mutually exclusive.

ADVICE:  Go to class, even when you don't want to.  Learn and practice a system of time management.  Go abroad as often as possible. 

 

Peer Advisors

 

Zoe Baker, '12, 613 Goodell, Academic Advising Link, OASIS peer

CLASS, MAJOR: Senior, double major in Legal Studies and English, Creative Writing Certificate

LIKES BEST: I like being able to help. I feel I've done my job best when I can ease someone's anxiety and see him or her get excited instead.

ADVICE:  Keep in mind that UMass is what you make it. There's so much you can do here. You don't have to do everything, but it's nice to figure out what you love and take advantage of this community and its resources while you can.

 

Allison Barkausas, '12, OASIS peer

CLASS, MAJOR: Senior, Economics (B.A.), Education minor, Certificate in Public Policy & Administration.

LIKES BEST:  My favorite part about working with undergraduate students is that I am an undergrad here and I've had many of the same struggles, fears, hopes, and accomplishments.  It feels awesome to confidently point someone in the right direction about questions concerning their major, minor, or any school problem with which they might be challenged.

ADVICE: GET INVOLVED! You'll make connections, meet new people, and learn new perspectives while having fun doing something you love.  Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are a great way to find people who have common interests and feel connected to the university. It can make or break your college experience. 

 

Tricia Christie, '13, OASIS peer

 

CLASS, MAJOR: Junior, Major: Communication Disorders, Minor: Education

LIKES BEST: What I like best about working with undergraduate students in OASIS is that I can see myself in each student. I love to work with freshmen because two short years ago, that was me. Having such a great undergraduate experience has shown me how important it is to have someone to turn to who can help guide you during this important time.

ADVICE: Live day to day. If you did poorly on a test yesterday, learn from it and move on. If you dwell on any past or negative experience, you won't embrace the future as much as you should. Today, do not stress over the two papers and exams you have next week. Instead, plan everything day by day to reach your goal.

 

 

Tyler DeLisle, '13, 613 Goodell, Academic Advising Link

CLASS, MAJOR: Junior, double major in Resource Economics and Economics, with a Psychology Minor

LIKES BEST: Helping the students find something new and exciting that they did not realize was offered here in the first place. Also, answering questions that will help them succeed here at UMass.

ADVICE: Try something new, you won't know if you don't like something unless you try it first. Trying something new can lead to new discoveries about yourself and help you succeed here. Also, talk to advisors, peers, professors - everyone is here to help you do well so take advantage of the resources here.

 

Ashley Kosinski, '13, 613 Goodell, Academic Advising Link

 

CLASS, MAJOR: Junior, Biology Major and Psychology Minor

 

LIKES BEST:  Helping students pick classes and offering them advice that I wish I knew before.

ADVICE: Meet your advisors and talk with your professors sooner rather than later. It is important to make those connections, not only to excel at UMass but  for grad school or the work force later on. Also, don't stress about the little stuff.

 

Sam Ryan, '12, OASIS peer

 

CLASS, MAJOR: Senior, double major in English and Spanish, member of Commonwealth Honors College, completed Interpreters Studies Certificate.

 

LIKES BEST: Having a student leave feeling relaxed about their concerns and empowered to take initiative after he or she meets with me.

 

ADVICE: Be friendly and open to every single person you meet. You never know who may become a study buddy, a faculty mentor, or even a lifelong friend!

 

Ashley Stansbury, '12, OASIS peer

 

CLASS, MAJOR: Senior, Journalism major / IT (information technology) minor

LIKES BEST: I like being able to help students get to know the campus and the vast resources UMASS offers, as I was a transfer student and wish I had known someone or somewhere to ask my questions.

ADVICE: Go to class!  Just because you may find yourself in a class amongst hundreds of other students and you may think your absence goes unnoted, your grade and your learning experience will ultimately suffer if you skip class.

 

Tylar Suckau, '13, 613 Goodell, OASIS peer

CLASS, MAJOR: Junior, major in English, Pre-Med track, Commonwealth Honors - Departmental Honors Track

 

LIKES BEST: I like being able to assist students in any way that I can, whether that be answering a question about Spire or where Worcester DC is.  Helping them in their transition to college makes me remember when I was a freshmen, so I get to live somewhat vicariously through them and relive some of the best memories of my life so far by helping them!

ADVICE: Don't be afraid to ask questions or approach professors- you're able to make great connections on campus by getting to know them, and they actually appreciate it when you take the initiative to introduce yourself or seek extra help.