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Mission
Returning Resident Advisor
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Professional Staff

Who's Who Renewal Plan

Lori Antonik
lantoni@tulane.edu

As the Project Assistant for Residential Education, Lori handles just about every aspect of the community standards (student conduct) process including scheduling of conduct hearings. Lori also spends part of her day working at the front desk in our office in Irby Hall. Lori has been an employee of the Housing Department for 12 years, having started as a Desk Service Coordinator in 1995. Now, working full time as a Project Assistant, she has recently completed her bachelor of arts in humanities with a minor in applied business here at Tulane University. In her spare time, you’ll find Lori cooking lots of desserts for her co-workers and occasionally quilting! Lori is originally from Hamburg, New York (aka “The Town That Friendship Built”).

Lauren Bledsoe
lbledsoe@tulane.edu

Lauren serves as an Area Director with responsibility for Willow Residences, the Leadership Village, Aron Apartments, and Modular Units. Now in her third year as an Area Director, Lauren started with Tulane only weeks prior to Hurricane Katrina and was an integral member of the evacuation team. Originally from Clinton, Mississippi, Lauren completed her bachelor’s degree in speech communication and her master’s degree in college student personnel from the University of Southern Mississippi. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys hanging out with her husband, Jon and her dog, Tanker.

Marty Brantley
mbrantle@tulane.edu

Marty started his career at Tulane as an Area Director for Sharp Hall prior to working as an Assignment and Services Coordinator. In June 2005, Marty was promoted to his current role as the Director of Housing Services. As a member of the University’s essential personnel, Marty was responsible for closing the residence halls and coordinating the evacuation process for 600 students prior to Hurricane Katrina. Immediately following Katrina, Marty, along with a small team of fellow staff members, worked from temporary offices on the Elmwood campus while coordinating the restoration of residence halls damaged during the hurricane. Currently in his eighth year at Tulane, he now supervises the staff responsible for assignments and billing as well as the staff responsible for campus apartments. In addition, Marty coordinates several administrative functions of the department including information technology and emergency preparedness.

A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Marty considers New Orleans his second home. Upon completing his master’s degree in student affairs administration from Mississippi State University, he moved to New Orleans to begin his career at Tulane. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi.

Gwen Buras
gburas@tulane.edu

Originally from New Orleans, Gwen Buras is a member of our administrative team serving as a staff assistant. Along with her colleague, Aaron Miller, she processes most forms that are received in our office and keeps many staff members as organized as possible.

Prior to her work at Tulane, Gwen was a medical assistant at a surgical center for 18 years and is currently working on a medical transcriptionist degree. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering as the Parent/Teacher’s Organization secretary for her children's school.

Evane Charles
echarle@tulane.edu

As the longest serving staff member, just completing thirty-one years with Tulane University, Evane serves as the Resident Manager for the Papillon Apartments and Graduate Housing Coordinator. Originally from Charleston, Louisiana, Evane spent 15 years managing our Rosen House Graduate and Family Apartments until we purchased the Papillon during the fall of 2005.

Aimee Custis
acustis@tulane.edu

Although new to her position as Student Affairs Associate for Sharp Hall, Aimee has been at Tulane since she moved here from Sheffield Lake, Ohio to start her college career in 2003. She graduated from Tulane with a bachelor of arts in Political Science this past May. Having served as a Desk Services Coordinator, Resident Advisor, and Housing Services Assistant while a student, Aimee is thrilled to be taking on her new role working with first year students! While intent on one day ruling the world (or at least working in the field of public policy), Aimee is in the meantime more than happy to continue calling Tulane home for a fifth year. When she is not in her office on the first floor of Sharp, you will probably find her cooking, playing computer games, or curled up with a good sci-fi book. She is more than a little obsessed with the History Channel, but you didn’t hear it from us.

Joe DiMaria
jdimaria@tulane.edu

Joe serves as an Area Director with responsibility for the Monroe and Sharp Halls—our predominantly first-year living areas. Now in his third year as an Area Director, Joe started with Tulane just days prior to the closure of the university due to Hurricane Katrina. Originally from Norwood, Massachusetts, Joe received his bachelor of arts in English from the University of New Hampshire and his master of arts in education from Boston University. In Joe’s free time he enjoys camping, hiking, live music, and rooting for the Rex Sox.

Rachael Husser-Stegman
rhussers@tulane.edu

Rachael graduated from Tulane University in May 2007 and received a bachelor's degree in political economy. After working within Tulane's Housing and Residence Life Department for her entire undergraduate career, she now serves as the Student Affairs Associate of Monroe Hall. In addition to working in the Housing Department, Rachael is also actively engaged in coordinating student staff selection and advising the student led Residential Review Board. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Rachael is proud to call New Orleans her second home. When Rachael is not working, she enjoys spending time in the art studio and hopes to pursue a master's degree in ceramic art.

Justin Jelen
jjelen@tulane.edu

Justin is working as the Student Affairs Associate for Mayer Residences for the 2007-2008 academic year. Justin has lived most of his life in Chicago, but has come to know and love the city of New Orleans over the past four years. Justin served as a Resident Advisor at Tulane for three years and then graduated from Tulane University in May 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport sciences and a minor concentration in Spanish. Justin works directly with both the Department of Housing and Residence Life and the Tulane Career Center in order to help develop, promote, and implement the Sophomore Year Experience—deemed “T2”—for all of Tulane sophomores. With the T2 program in its inaugural year, Justin’s role will be vital for its success in assisting sophomores in fostering an enjoyable and enthusiastic community, making serious advancements in the academic aspects of their careers, and gaining countless valuable opportunities involving faculty and leadership roles. With both his residence and primary office situated in Mayer Residences, Justin serves as a direct source of guidance and support for all of our sophomores.

Jeffrey Knapp
jknapp1@tulane.edu

Jeff Knapp is the Area Director for Paterson House and Wall Residential College. This is Jeff's first year working at Tulane University. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Jeff received his bachelor of social work degree from Missouri Western State University and his master of social work degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Jeff has worked in housing as a Resident Assistant, Assistant to a Hall Director, and a Graduate Hall Director. He has also volunteered and worked with many non-profit agencies including agencies that educate high school youth on social justice and human rights issues.

Veronica Marquez
vmarquez@tulane.edu

As our Senior Program Coordinator for Housing Services, Veronica coordinates housing assignments for all new incoming students, handles day-to-day assignments issues throughout the academic year, and coordinates marketing for the department. Originally from New Orleans, Veronica completed her bachelor of science in psychology at Louisiana State University and her master of health services in rehabilitation counseling from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Veronica has worked in Housing and Residence Life for six years. When not in the office, Veronica likes to go to local and regional festivals, cook, travel, and explore New Orleans.

Aaron Miller
amiller3@tulane.edu

Aaron is in his first year working with Housing and Residence Life. As an Administrative Assistant, Aaron spends most of his day helping to keep the office organized and assisting with student conduct administration. Aaron graduated from Tulane in May 2007 with his bachelor of arts in sociology and is currently working on his master of public health, with a focus in maternal and child health, at the School of Public Health and Topical Medicine downtown. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, he enjoys ice cream, golf, movies, and anything from the 1980s.

Nicholas Rachowicz
nrachowi@tulane.edu

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Nicholas Rachowicz is in his first year at Tulane University where he serves as the Area Director for Mayer, Irby and Phelps. After four years stationed internationally with the U.S. Navy, Nicholas received his bachelor of arts in political science at Western Illinois University in 2004. Nicholas received his master’s degree in college student personnel in May of 2007 at the University of Southern Mississippi. He has had a variety of experiences in student affairs which include a year as an academic advisor; an ACUHO-I internship at Valdosta State University; Coordinator of Student Life and Housing at Abraham Baldwin College in Tifton, Georgia; and Hall Director at University of Southern Mississippi. He has also worked as regional government for the Delta Chi Fraternity. Currently, Nicholas active on the ACUHO-I Summer Internship Committee and is a recent graduate from the SEAHO D.R.E.A.M. program track. He enjoys Mario Kart and Starbucks.

LaShanda Robinson
lrobins5@tulane.edu

Having started as the department receptionist nine years ago, LaShanda graduated from Tulane University College with her bachelor of arts in social sciences and is currently finishing her master’s degree in liberal arts & science. Currently serving as our Project Assistant for Housing Services, LaShanda is responsible for handling billing concerns and special/group housing programs. In her spare time enjoys spending time with her son at his school’s Saturday night football games.

Todd Schill
tschill@tulane.edu

Dr. Todd Schill is the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Housing and Residence Life. Todd works with a staff and team of 150 employees who oversee the supervision and program development of 14 residential communities comprising approximately 3800 students. Dr. Schill has over 35 years experience in the areas of housing, residence life, and student affairs business. Todd started his employment at Tulane University in January, 2006. Some of his outside interests include golf, tennis, skiing, and taking care of his yellow labrador, Maple.

Steven Sullivan
ssulliv1@tulane.edu

Steve Sullivan is the Student Affairs Associate for Butler House for the 2007-2008 academic year. Steve's position includes supervising the Senior Staff, RA Staff, and the approximately 250 Honors students who reside there. Additionally, Steve has a collateral position working with Residence Education, especially through the Honors Department and the programs it provides, such as weekly Roundtable discussions. A recent graduate of Tulane University, Steve earned his bachelor of arts in studio art and a minor in French in 2007. Steve spent his undergraduate career at Tulane working closely with Residence Life as a Resident Advisor, serving as the National Communications Coordinator for the Residence Hall Association and the first President of the National Residence Hall Honorary chapter for Tulane. Steve enjoyed studying abroad in Scotland for his entire junior year and concluded his senior honors thesis by painting a 144 foot mural at the local Sophie B. Wright Charter School. Steve is originally from the New England area, having been born in Massachusetts and raised in Londonderry, New Hampshire.

Erica Woodley
ewoodley@tulane.edu

Currently in her sixth year at Tulane University, Erica serves as the Director of Residence Education and Community Standards. Originally from McAlester, Oklahoma, Erica completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology and French from the University of Tulsa and her master’s degree in counseling and student personnel services from Oklahoma State University. She is currently working on a Ph.D. in higher education administration at the University of New Orleans. Erica is active in the Young Leadership Council of New Orleans and the Greater New Orleans Rape Crisis Network. In her spare time she enjoys taking advantage of the New Orleans music scene, reading, and painting.

Mariana Zanotti
mzanotti@tulane.edu

Mariana serves as the Student Affairs Associate for Wall Residential College. In this position, she supervises the Wall Senior Resident Advisor, Housing Services Coordinator and Resident Advisors. In addition to working in Housing and Residence Life, Mariana also works in the Office of Orientation and Student Transitions. As an undergraduate student, Mariana was a Resident Advisor, Orientation Student Director, Community Service Chair for her sorority, and a Teacher Assistant for a French class at a local high school. She recently graduated from Tulane with a bachelor of arts degree in French and is enjoying staying in New Orleans for another year. Born in New York, Mariana has also lived in the Monte-Carlo and Miami.

Brooks Zitzmann
bzitzman@tulane.edu

As an Area Director in her second year at Tulane, Brooks supervises the residential area including Josephine Louise, Warren, and Butler Houses. In this position, Brooks supervises the Student Affairs Associate, Resident Advisors, Senior Resident Advisors, Housing Services Coordinators, and Desk Service Coordinators. Brooks is also responsible for community development in these areas. Originally from New Orleans, Brooks received her bachelor of arts in biology and religion from Texas Christian University and her master of studies in science and religion from the University of Oxford. In her spare time, Brooks likes to audit philosophy classes, read classic fiction, and enjoy the arts and food of New Orleans.