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  St. Edward's University

Academic Planning and Support Services
Meet the Staff
 
   
Diane Armstrong
International Advisor

dianea@stedwards.edu
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and International Relations here at St. Edward’s.  As an undergraduate student, I studied abroad at the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain and worked in the Office of International Education as a student advisor. I am thrilled to be back on campus as an International Advisor and look forward to serving the international and study abroad students in the St. Edward’s community.  A native Austinite, I spend most of my spare time enjoying the general splendor of the city.

   
Gilbert Contreras
Gilbert Contreras
Assistant Director, College Assistant Migrant Program (C.A.M.P.) 
gilbertc@stedwards.edu
I am originally from San Antonio, Texas. After graduating from high school there I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Southwestern University and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, watching the San Antonio Spurs, and enjoying the live music scene Austin has to offer.
 

Laura J. Cortez

Academic Enrichment and Tutoring Coordinator
laurajc@stedwards.edu
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science & Policy from Drake University and went on to earn my Master of Business Administration in Business Management here at St. Edward’s University. I am joining the Academic Enrichment and Tutoring office after serving as the Director of the Career Opportunity and Internship Office (COIO) and as the Career Services and Internship Coordinator in Career Planning. I have worked at St. Edward's for five years providing career counseling services to students in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology. Through my positions, I have provided an array of services for students applying to graduate and professional school; particularly medical and dental school. I also developed the Study Group Program which served as a model for the supplemental instruction program at St. Edward's University. Currently, I am pursuing my doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration at the University of Texas at Austin.
 
Jason B. De La Rosa
Academic Counselor

jasond@stedwards.edu
As a native San Antonian, I find myself rooting for the Spurs during the basketball season. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology from Southwestern University.  I had the opportunity to attend my dream school, the University of Chicago, to earn my Master of Arts degree in the Social Sciences with an emphasis in Sociology.  Before I left for Chicago, I served as the East Hall Director for two years and am very excited to return to SEU as an Academic Counselor after a short absence.  I look forward to helping students on their academic journey at St. Edward’s.

   
Nora Dock
International Advisor

norad@stedwards.edu
I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Language and Literature, with a minor in economics, from Mills College in Oakland, CA. I have lived and studied abroad in several countries including France, Ghana, Madagascar, Mongolia, and Morocco. These experiences led me to the field of international education where I have pursued a career since 2001. I am thrilled to be living in Austin, and look forward to working with the international and study abroad student populations at St. Edward's University.

   
Anna Escamilla
Director, Student Disability Services

annae@stedwards.edu
I was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas and have lived in Austin since earning my Masters in Social Work and a Doctorate in Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Texas. I worked part-time in mental health private practice as a licensed social worker for over 20 years with a focus on persons with disabilities. My professional interests are in the areas of disability and in trauma treatment. My personal interests include Tai Chi (1st degree black sash), my dogs (a Boxer & an Irish Setter), and my family. I am so pleased to become part of the St. Edward's community. I think I found my home!

   
Picture not available
Brittany Eskridge
Academic Enrichment and Tutoring Assistant Coordinator

brittane@stedwards.edu
I earned my bachelor's degree from Colorado State University where I studied Criminal Justice and Liberal Arts. During my undergraduate time there, I had the opportunity to participate as well as work with several different living learning communities on campus. After graduating I was given the opportunity to coordinate one of the living learning communities. I am now thrilled to be working in the Academic Enrichment & Tutoring Services office, and to be a part of the St. Edward's community.

   
Janet Hemingway
Academic Counselor
Administrative Coordinator
janeth@stedwards.edu
I received my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and hold an Elementary Teaching Certification. Here at St. Edward’s University I teach Effective College Learning and First Year Seminar in Education. My duties include file maintenance, academic advising and counseling and maintaining the online progress report program.
 
Curt Hirsh
Academic Counselor
curth@stedwards.edu
I received both my Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Arts in Communication Education degrees from the University of Iowa and my PhD in Organizational Communication from the University of Texas at Austin. I am interested in how students can use principles of sports psychology and positive psychology to reduce stress and enhance academic performance. I teach Effective College Learning, First Year Seminars (in Communication Studies & Business), and serve occasionally as an adjunct instructor of communication studies. In hope of discovering my latent genius, I have taken courses recently in watercolor, drawing, & poetry writing. As of this writing, that search continues.
   

Esmeralda Hoang

Academic Counselor

esmel@stedwards.edu
I grew up in Matamoros, Mexico but moved to Austin to attend St. Edward's University. I fell in love with Austin and the St. Edward’s campus the minute I arrived.  I have since received a B.A. in Psychology and a Master's in Counseling, both from St. Edward's University.  Previously, I assisted the admissions office with the recruitment of international students as well as students from several Texas areas. In that position, I had the opportunity to travel throughout South America to meet prospective students.  Two of my favorite places in the world are Machu Picchu, Peru and the city of Cartagena, Colombia.  I spend my free time planning my next vacation and chasing my son around our house.

   
Paul Hopkinson
Academic Counselor

paulfh@stedwards.edu
An avid Red Sox fan, I come from Weymouth, Massachusetts and graduated from Stonehill College (a sister school of St. Edward's) with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Communication. I came to Austin as an AmeriCorps volunteer to work at an emergency shelter for Latin American immigrants. Since joining the St. Edward’s community, I’ve worked as an Admission Counselor recruiting C.A.M.P. and international students and co-lead Peru Immersion trips. I enjoy helping freshmen adjust to their first year so they may be successful, both academically and personally. Currently I’m pursuing my Masters of Spanish at Texas State University and in my spare time I enjoy running with my dog and cheering on New England sports teams.

   
Michael Kinsey
Academic Counselor
Academic Counseling Coordinator
michaelk@stedwards.edu
I earned my Bachelor of Liberal Studies here at St. Edward's University and a Master of Arts in Religion at Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest. As my office reveals, I enjoy reading comic books and watching the Braves and Cubbies in my spare time.
   
Liz Lindsey
Senior Secretary
lizl@stedwards.edu
I came to St. Edward’s University from the Austin Independent School District in August 2003. I bring over 10 years of administrative experience in educational institutions. I enjoy working with diverse population here at St. Edward’s University and I look forward to welcoming you when you enter the APSS office. I will be glad to point you in the right direction to find the answers to all your questions.
 
Greg MacConnell
Director of Academic Support and Retention Programs
gregm@stedwards.edu
I received my Bachelor of Arts in History at St. Bonaventure University and a Master of Science in Educational Administration at SUNY College at Brockport. I oversee a comprehensive Academic Planning and Support unit comprised of the following services for students: Academic Counseling and Advisement, Disabilities Counseling, Academic Enrichment and Tutoring, International Education, and Academic Exploration. Additionally, I promote retention practices among faculty and staff.
   
Roel Martinez

Academic Counselor

roelm@stedwards.edu
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin as well as a Master of Liberal Arts with foci in Anthropology and Religious Studies from St. Edward’s University.  After a two year hiatus I am glad to return to St. Edward’s University as a part of the APSS team.  In my spare time, I enjoy music, literature, the outdoors, and coffee sometimes simultaneously.

 
Jan Marsack
Office Specialist III
janism@stedwards.edu
I arrived at St. Edward's University with a wide variety of experience in school offices.  My duties include preparing and maintaining student files, orientation testing and miscellaneous clerical duties.  My hobbies include walking, reading and yoga all done preferably on a sandy beach.  I look forward to helping the APSS staff as they guide you through your college experience.
 
Dana Mazur
Senior Secretary
Testing Administrator
danam@stedwards.edu
I have been at various front desks at St. Edward's University helping students get what they need since December 1993. I arrange exams for students with disabilities and make appointments for students to see their counselors.
 
 
Mary Katherine O'Brien

Mary Katherine O'Brien

International Education Coordinator

maryo@stedwards.edu
I received a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Middlebury College in Vermont, and am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Counseling. My undergraduate degree concentrated in Latin American studies and in 2000 I studied abroad at the University of Havana in Cuba. I have worked in international education since 2002, and I advise international and study abroad students in the St Edward's community.

 
Katy Oliveira

Katy Oliveira

Academic Counselor

katyo@stedwards.edu
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Classics from Baylor University. After several years deciding what to do with myself, I earned a Master of Arts in History with graduate certification in Public History and Women's Studies from the University of Houston. I have worked as an Academic Advisor at the University of Houston Central and Downtown campuses, and I am exited to join the St. Edward's community. In my spare time I love to cook, hang out with loved ones, and run with my dog.

 
Erin Ray
Erin Ray
Director, Office of International Education
erinr@stedwards.edu
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Texas A&M University and a Master of Liberal Arts from St. Edward's University. I have held a variety of positions in higher education and began working in the Office of International Education at St. Edward's in 2003. As director of the OIE, I coordinate study abroad and international student programming and services. I enjoy working with students and developing programs that enhance the educational experience at St. Edward's. In my spare time, I enjoy the outdoors, travel, art and good food.
 
Laura Ray
Laura Ray
Secretary, Office of International Education
lauraer@stedwards.edu
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts at St. Edward’s University. During my junior year I studied abroad at the University College Chester in Chester, England. When I returned from my time abroad, I began working in the Office of International Education as a student worker and stayed in that position until I graduated.  I’m extremely excited to be working as a full time employee for the OIE and to be able to continue to work at St. Edward’s University.  In my spare time, I enjoy acting in plays, watching movies, and spending time with my friends and family.
 
Kendall Swanson, LPC
Disability Counselor, Student Disability Services
kendalls@stedwards.edu
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, and received my Masters of Arts in Counseling here at St. Edward's University in 2003. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor, and I work with members of the St. Edward’s community to help students with disabilities to create a successful and positive college experience
 
Maribel Tostado
Transfer/Freshman Academic Counselor
maribelt@stedwards.edu
I received my BA in Sociology and Spanish from Southwest Texas State University, and recently received my Master of Liberal Arts, here at St. Edward's.  As a staff member, I've had the opportunity to collaborate with Campus Ministry on international immersion trips for our students. My previous work experiences include being an advisor at Austin Community College and teaching high school Spanish. Outside of work I enjoy reading, walking, and going to the movies.
 
Picture not available
Linda Valdez
Senior Secretary
rosalinv@stedwards.edu
I am a native Austinite and UT Austin graduate. I have been employed by the College Assistance Migrant Program since 1996.
   
Esther Quinones Yacono
Director, College Assistance Migrant Program (C.A.M.P.)
esthery@stedwards.edu
I earned my Bachelor of Science at the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master of Education at Texas State University. I am passionate about many things, among them, my children, the CAMP students, yoga and the opera.
 
St. Edward's University Logo St. Edward's University
3001 South Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78704
512-448-8400
Contact: paulfh@stedwards.edu
Updated: 09/29/2008
© 2003, St. Edward's University