The Office of Residence Life is made up of 15 full-time staff, 16 graduate staff, and 104 undergraduate staff members. Get to know our full-time and graduate-level staff better below!
The leadership team consists of the Director, the Associate Director, and two Assistant Directors.
Skip Begley | Director
My name is Skip Begley (he/him/his) and as the veteran of the Office of Residence Life, thank you for your interest in our staff positions! I have been at CWRU in a variety of positions in residence life since 2001, arriving from Longwood College (now University) where I was a Residence Education Coordinator. I have loved working in Residence Life since I was an RA - no other position in student affairs brings the sense of teamwork, the daily variety, the challenges, and the opportunities that Residence Life does. A wise ACUHO-I Intern of ours once remarked - "you don't choose the ResLife, the ResLife chooses you." True words indeed.
In my work, I concentrate on providing leadership for the department, developing the Residential Experiences, budgeting, and advising our Residence Hall Association. I believe that we can orient ourselves to our work in three ways - we can do things TO students, we can do things FOR students, but we do our best work when we do things WITH students. I find tremendous joy in building community with our students.
Working at CWRU has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career. I have been able to connect with some of the finest professionals I have ever known, work with students who are truly dedicated to making a difference where they live, and explore ideas and concepts about residential communities that have shaped me into the professional I am today. I hope that you find the same experience as well.
Favorite Restaurant: Pizzazz on the Circle
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Grab a pizza from Danny Boy’s and head to Rocky River Beach to eat dinner, watch the sunset, and then hit up Mitchell’s for some ice cream afterwards.
Devin Fabian | Associate Director
My name is Devin Fabian (he/him), and I joined the office as the Associate Director in October 2021. I work closely with Student Affairs and the leadership team on all things ResLife and provide overall guidance for the First Year and Second Year Residential Experiences at CWRU, office strategic planning & assessment, and our student support initiatives.
I earned a bachelors degree in history from the University of Pittsburgh in 2012, minoring in sociology and Italian language studies. In 2014, I completed my masters-level coursework in Higher Education Management. Hail to Pitt! I'm originally from Pittsburgh (Here We Go, Steelers!) and identify as a lifelong Yinzer. Prior to joining CWRU, I spent seven years in Pittsburgh at Chatham University, serving as a professional staff and as adjunct faculty. My academic focus areas have been student success & transitions, socialization & identity development, and social justice education.
When I'm not working, I spend most of my time being a full-time dog dad, doing random DIY projects, caring for my houseplants, expanding my culinary skills, and playing video games. Additionally, the way to my heart is good food, so I'm always on the hunt for pierogi, copious amounts of pasta, and sandwiches with french fries on them. In whatever spare time I have, I play tons of trivia and community based sports, too!
Favorite Restaurant: Pepper's
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Take advantage of the green space, parks, and walkability of the city. I live on the West Side and walk everywhere that I can! Main streets, movie theaters, wine bars, food trucks, and markets are all over the place.
Emily Aburaad | Assistant Director (Staffing Development)
Hi, I’m Emily (she/her) and I serve as the Assistant Director for Staff Development! I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Toledo in 2018 and later earned a Master's degree in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University in 2022. At BGSU, I served as a Graduate Hall Director for 2 years.
My professional background also includes roles as an International Leadership Consultant for Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, Leasing Manager, and Assistant General Manager for American Campus Communities at UToledo.
My journey in student affairs began as a Resident Assistant and an active member of my campus's Greek Life community, which fueled my passion for this field and the transformative impact the college experience can have on students. My experiences in undergrad led me to where I am today!
Originally from Toledo, OH, I proudly embrace my Ohioan roots—Midwest is best! When I'm not working, I love to cook and try new recipes, attend concerts, travel and explore new places, and read thriller/mystery books. At home, our cat Mish Mish (Arabic for "apricot") keeps us on our toes.
Favorite Restaurant: Shinto
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Go to the art museum or concerts at Blossom
David Kahoun | Assistant Director (Independent Living)
Hey everyone!! My name is David Kahoun, and I’m so excited to be on the team here a CWRU. I am originally from the greater Cleveland area, growing up in Perry, Ohio. I went to undergrad at Malone University in Canton, Ohio and got my Master from Lee University in Cleveland, TN. After getting my masters, I went to work at Cleveland State University. Guess I have a thing for Clevelands… I am a huge Cleveland sports fan (Browns, Cavs, Guardians) and a big USMNT fan! I'm also a very active person. I love to run, snowboard, bike, hike, and really do anything outside. I’m also a huge extrovert, so as long as there are people and sunshine, I will be there!
I’m also a huge fan of music! I have a vinyl collection of over 100 albums and growing. I love a good album! Coldplay is my favorite band and I have seen them live 2 times. Ohh.. I’m also a big fan of electric cars, and hope to one day own a Rivian! #dreambig!
If you find me wondering about on campus, please feel free to say hi and introduce yourself! I love meeting new people and making everyone feel welcomed and that they matter. Hope to see you around!!
Favorite Restaurant: For pizza? Vero. For sushi? Sora. For anything else? Mabel's BBQ.
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Sports? Cleveland Browns. Leisure? West Side Market, Is it sunny? Then let's go to Edgewater Park!
The First Year Experience consists of four full-time professional staff members and four paraprofessional staff, who work together in paired ARCD/RCD teams, oversee communities of 230-480 residents, and 6-12 RAs each.
Shaunese Johnson | Residential Community Director, Cedar Magnolia
My name is Shaunese (She/Her/Hers) and I will be the RCD for Cedar Magnolia! For undergrad I attended La Roche University in Pittsburgh from 2012-2016 and majored in Communications and Child/Family Students. I obtained my Master's Degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Slippery Rock University in 2019.
I was born in Pittsburgh and have been living in Northeast Ohio for two years now. I worked as an Area Coordinator for Residence Life at Seton Hill in Pennsylvania for three years overseeing first year communities. I worked at Kent State University as a Residence Hall Director overseeing both first year communities and upper-class communities.
A few fun facts about me: I enjoy reading a good book, gaming, traveling, thrifting, creating art, and being out in nature.
Favorite Restaurant: Bob Evans or Marco's
Favorite Thing to do in Cleveland: Spending time aimlessly wandering the museums and exploring the city
Elise Rolston | Assistant Residential Community Director, Cedar Magnolia
Hey y’all! My name is Elise Rolston and I am the ARCD for Cedar Magnolia! I graduated from CWRU in 2023 with a degree in Psychology and Cognitive Science. Currently, I am pursuing a dual Masters in Social Work and Business Administration.
I grew up in Northern Virginia, right outside DC, but have grown to love Cleveland and all it has to offer. When I’m not studying or working, I enjoy going on walks around campus (particularly around Wade Lagoon), working out, reading, or hanging out with my cat, Bingus. I also love exploring Cleveland and finding new restaurants!
Favorite Restaurant: Nano Brew or Cilantro Taqueria
Favorite Thing to do in Cleveland: Exploring new coffee shops or restaurants
Alex Morris | Residential Community Director, Juniper
Hello! My name is Alex Morris and I joined the department in the summer of 2023. I currently serve as the Residential Community Director for the Juniper community. I graduated in 2018 from Bowling Green State University with my Bachelors in Sociology then graduated in 2021 with my Masters in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
I grew up in Elyria, Ohio so I am familiar with the Cleveland area and what makes it a great place to call home. I spent two years in Pennsylvania and the past two years at Muskingum University. Northeast Ohio is home and I am so excited to be back!
My spare time includes walking my two dogs, reading, binging my anime addiction of the week and anything Pokémon related!
Favorite Restaurant: Trattoria
My favorite thing to do in Cleveland: is to go to the Feast of the Assumption in Little Italy!
Mikayla Heinrich Wong | Assistant Residential Community Director, Juniper
Hi! I’m Mikayla Heinrich-Wong and this is my first year as the Assistant Residential Community Director for the Juniper community. I graduated from Case Western with my bachelors in Computer Science and Contemporary Dance. I came back to Case Western and am currently pursuing my Masters of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance!
I was born and raised on Oahu, Hawai’i and I still have not gotten used to the Cleveland winters! Spending the past 5 years in Cleveland, I really love the community’s passion for both sports and the arts.
When I’m not dancing, I like to watch movies, go to the beach, read some books, and hangout with friends!
Favorite Restaurant: Barrio
Favorite Thing To Do in Cleveland: Go to Trader Joe’s! (we don’t have them in Hawai’i)
Allie Lyncha | Residential Community Director, Mistletoe
Allie Lyncha, our RCD for Mistletoe started in November 2023. More information about this awesome staff member is to come!
Maria Leonino | Assistant Residential Community Director, Mistletoe
Maria, our ARCD for Mistletoe, will start in Fall 2024. More information about this awesome staff member is to come!
Tessa Conville | Residential Community Director, Clarke Tower
Hi there! My name is Tessa Conville (she/her) and I currently serve as the Residential Community Director for Clarke Tower. I joined the CWRU Residence Life team in August of 2021. Prior to working at CWRU, I served as an Area Coordinator for the Office of Residential Education at Hiram College from 2019-2021. I earned my B.S. in Psychology from Saint Vincent College in 2016 and my M.A. in Student Affairs in Higher Education with College Counseling from Slippery Rock University in 2019.
I was born and raised just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While I miss home, Cleveland has a lot to offer from amazing people and food to always having something to explore. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my partner and cats (Sherlock and Watson), running, cooking, playing video or board games, or binging another tv show I can't stop watching!
Favorite Restaurant: Saucy Brew Works or Hofbrauhaus
Favorite Thing to do in Cleveland: Check out a new coffee place or restaurant and explore the hiking trails at the Cleveland MetroParks
Marnie Frost | Assistant Residential Community Director, Clarke Tower
Hi! My name is Marnie and I am the current Assistant Residential Community Director of Clarke Tower. So far I have loved this position and getting to work with such great supervisors, RAs, and residents.
I am originally from SW Michigan but graduated from Oberlin College in 2023 with a degree in Sociology (Yay NE Ohio!) At CWRU I am currently a graduate student at the Mandel School pursuing social work. In my free time, I enjoy facetiming my twin, going on runs, reading, and thrifting.
Favorite Restaurant: The Fairmount in Cleveland Heights!
Favorite Thing to do in Cleveland: Explore the metroparks! The lake and trails around the Cleveland area are amazing.
The Second Year Experience consists of six professional staff members, who together in ARCD/RCD teams, oversee a community of 300-450 residents and 9-14 RAs.
Nick Hanson | Residential Community Director, Carlton Road
Hello! My name is Nick Hanson (he/him) and I am the RCD for Carlton Road, aka "the top of the hill!". I earned my B.A. in Communication Studies from Baldwin Wallace University on the west side of Cleveland and my M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University in Miami. Prior to joining the Residence Life staff at CWRU, I served as a Resident Director at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, as a Residence Life Coordinator at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, and as an Assistant Residence Life Coordinator at FIU.
Since returning to Cleveland in 2022, I have truly enjoyed engaging with the city and everything our community has to offer. I attended over thirty Cleveland Guardians games this past season- Go Guards! I also enjoy trying out the many different great restaurants and bars around the Greater Cleveland area. In my spare time, I enjoy sim racing and hanging out with my Blue Heeler, Loki. I am also a coach for the CWRU Varsity Football Team.
Favorite Restaurant: The Winking Lizard
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Going to Cleveland Guardians games
Katherine Averill | Assistant Residential Community Director, Carlton Road
Katherine, our ARCD for Carlton Road, will start in Fall 2024. More information about this awesome staff member is to come!
Andrew Bradley | Residential Community Director, Murray Hill
Greetings All! I am Andrew Bradley and I serve as the Residential Community Director for Murray Hill in the CWRU Residence Life department. I joined the CWRU Residence life team in July 2023. I am from Port Huron, Michigan so it is refreshing and nice to be back in the Midwest. I attended Michigan State University (GO GREEN! GO WHITE!) for my Bachelors and Grand Valley State University for my Masters. I have worked in residence life/student affairs for over 10 years and have lived across the United States. Some of these include Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and Austin!
In my free time, I enjoy working out and following new fitness trends as well as watching both professional and college sports. In particular, I am a huge fan of basketball and football. I also enjoy traveling to new cities, trying out exotic food/cuisine, listening to podcasts, and getting involved professionally in the greater Cleveland area.
Favorite Restaurant: Guraino’s or anywhere in the Little Italy neighborhood!
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Exploring the local neighborhoods of Cleveland. It is amazing how diverse and eclectic the neighborhoods are!
Madalyn Fox | Assistant Residential Community Director, Murray Hill
Madalyn, our ARCD for Murray Hill, will start in Fall 2024. More information about this awesome staff member is to come!
Brandon Eddinger | Residential Community Director, Fayette
Hello! My name is Brandon Eddinger (he/him) and I am the RCD for Fayette. I earned my B.A. in Marketing from Hiram College in 2019 where I also served as a Resident Assistant and Orientation Leader for 3 years. I also gained my M.Ed in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs from Kent State University in 2021. In addition to gaining an M.Ed, I also earned a certificate in career/academic advising. While at KSU I served as a Graduate Assistant for 2 years within Residence Life working in the residence halls. After gaining my degree I worked at the University of Akron for a year as a Residence Life Coordinator.
I have been a NE Ohio native all my life growing up in a small town called North Jackson just west of Youngstown. I originally planned on going to school for sports management/marketing but as I progressed as a student leader in my undergrad holding multiple positions I found my passion for working in student affairs. I quickly decided to pursue a career in student affairs and it has been a blast since. I am a big sports fan and love watching the Browns/Guardians but also enjoy being a Marvel movie/comic fan. Additionally, I enjoy games and hobbies, specifically Magic: The Gathering, and play it weekly with my friends.
Favorite Cleveland Restaurant: Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse and The Melt
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Get more tattoos at my favorite tattoo shop in cleveland. And also go out and eat a variety of food!
Isaias Treviño | Assistant Residential Community Director, Fayette
Hey y'all! My name is Isaias Trevino (he/him) and I am the ARCD for Fayette House. I have been at CWRU since 2019 and I'm currently working on my M.S. in Electrical Engineering and also finished my undergraduate studies in the same field. I did tons of research as an undergrad for CWRU, Cleveland State University, and the University of Michigan. I continue to do research in circuit design for medical device applications.
I grew up in as far south as you can go Texas, my house is a 10 minute drive from the Mexican-American border! I saw snow for the first time when I came to Cleveland and I have fallen in love with the hectic weather (believe me, it's better than 100 degrees year-round). When I'm not working or researching I love checking out record shops, vintage stores, and new food in the area! I also have a geriatric English Bulldog Mix, Neo, that loves to go on walks and play fetch!
Favorite Cleveland Restaurant: Szechuan Gourmet
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Enjoy some rockin' concerts at the Grog Shop or The Agora
Daniella Parks | Residential Community Director, Noyes House
Hello! My name is Daniella Parks (she/her). I serve as the Residential Community Director for Cedar Magnolia, a First Year Experience Community. I joined the CWRU Residence Life team in the summer of 2022. I am a two-time Slippery Rock University graduate, receiving my B.A. in Exercise Science in 2020 and my M.A. in Student Affairs in Higher Education in 2022. During my time at SRU, I served as a Graduate Resident Director in the Office of Housing and Residence Life for 2 years and a Coordinator for Residence Life for 1 year.
I was born and raised in Medina, Ohio and after 6 years in PA, I am excited to be back home in NEO. In my free time, I enjoy binging a new TV show, taking dance classes, trying new recipes, or hanging out with my cat, Oliver Thomas.
Favorite Restaurant: Barrio
Favorite Thing to do in Cleveland: One of my favorite things to do in Cleveland is seeing a show at Playhouse Square!
Anam Javed | Assistant Residential Community Director, Noyes House
Anam, our ARCD for Noyes, will start in Fall 2024. More information about this awesome staff member is to come!
The Upperclass Experience consists of one RCD and four ARCDs, who together oversee a community of 900-1100 residents and 20 RAs.
Matt Dvorak | Residential Community Director, UCE
Hello! My name is Matt Dvorak and I am currently the Residential Community Director for the Upperclass Experience. Previous to working in UCE, I was the Residential Community Director for Murray Hill and then prior to my time with our second year students on Murray Hill, I served in Residence Life as a graduate assistant, living in and working with our Upperclass Experience for over 4 years. I also served as the Assistant Conference Coordinator for our Office of University Housing during that time.
I triple majored as an undergraduate here at CWRU, majoring in Sociology, History, and Women's and Gender Studies. During my time as an undergraduate, I worked in numerous capacities in the Office of University Housing over the course of 4 years. I have a Masters of Science in Urban Studies, and a Graduate Certificate in Local Management from the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Urban Studies and Public Affairs.
When I am not here at CWRU or down the street at Cleveland State, I am likely out and about enjoying the Cleveland food scene. I love Cleveland sports, and am a Fantasy Football fanatic. I've spent nearly 10 years at CWRU now, and I love being able to call Cleveland home.
Favorite Restaurant: I really go through phases with this, but right now, Washington Place Inn and L’Albatros
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Explore Cleveland’s food, coffee, and bar scenes.
Sue Kim | Assistant Residential Community Director, UCE
Sue Kim, our ARCD for UCE, will start in Fall 2024. More information about this awesome staff member is to come!
Thomas Lipker | Assistant Residential Community Director, UCE
Hello everyone! My name is Thomas Lipker and I am an Assistant Residential Community Director for the UE. I attended CWRU for my undergraduate education where I double majored in economic and music with minors in accounting and business management. I am currently pursuing my Juris Doctor Degree and a Master’s Degree in Compliance and Risk Management.
During my time at CWRU, I held multiple on-campus jobs which included working as a facilities assistant during the summers, and being a staff assistant to the music department during the academic year.
During my free time, I enjoy biking around campus, playing music and hanging out with my cat, Rocky (named after Rocky Road Ice-Cream).
Favorite Restaurant: Siam Cafe
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Walking/driving through the Cultural Gardens and going to a Guardians game.
Keno Benjamin | Assistant Residential Community Director, UCE
Keno, an ARCD for UCE, will start in Fall 2024. More information about this awesome staff member is to come!
Emma Mitchell | Assistant Residential Community Director, UCE
Emma, an ARCD for UCE, will start in Fall 2024. More information about this awesome staff member is to come!
The Independent Living Experience consists of one Assistant Director and four GRDs, who together oversee a community of 380-500 residents.
Miquela Hampton | Graduate Resident Director, Hazel Apartments
Hi my name is Miquela! I'm from Columbus, OH but moved to Cleveland for both my undergraduate and graduate studies. I attended CWRU for my undergraduate degree where I studied nutrition and psychology. I'm in my first year of graduate school and I attend Cleveland State University in pursuit of my Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy!
During my undergraduate experience at CWRU I dedicated a large portion of my time advocating for other students through my positions in the Black Student Union and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I also held multiple on-campus jobs including being an orientation leader, tour guide, student panelist, and many others. My path in residence life began when I became a resident assistant, and then continued my journey in the position I have now.
In my free time I like to spend time with the community at The Word Church, explore new food places throughout Cleveland, and read novels. I also like to venture out to new adventures whether that's trying a new restaurant, traveling, or going skydiving!
Favorite Restaurant: Kitchen Social
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Going to concerts or going to the solstice steps at Lakewood Park in the morning to watch the sunrise
Carly Snow | Graduate Resident Director, PMAs
Carly, the GRD for ILE-PMAs, will start in Fall 2024. More information about this awesome staff member is to come!
Alayna Johnson | Graduate Resident Director, Triangle Tower 1
Alayna, a GRD for ILE-Triangle 1, will start in Fall 2024. More information about this awesome staff member is to come!
Fatimah Elghazawi | Graduate Resident Director, Triangle Tower 2
Fatimah, a GRD for ILE-Triangle 2, will start in Fall 2024. More information about this awesome staff member is to come!
The Office of Residence Life couldn't function without the stellar support of our administrative staff!
Kim Blackmon | Administrative Assistant
Hi, my name is Kimberly Blackmon and I am the Administrative Assistant for Residence Life. I have been with the department for 34 years! Yes, 34 years! I enjoy my job because I get to interact with so many staff and students within and outside of the department. I have found the key to my job is being able to work with so many different types of personalities and being able to build individual relationships with all of them. This has made my job both fun and rewarding. I'm always here ready to listen and assist whenever I can. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Favorite Restaurant: Oaks and Embers
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Plan a party
Gerri Collier | Department Assistant
Hello, my name is Gerri Collier and I started working at CWRU in Residence Life in 2014. I love working at CWRU and I love working with, as I call them, “my scholars”. Here in Residence Life, our goal is to help students transition from being away from home, in most cases, for the first time; into college, and help them achieve their academic goals by helping direct them to overcome their hurdles. The scholars keep me on my toes as I watch them go from undergraduates to flourishing young adults who have become graduates and leave home for a second time.
I think Cleveland is the best place on earth to live; the people are friendly and helpful. I love the four seasons that we have here in Cleveland, but; fall is my favorite season. I've lived in numerous states but I always come home to Cleveland where my heart and family are located.
Favorite Restaurant: Angie's Soul Food
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Host gatherings with family and friends