The Office of Residence Life is made up of 13 full time staff,12 graduate staff in the Assistant Residential Community Director roles, 103 RAs, and four student workers. Get to know us better below!
The leadership team consists of the Director, the Associate Director, and the Assistant Director.
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 Experiences at CWRU.
I earned my Bachelor's in History from the University of Pittsburgh in 2012, minoring in Sociology and Italian Language Studies. In 2014, I completed my master's 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 dog dad, doing DIY projects, caring for my houseplants, and playing video games. Additionally, the way to my heart is good food, so I'm always on the hunt for pierogis, copious amounts of Italian dishes, and sandwiches with french fries on them. I also look forward to getting involved in some community sports leagues once I get settled into and the Cleveland area. Cheers!
Favorite Restaurant: Pepper's
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Explore! As a recent transplant to Cleveland, It's been wonderful getting to know the area and have some new adventures.
Billie Vichosky | Assistant Director
My name is Billie Vichosky (she/her/hers) and I serve as the Assistant Director of Residence Life. I am a first-generation college graduate and joined the CWRU Residence Life team in October of 2021.
I earned my B.A. in Business and Organizational Communication - Public Relations at the University of Akron (UA) in 2017. It was during my time at UA that I fell in love with working alongside residential students, as I served in many various student leadership positions, which included serving as a Resident Assistant for 3 years.
After graduation, I spent a year working in college ministry at UA, where I got to guide undergraduate students in their spiritual development. I then earned my M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs from Kent State University in 2020. From 2020 until I came to CWRU, I served as a Residence Hall Director and a part-time Academic Advisor for exploratory students at Kent State University.
When I am not working, I am a big fan of exploring local coffee shops and breweries, spending time with my sweet husband and pup, and hiking various trails around the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Favorite Restaurant: Barrio
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Play a round of shuffleboard at Forest City Shuffleboard, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy some delicious Mitchell’s Ice Cream!
The First Year Experience consists of eight professional staff members, who together in paired ARCD/RCD teams, oversee a community of 230-480 residents and 6-12 RAs.
Daniella Parks | Residential Community Director, Cedar/Magnolia
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!
Kirby Gilmore | Assistant Residential Community Director, Cedar/Magnolia
Kirby Gilmore, our ARCD for Cedar/Magnolia started in Fall 2021 - more info coming soon!
Antonio Tate | Residential Community Director, Juniper
Hello! My name is Antonio Tate (he/him/his) and I currently serve as the Director of Juniper Residential Community. I joined the CWRU Residence Life team in August of 2017. I attended the University of Mount Union for undergrad and stayed as a graduate assistant for the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, working with the campus programming board, while also serving as a Resident Director. During that time, I completed my Master’s in Sport and Recreation Management at Kent State University. Prior to arriving at Case, I spent the 2016-2017 season with the Cleveland Browns within the Community Relations department, and the 2017 spring semester back at Mount Union as a Resident Director.
Born and raised in the city of Cleveland, I love being home while getting the opportunity to work with college students. I love having day to day interactions with students and aim to make their experience worthwhile.
Personally, I love trying new foods and watching/attending various sporting events. I am also a huge Star Wars fan and try to keep my Netflix/HBO/Hulu/Disney+ binging to a minimum.
Favorite Restaurant: Chipotle
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Go to concerts
Grae Pollard | Assistant Residential Community Director, Cedar/Magnolia
My name is Grae Pollard (she/her), and I joined the office as the Juniper Assistant Residence Community Director in August 2022. I am currently pursuing a masters degree in social work and nonprofit organization here at CWRU. I earned my bachelors in social work and political science in 2020 from the University of Akron. During my undergrad, I served in various student leadership positions, including a resident assistant for 3 years. Upon graduation, I moved out to Utah and worked with youth that had social or behavioral issues in a wilderness therapeutic program. After a year of working in Utah, I moved to Arizona to serve as an Americorp volunteer. I worked at a university research office focusing on community resilience and social determinants of health.
When not working, I try to keep my body active, be outside anyway I can, listen to economic and news podcasts, read, and travel.
Favorite Restaurant: It is not technically a restaurant but I adore the West Side Market.
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Exploring Cleveland's distinct neighborhoods and running along the lake.
Justin Wilhite | Residential Community Director, Mistletoe
My name is Justin Wilhite (he/him/his) and I am the Residential Community Director for Mistletoe, a First Year Experience Residential Community. I started working here at CWRU in June 2021, right after graduating from the University of Dayton in May 2021 with my Master's degree in Higher Education Student Personnel.
Before that, I was a lifelong Clevelander, born and raised fifteen minutes from the campus. I received my bachelor's degree in Communication at Cleveland State University and I went to Benedictine High School, just up the street from CWRU. Therefore, I am very familiar with the city.
Favorite Restaurant: Barrio
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: going to Euclid Beach to watch the sunset during warmer months, follow the Cleveland Cavaliers (I am a diehard NBA fan), and go to EDM shows.
Tre Armstrong | Assistant Residential Community Director, Mistletoe
Tre Armstrong, our ARCD for Mistletoe started in Fall 2021 - more info coming soon!
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: Curling at Platform Brew in the winter months or walking the hiking trails at the Cleveland MetroParks
Anna Giubileo | Assistant Residential Community Director, Clarke Tower
Hello! My name is Anna Giubileo (she/her) & I am the ARCD for Clarke Tower Community! I am currently working toward my Master of Social Work at CWRU's Jack, Joseph, & Morton Mandel School for Applied Social Sciences. I am on track to graduate May 2023 with a concentration in child & adolescent mental health with a trauma focus. I graduated from CWRU undergrad in 2022 with a major in psychology. Since I was a first year at CWRU, it was a goal of mine to eventually become an ARCD!
In my free time—when the weather cooperates—I love exploring the metroparks or spending time outside reading. The rest of the time, you'll find me at The Coffee House or finding new areas on campus to study.
Favorite Restaurant: Tommy's or Cilantro Taqueria
Favorite Thing to Do in Cleveland: Find new restaurants or activities with friends!
The Second Year Experience consists of seven professional staff members, who together in ARCD/RCD/GRD 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.
I am extremely excited to return to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio as I truly enjoyed my time here in undergrad. I have an Australian Cattle Dog named Loki. In my spare time, I am a huge NASCAR fan and I am also a big sports fan in general- I love football, baseball and hockey!
Favorite Restaurant: Barrio
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Going to Cleveland Guardians and Cleveland Monsters games!
Heather Willis | Assistant Residential Community Director, Carlton Road
Heather Willis, our ARCD for Carlton Road started in Fall 2021 - more info coming soon!
Meghan Lechner | Residential Community Director, Murray Hill
Hello! My name is Meghan Lechner (she/her) and I am the RCD of Murray Hill aka "the bottom of the hill!" I earned a B.A. in Political Science & Communication from Hope College and a M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the College of William & Mary. Prior to joining the Residence Life team here at CWRU, I served as a Resident Director at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington (4 years) and as a Graduate Assistant in Outdoor Education at William & Mary (2 years). My professional experiences and research have been centered in the worlds of student identity development, interfaith leadership, and prison education reform.
While I have lived in several different corners of the country, Northeast Ohio is my home! I am a diehard Cleveland sports fan and spend most of my free time exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park! If I am not at Progressive Field catching a game or hiking in CVNP, you can usually find me baking, kayaking, or with my nose in a book.
Favorite Restaurant: Brewnuts!
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Watch baseball in "The Corner" at Progressive Field!
Karina Pantoja | Assistant Residential Community Director, Murray Hill
Hello! My name is Karina Pantoja and I am the ARCD of Murray Hill. I studied History at Columbia University and am now a 2L at Case Western School of Law. In college, I served on the board of the Chicanx Caucus and the First-Generation/Low-income Student Advisory Board. Currently, I serve on the board of the Labor and Employment Law Society. I was born and raised in Chicago and I am excited to begin my legal career in Cleveland. When I am not spending time with my beautiful black cat Jolene, I am trying new restaurants, journaling, and hanging out with friends.
Favorite Restaurant: Algebra Tea House! Top 3 food in Cleveland, especially their tacos!
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: I love going to the art museum because there is always something new to see!
Brandon Eddinger | Residential Community Director, Triangle
Hello! My name is Brandon Eddinger (he/him) and I am the RCD for Triangle. 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!
Maddy Nacci | Assistant Residential Community Director, Triangle
Hello! My name is Maddy Nacci (she/her/hers) and I currently serve as the Assistant Residential Community Director for the Triangle Towers Community. In addition, I am currently pursuing my Master of Public Health at Cleveland State University while running cross country and track for CSU's team. I completed my undergrad at CWRU and was also a Resident Assistant for upperclass students for two years! I grew up in Wooster, Ohio and I love to hike, play tennis, hang out with family and friends, and play board games in my free time!
Favorite Restaurant: Mama Santa's or Ohio City Burrito
Favorite Thing to do in Cleveland: Run or hike around the Cleveland Metroparks or CVNP!
Asia Moore | Graduate Resident Director, Triangle
Asia Moore, our GRD for Triangle started in Fall 2021 - more info coming soon!
The Upperclass Experience consists of one RCD, three ARCDs, and one GRD, who together overseee a community of 500-800 residents and 8-12 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.
Jane Norris | Assistant Residential Community Director, UCE
Hello! My name is Jane Norris and I am currently a Assistant Residential Community Director for the Upperclass Experience. This is my second year in this role, and I love being a part of this team. I am also pursuing a Masters of Compliance and Risk Management and a Juris Doctorate at Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
When I am not here at CWRU, I am likely at the Metroparks with my dog or grabbing a bite to eat with friends in Tremont or Little Italy.
Favorite Restaurant: Ty Fun in Tremont.
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Go to a Cavs game (especially on their student ticket nights!)
Hannah Gill | Assistant Residential Community Director, UCE
Hannah Gill, one of our ARCDs for UCE started in Fall 2022 - more info coming soon!
Abby Schultz | Assistant Residential Community Director, UCE
Hey everyone! My name is Abby Schultz and I am an ARCD for UCE. I am working on a dual Masters in Social Work and Nonprofit Organization with a concentration in Community Practice for Social Change. As an undergraduate, I majored in Medicine, Health, and Society and Spanish and worked with the school theater's costume shop!
When I am not at CWRU, you can probably find me back home visiting my dog JJ (who I love sharing pictures of if you need a study break!), working on a sewing project, or studying at a cafe with my friends.
Favorite Restaurant: Mia Bella or Build the Pho
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Visit the art and natural history museums near campus
Junwoo Shim | Graduate Resident Director, UCE
My name is Junwoo Shim and I am the GRD of The Monroe Apartments. I studied Economics at Syracuse University as an undergrad and I also earned a graduate certificate from Korea University in Economics. I am currently pursuing a Juris Doctorate degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Law and starting my new role for the Upperclass Experience.
I am originally from South Korea and I have been studying abroad since I was 12. I am currently the vice president of the Asian Law Students Association and the treasurer of the Animal Legal Defense Fund at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. I also serve as a leader on the International Student Advisory Council, helping improve the experience of all students on campus.
Favorite Restaurant: Chipotle and Cloak & Dagger
Favorite Thing to do in Cleveland: Visit art galleries and Edgewater Beach
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 33 years! Yes, 33 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