Meet the Student Affairs Staff

Andrew A. Foster has over 24 years' experience working in Catholic Higher Education Institutions. He joined the Albertus Magnus College community in 2005 from Fairfield University, where he served as Sr. Associate Director of Financial Aid. Foster earned a B.A. in Psychology from Sacred Heart University and a M.A. in Leadership from Albertus Magnus College. Throughout his tenure at Albertus, he served as the Director of Financial Aid, Dean for Student Services, and now serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. As Vice President for Student Affairs, Andrew is responsible for managing and providing strategic leadership and oversight for a variety of offices within the full-time traditional undergraduate student affairs division.

Erin Morrell is the Associate Dean for Student Engagement and New Student Orientation. She is currently in her eighteenth year at Albertus Magnus College. She has a bachelor of science from the University of Connecticut and a master of arts from Fairfield University. Erin is responsible for the overall administration of the Office for Student Engagement and New Student Orientation, the Hubert Campus Center and the student employees. She co-advises the Student Government Association and all student organizations on campus, plans leadership trainings and coordinates all of the New Student and Transfer Orientation sessions. She also teaches part time as an instructor on campus and advises a community service organization at a nearby university. In her spare time she enjoys baking, reading, traveling and having fun with her family and friends.

Dr. Matthew Lavery is the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Title IX Coordinator. Matt provides oversight of the Office of Residential Life and Community Standards, serves as the College’s Title IX Coordinator, Co-chair the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), and chairs and collaborates activities relating to the College’s Conduct and Appellate Board. Matt earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Centenary University, a Master in Arts in Educational Administration from the University of Redlands and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Stonehill College. Matt runs on Dunkin' and loves watching sports and spending time with his son.

Awilda Burroughs is the Operations Assistant for Student Affairs. She is currently in her second year at Albertus Magnus College. Awilda is a student in the Accelerated Degree Program at Albertus Magnus College, she is pursuing her Bachelor Degree in Business Management. She is fluent in Spanish. She resides in Hamden, CT. Her hobbies are cooking, shopping and traveling.

Dan is the Coordinator for Student Engagement. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations from Suffolk University. Dan grew up in northern Massachusetts, and is excited to for the opportunity to learn about and explore Connecticut! When Dan is not working, you can find him playing board games, reading or trying new coffee shops around the area. Make sure to reach out to him if you have any questions or need anything!

Joey Dessino is currently in his first year at Albertus Magnus College and is the Assistant Director of Student Engagement & Campus Recreation. Joey has a Bachelor's degree in Recreation and Sports Management from Coastal Carolina University and a Master's Degree in Sport Management from the University of New Haven.

When Joey is not working he enjoys watching football and baseball, competitive gaming, and continuing his fitness and nutrition journey. Joey is also a world traveler but also enjoys spending time with his cat Shadow!

Spencer McBreairty is the Associate Director of Residential Life and Community Standards. He is a first generation college student with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Southern Maine, and a Master of Science in Human Relations from Husson University. In high school, Spencer participated in the TRiO Upward Bound Program which inspired him to work with college students. Prior to working at Albertus, he held various roles at colleges in Maine, Pennsylvania, and New York and is excited to now call Connecticut home! When not working, you can find him walking his dog Archie around campus.

Valeria Araujo serves as the Residential Life & Deputy Title IX Coordinator. A first-generation college graduate, she earned her B.A. in Sociology from Mills College at Northeastern University. Valeria has three years of experience in Residential Life and two years working with bridge programs that support first-generation youth. She is passionate about promoting mental health awareness and empowering students from marginalized backgrounds. She has spent her entire life in Oakland, California, and is excited to explore New England and contribute to her new community. In her free time, Valeria enjoys writing and aspires to publish a novel.

Jennifer Evans has been a part of the Albertus team since 2018.  She is a licensed clinical social worker who has been in practice for nearly 20 year specializing in adolescent and young adult work.  Jennifer has had the opportunities to work with a variety of different populations, including those who have been impacted by trauma, anxiety, and depression.  She has a many years of experience collaborating the academic as well as social emotional needs of students to help them reach their full potential. She graduated from Southern CT State University with her Bachelors degree in Social Work, and then studied at Fordham University to receive her Master of Arts in  Social Work. In addition to her campus responsibilities, she runs a successful private practice. Jennifer has always loved higher education and the opportunities it brings. She enjoys creating in many forms and can often be found outside with her husband, daughters and Golden Retriever.

Dr. Mattiace has been with the Counseling Center since 2018. She graduated with an undergraduate and Master of Arts degree from Marist College and earned a second Master of Arts Degree and Psy.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Hartford. She comes to Albertus Magnus College with nearly 20 years experience working in various clinical settings with diverse populations. Areas of research have been in trauma and emotional regulation. Dr. Mattiace believes college can be both an exciting and challenging time in life and loves working with individuals coping with this transition. She particularly enjoys working with students struggling with anxiety, depression, bereavement, and issues related to identity and sexuality. Additionally, she enjoys supervising other clinicians, as well as creating and delivering professional development and psycho-educational workshops. When not at work, Dr. Mattiace loves spending time with her husband and three children.

Elizabeth Magenheimer MSN, APRN has worked at Albertus Magnus College as a family nurse practitioner since 1982. She received her BS from Villanova University and her Masters degree from Yale University. Elizabeth also works in primary care in New Haven at the Fair Haven Community Health Center and teaches at Yale University School of Nursing. She is bilingual in Spanish and English. Her special areas of interest beyond general primary care include: Women’s health, Mindfulness Meditation and Diabetes Care and Prevention. She lives in New Haven with her husband and has two grown sons. She spends her free time reading, swimming at the Albertus Pool and cross country skiing.

Debra Marino joins Albertus Magnus College as the Project Director for the Prevention of Power Based Violence. She has an MSW from Fordham and is a seasoned professional with wide ranging experience. Debby has focused her career seeking the best ways to help improve the lives of others. During the course of her career she has worked in both clinical mental health and higher education settings. She has over a decade of experience in the field of social work with state agencies, hospitals, the judicial system, and community-based non-profits. She also has over 10 years experience working with both domestic violence survivors and offenders. Debby is a Mom of two and when not working she is an avid reader hosting a monthly book club. She loves softball, hiking, and is a yoga enthusiast. She is also the planner in her friend group and can be found most days planning unique outings with her friends. Debby is involved in educational policy advocacy and supports the International Dyslexia Association.