Our Team

Hi! My name is Katherine Barrasso and I am the Graduate Assistant for LGBTQ+ Student Services in the Thrive Center. I am originally from New Jersey, and I received my Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from Tufts University in 2023. Currently, I am a second-year in the Psy.D. (Clinical Psychology) program at Loyola, practicing therapy and psychoeducational assessments with children and adolescents. I am passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ wellbeing and belonging on Loyola's campus and beyond! Through my role, I support LGBTQ+ programming and student organizations to foster affirming spaces, bolster support networks, and create joyful experiences for LGBTQ+ students and allies. In my spare time, you can find me spending tons of time with my friends and family, singing along to music, running, and listening to my favorite podcasts. 

Hello! My name is Amaya Bullock, and as a proud Loyola alum, I am honored to return to campus as the Assistant Director/Success Coach for Cultural and Identity Support. Though originally from Boston, I've called the DMV area home since beginning my Loyola journey in 2019. After earning my B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Urban Education in 2023, I continued my academic and professional path in Washington, D.C., where I received my M.A. in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in Student Affairs at The George Washington University. 

As one of the Assistant Director/Success Coaches, I support students in their academic, personal, and professional development through holistic coaching, advising, intentional outreach, and cultural programming. In addition, I will assist with support to student organizations, and contribute to signature programs, such as, SistertoSister and Messina, as well as large-scale Thrive Center events and initiatives.

My passion lies in creating inclusive spaces where students can find belonging, engage meaninguflly, and thrive both academically and personally. I am eager to be giving back to the community that helped me grow and feel supported during my time as a student.

For fun, you can find me exploring DC, strolling through a local farmers market, soaking up the sun at the beach or pool, trying new restaurants, or taking long walks. I also love spending time back in Boston with family and friends.

I'm so excited to be back at Loyola, where I can contribute to the same welcoming, supportive environment that helped me thrive as a student! 

My name is Pat Cassidy and I'm honored to serve as the Director of LGBTQ+ Student Services in the Thrive Center. Though I am a Connecticut native, I've almost reached the point of living most of my life in Baltimore, having moved here in 2010. I have worked at Loyola since 2015 in a variety of roles, settling into this one in July 2024. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Providence College and a Master's in Pastoral Counseling (Spiritual & Pastoral Care) here at Loyola.

In my role, I work most closely with LGBTQ+ students and allies to uplift and celebrate the unique gifts and experiences that queer folks bring to our campus and local community. Whether it's organizing our annual drag show alongside students or collaborating with colleagues for more inclusive policies and practices, I'm passionate about creating a campus where all members can thrive as they live, learn, and work at Loyola. Pop by my office anytime to say hello and let me know how you're doing!

Outside of work, you'll find me exploring Baltimore or working in my yard with my husband (also a Loyola employee!) and dog, sewing garments as a creative outlet, or doing anything and everything to enjoy the outdoors, some good food, and time with friends and family.

Luke serves as the Director of New Student & Family Programs at Loyola University Maryland. In this role, he leads the development and execution of programs that support the successful transition of new students and their families into the Loyola community. From summer orientation and pre-fall programs to family engagement and first-year experience initiatives, Luke is passionate about helping students find their sense of belonging and purpose from day one. He is committed to creating meaningful, inclusive experiences that foster connection, support, and student success. Luke is a 2017 graduate of Loyola and has since received his Master's in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University. In his free time he can be found trying new restaurants or coffee shops.

Laura started her journey at Loyola in 2022 and is the current Assistant Director for New Student & Family Programs; a transition from her previous role in the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement. She made the move down to Baltimore from Lehigh County, Pennsylvania where she completed her Master of Education in Higher Education Student Affairs at DeSales University and B.S in Public Relations at Millersville University. Before starting at Loyola, she worked in Fraternity and Sorority Life as well as Student Engagement at other institutions.

Laura’s role in our office supports family engagement initiatives, Evergreen (orientation leader) training, and advising the Commuter Student Organization (CSO) and Transfer Student Organization (TSO). Her passion for creating a holistic experience for student leaders and inviting families to be partners with us on that journey is what drives her day-to-day love of the position. However, outside of work, she can be found curled up on the couch with her dog or being a tourist in her own city (preferably with a water view). 

My name is Jainaya Rice, and I serve as one of the Assistant Director/Success Coaches for the Thrive Center for Student Success at Loyola University Maryland. I am a proud Baltimorean and deeply honored to be serving in my local community! I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Theatre and Media Performance from Stevenson University and am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Emerging Media at Loyola, with an expected graduation in May 2026. 

In my role as Assistant Director/Success Coach, I have the privilege of coaching and supporting students in their academic, personal, and professional journeys, while also co-leading key initiatives like Sister to Sister. I collaborate with colleagues across the Thrive Center to foster belonging, growth, and success for every student we serve. 

Beyond my professional work, I am a creative at heart. I enjoy professional photography, acting in film and theatre, and exploring artistic expression. For fun, I love discovering new restaurants, listening to music, and spending quality time with my loved ones. 

I am excited for my continued journey here at Loyola and look forward to making a positive and lasting impact on the students and community. 

My name is Arianna Starks, and I’m the Graduate Assistant for New Student & Family Programs. I’m currently earning my master’s degree in Clinical Professional Counseling and completed my undergraduate studies in Psychology at Hampton University. I’m passionate about mental health and helping students and families feel welcomed and supported as they begin their Loyola journey!

My name is Jason Summers and I am the Assistant Director of the Thrive Center! I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. I received my Bachelors of Arts degree of Sociology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2014. Having found my passion for working in Student Affairs, after graduating undergrad, I began my Master of Education with an emphasis of Adult and Higher Education program, finishing in May 2016. I have gained the majority of my Higher Education experience working in Residence Life and Housing, DEI offices, and Human Resources. As the Assistant Director of the Thrive Center, I am tasked with coordinating and evaluating the Multicultural Awareness Program, overseeing the coordination of the AMP Mentoring Program, providing intentional outreach and advising to cultural identity groups, serving as an advocate for issue affecting the personal, social, and academic development of students, along with a host of other things. Outside of my day to day professional life, I enjoying discovering new places to eat in Baltimore, playing on a kickball team, binge watching multiple shows via all my subscriptions, and spending time with my family and friends.

My name is Dennis Velez, and I am the Director of Student Success Coaching in the Thrive Center. I am a proud Connecticut native (though my parents were both born in Puerto Rico). I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Iona College, and received my Master of Arts degree in Sociology with a concentration in diversity and inequality from Fordham University. As Associate Director, I oversee the Ignatius Scholars Program, help oversee the academic enrichment programs, work on retention programs such as MAN2MAN, and provide general support services for Thrive Center students. When I'm not serving as a Higher Education professional, you can find me on the dance floor (I love dance fitness), checking out a cool restaurant (eating is a hobby), spending time with my family back home in Connecticut (I have two nieces and three nephews I'm obsessed with!) or keeping up with my favorite reality television shows (guilty habit). Go Greyhounds!

I am Raven Williams, Dean of Student Success and a native of Saginaw, Michigan.  My work in higher education has been focused on student retention, academic advising and intervention, staff and student training and development, cultural competency, and diversity/equity/inclusion awareness.  As the Dean of Student Success, I oversee the retention and support services for students of color and other underrepresented students, as well as supervision of the Thive Center staff.  I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from Eastern Michigan University and my Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Saginaw Valley State University.  My next academic goal is to begin working on my doctoral degree.  In my spare time, I love anything related to music, church, sports, traveling, shopping, and exploring new restaurants.  The one thing people will learn about me quickly is that I’m a social butterfly and I love connecting with people.  Most importantly, I love working with students!

My name is Vanessa Medina, and I am the Student Assistant for the New Students and Family Programs Department! I am a junior majoring in Forensic Studies from Nanuet, New York. As a student assistant, I assist with departmental marketing, staff programming, and tracking evergreen requirements. On campus, I am also an Evergreen, Co-Event Coordinator for the Association of Latinx Students (ALAS), Teacher for Dance Crew, and a Member of Dance Company. Outside of work, I enjoy going on walks, playing sports, binge watching shows, discovering new foods and places to eat, and spending time with my family and friends.