Professional Staff
Subir is finishing his fifth year in the Residential Living Office. During these five years, Subir has served as the Assistant Director/Resident Director of Towers Hall, the Associate Director for the department, and then became the Director in 2010. Subir has utilized his variety of experiences within the department to help create a residential program that aims to educate and develop all students who reside on campus. With the rest of the Residential Living team, Subir combines assessment and student voice to cultivate these reSsidential communities.
Prior to coming to Drexel, Subir Sahu obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. After spending several years working as an engineer for DuPont, he decided to follow his passion for working and counseling college students. Subir left the field of engineering and obtained a Master’s of Education degree in Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education from the University of Delaware. Subir is continuing his education currently at Temple University, where is a Ph.D. Candidate in Urban Education. His dissertation topic centers on the engagement and involvement of Asian students at American colleges and universities.
When not working in the office or on his dissertation, Subir loves exploring the city of Philadelphia, mostly by foot. He enjoys running and is currently training for the Philadelphia Marathon in November.He also is an avid sports fan, mostly rooting for teams from his hometown of Washington, DC.
Emily started at Drexel in July of 2007 as the AD/RD of North Hall. In July 2008 she transitioned to the Associate Director role, and manages the RA Selection Committee. Emily earned her Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Dickinson College in 2003. After realizing she wanted nothing to do with math, she worked as a Resident Manager at Shepherd University in West Virginia for two years. Emily returned to school at the University of Delaware in 2005 and received her Masters in Student Affairs Practice in 2007. After having moved around every two years for awhile, Emily is thrilled to be starting her fifth year at Drexel!
She is continuing to love living in the city after spending several years in very small towns! She's started running and playing softball since moving to Philly. Emily enjoys the beach, and loves the fact that her family built a house there a few years ago.
Rebecca Cole Pratt
Associate Director
rcm62@drexel.edu
Rebecca started at Drexel in July of 2007 as an AD/RD and in July of 2010 she transitioned to the Associate Director role. Rebecca obtained her Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003. After spending 2 years working with the nonprofit sector through Americorps, Rebecca moved to Boone, NC to obtain a Master's Degree in College Student Development from Appalachian State University. Rebecca loves being in a city with such great public transportation and enjoys exploring all the history, food, and music Philadelphia has to offer in her free time.
Rebecca manages the RA Training Committee and works closely with Drexel’s Upper-Class Halls
Erin O'Boyle
Assistant Director of Budgets and Administration
elo27@drexel.edu
Erin O'Boyle began her career at Drexel in 2008 in the Residential Living Office as the Administrative Assistant. In 2010, she became Assistant Director of Budgets and Administration. At Drexel, Erin is responsible for the overall administrative and budgetary management of the Residential Living Office. She is thrilled to be a member of the RLO team.
Erin has a BA in Elementary Education with a specialization in mathematics from West Chester University. She eagerly awaits going back to school for her masters degree.
In her spare time, Erin enjoys listening to music, spending time with friends and family, and discovering the beautiful city of Philadelphia
Tracy Buchanan
Administrative Assistant
teb39@drexel.edu
Tracy Buchanan has been working in the Residential Living Department since September, 2009. She started as a Residential Desk Coordinator for Caneris Hall and in November of 2010 became the Administrative Assistant for the Residential Living Office. In her current role she manages the front office operations and supports professional and student staff, and residents.
Tracy earned her Bachelor’s of Fine Art from Columbus College of Art and Design with a focus in ceramic sculpture. She is currently working on her Master Degree in Arts Administration at Drexel and is honored to be a member of the RLO team.
Although she has lived from coast to coast, Tracy loves Philadelphia. In her spare time she enjoys eating out around the city and exploring the vast artistic and cultural outlets that Philadelphia has to offer.
Melissa DePretto Behan
Assistant Director/Resident Director,
Race Street Residences / Van Rensselaer
med87@drexel.edu
Melissa is finishing her first year as the Resident Director of Race Street Residences and Van Rensselaer Halls. Although originally from Chicago, Melissa has been on the East Coast for a while. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Seton Hall University, and her Masters of Education in Adult and Organizational Development at Temple University. While completing her Masters she served as an Area Coordinator in the Office of Housing and Residence Life at Rutgers University-Camden.
Melissa is also the coordinator of the Sophomore Year Experience Program and has enjoyed her work with both the first-class and upperclass committees this year. She absolutely loves living in Philly and likes to explore the city with her husband, Sean and dog, Louie.
Alyssa Garnich
Resident Director
Myers Hall
amg398@drexel.eduAlyssa is new to the Residential Living team at Drexel as of July 2011, and as a native of Bucks County, PA is excited to be back in the Philly area. Alyssa received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Scranton, and a Master of Education degree in College Student Personnel from James Madison University. She has worked in higher education as both a graduate student and professional in the areas of residence life, career development, and academic advising at a variety of institutions, including Colgate University, James Madison University, and most recently, Stevens Institute of Technology. Alyssa enjoys spending time with friends and family, baking, reading, cheering on the Phillies, Flyers, and Eagles, and exploring Philadelphia!
Alyssa also works to coordinate the advisers and RAs of the college learning communities housed in Myers and in addition, works with the First Year Engagement committee within RLO. She is looking forward to getting more involved with other offices across campus to enhance residential student experiences and serve the greater university community.
Carlos Guillen
Resident Director,
Calhoun Hall/Director of New Student and Family Programs
cjg59@drexel.edu
Carlos joined the RLO staff in 2008. He coordinates the First Year Experience while supervising the amazing staff of Calhoun Hall. Carlos moved to Philadelphia after completing his Master of Science degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Colorado State University. Carlos is a proud alumnus of the University of New Mexico in his home state where he was born and raised. In an effort to capitalize on opportunities to get involved outside of the department, Carlos has taught a University 101 course, coordinated the Drexel Homecoming Court Selection Process, and worked with New Student Orientation last summer. From snowboarding the Poconos and running the Schuylkill Trail to enjoying a great beer while trying out a new restaurant, Carlos enjoys spending his free time taking advantage of the variety of activities Philly and the surrounding areas have to offer.
Reeba Monachan
Assistant Director /Resident Director,
Caneris Hall / University Crossings / Axis
rsm72@drexel.edu
Reeba Monachan started at Drexel in July 2009 as an Assistant Director/Resident Director and currently works with the students in Caneris Hall, University Crossings and the Axis on 36th St.
Prior to coming to Drexel, Reeba graduated with her M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia in 2009 after working at a small, private law firm. After graduating with a degree in Political Science from North Carolina State University, Reeba decided to pursue a career in Higher Education and loves what she does. Although she loves the South, Reeba has enjoyed her time within the Residential Living Office and the beautiful city of Philadelphia. She loves trying new restaurants, going to shows, and experiencing other cultural events. She is also very involved with her church community.
Reeba’s Assistant Director responsibilities include Community Development, working with the Upper-class Experience; RA Selection, Victim’s Support Liaison and Co-Residence Hall Association Advisor
Gabby Mora
Resident Director,
Kelly Hall
mgm92@drexel.edu
Gabby joined the RLO staff in 2011. She is originally from Venezuela and moved to the US to attend college on a tennis scholarship at Tusculum College in Greeneville, TN, where she completed her B.A. in Mass Media and Business Administration. Gabby then went on to work as an Assistant Hall Director at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville while working on her M.S. in Advertising and later as a Graduate Assistant at the Office of the Dean of Students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she completed a Masters of Education in Higher Education. In between graduate schools, Gabby also worked as a Resident Director at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Loyola University Chicago.
Durda Rajsic Catto
Assistant Director / Resident Director,
Stiles Hall / Van Rensselaer
dr376@drexel.edu
Durda joined the Office of Residential Living in August 2007 as a Residential Desk Coordinator. During this time, she completed her MS in Library and Information Science. In 2009 she became Assistant Director in the Office of Residential Living, offering budgetary and administrative support. In 2010, Durda transitioned into the AD/RD position. She is currently developing and implementing the Graduate Student Experience which is housed in Stiles Hall on the Center City Campus and in part of Van Rensselaer Hall on the University City Campus.
Durda is a Philadelphia native and feels a strong connection to Drexel, having family members that are alumni and being an alumnus herself. Prior to coming to Drexel, Durda earned her B.S. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education at Bloomsburg University and was a teacher for the School District of Philadelphia. Durda also enjoys exploring the city with her coworkers which brings new enthusiasm for the city in which she was raised.
Jen Tifone
Resident Director, Millennium Hall
jat338@drexel.edu
Jen is in her first year as the RD of Millennium Hall which houses the Honors Program Living Learning Community. Prior to moving to Philadelphia, Jen lived in South Dakota where she worked as a Complex Director at Black Hills State University. Jen graduated with her undergraduate degree in 2006 from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Political Science. After realizing that she didn’t want to go to law school Jen moved out west to South Dakota for the position at Black Hills State University and in 2008 Jen began her master’s degree at South Dakota State University in the Student Personal Service Program which she completed in 2010.
When not working Jen enjoys exploring the wonderful city of Philadelphia as well as trying to get her dog Sammie (who she adopted while out in South Dakota) to find the courage to explore his new surroundings. Jen also enjoys playing soccer, movies and finding opportunities for volunteer in the city.
Joe Peltzer
Resident Director, Towers Hall
jmp366@drexel.edu
Joe, originally from New Hope, PA, joined the RLO team in July of 2010 and currently serves as the Resident Director of Towers Hall. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Human Resource Management from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, as well as his Master of Education degree in College Student Personnel Administration from James Madison University. Prior to working at Drexel, Joe held positions in Fraternity & Sorority Life at JMU for two years, as well as an internship position in FSL at Drexel. Joe enjoys sampling the many restaurants Philadelphia has to offer, spending time with family and friends in the area, and being an avid fan of the Philadelphia Flyers!
In addition to his role as Resident Director, Joe serves as a member of the RA Training Committee, works on the planning committee for the Student Life Awards, and will be supervising the Drexel Orientation Leaders this summer.
Alina Torres-Zickler
Assistant Director / Resident Director, North Hall
amt69@drexel.edu
Alina is finishing up her third year as the AD/RD of North Hall. Before coming to Philadelphia Alina traversed the New England working at UMass – Amherst and the University of New Hampshire in residential living. Alina also worked at the University of Vermont where she worked at the Center for Cultural Pluralism during her masters program. Alina is a born and bred New Yorker who completed her undergraduate degree at Ithaca College in Television and Radio.When she’s not working, Alina continues her doctoral research on the experiences of multiracial students in higher education, spends quality time with her partner, Ken, her son Kai and their adorable puppy Allie. Alina is slowly becoming a sports fan (love to watch the Phillies and the Flyers!) and Philadelphia feels more like her new hometown every day.