Staff List

As an Assistant Provost and the Executive Director of Syracuse Abroad, Dr. Erika Wilkens is responsible for all aspects of the strategic expansion and management of Syracuse Abroad, as well as playing a key role in advancing the University’s vision and commitment to internationalization.

Erika brings deep international, academic and administrative experience to her role, most recently as the founding Director of Syracuse University’s study abroad center in Istanbul, Turkey, where she led operations from 2010 until 2017, until the center closed its doors due to political unrest in the region. Transitioning to Syracuse University in the U.S., Erika served in various global engagement leadership positions before being appointed to her current role.

Prior to joining Syracuse University, Wilkens has served as a faculty member and conducted research at several institutions worldwide, most recently as an assistant professor at Okan University in Istanbul, an instructor at Sabanci University, Istanbul and New School University’s Graduate Program in International Affairs in New York City. She also has worked as a research consultant to the World Bank and as a visiting faculty member on a Soros Foundation Civic Education Project at Vytautas Magnus (Kaunas) and Vilnius Universities in Lithuania. She has conducted international research in several countries including Canada, Belgium, Romania, Hungary, and India.

Wilkens earned a Ph.D. in political science from Syracuse University; a master’s degree in international development from University of Calgary, Canada; a master’s degree in international relations from Lancaster University, United Kingdom; and a bachelor of commerce degree from University of Calgary.

Diane has been with Syracuse Abroad since 2001. As Director of Administration, she assists with HR, legal, risk management, compliance, and other issues for Syracuse staff and for staff and faculty at our overseas centers. She also provides administrative support to the Assistant Provost and Executive Director of Syracuse Abroad.

Prior to her current position, Diane worked as an independent public relations consultant and event planner for various clients in the Syracuse area. She also worked in the public relations department at Crouse Hospital, and as Assistant to the VP of Public Relations at Crouse. Diane holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in PR from SUNY Geneseo.

Contact Diane:

• dimckenn@syr.edu
• 315-443-9416

Tara serves as the Director of Admissions and Student Engagement for Syracuse Abroad.  In this role, she oversees the admission and predeparture process for all Syracuse Abroad Center programs, campus outreach initiatives across Syracuse University and the recruitment and the recruitment of non-Syracuse University students from our partner schools.  Tara has over 14 years of experience working in higher education, specifically in the areas of undergraduate admissions and recruitment, CRM implementation and design, and education abroad.

She obtained her MBA degree from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and her BBA degree in International Business and Human Resource Management from Temple University.  As an undergraduate student, she also had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Madrid, Spain.

Contact Tara:

• teblomva@syr.edu
• 315-443-9430

Mary Fedorko has worked in the field of international education for nearly 25 years, with a special emphasis on student advising, scholarship administration, program management, and cultural exchange. She most enjoys guiding students towards finding the best study abroad program to meet their academic, financial, and personal needs. Mary studied and lived in China for three years shortly after China opened its doors to U.S. students. She has a BA in English from Smith College, and an MA in Chinese Studies from the University of Pittsburgh.

Contact Mary:

• mmfedork@syr.edu
• 315-443-9424

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Delaney is excited to connect Syracuse University students to the multitude of opportunities available through Syracuse Abroad. As a 2018 graduate of Syracuse University and an alumna of the Santiago Center, she knows first-hand the ins and outs of student life and the impact of international education. Delaney studied journalism, international relations and Spanish and is happy to talk about anything and everything ‘Cuse related. She is originally from Buffalo, New York (Go Bills!).

Contact Delaney:

• dovanwey@syr.edu
• 315-443-9422

Theresa joined the Syracuse Abroad team as Office Coordinator in 2018. She graduated Canisius College with a B.A. in Industrial Psychology. After completing her degree at Canisius she opened and operated her own retail store in Syracuse for 15 years. While running her business she obtained a Paralegal Certificate from Syracuse University.

She has had the opportunity to live in London with her husband and children and travel throughout Europe. Theresa can now share her passion for education abroad and travel with Syracuse University students.

Contact Theresa

• tabarone@syr.edu
• 315-443-3471

As a member of the Syracuse Abroad Admissions team, Courtney serves as advisor for the Exploring Central Europe and as the Florence program’s visa coordinator. She is the main contact for student veterans interested in study abroad.

Courtney is an alumna of the SU Florence studio arts program. She holds a BFA in Painting, and an MA in Museum Studies from Syracuse University.

Contact Courtney:

• cspencer@syr.edu
• 315-443-9428

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Joelle serves as the advisor for Syracuse Abroad’s Center programs in London, England. As part of the Admissions Team, she works with students through every step of the abroad experience. As an undergraduate at the State University of New York at Geneseo, Joelle spent a semester abroad in France. Prior to joining Syracuse Abroad, Joelle held various education roles both in the U.S. and overseas. She is committed to international education and the experiential learning opportunities that study abroad exemplifies.

Contact Joelle:

• jlorecki@syr.edu
• 315-443-9431

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International Program Advisor, Florence

Leslie is the International Academic Program Advisor for Florence, Italy.  Leslie developed a passion for exploring the world and other cultures after a week-long trip to Costa Rica in high school. Four years later, she went on to study abroad for an entire semester in San Joaquín de Flores, Costa Rica to complete a minor in Spanish and Hispanic Studies from Hobart & William Smith Colleges.

Leslie is an AmeriCorps alumnus, having spent two years improving access to higher education in Austin, Texas. She has spent her entire career in education-based non-profits, dedicated to student services and improving the human experience through a social justice lens.

Contact Leslie (she/her/hers):

• laskeffi@syr.edu

International Program Advisor: Madrid Center  & Discovery programs; Strasbourg Center & Discovery programs

Katie’s love for international education began in high school with a six week exchange to France, quickly followed by a year-long exchange program to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Realizing her goal to help future students also study abroad, she studied and interned abroad in Klaipeda, Lithuania while completing her Bachelor’s in International Studies at George Fox University in Oregon. Shortly after, she embarked on the Teaching Assistant Program in France to work as an English language assistant in Pontarlier.

Following teaching abroad, Katie began her graduate studies in International Education Management from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and graduated with a Master’s of Arts after completing her practicum at the Syracuse University Strasbourg Center. Through all these programs, Katie has learned the importance of citizen diplomacy through cultural immersion, language acquisition, and developing intercultural competency skills. She is eager to continue her work creating bridges across countries and cultures as she assists students in advising students for the Strasbourg and Madrid Semester programs.

Contact Katie:

• kwells01@syr.edu

At Syracuse Abroad, Cara manages the portfolio of World Partner programs and advises students who are interested in studying abroad in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Cara began her career in education abroad over 20 years ago at the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) and has held roles in advising, institutional relations, and program development and management, including a stint abroad as the Assistant Resident Director of CIEE’s center in Barcelona. She has also taught Spanish language at Syracuse University and other colleges and worked as a grant writer for non-profit organizations.

Cara graduated with an AB in Spanish and Women’s Studies from Dartmouth College and holds an MA in Spanish from Middlebury College. She has spent time studying, working, volunteering, and living in Spain, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

Program Portfolio:
Europe (Austria, Czech Rep., Denmark, France, Germany, Russia, Spain, Sweden)
Latin America & the Caribbean
Africa, India, & the Middle East

Contact Cara:

• crhardy@syr.edu
• 315-443-9417

Deb has worked at Syracuse Abroad, originally called DIPA, for 20 years. She manages the other half of the World Partner Programs in locations including Australia, New Zealand, England and the Asian programs (China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea). She also manages our incoming international exchange students every semester.

Deb enjoys their motorcycle rides and participates in riding events to raise money for different charities such as events for Golisono Children’s Hospital, Miracle Ride for Babies, Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund and support for our Law Enforcement. She especially enjoys spending time with her new grandbaby.

Program Portfolio:
Australia, England, Ireland, New Zealand
Asia Programs (China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea)
Incoming Exchange Students

Contact Deb:

• dsgoddar@syr.edu
• 315-443-2528

Originally from Paris, France, Marie first came to Syracuse University as an exchange student and spent her junior year here. She came back after graduation and received her Master’s Degree from Newhouse. She stayed in Syracuse after that, taught French at SU and joined Syracuse Abroad in 2013. As the Assistant Director of Summer Sessions and Faculty Led programs she oversees both Summer and Short Term programs. She works with faculty and overseas centers to create and run meaningful and high quality programs.

Contact Marie:

• mkulikow@syr.edu
• 315-443-9419

Myles was born and raised in southern New Hampshire. He attended Syracuse University for both his undergraduate and graduate studies where he graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy and a minor in Educational Studies, and a Master of Science in Higher Postsecondary Education. As an undergraduate, he spent a summer abroad as part of our Madrid Summer Session program. He has spent time abroad during personal travel to countries such as Colombia and Argentina. Myles has been with Syracuse Abroad since the fall of 2017 as an International Program Advisor, where he has been able to advocate for the unique opportunities that summer and faculty-led programs can offer students. In his spare time, he has volunteered as a tutor with Syracuse RISE (Refugee & Immigrant Self Empowerment), while also finding time to pursue his love for both running and hiking.

Contact Myles:

• mwchalue@syr.edu
• 315-443-9420

International Program Advisor, Summer & Faculty-led Programs

Laura was born and raised in the Syracuse area. She attended St. John Fisher College for her B.A. in Psychology, and Syracuse University where she graduated with an M.S. in School Counseling. As and undergraduate, she spent a semester abroad in Limerick, Ireland where she took various classes on Irish culture and traditions, including Irish Dance. During this semester, she fell in love with seeing the world and now wants to encourage other to do so as well!

Contact Laura:

• lrpriole@syr.edu

Seth A. Tucker serves as the Director of Global Safety and Student Services at Syracuse University Abroad where he is responsible for developing policy and institutional practice in the areas of global safety, risk mitigation, and crisis management. He also provides leadership for the Student Services department and, with his team, works to ensure students have a safe and engaging experience abroad. With 25 years’ experience in both academic and student affairs administration, he has previously served as the Vice President for Campus Life and Safety at Onondaga Community College and as the Director of Crisis Management at Syracuse University. He is a certified Wilderness First Responder.

Contact Seth:

• satucker@syr.edu
• 315-443-1968

Bridget has been with the Syracuse Abroad team since 2007 and primarily focuses on student wellness, health and safety. Bridget provides students with connections to resources while working closely with colleagues locally and abroad so that students can achieve their highest potential for success. With a background in college student counseling, Bridget values the life-changing caliber of a college experience combined with an international adventure. While each brings their own unique challenges and opportunities, this human services approach to student support abroad is most rewarding to her. Bridget has a BS in Family & Consumer Sciences from Mercyhurst University, and an MS in Counseling & Human Services from Syracuse University.

Contact Bridget:

• brhughes@syr.edu
• 315-443-1844

As a member of the Student Services team, Neil works with students whose unique circumstances may require additional preparation before going abroad. As a junior undergraduate student with Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, Neil studied abroad for back to back semesters in the Spanish cities of Oviedo and Madrid. His own transformational experiences in college drew him to working in higher education to make those experiences possible for future students.

Contact Neil:

• ntsavoy@syr.edu
• 315-443-1925

Nicole serves as the Director of Strategic Partnership & Outreach. In this role, she oversees recruitment and outreach initiatives at non-Syracuse partner schools, development of World Partner programs, and strategic marketing initiatives for Syracuse Abroad. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Nicole brings with her over 16 years of experience in global education, including crisis management, program development, partner relations, and strategic marketing and recruitment. Before joining Syracuse Abroad, Nicole held professional leadership roles at Miami University, IES Abroad, and Wake Forest University.

Nicole earned a B.A in International Studies from Case Western Reserve University and she studied abroad in Costa Rica at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma. Nicole received an M.A. in Intercultural Communication from Wake Forest University. While a student at Wake, she received a grant to travel to Lima, Peru to interview health practitioners and volunteer at a local hospital.

Contact Nicole:

• ncolli04@syr.edu

Ray Wihak is the Assistant Director for Institutional Relations. He has worked at Syracuse Abroad for over 30 years. Ray graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University and has traveled extensively throughout his career. He is fluent in Ukrainian and also has working knowledge of Italian, Spanish, Polish and Russian. Ray is an avid cruiser and goes on yearly cruises with his family. Someday, Ray hopes to retire in Southern California.

Contact Ray:

• rwwihak@syr.edu
• 315-443-9426

Ari is an alumna of Syracuse University and the Syracuse London Program having majored in International Relations and Communications. Since graduating, Ari’s work has related to university alumni engagement, in-person and virtual event coordination, and communications. Ari is a running enthusiast, professional Netflix binger, and aspiring baker.

Contact Ariana:

• amsahino@syr.edu

A 2017 graduate of Syracuse University, Rick holds a BA summa cum laude in International Relations, Modern Foreign Languages, and Political Science. As an undergraduate, he attended Syracuse Abroad’s Strasbourg Center program and Madrid Summer Session. Rick also spent his senior year abroad as an NSEP Boren Scholar in São Paulo, Brazil through CET Brazil – a World Partner Program. Prior to joining the Syracuse Abroad team in June 2018, he served as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Madrid, Spain.

Rick recently earned his master’s degrees in Public Administration and International Relations at SU’s Maxwell School. His studies center on the connection between U.S.-foreign relations and international education.

Contact Rick:

• fwcierii@syr.edu
• 315-443-9425

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As a Director of Curriculum, Petra Hejnova, PhD, oversees curriculum and academics for Syracuse University’s Centers abroad. She also holds a faculty appointment in the Political Science Department of the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.

Dr. Hejnova previously served as an Assistant Professor of Public Policy at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and an Executive Co-Director of the Gender Studies Center in Prague. As a faculty, she developed and taught courses in the Middle East, Latin America and Europe. Dr. Hejnova holds an MA in Public Policy from Charles University in Prague and a PhD in Political Science from Syracuse University.

Contact Petra

• phejnova@syr.edu
• 315-443-9418

Jackie has worked in international education at SU for more than 30 years and currently specializes in academic matters for our Central Europe, Florence, Hong Kong, and Strasbourg semester programs. An alum of the Syracuse London program and a Newhouse grad, Jackie couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the many and varied study abroad opportunities that Syracuse University offers students!

Contact Jackie:

• jdlewis@syr.edu
• 315-443-5721

A Syracuse native and Newhouse graduate, Jeanne supports the Academic Services team as the Program Assistant. She specializes in academic matters for the London, Madrid, and Santiago semester programs. Having lived overseas happily and traveled widely, Jeanne loves helping students fulfill their international study ambitions (and still hopes one day to bag her seventh continent, Antarctica).

Contact Jeanne:

• jechu100@syr.edu
• 315-443-2955

The Director of Global Operations is new role at Syracuse Abroad, developed in response to our growing student numbers, changing expectations, and increased complexities in all of our locations. Reporting to the Executive Director, Shukhrat is responsible for overseeing all non-academic operational issues at Syracuse Abroad and our centers abroad. His scope therefore is supporting our centers in the areas of budget/finance, human resources, IT/data, legal, facilities, agreements, and other operational areas. Within Syracuse Abroad, Shukhrat is responsible for the direct supervisory responsibility for Assistant Director of the Business Office, Senior Budget Analyst, and Functional Business Analyst positions.

Shukhrat brings more than a decade of operations management experience to Syracuse Abroad, some of which was within international contexts. His qualifications include budget management, administration, strategy development and implementation, project management, and asset management. He has completed Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification. Prior to joining Syracuse Abroad, Shukhrat served as the Regional Chief Operating Officer for Western & Central New York region of the American Red Cross, where he was responsible for overseeing all administrative and business functions for a team that provided humanitarian services for a population of more than 4 million individuals. Some of Shukhrat’s past experiences include managing complex humanitarian aid operations in post-Tsunami Indonesia and supporting humanitarian efforts in post 9/11 Northern Afghanistan.

Contact Shukhrat

• ssaminov@syr.edu
• 315-4439060

As the Functional Business Analyst for Syracuse Abroad, Marisa’s primary responsibility is maintaining the Syracuse Abroad systems and managing technology and data needs for the organization. She attended Ithaca College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and a minor in Legal Studies. Born and raised in Syracuse, NY, she began working for the University in 2011 and has been with Syracuse Abroad since 2014.

Contact Marisa:

• malostum@syr.edu
• 315-443-0230

Contact Josie:

• gipascar@syr.edu

Kelly serves as the liaison between Syracuse Abroad and the Office of Budget and Planning.

Contact Kelly:

• kckirley@syr.edu

Ashley serves as the liaison between Syracuse Abroad and the Division of Marketing & Communications and works to develop and deploy marketing strategies across Syracuse Abroad’s various teams and activities on and off campus. As an undergraduate, Ashley studied abroad in Rome, Italy and graduated from Salve Regina University.

Prior to joining Syracuse Abroad, Ashley held marketing roles at various organizations including CVS and BJ’s Wholesale Club. Currently, Ashley is working toward her M.S. in Communications at Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Contact Ashley:

• aaalessa@syr.edu
• 315-443-8382