Our Team

Vicki Vanderwerf (She/Her/Hers)
Director of Residential Life

Education

M.S. College and Agency Counseling - Student Affairs, SUNY
B.S. Business Administration, SUNY Oswego

Professional Interests

Residential learning and engagement, recruitment and selection, and infusing accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion into policies, programs, and operations.

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

The opportunity to engage in all the Seattle area has to offer – great recreational opportunities, an amazing food scene, and a variety of neighborhoods with so many different coffee shops to explore.

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

I really appreciate UW students’ dedication and commitment to learning in addition to the care they have for building an inclusive and just campus community

Angie Bradley (She/Her/Hers)
Assistant Director North Campus & Diversity Initiatives

Education

Ph.D., Educational Leadership, University of Nevada, Reno
M.S., College Student Affairs, Eastern Illinois University
B.S., Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University

Professional Interests

I am interested in student experience and development within higher education, especially as it pertains to sense of belonging, inclusion, and equity initiatives. I am also passionate about the development of full-time higher education professionals. One of my favorite parts of working in higher education is watching students and professionals find a sense of belonging and a space where they can show up as their authentic selves.

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

I am excited to continue discovering local businesses to support here in Seattle. Additionally, I love the wide array of outdoor activities available just minutes away from the city. There always seems to be something to do anywhere you go!

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

So far, I have learned that UW students are hardworking and creative! UW students are committed to their academics as well as their own development while they are on campus. I am excited to continue to learn from them during my time here at UW.

Kirsten Espiritu (She/Her/Hers)
Assistant Director Apartments & Engagement Initiatives

Education

M.Ed., Student Development Administration, Seattle University
B.A., Psychology (minors: Women’s Studies and Cultural Anthropology), Seattle Pacific University

Professional Interests

My professional interests include social justice, leadership development, student conduct and fostering environments for students to create and reflect on meaningful experiences.

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

I love all the beautiful scenery the greater Seattle area has to offer and watching the seasons change.

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

I really enjoying having one-on-one interactions with students and hearing about what they are studying and how it relates to their passions and interests outside of the classroom. I am continually inspired by the many ways UW students use their education to make an impact on their communities and beyond.

Patrick Heneghan
Assistant Director Amenities

Education

M.Ed., Student Affairs Administration, Western Washington University
B.A., Psychology, Minor: Film Studies, Minor: English, Western Washington University

Professional Interests

I am interested in technology and social media and the effect it has on a student population, as well as the world at large. I also enjoy discussing with students the wide range of political and societal concerns impacting them and helping navigate through those issues.

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

I really enjoy the wide range of culinary experiences you can have in Seattle. I also enjoy the modern urban feel that Seattle has, but also having the chance to easily leave the city for a quick day hike. I am also a big fan of drinking coffee while it rains outside.

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

I think one of my greatest highlights is that working with the students in the residence hall provides me the chance to see them change and grow throughout the year. I really appreciate how mindful and consciousness the students are. They are very determined to make a difference in the world and often discuss what impact they hope to achieve in changing the world for the better.

Michael Palacioz (he/His/Him)
Assistant Director Student Care & Conduct

Education

M.A., Higher Education, University of Arizona
B.S., Chemistry (minor in Mathematics), Marshall University

Professional Interests

I am interested in supporting students in their learning, growth, and development by supporting students as they learn how to navigate their identities, decision making, and what it means to be part of a community. I am also interested in how we can create environments where all students feel like they are valued and respected. Being a first generation college student myself, I hope to support first generation students navigate the university system.

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

Seattle is an iconic city where this is so much to do and get involved in. While summer is my favorite time in the city, I enjoy the year round availability of exciting festivals, sporting events, concerts, and so much more. While I do appreciate the food options available in the city, I am a sweets person and enjoy the various ice cream and donut shops throughout the city.

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

I appreciate that UW students come from various backgrounds and bring their own stories and lived experiences. They are passionate and driven and I am excited to continue to learn from them.

Zach Oscar (he/His/Him)
Operations Specialist

Education

M.B.A, Eastern Illinois University
B.A., Business Management, Eastern Illinois University

Professional Interests

Supporting first generation students, student staff development, providing operational support to a team, and continued personal learning.

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

Public transportation and the walkability of the city. I enjoy being close to downtown and the national parks.

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

I appreciate the experience of working with such a diverse student population, and the opportunity to learn from them.

Zan Tansey (he/His/Him)
Assistant Director West Campus & Sustainability Initiatives

Education

M.A., Higher Education Administration, New York University
B.A., Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Elementary Education, Sonoma State University

Professional Interests

My professional interests include the student residential experience and the role that it plays in supporting student success throughout their education, policy development and advocacy for equitable access to higher education, and the support and development of professional staff as they enter and persist in the field.

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

I love exploring Seattle and playing tourist! Food is one of my main motivators, I’m always excited to find delicious new restaurants to share with friends!

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

I appreciate how driven the students at UW are in pursuing both their studies and personal passions. It is a thrill to see the impact the students have on the campus community knowing they will take that drive and passion out into the world to do amazing things.

Linds Whittaker
Area Director Mercer Court D/E

Education

M.A., Philosophy, Virginia Tech

B.A., Greek, Latin, and Philosophy, University of Vermont

Professional Interests

My professional interests include restorative practices/justice implementation within community building, critical pedagogy that pulls from the null curricula, and both locating and reducing systemic barriers for queer and trans students within broader university structures. While we may be incentivized to settle for creating spaces that accept difference and diversity, within housing there are robust opportunities to shift towards a space that is nurturing and where folks can bring and be their full authentic selves.

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

In addition to the rad balance between city, nature, and all the awesome food, I really appreciate how many opportunities there are to engage in grassroots initiatives and mutual aid networks. Folks are willing to learn, grow, change, and act to support one another and that’s definitely an upshot of being in Seattle.

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

I appreciate both how curious they are about the world and their willingness to ask the hard questions that, in turn, call on us to critically examine our traditions, assumptions, and ways of building community.

Danny Casino (They/Them/Theirs)
Resident Director Stevens Court

Education

B.S., Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, Minors in Classical Studies and Latin

Professional Interests

My professional interests include, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encouraging students to advocate for their own needs and interests.

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

I love how easy it is to explore the Seattle area, and that I am always close to water, a mountain, or a forest and that there is a variety of indoor activities as well. There is always something to do and some new hobby to discover.

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

Every student is here pursuing or discovering a passion that ties in their own identities and experiences, and they are all so excited to shape that experience to be perfect for their own needs.

Jacquelyn Acosta
Area Director Oak Hall

Education

M.Ed., Post-secondary Administration and Student Affairs,

University of Southern California B.A.,

Political Science (Pre-Law) (Minor in English),

California State University – Los Angeles

Professional Interests

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core facets of my work/personal philosophy and enable me to scaffold the student experience. My professional interests include public policy; particularly higher education, civic and adult learning, and social justice.

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

Seattle truly embodies the balance of cityscape and nature. There’s something to do for everybody. Whether you’re artsy, outdoorsy, foodie, or simply want a relaxed day, you’ll always find something to do. What I appreciate the most is how easy it is to step away from the city and enjoy nature!

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

The students at UW are open-minded, creative, and willing to question the “norm”. I admire the community our students develop and how they show up for each other and makes me proud to support their UW journey.

Maria Barinova(She/Her/Hers)
Resident Director Madrona Hall

Education

M.S., Clinical Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Plattsburgh

B.A., Mathematics from SUNY Oswego

A.S., Math & Science from Onondaga Community College

Professional Interests

My professional interests include working with international students and helping transition to life in a new country, emergency and crisis response management, restorative practices and integrating those into student conduct, and working with faith-based student services/organization and helping students feel comfortable practicing their spirituality/religion within the residence halls.

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

I like how much there is to do here and there is something for everyone. From watersports, to different types of gyms, movie theaters, shows, the ballet, outdoorsy activities, etc. there is always an activity you can find that you like.

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

The students here are very intelligent and hardworking. I love listening to whatever project they’re working on. They’re all very passionate and love to talk about their interests.

Tatyana So (She/Her/Hers)
Resident Director McMahon Hall

Education

B.A., Psychology, Minors: Diversity & Education, Learning and Society, University of Washington

Professional Interests

My professional interests include student leadership development and advocacy around diversity, equity, and inclusion. I am passionate about supporting students as they explore their own identity while creating environments that foster opportunity for self-advocacy and growth..

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

I love the atmosphere of Seattle; I have lived here my entire life and continue to find more things to love about this city! I am a total foodie and boba connoisseur and Seattle has so many great options/places to try.

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

I appreciate how passionate and hardworking UW Students are! I’m always in awe of how motivated students continue to be as they advocate and support each other and their community. The constant drive to learn more, ask difficult questions, and work on their academic and professional development.

Kayla Yahnke (She/Her/Hers)
Area Director Poplar Hall

Education

M.S., Higher Education Administration, Florida International University

B.S., Human Development and Family Studies & Sociology, Michigan State University

Professional Interests

My professional interests are leadership development, civic engagement, and social justice education. I enjoy the opportunity to empower students to cultivate experiences that maximize their time at university.

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

I like how I can always find something new to do or experience! I can surround myself with nature or be within the cityscape in a matter of minutes.

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

I appreciate how UW students have a wide range of interests! I have found that UW students lean in to lead difficult conversations and care about their community.

Skye Flores (She/Her/Hers)
Resident Director Lander Hall

Education

M.A., Student Affairs Administration, Michigan State University
B.A., Anthropology, Sonoma State University

Professional Interests

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Higher Education, Residential Learning Models, Policy and Governance in Higher Education

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

The high density of restaurants and activities, as well as public socialization spaces available. There is something for everybody and every interest, and the stellar public transit system makes it all so accessible.

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

In my time here I’ve noticed how dedicated student leaders are to their role, and the energy they put into ensuring they do their jobs well. They are genuinely here to connect to their peers and appreciate the guidance and advice prostaff have to offer.

Zach Bocanegra (He/Him/His)
Resident Director Maple Hall

Education

M.A.T., Teaching, Seattle Pacific University

Professional Interests

My professional interests include supporting student well-being and leadership through the work of relationship building and community development. I enjoy talking to students to identify what they are passionate about, their values, and their goals in life. I seek the opportunity to empower students to create meaningful experiences that fulfill their time at university.

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

I have lived in Seattle for the better part of eight years and I fall in love with it more each day. I appreciate all that Seattle has to offer from great restaurants to a plethora of fantastic record stores. Seattle is very accessible with a great public transportation system that can get you to Mariners games in minutes or explore the beauty of our parks and nature that surround us.

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

I appreciate how passionate students at UW are. They are driven to make the most of their academic opportunities and to better the communities they are involved in.

Alexa Forster (She/Her/Hers)
Specialist Leadership & Programming

Education

M.Ed., Student Development Administration, Seattle University

B.A., Sociology, University of Washington

Professional Interests

Retention and engagement particularly among student-athletes really interests me. I’m also interested in career discernment and services as well as higher education law.

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

I love being in a place with such wide diversity from the people, to the neighborhoods, to the events and activities. I’ve lived in the Seattle area my whole life and still find ways to meet new people and explore different parts of the city. I also love that the mountains and ocean are both a short drive away.

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

The students we work with at UW are incredibly bright and intelligent. They challenge me to think differently and to strive for excellence in the work that I do in student leadership. They consistently demonstrate a high standard for quality and care in their student leadership roles which I love as well.

Dei Caudle
Instructor Technician The MILL

Education

B.S., Physics, University of Washington

Professional Interests

I am interested in empowering students and staff members to use their vision and creativity to achieve their goals. I want to lower the barrier of entry to teach useful skills to everyone, especially to communities that may be underrepresented in makerspaces.

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

I like being near everything I want to do. It’s a gorgeous area with a vibrant and diverse community.

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

All of the students here are remarkably clever and good at what they choose to do. I love speaking with them and learning about their talents and passions and seeing how they apply those in their lives to achieve their goals.

Jess Rashid
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Professional Interests

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Nick Vitalone
Specialist Training

Education

M.Ed., Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education, UNC Greensboro

B.S., Television, Radio, & Film and Psychology, Syracuse University

Professional Interests

My professional interests include student employment as a high impact practice including critically thinking about each part of a student employee’s path and how that can impact not only the workplace but also their individual trajectories from application to exit survey. Additionally, I am passionate about assessment and leveraging it whenever possible across many aspects of my work.

One thing you like about working and/or living in Seattle

The variety of things to do around Seattle is amazing. There is always something for everyone not too far away. The city is incredibly easy to get around using the busses or light rail which makes a lot of opportunities easily accessible even if you don’t have a car.

One thing you appreciate about working with students at UW

I appreciate the passion and drive that UW students bring to the campus and residential communities. They are willing to advocate for themselves and their peers and I enjoy the ways that this challenges me to grow and better support our students.

Tony
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Education

B.A., Business Administration, Saint Martin's University

Professional Interests

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