Hi! I’m Chris Beneke, Professor of History and Associate Dean for the First Year Experience and the Bentley Core. Among other things, I oversee the Falcon Discovery Seminar (FDS). This is my 23rd year at Bentley, where I’ve been a teacher, researcher, and administrator for almost half my life. Before that, I received my bachelor’s at Cornell and my PhD at Northwestern. I’ve written some books and articles about religious freedom, as well as sports. I love to teach, write, coach, and run short distances. And like my FDS teammate, Jamie Bang, I’m a pug enthusiast.

My name is Steph Bohler, and I am the Associate Director of Student Accessibility Services.  I have been a member of the Bentley Community since 2016.  My favorite part of working with students is supporting them in fostering their self-advocacy as they work confidently toward their goals.  I earned my Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education and English from Stonehill College and my Master of Education in Higher Education, Student Affairs from Salem State University.  In my free time, you can find me reading a mystery thriller, cooking grandma's Italian recipes, and exploring New England with my husband and dog.

My name is Meghan Charbonneau, and I am an Associate Director for Undergraduate Advising in the Office for Student Success. I received my bachelor’s degree in social work and my master’s degree in Higher Education in Students Affairs from Salem State University in Salem, Massachusetts.   I joined the Undergraduate Advising team in September of 2010 and have been with the team since.  I love working with students to identify their academic goals and chart a pathway to success in achieving those goals throughout their Bentley journey.  My favorite activity outside of work is attending concerts with friends.  

I’m Valerie Como, Associate Director of Undergraduate Advising and a Bentley alum married to a Bentley alum.  My B.S. is in Management, and I have an M.Ed. in Higher Education in Student Affairs from Salem State University.  I began working at Bentley in 2007 as a transfer admission counselor and moved into advising in 2016 because I love helping students identify what they want to do academically and being a resource as they work toward those goals.  Originally from RI, I enjoy working out, reading, planning/organizing, and all things British.

My name is PJ Dickson, I am the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Academic Success, and I chair the Committee on Academic Standing (CAS) and the Graduate Academic Performance committee. I have had the great fortune to be a part of the Bentley community since 2012. Before coming to Bentley, I worked in various roles in higher education, including in positions in academic advising, community standards, and residence life. I have also taught courses in history, African American Studies, college writing, and college success. I earned my undergraduate degree from Colgate University and have master’s degrees from the Africana Studies and Research Center at Cornell University and Brandeis University. When not working, I am usually coaching, watching, or playing sports with my two boys.

My name is Leslie Doolittle, and I serve as Assistant Dean for Academic Achievement & Access. I’ve been at Bentley since 1998 and am passionate about helping students meet their academic and personal goals. My educational background is Business Administration at the undergraduate level (UMaine), and Adult Education-Training & Development (University of Southern Maine) at the graduate level. I grew up in Northern Virginia, and now live in Ayer, MA with my two sons, Gus and Owen. In my personal time, I am an avid Boston Celtics fan, and have active yoga and spiritual practices.

My name is Jordan Dubina and I am the Assistant Director for the Honors Program. I joined the Honors Leadership Team in May 2022. I received both my undergraduate degree in History and master's degree in Higher Education in Student Affairs at Salem State University. Prior to coming to Bentley, I was an Academic Coach at MCPHS University for four years. My favorite things to do outside of work include walking my dog, Tobey, and finding a local spot to watch the sunset! 

Hello! I’m Esen Dukanci, the Administrator Coordinator for Undergraduate Academic Advising. I hold a BA in Physical Education and an MS in Management. As the first point of contact for the Undergraduate Academic Advising Office, I truly enjoy collaborating with Bentley Falcons, faculty, staff, and parents. I joined Bentley in 2019, I’ve also had the privilege of working at two other prestigious universities in MA, however, I love Bentley the most. I’m proud to say that I’m a former athlete who played basketball from middle school through college. Outside of work, I’m a parent to a daughter and two sons. My greatest joy is spending time with them—whether we're cooking, baking, bowling or enjoying a trip to the movie theater.

Hello! My name is Greg Farber, and I am the Director of Academic Integrity. I also serve as the Director of Bentley’s Writing Center and am a Distinguished Lecturer in the English and Media Studies department. I received my bachelor’s degree from Bentley when it was still Bentley College, and after getting my MFA, I returned to teach here in 2007. I love working with students in the classroom, as tutors, and as members of the Society for Academic Integrity. Outside of work, I enjoy seeing and writing plays as well as spending time outside hiking, running, and biking. I also love to cook and play board games.

My name is Tiffany Goodall, and I am a Senior Academic Advisor in the Undergraduate Academic Advising office. I was born and raised in Connecticut, I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychological Sciences with a concentration in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Eastern Connecticut State University and my master’s in Counselor Education and Family Therapy with a concentration in Student Development in Higher Education from Central Connecticut State University. I have been at Bentley since May of 2022 advising all student populations, coordinating our events and programs in the office, as well as developing our educational sites for FDS 100 and Orientation. In my free time I enjoy exploring restaurants in Boston and the surrounding communities. 

Hello! My name is Emily Dosch (she/her) and I am an Undergraduate Academic Advisor. I earned my bachelor’s degree in communication studies and Spanish from the College of St. Benedict in 2018. I then was a high school Spanish teacher for a few years before returning to school for my master’s degree in communication studies at Colorado State University. My thesis focused on Latinx representation in Disney films, which fits into my passion area of promoting diverse representation. When not advising Bentley students, you can find me enjoying a good book, travelling to see friends and family, and spending time with my dog, Winnie. 

Jane is a humanities and cultural studies scholar, literary translator, public arts organizer, and institutional change agent. In addition to serving as Associate Provost, she is also Professor of Modern Languages, Faculty Director of the FirstGen Presidential Fellows program and founder and director of the non-profit Inspired Masses. Outside of Bentley, you’ll find Jane camping, cooking, crafting, and dancing to live music with her husband and daughter. She holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Comparative Literature from the University of California, Irvine and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Comparative Literature from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Hello and Auybowan! I am Neelangi Gunasekera, Program Manager for the Falcon Discovery Program (FDS) and FirstGen Presidential Fellows (FPF). This is my fifth rewarding year at Bentley University. My communications degrees are from Oklahoma State University and Illinois State University. My administrative career has spanned private industry, international government, and education. The most unusual position that I have held outside of administration is serving coffee on the Staten Island, NY ferry! I am originally from Colombo, Sri Lanka.

My name is Kristin Helm, and I serve as the Assistant Director of Student Success Coaching. I have been in the field of higher education since 2013 and have been at Bentley since 2022.  I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communications from Bridgewater State University and a Master of Education degree in Higher Education in Student Affairs from Salem State University.  I have worked at institutions in Vermont and Texas and currently live in Rhode Island. In my free time I love to travel on cruises in the Caribbean and participate in community events with my family.

My name is Karen Hovsepian, and I am the Senior Academic Administrator. I have been with Bentley since 2011 working with the Computer Information Systems Department and the Office of Academic Integrity before moving to Student Success 2 weeks ago.  I loved supporting Faculty in CIS but am really looking forward to my new role in Student Success.  I have a son, daughter, and two dogs.  In my free time I like to do animal related volunteering and am a resource for many Animal Control Officers to find placement for stray and surrendered dogs.

Hello! As the Director of Undergraduate Academic Advising, I have the privilege of leading our dedicated advising team and shaping the undergraduate advising experience. Collaborating closely with leadership in the Office of Student Success and Academic Affairs, as well as engaging with various campus stakeholders, I focus on academic strategic planning and fostering a vibrant Bentley community. A lifelong resident of the Boston area, I am an avid Boston Bruins fan. In my free time, I love to read, play golf, travel, and spending time with family.

Hello! My name is Katie Johnson, and I am the Assistant Director of Student Accessibility Services. I am a lifelong Massachusetts resident, growing up in Central Massachusetts, receiving my Bachelor’s degree at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in Western Massachusetts, and then receiving my Master of Public Administration at Framingham State University here in the Greater Boston area. Before joining SAS in January of 2023, I worked in a variety of educational settings including higher education, K-12 special education, and an educational non-profit. Outside of work, I love to run and travel – I am trying to run a half marathon in every state!

My name is Catlain McCarthy, and I have worked as an Undergraduate Academic Advisor at Bentley since I started in June 2024. A proud first-generation college student, I attended Bridgewater State University where I received my bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a concentration in pure mathematics and later my master’s degree in student affairs counseling. I worked at TJX Companies in Accounts Payable after undergraduate and, after a few years at this company, I decided to pursue my love of working with college students and go back to school for my master’s degree. Outside of work, I love reading, spending time with friends and family, and consider myself an avid lover of pugs.

My name is Madden Schmauch, and I am excited to join the Office of Student Success as a Student Success Coach. Originally from Poughkeepsie, NY, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from SUNY Potsdam and a Master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration from Binghamton University. My previous work experience in higher education includes assistant teaching, academic advising, residential life and housing as well as coaching an NCAA cross-country team. In my free time, I enjoy running, attending concerts and spending far too much time scrolling through social media.

My name is Stephanie Segalini, and I am the Director of Student Accessibility Services. I joined the Bentley team in 2008 after working with children and young adults with disabilities. I earned my Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at Assumption University in Worcester, MA and I love supporting students in any way I can. Accessible education, inclusivity and self-advocacy are all important skills I assist my students with. I live in Dedham with my spouse, two children, and dog. During my personal time, I enjoy reading, working out and visiting Cape Cod. Mystery shows and movies are my favorite to watch.

My name is Mel (Melody) Smith, and I am a Senior Academic Advisor. I have worked in Advising since 2022 and previously spent 7 years working in Residence Life & Housing (4 of those here at Bentley!). I hold bachelor’s degrees in English from Bridgewater State University and Digital Photography from Southern New Hampshire University. I received my master’s in education from Merrimack College. I’ve spent my entire life in Massachusetts. When I am not at work, I spend time with my dog Sparky (a chiweenie), family and friends. I love coffee, reading, the beach and baking!  

My name is Hannah Roos, and I am the Administrator of Student Accessibility Services. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of New Hampshire and worked within an elementary school for several years. I have loved working within an educational setting and am excited to continue that journey here at Bentley! Outside of work, I love to spend time with my dog, family, and friends!

My name is Christian Rubio. I came to Bentley in 2011. I am the Director of the Honors, and I teach of Spanish. I am also the Director of the Honors Program since 2018. I am originally from Peru, but have lived in many other places, such as NYC, Scotland, and Louisiana. I love working with students and I strive to helping them reach their career goals and aspirations. During my spare time, I like traveling and trying new restaurants. I also love spending time with my mini goldendoodle, Stella, whom you can see on campus twice a week.

My name is Amy Weber, and I am the Assistant Director, Academic Achievement & Access. I first joined Bentley in 2011.  In my current role, I serve as Director of the Peer Tutoring and Academic Mentoring Program.  I have worked with college students at various campuses for over 20 years, and I can honestly say that Bentley has been my favorite!   I have a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Tufts University and a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from Pennsylvania State University.  In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends and family, reading, and binge watching my favorite tv shows.

My name is Vijay Yadav, and I am a Student Success Data Analyst at Bentley University. I joined Bentley almost a year ago and have loved every moment of it! As an international student from India, I bring my passion for data and helping students thrive on campus. I hold a master's in data analytics degree from Clark University and currently live in Worcester. Outside of work, I’m a professional videographer and photographer, and I love creating cinematic films and capturing candid photos in my free time.

Academic Year: Junior

Major(s): Corporate Finance & Accounting

Minor(s): Business Risk Assurance

Campus Involvement: I am a member of the Honors Program and am also part of the Women’s Leadership Program. I am involved in Service-Learning and I’m also a tutor and manager at CLIC.

Professional/Internship Experience: I have professional experience in many different areas. I’ve worked in marketing, supply-chain, and finance. My most recent internship was in Audit.

Why did you pick your major? I picked my major because it’s a perfect combination of analytical and strategic thinking. I believe this major opens many opportunities as I gain a lot of insight in the areas of accounting and finance, and when united they can be a powerful combination.

What is your favorite class you have taken at Bentley so far? My favorite class so far has been MG215 because it was very interactive, and we had to do fun business simulations.

What have you enjoyed most at Bentley so far? Meeting new people.

Why did you decide to become a Peer Advisor? I decided to become a peer advisor to support others in their journey and have a positive impact on the community.

What advice do you have for other students at Bentley? My advice is to take advantage of the centers and resources Bentley offers that’ll aid towards your success.

Academic Year: Junior 

Major(s): Corporate Finance and Accounting 

Minor(s): Law, Management 

Hometown: Nashua, NH

Campus Involvement: Allocation & Internal Audit Committee, Bentley Sustainable Investment Group, Habitat for Humanity, Women’s Leadership Program 

Professional/Internship Experience: Program Finance Intern at BAE Systems 

Why did you pick your major? I came into Bentley knowing I was interested in studying finance and I ended up also really liking my intro to accounting class. Accounting gives a lot of contexts to finance, so I think studying them together is perfect. 

What is your favorite class you have taken at Bentley so far? FI 307 - Advanced Managerial Finance

What have you enjoyed most at Bentley so far? I’ve always loved learning new things, so it has been so much fun for me to expand my horizons through classes, extracurriculars, and meeting new people. 

Why did you decide to become a Peer Advisor? My freshman year RA suggested that I would like this job because I put so much effort into planning my class schedules, and I enjoyed helping my friends out with course registration when it was new to all of us. 

What advice do you have for other students at Bentley? Meet with your academic advisor to make a long-range plan. This is very helpful because it ensures that you will have enough time to complete all the requirements for the major and minor combination you want to pursue. 

Academic Year: 2025

Major(s): Computer Information Systems + LSM (Media Arts & Society)

Minor(s): N/A

Hometown: Pawtucket, RI

Campus Involvement: Student’s Advocating Gender Equity, African Student’s Association, GSSP

Professional/Internship Experience: SOC Services Intern at Grant Thornton

Why did you pick your major? I love the nuance of technology and want to be a part of all the creation!

What is your favorite class you have taken at Bentley so far? A tie between Intro to Media Production & Women and Film!

What have you enjoyed most at Bentley so far? Being a part of ASA and SAGE & the community I was able to find through programs like Mosaic, Rainbow Scholars, etc.

Why did you decide to become a Peer Advisor? I have always enjoyed planning out my own schedule and degree so I really wanted to do that for others and give them a sense of clarity in something that can often become really confusing and chaotic.

What advice do you have for other students at Bentley? Cater your college experience to what is most fulfilling and enjoying for you and get out of your comfort zone!!

Academic Year: 2026

Major(s): Finance

Minor(s): Data Technologies, Law

Hometown: Dracut, MA

Campus Involvement: BIG, Celtics Partnership Group, BentleyPlus, Intramural Basketball

Professional/Internship Experience: Server

Why did you pick your major? I enjoyed the Intro to Finance course and decided to pursue Finance as a major.

What is your favorite class you have taken at Bentley so far? Business Statistics

What have you enjoyed most at Bentley so far? Meeting new people and exploring opportunities around campus

Why did you decide to become a Peer Advisor? I’d like to provide the same support that I’ve received from the academic advising team.

What advice do you have for other students at Bentley? Enjoy the journey!

Academic Year: 2025

Major(s): Economics-Finance

Minor(s): Sports Business Management

Hometown: Billerica, MA

Campus Involvement: Student Honors Council, Peer Tutor, Honors Mentor

Professional/Internship Experience:

· Summer Intern at Ouellette Wealth Management Group (summers 2021/2022)

· Asset Servicing Intern at State Street Corporation (summer 2023)

· Sales Strategy and Planning Intern at State Street Global Advisors (summer 2024)

Why did you pick your major? In high school, I took an Economics class that I really enjoyed, so I knew I wanted to do something relating to Economics. Since I was not sure what career paths came with an Economics degree, I thought doing the blended Economics-Finance major was perfect for my personal and professional interests.

What is your favorite class you have taken at Bentley so far? EC 370 Behavioral and Experimental Economics

What have you enjoyed most at Bentley so far? I have enjoyed the close community most at Bentley because it makes it easy to see familiar faces around campus

Why did you decide to become a Peer Advisor? I wanted to get more involved in the Bentley community, and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for me to use my skills and knowledge to help make an impact on campus

What advice do you have for other students at Bentley? Do not be afraid to do what you want to do. Whether it is a certain class or organization, if it seems interesting to you, go for it!

Academic Year: Senior

Major(s): Marketing

Minor(s): Law

Hometown: Littleton, MA

Campus Involvement: Transfer Seminar Facilitator, Kappa Delta Sorority

Professional/Internship Experience: Marketing Intern at Candello Solutions by CRICO

Why did you pick your major? I want to eventually be able to work in an industry that rewards you for creativity and forward-thinking.

What is your favorite class you have taken at Bentley so far? Health Law with Prof Gerry Campbell!

What have you enjoyed most at Bentley so far? Meeting some great people :)

Why did you decide to become a Peer Advisor? To meet and help students feel confident about their academics at Bentley!

What advice do you have for other students at Bentley? Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask your professor/other students to help –people are willing to lend a helping hand.