Meet Your Admissions Team

We are here to help you determine which program is right for you, as well as to help walk you through the application process. Feel free to contact us via phone or email. The Office of International Admissions is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

Contact the Office of International Admissions at international@happenstancemusic.net.

Allison

Allison Garris

Dean of Admissions

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Nicole

Nicole Graham

Assistant Director of International Admissions, DSO

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I have had the great fortune to meet students from around the globe and visit many different countries throughout my career in International Admissions and as an International Student Advisor and Study Abroad Advisor. I love helping students come to the USA to reach their educational and personal goals. This has been a passion of mine for almost 24 years in higher education. I received both my MBA and BS degrees from Johnson & Wales University. In my spare time I love to bake and I enjoy spending time with friends and family in New Jersey, Rhode Island and Florida.

Favorite color: Purple
Favorite Movies: Airplane, Pulp Fiction, and Superbad (too hard to choose one)
Favorite book: Wonder by R.J. Palacio (the message is beautiful!)
Favorite food: Seared Sea Scallops
Something you don’t know about me: I love animals and volunteered with the Miami Humane Society for many years. I also ran the Disney Princess Half Marathon dressed in a tiara and tutu.
Three words to describe me: Friendly, Fun, Adventurous


Elizabeth

Elizabeth Carroll

International Admissions Officer

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After living in Northern California for 13 years, I am happy to return to Connecticut, where I was born and raised. In my last position I worked for the County of Education in the Special Services department as a Program Assistant. I am passionate about assisting students and working with a team. I am so excited to be working in higher education with UB! In my free time I love spending time with my son, David, my husband, Dave and my extended family.

Favorite color: Blue
Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing
Favorite book: Wynken, Blynken and Nod
Favorite food: Eggplant Parmesan
Something you don’t know about me: I studied abroad in Rouen, France for a semester in college
3 Words to describe me: Enthusiastic, level-headed, friendly


Laneatrice

Laneatrice Bullock

International Admissions Coordinator

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I graduated from Lehman College with a BA in Media Communication Studies. Before UB, I was a paraprofessional in special education for 7 years. I take pleasure in helping others while they are achieving their goals. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the movies, and traveling.

Favorite color: Lavender
Favorite movie: Save the Last Dance
Favorite book: Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes
Favorite food: Soul Food
Something you don’t know about me: In 2014, I won tickets off the radio to attend the BET awards show.
Three words to describe me: Friendly, patient, optimistic


Shane

Shane Callahann

International Admissions Coordinator

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From Scotland, grew up in Pennsylvania. I have a background in many fields, whether that be art, teaching, student loans, banking, and now International Admissions. I’m always excited to learn new things, help others, and meet great people. When not at “work,” I’m currently working on an OG webtoon as lead artist. In my free time I love playing cards, tennis, hiking, and spending as much time as possible with my fiancé and cat.

Favorite color: Orange, with every other one a close 2nd
Favorite movie: The Princess Bride
Favorite book: I can name 100s of great comic books or manga, but favorite regular book would be The Odyssey or LOTR
Favorite food: Shepherd’s Pie
Something you don’t know about me: Completed 4 Zombie 10k FunRun Races (it’s an obstacle race with people playing zombies trying to stop you from finishing).
Three words to describe me: Friendly, creative, competitive


Maxwell

Maxwell Di Carlo

International Admissions Coordinator

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I’m a University of Bridgeport alum with a bachelor’s degree in Human Services. I’ve always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. I’m a huge advocate for self-improvement and doing what you can to put more kindness into the world, it could use some. Positivity starts with us, so doing anything to put a little light in someone’s life is important.

In my free time I’m an artist, I love to create and give people a piece of what goes on in my head. I also play tons of video games and spend a lot of time listening to video essays.

Favorite color: Whatever’s on my head at the time
Favorite movie: Coraline
Favorite book: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty
Favorite food: Sushi
Something you don’t know about me: I’m insufferably ecstatic about beachy indie music.
Three words to describe me: Creative, optimistic, and caring
Pronouns: He/They


Michael

Michael Denihan

International Admissions Officer

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I graduated from Siena College with a bachelor's degree in English and minors in Psychology and Writing and Communication. While at Siena, I studied abroad in Ireland and found a passion for international education, eventually interning for Siena's Center for International Programs. I enjoyed being an international student and want to provide that same opportunity to the students I work with.
In my free time I enjoy traveling, writing, playing guitar, and going to concerts.

Favorite color: Royal Blue
Favorite movie: Whiplash
Favorite book: Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Favorite food: Anything Seafood Related
Something You Don't Know About Me: I have been performing in plays and musicals since I was 15.
Three words to describe me: Friendly, Optimistic, Supportive


Karla

Karla Lafferty

International Admissions Officer, DSO

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I received my master’s degree in education from Nova Southeastern University in Florida and have nearly completed my doctoral degree in educational leadership. My passion for working with international students developed when I worked at an international boarding and day school in Florida. Now I have the opportunity to work with international students once again as they navigate the next step in their educational journey in higher education. During my free time, I enjoy traveling with my family, reading, and spending time outdoors with my dogs.

Favorite color: Pink
Favorite book: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
Favorite food: Pizza
Something you don’t know about me: I have been on over 60 cruises and can’t wait to go on more
Three words to describe me: Friendly, outgoing, loyal


Aprelle

Aprelle Mintz

International Admissions Coordinator

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Many people would consider me as a “Jack of all trades”. I have many passions in life and many hobbies that accentuate those passions. I personally feel that my true calling is to help others, no matter who you are or where you come from. One of my personal goals is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and to use those skills as part of UB’s International Admissions Team. When I’m not at work, my creativity goes into full gear! I enjoy leather crafting, carpentry, masonry, gardening, cooking and a whole lot more!

Favorite color: Burgundy
Favorite movie: Desperado/From Dusk Til Dawn
Favorite book: Doll House Series by Anya Allyn
Favorite food: Colossal King Crab Legs
Best Part about my job: Being in a position to help people achieve their dreams. Also, my awesome co-workers!
Something you don’t know about me: I am a major foodie! I also keep my cell phone in 1 location in my house (docked like a house phone), Leave me a VM! Three words to describe me: Logical, loyal, loving
Pronouns: She/Her


Kellie

Kellie Scheets

International Admissions Officer, DSO

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I graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Liberal Studies. I am working toward my master’s degree. I enjoy helping others and am excited to help international students pursue their dreams. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.

Favorite color: Pink
Favorite movie: The Notebook
Favorite food: Fettuccine Alfredo
Something you don’t know about me: My favorite season is summer since I love the warm weather and going to the beach.
Three words to describe me: Thoughtful, reliable, and patient


Alyssa

Alyssa Peters

International Admissions Officer

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I was born and raised in South-Central Pennsylvania, and I spent time in college living in Missoula and Billings, Montana before graduating from Millersville University in Millersville, PA with a BA in History. I spent almost 10 years working in hospitality and customer service management before I moved to Seoul, South Korea to teach in an English-language school. While in Asia I found that I really had a passion for helping international students achieve their educational goals, and that led me to my current position. In my free time, I enjoy road trips, needle crafts, eating Korean food, and all things dog-related.

Favorite color: Purple
Favorite movie: Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
Favorite book: Wuthering Heights
Favorite food: Budaejjigae (Korean Army Base Stew)
Something you don't know about me: I play 4 instruments.


Cristina

Cristina Venditti

International Admissions Officer

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As a Norwalk native and UB master’s graduate, I feel honored to be a part of the UB community! Before joining the International Admissions team, I worked as an elementary teacher in New Haven, CT. I’ve always loved to help others and learn about different cultures. In my free time, I enjoy going on adventures with my daughter and husband, spending time with family, baking, and curling up with a good book (particularly on a rainy day).

Favorite color: Red
Favorite movie: Footloose (it’s the 80s baby in me)
Favorite book: I can’t choose just one! Anything in the psychological suspense genre
Favorite food: Steak
Something you don't know about me: I don’t have a middle name!
Three words to describe me: empathetic, curious, easygoing


Stephanie

Stephanie Yepes-Vega

International Admissions Officer

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I’m excited to be a member of the International Admissions team here at UB! I was born and raised in the city of Bridgeport, and I’ve recently transitioned from working in the medical field. The diversity here at UB has been fascinating and I am eager to gain more knowledge on how to better assist potential students from around the world. I am very passionate about serving others in the best way possible. I enjoy creating memories with my beautiful family and friends and actively pursuing a lifestyle that brings joy and fulfillment!

Favorite color: Usually, shades of purple. But I love all colors!
Favorite book: The Shack
Favorite food: I love food. Too hard to choose a fav
Three words that describe me would be caring, passionate, and empathetic
Something you don’t know about me: I’ve recently started learning photography

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