Dena, a Long Island native, holds a Bachelor's degree in Politics, Economics, and Law from SUNY Old Westbury and a Master's degree in Political Science from Long Island University - Post Campus.

Outside of her professional life, Dena enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with loved ones.

In her years of experience in admissions, Dena finds great satisfaction in guiding prospective students through the application process. As a recruiter for New York, she is dedicated to helping students discover the ideal educational and career paths that align with their aspirations.

Catherine lived in Pennsylvania from childhood through high school. She then began her Long Island journey at Hofstra University, where she completed her Undergraduate Degree in Drama and Psychology. She also was a tour guide showing prospective students what could be their new home. Once she graduated, she became a full time Admission Counselor and began her Higher education journey. 

Catherine is currently enrolled in the Higher Education Administration Graduate Program here at Stony Brook University. Stony Brook has a welcoming environment, and an overall home-like environment. She encourages the students to visit, because sometimes you don't know where your heart lies until you’re there.

Chris, a Long Island native, graduated from SUNY Oneonta in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and a Minor in Communications. During his time at Oneonta, Chris discovered a love for working with students, serving as a Dragon Guide to help new students transition to campus life and as a Student Ambassador, assisting prospective students and families. He also contributed to marketing strategies aimed at engaging both current and future students. As an avid sports fan, Chris brings his enthusiasm for teamwork and community building into his work, where he is dedicated to providing a welcoming and personalized admissions experience for all.

Kelly has been with the Office of Admissions for 26 years, joining the staff after earning her BA in Sociology at SBU. Specializing in our Education Outreach Program’s recruitment and admissions, Kelly is fully committed to providing college access to economically disadvantaged students who have the potential to succeed.

She notes, “The dedicated staff in our EOP Office assures me that our incoming students will be given the support necessary to be successful at Stony Brook. It is so rewarding to attend a graduating ceremony for these students and see how successful academically and socially they have been here."

Jessica earned her Bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education from Ball State University in 2017 and followed it up with a Master's degree in Sport Administration and Leadership from Augustana University in 2019. Upon graduating, she began her professional journey as a collegiate swim coach at a Division I program in Ohio.

In 2021, Jessica transitioned into the field of undergraduate admissions, where she currently works with students from the greater Chicagoland area and the Midwest region. Based in northwest Indiana, she combines her professional expertise with a passion for guiding students through the admissions process.

Outside of her professional life, Jessica is a dedicated Chicago sports fan, enjoys immersing herself in thrilling novels, taking pottery classes, and spending quality time with her two dogs, Remington and Waylon.

Cameron grew up on Long Island and attended Islip High School. She is a SUNY alumna, having  graduated from SUNY Cortland in 2022 with a bachelors degree in Psychology. In her senior year of college, she started an internship at the admissions office at SUNY Cortland. While working for admissions, she found a deep passion for being a part of a future student's decision. She is so excited to be starting her admissions journey here at Stony Brook University! 

Alex has been working in Higher Education since 2020 when she graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor's degree in Business Economics. She is looking forward to meeting with local students and helping them find their home at Stony Brook.

Having lived on Long Island, Bryan found his place quickly within Stony Brook University. Beginning his college experience in 2017 at Stony Brook, Bryan has now graduated with his Bachelors in Sustainability Studies and Masters in Business Administration. While a student, Bryan spent most of his time working in Undergraduate Admissions as a campus tour guide. By speaking with students and guests, Bryan found a passion for helping incoming students figure out what they can look forward to. With that passion in mind, Bryan became an Admissions Counselor and now aids students from a new perspective.

Kory grew up on Long Island and attended Connetquot High School. He graduated from Stony Brook University in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science. 

He began working in the central admissions office at Suffolk County Community College before transitioning to a full time admissions position at Stony Brook. Go Seawolves!

Jing Li joined the International Admissions team in 2019. As a Stony Brook alumna, she holds a B.S. in Applied Mathematics and Statistics.
Jing was born and raised in China. Her multicultural background and firsthand experience as an international student contribute to her ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds. She understands the challenges and opportunities that international students face. Jing enjoys the opportunity to speak with prospective students and their families about the many opportunities and advantages afforded to students who enroll at SBU. Sharing her experiences and love for the university makes her job rewarding.
Jing is looking forward to helping international students explore Stony Brook and beyond.

Having grown up locally, Katie feels a strong connection to Stony Brook. She left for 4 year period while she attended The University of New Hampshire and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree. She returned "home" after graduating college in 2002 and has been working in the Undergraduate Admissions Office at Stony Brook ever since. She also received her Master’s Degree from Stony Brook in 2007.

She encourages students to visit campus. "A visit can make all the difference; it allows a student to say whether or not they could call Stony Brook home for the next 4 years!"

Originally from New York City, Amanda moved out to Eastern Long Island to pursue her Bachelor’s in English and Writing at Southampton College before beginning her career in college admissions. She worked in the Southampton College Admissions Office for 6 years before joining SBU Admissions in 2004. She has a Master’s in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University.

Her favorite thing about working in Admissions is that the work changes with the seasons, so there is always something new that takes priority. “In the fall we have tours and Information Sessions and counselors hit the road, in the winter we read applications, in the spring we host admitted student programs and meet with students,” and she says, “in the summer we plan for the next year.”

She recommends that prospective students start researching colleges by exploring official websites, and taking virtual tours or attending virtual presentations. If you like what you see, plan a visit for a campus tour, or to attend a Preview Day or Open House.

 Stacey’s passion for helping students find their college home coupled with her love to travel has allowed her to enjoy 15 years working in admissions and enrollment management.

Stacey has a BA from Muhlenberg College and her M.S. Ed in Higher Education Administration from Old Dominion University.

Stacey encourages all her students to enjoy the college search and application process. “College is the best 4 years of your life so don’t think of the application as a chore, but the start to the great times ahead!”

Sophia is from Center Moriches, New York, a small town on eastern Long Island. She is also a proud Stony Brook alumna. She graduated with honors in December 2022, earning dual degrees in Psychology and Sociology. She spent the first four years of her career accumulating extensive experience in the mental health field, dedicating her career to serving underprivileged and vulnerable populations. In her various roles, she demonstrated a strong commitment to advocacy, client-centered care, and effective communication, all while working in high-pressure environments that required both empathy and resilience.

Driven by a passion for education and student success, Sophia pivoted into the higher education field and now serves as an Admissions Counselor at Stony Brook University. In this role, she draws on her background in psychology and sociology to connect with prospective students, providing them with the guidance and support needed to make informed decisions about their educational paths. Sophia is committed to fostering empathy, connection, and a supportive environment throughout the admissions process.

Valerie, a Long Island native, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stony Brook with a major in Psychology before earning her M.B.A. at Hofstra University. She began her admissions career recruiting for graduate programs and switched over to undergraduate admissions when she came to Stony Brook. She is part of Stony Brook’s Long Island recruitment team and is also responsible for the planning of on-campus recruitment events

Lauren attended C.W. Post, earning both her Bachelor’s in Electronic Media and Master’s in School Counseling. As the National Admissions Counselor at Stony Brook, Lauren travels across the country talking to high school students about Stony Brook. “I love meeting people from different regions of U.S.,” she says.

Lauren constantly finds herself impressed with the variety of academic and social opportunities at Stony Brook University. She believes new students will also enjoy the many opportunities Long Island has to offer. Originally from Merrick, a nearby town on Long Island, she’s still in love with how the Island has a little bit of everything, from famous beaches to easy access to New York City.

She encourages prospective students to visit Stony Brook and see if they can picture themselves as college students here. “It’s important for a student to choose a school they love in a location where they would enjoy living,” she says.

When she's not working or involved in Admissions Counseling Associations, Lauren can frequently be found in her kitchen. An avid recreational chef, she’s often inventing a new soup or whipping up a signature pasta dish.

Born and raised in Mississippi, Kelly attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College obtaining his Associate's degree in 2014. He transferred to the University of Mississippi where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English education in 2016 and a Master's degree in modern languages (emphasis in applied linguistics and TESOL) in 2018. 

Upon graduation, Kelly began his higher education journey as the Flagship Program Coordinator at the University of North Georgia. He began his journey in admissions as the Atlanta regional admissions rep at the University of Mississippi, University of Toledo, and now Stony Brook University.  

Outside of the office, Kelly is an avid fan of theme parks and roller coasters, and enjoys trying new restaurants and coffee shops.

Kelly is excited to be a part of the Stony Brook family and looks forward to working with future Seawolves in the South. 

Lyle is a Long Island native, having graduated from Stony Brook with a major in Political Science before earning his MA in Political Science at CW Post. Lyle enjoys meeting and working with students from the local high schools. He also directs our Campus Tour Program.

Lyle encourages prospective students to visit Stony Brook on one of the many campus tours offered throughout the year. "The campus visit is one of the most crucial factors in determining if the college or university is a good fit, so look to take advantage of any opportunity that provides an insight into your potential future school".

Ken grew up in Maryland before getting his B.A. from Muhlenberg College, and then his M.A. at Villanova University. Ken moved to Long Island in 2018 when he began his Ph.D. in History at Stony Brook University with a focus on 20th century American history. His dissertation examines what it was like to live in Washington D.C. during the 1930s. Having also taught at Stony Brook, Ken is excited to bring his passion for helping students to the Admissions Department where he can help students as they go through the college process!

Outside of the office, Ken is an avid sports fan, and a constant reader. When he isn't playing with his cat, Petie, Ken also enjoys making plans with the life-long friends he made while in college.