Cherry blossoms on campus

Meet Our Team


Bryan Murdock
Associate Vice President of Community Partnerships,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships,
Office of the President
Office Location: Susan A. Cole Hall 348E
Email: murdockb@montclair.edu
Phone: 973-655-6831

Bryan Murdock has more than thirty years of experience in program administration and management. He’s the founding director of the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships at Montclair State University where he’s responsible for the administration of numerous community-engaged programs, projects and initiatives that engage approximately 1,000 students; collaborate with faculty from the University’s five colleges and school; and partner with 200 community- and faith-based organizations, school districts, governmental agencies, and civic organizations. Since 2010, Mr. Murdock has partnered with the Orange Public Schools to support its Community Schools Strategy, having served as the Project Director of the University Assisted Full Service Community Schools project since 2014.


Krystal Woolston
Director of Public Service Programs,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships,
Office of the President
Office Location: Susan A Cole Hall 348D
Email: woolstonk@montclair.edu
Phone: 973-655-4268

Krystal Woolston is the director of public service programs at Montclair State University where she oversees the development and implementation of two AmeriCorps programs, the Bonner Leader Program, the Next Generation (NextGen) Service Corps, and the Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning (CETL) fellows program. She completed her PhD in Family Science and Human development doing research on clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse, institutional betrayal, and the impact on survivors’ faith and levels of post-traumatic growth and continues to do research in this area. In her current role, she is passionate about getting students involved in volunteering, public service, community engagement, and leadership.


Iris Venecia DiMaio
Director of University Action Nexus,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships,
Office of the President
Office Location: Susan A Cole Hall 349A
Email: dimaioi@montclair.edu
Phone: 973-655-3442

Iris DiMaio is the Director of University Action Nexus (uCAN) at the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships, which serves as an agent for partnership and community engagement. She earned her MA in Educational Leadership, Concentration: Education/Trainer at Montclair State University and her expertise spans a variety of roles, including budgeting, human resources, staff supervision, marketing, and public relations. She led the Montclair Teacher Certification Apprenticeship initiative, which became New Jersey’s first Teacher Certification Registered Apprenticeship Program recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Before joining Montclair, Iris served 25 years at William Paterson University, where she founded programs for young adults and aging-out high school students with learning disabilities and developed professional certification programs, career readiness workshops, and life skills training. Currently, she facilitates University partnerships with community members, government officials, and other stakeholders to create a clear pathway for locating and accessing resources needed for the community.


Jessica Bush
Director of the Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships,
Office of the President
Office Location: Susan A Cole Hall 348D
Email: cameronbushj@montclair.edu
Phone: 862-385-1240

Jessica Bush is the Director of the Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium. She earned her M.S.Ed from the Bank Street College of Education and has over 25 years of experience in the field of public History. In her current role she is responsible for overseeing the museums, exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. Jessica is passionate about preserving and sharing our collective history and is dedicated to creating engaging and informative experiences that inspire curiosity and a connection to our past.


Jessica Pichardo
Director of NextGen Service Corps,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships,
Office of the President
Office Location: Susan A. Cole Hall 348C
Email: pichardoj@montclair.edu
Phone: 973-655-7882

Jessica Pichardo is the Director of the NextGen Service Corps program at Montclair State University. With 20 years of experience spanning government, nonprofit, and education sectors, she is dedicated to empowering students through experiential learning, internships, and public service opportunities. A first-generation student and proud graduate of Montclair State University’s Educational Opportunity Fund program, Jessica Pichardo holds a bachelor’s degree in history (2006) and a master’s degree in social research and data analysis (2023) from Montclair State University. She also earned a master’s degree in higher education from Caldwell University in 2017. Her work is driven by a passion for helping students achieve their full potential and succeed in their academic and professional journeys


Daniela Chong
AmeriCorps Program Director,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships,
Office of the President
Office Location: Susan A. Cole Hall 348B
Email: chicad@montclair.edu
Phone: 973-655-7895

Daniela Chica is the Program Director for the Healthy Communities Corp at the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships. Daniela graduated from Rutgers University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy and a minor in Asian Studies. She graduated from Montclair State University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with a Forensic concentration and St. Elizabeth University with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Family Science and Human Development at Montclair State University. Daniela hopes to continue working with the community to strengthen partnerships and promote programs that consider all aspects of public health.


Donna Climent
AmeriCorps Assistant Coordinator,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships
Office of the President
Office Location: Susan A. Cole Hall 348
Email: climentd@montclair.edu

Donna Climent is the AmeriCorps Program Assistant Coordinator at the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships. Donna graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, and a certificate in Environmental Geomatics. She completed two 1700 hour service terms of the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program with the NJDEP. Her service with AmeriCorps provided valuable experience in environmental education, stewardship project coordination, stream field assessments and building strong community partnerships. She has held multiple positions within environmental education and it is how she developed a love for community service. Donna wishes to continue inspiring students in their interests and passions, as well as further develop community bonds.



Aracelis Ruiz
One Square Mile Project Manager University Community Action Nexus,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships, Office of the President
Office Location: Susan A. Cole Hall 348
Email: ruizar@montclair.edu
Phone: 973-655-4139

Aracelis Ruiz serves as the Paterson One Square Mile Project Manager University Community Action Nexus. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Ramapo College of New Jersey, Ms. Ruiz brings a wealth of expertise garnered from over two decades of dedicated service within Paterson and various other communities. With an unwavering commitment to effecting meaningful change, she aspires to create a profound and enduring impact on the lives of community members.



Emely Bryan
Executive Assistant,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships,
Office of the President
Office Location: Susan A. Cole Hall 348B
Email: bryane@montclair.edu
Phone: 973-655-7645

Emely Bryan is the Executive Assistant for the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships at Montclair State University. Ms. Bryan received her Associate Degree in General Science from Essex County College. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus on Healthcare Management from Berkeley College. With over 10 years of experience in administration and business development Emely hopes to support the vision for community engagement here at Montclair State University and make an impact in local communities.


Mikaela Guzman 
Bonner Leader and Service Coordinator,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships,
Office of the President
Office Location: Susan A Cole Hall 348
Email: guzmanm@montclair.edu
Phone: 973-655-3973

Mikaela Guzman is an alumna of Montclair State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance. Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Higher Education. During her undergraduate years, Mikaela served as a Bonner Leader, a role that ignited her passion for empowering marginalized students through service. Her experiences in the Bonner program inspired her to co-found “Musicians for Social Justice,” a group dedicated to sharing minority stories through the performing arts.

Following her graduation with a bachelor’s degree, Mikaela was invited to serve in the New Jersey Covid Service Corps AmeriCorps Program as the Community-Engaged Learning Coordinator. Upon the successful completion of her AmeriCorps term, Mikaela assumed the role of Bonner Leader and Service Coordinator. In this capacity, she oversees the Bonner Leader and Community Engaged Learning Programs.


Lauren Dinour
Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning Scholar,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships
Email: dinourl@montclair.edu
Phone: 973-655-5395

Lauren Dinour, DrPH, RD, CLC, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies at Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ. Her research focuses on health-promoting policies, programs, and practices that improve childhood nutrition and food security, particularly in the areas of school food and breastfeeding. More recently, she has engaged in several studies regarding the development, implementation, and outcomes of service-learning pedagogy in dietetics coursework. A Registered Dietitian and public health professional, Dr. Dinour holds a DrPH and MPH with a focus on Public Health Nutrition. Prior to joining the Nutrition faculty at Montclair State University, Dr. Dinour worked as a practitioner and researcher in community-based and public health settings in the areas of childhood nutrition and food policy.


Racheal Afriyie
Graduate Student Assistant,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships
Office of the President
Office Location: Susan A Cole Hall 348
Email: afriyier1@montclair.edu

Racheal Afriyie is Graduate Assistant for AmeriCorps. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management and Sociology from University of Ghana. Building upon her undergraduate studies, she is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Business Administration and Management with a concentration in Marketing. She is committed to making a positive impact in the community. She hopes to continue working with the community to strengthen the members’ relations with the community.


Sara Duricko
Graduate Student Assistant,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships
Office Location: Susan A. Cole Hall 348
Email: durickos@montclair.edu
Phone: 973-655-3973

Sara Duricko is the Graduate Assistant at the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters Degree in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health here at Montclair State University. Sara also received her Bachelors in Psychology from MSU and minored in Criminal Justice and Environmental Justice. In her undergraduate career she served as a Bonner Leader and R.I.S.E mentor. Sara wishes to pursue a career in which she can continue to serve communities and work within the mental health sector.



Sowmya Kampara
Technology and System Specialist,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships
Office of the President
Office Location: Susan A. Cole Hall 348
Email: kamparas1@montclair.edu

Sowmya Kampara is the Technology and System Specialist for the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships. She holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Montclair State University. Sowmya received her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Engineering from India. She has experience working at Cognizant as a Program Analyst Trainee and at Accenture as a Full Stack Engineering Analyst. Sowmya wishes to pursue her career as a Software Engineer.



Oyeyemi Olagbaiye
UCAN Graduate Student Assistant,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships
Office of the President
Office Location: Susan A. Cole Hall 348
Email: olagbaiyeo1@montclair.edu

Oyeyemi Olagbaiye is the Community Action Nexus Program Assistant in the Office of Community
Engagement and Partnerships. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Lagos Nigeria and
was called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in General Management at Montclair State University with a concentration in Marketing. Oyeyemi has a range of experience in operations and project management, marketing, team building, and leadership which she gained from leading her event management company. She aims to strengthen her leadership skills during her time at the Office and obtain valuable knowledge in community service and volunteering that will enable her to make a difference in her community.



Ariana Rosa
NextGen Graduate Student Assistant,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships
Office of the President
Office Location: Susan A. Cole Hall 348
Email: rosaa2@montclair.edu

Ariana Rosa is the Graduate Assistant for the NextGen Service Corps at Montclair State University. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Montclair State University. During her undergraduate years at The Pennsylvania State University, she studied Broadcast Journalism and served in the community, working toward the unity of all Latino/Hispanic and Multicultural students on campus. Outside of her professional work, Ariana enjoys journaling, spending time in her faith and hopes to continue serving different communities and bridge the gap between mental health and faith.



Albert Antomattei
University Community Action Nexus (uCAN) Program Associate,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships
Office of the President
Office Location: Susan A. Cole Hall 348
Email: antomatteia@montclair.edu

Albert P. Antomattei is the Program Associate for the Paterson One Square Mile Early College Program. In this role, he coordinates the program through which Paterson and Passaic high school juniors and seniors begin their higher education journey and earn college credits. Albert believes that high-quality education and exposure to enriching experiences can powerfully transform peoples’ lives. As part of the University Community Action Nexus (uCAN) in the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships, he is passionate about helping to extend Montclair State’s resources to neighboring communities for the betterment of youth in need of opportunities. Albert earned his BA at Columbia University and his MBA at Montclair State University.



Sunovia Scudder
Project Coordinator,
University Community Action Nexus,
Office Location: Susan A. Cole Hall 348
Email: scudders@montclair.edu

Sunovia Scudder is the project coordinator for University Community Action Nexus (uCAN) in the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships, which bridges the gap between members of the community, community partners, and Montclair State University. After studying Law and Justice, Sociology, and Africana Studies at Rowan University, she developed a strong passion for social justice and advocating for underserved communities. She began her career in 2020 in New York City at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic doing direct community outreach through food ministry and social service work. Now at Montclair State University, she is committed to serving her hometown of Paterson and neighboring communities by inspiring youth to pursue higher education, fostering community development, and nurturing future leaders, while advocating for social justice and equity to ensure every individual has the opportunity to thrive.


Nicholas Lim
Graduate Student Assistant,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships,
Office Location: Susan A. Cole Hall 348
Email: limn1@montclair.edu

Nicholas Lim is a Graduate Assistant for the Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning (CETL) Fellows program. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology here at Montclair State University. Nicholas received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Messiah University. He aims to gain experience and obtain valuable knowledge from the field of Community Engagement to benefit the communities he is a part of.

 


Pariwish Abbasi
Data Analyst & Technology Support Graduate Assistant,
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships,
Office Location: Susan A. Cole Hall 348
Email: abbasip1@montclair.edu

Pariwish concentrates on International Development, Refugee Resettlement, and Humanitarian Response. Holding an MA from the School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University, Pariwish is currently enrolled in an MA English program at Montclair State University. Pariwish has worked with prominent international not-for-profit organizations, including the International Rescue Committee, Oxfam, HelpAge International, Save the Children, and Church World Service. Proficient in leading complex projects, coordinating with diverse stakeholders, and fostering social cohesion in conflict-sensitive environments, Pariwish is committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.