Patty Alvarez, PhD

Patty Alvarez (she/her/hers)

Patty Alvarez, PhD, MS, began working at UMB in January 2018 and is the Chief Student Affairs Officer/Associate Vice President of Student Affairs at UMB and an Adjunct Faculty member in the Graduate School. She has more than 20 years of professional experience working in student affairs and academic affairs at universities in Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, and New York. As a Latina first-generation college student, her career has been dedicated to supporting students in achieving their goals.

Meghan Bojo

Meghan has been working at UMB for over 10 years. She is currently a Program Manager for the Office of Academic Affairs and the Graduate School. She has her BS in Criminal Justice and Sociology and earned her MSW from the School of Social Work here at UMB. Meghan has been an academic coach since 2014 and really enjoys connecting with the students. In her spare time Meghan enjoys exploring the outdoors and spending time with her family and friends.

Areas of Interest:  Time Management, Study Planning, School/Life Balance

Greg Brightbill (Pronouns: He/His/Him)

Dr. Gregory Brightbill is the Associate Director for Student Leadership and Involvement in the UMB Division of Student Affairs. Dr. Brightbill is a lifelong academic and holds a bachelor's in psychology, a master's in education in student affairs, a master's in business administration, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Dr. Brightbill joined the academic coaching program in 2017 and is passionate about providing students with the resources and support needed to achieve their academic goals. Dr. Brightbill is proudly neurodivergent and was diagnosed as a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), shaping his professional and educational outlook. Outside of UMB, Dr. Brightbill volunteers as Chair for the Board of Directors of GLSEN Maryland, an education and advocacy organization specializing in the needs of k-12 Queer youth in Maryland Schools.

Nia Fagan

Nia-Imani began working at UMB in Spring of 2020 and is now the Testing and Support Services Coordinator for the Office of Educational Support and Disability Services. Nia-Imani holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Sustainability and Human Ecology from the University of Baltimore and uses her holistic education experience to assist ESL students at Higher Achievement Baltimore, and provide support to pregnant, postpartum & incarcerated individuals as a part of the Baltimore Doula Project. As neuro-diverse and a person of color, she advocates for others who also find themselves between that intersection, as well as those with disabilities and learners with language barriers. When not focusing on pursuing her own graduate program, she may be found reading a good sci-fi novel, planning her next travel destination, or sewing in her free time.

Rosemary Ferreira

Rosemary Ferreira is the Associate Director of the Intercultural Center. Driven by her own experiences as a first-generation low-income student of color, Rosemary has served in higher education institutions in the state of Maryland and in educational non-profit organizations in her hometown of New York City and her parent's homeland of the Dominican Republic. Rosemary earned her M.Ed. in Student Affairs from the University of Maryland, College Park and her B.A. in Environmental and Urban Studies from Bard College. A proud New Yorker, Rosemary loves to take walks and explore new neighborhoods, support immigrant businesses, and try new recipes.

Emma Kelley

Emma Kelley is a full-time Master of Social Work student. She interns at Educational Support and Disability Services (ESDS) office for her field placement, under the direct supervision of Deborah Levi, a licensed clinical social worker. Emma received a bachelor’s degree in Family Science and a minor in Human Development from the University of Maryland College Park. As a current student, she can relate to many of the challenges students may be facing as they attend graduate school in the presence of a global pandemic. Outside of school, Emma enjoys reading, creating art, and biking around Baltimore City.   

Heather Moore

Heather Moore works as the Assistant Director of Educational Support and Disability Services (ESDS) for UMB. Heather has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s in Applied Sociology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Her background focuses on higher education experience with student mentoring, disability, academic advising, student advocacy, and facilitation. Heather can typically be found gardening, hanging out with her cat Artemis, trying new recipes, or exploring the outdoors.

Michelle Pearce

Michelle Pearce, PhD, is a Professor in the Graduate School at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, a clinical psychologist, and a nationally certified health and wellness coach. She teaches graduate students, conducts research, and directs the Integrative Health and Wellness online graduate certificate program. Dr. Pearce is committed to her personal mission of empowering people to prosper — body, mind, and spirit. She is passionate about helping people achieve their health- and professionally-related goals and live balanced, thriving lives. Her most recent book is called “Night Bloomers: 12 Principles for Thriving in Adversity.” She also has expertise in spirituality and health. She nurtures her own wellness by spending time outside, hiking, dancing, and curled up with a good book.

Jole' Ruff

Jole’ Ruff joined the office of Interprofessional Student Learning and Service Initiatives in the summer of 2015 and is now the Program Coordinator for the Intercultural Center. She organizes diversity and intercultural programming and supports students in school-wide student organizations. Jole' holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Norfolk State University and a Master's degree in Social Work from Morgan State University. Jole’ is excited to be a part of the Academic Coaching team and looks forward to supporting students at UMB to be their whole self.