Dahlia Alcorn
Senior - Social Work Major - BSW, Youth Justice Minor
Hello! I am a fourth year Social Work student & I picked up my minor in the Justice Studies department at the beginning of my third year! I love being a part of two different educational programs here at JMU, as I feel like I'm getting such a well-rounded and informative experience. I'm also involved in a gender-inclusive community service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, which has been my home here at college! It's been a great way to meet amazing and like-minded people, expand my leadership skills, and get out of the JMU bubble and serve the greater Harrisonburg community (which is such an amazing place with so many incredible people)! I'd love to talk to any and everyone about the JMU Social Work & Youth Justice programs- reach out with any questions!
Katie Bednar
Senior, Kinesiology, Minors: Pre-Physical Therapy, Honors College
Hi! I am a fourth-year Kinesiology major with a concentration in Exercise Science, and I’ve been part of the Honors College since my first year. Outside of academics, I’m involved in Club Gymnastics, Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority, and the Pre-Physical Therapy Society. If you have questions about Kinesiology, the Honors College, time management, or scheduling, feel free to reach out! I’m also in the process of applying to Doctor of Physical Therapy programs, so I’m happy to help with any questions about that as well!
Amber Bennett
Senior, Psychology -BS
Hi everyone!! I am a senior psychology major with a minor in criminal justice, from small-town Altavista, VA! I am an active member of GIVE (the best!!). I am currently a teacher’s assistant for PSYC211 with Dr. Jakobsen and PSYC101 for Dr. Kerr! I also do super interesting hormone research with Dr. Shoup-Knox (please ask me about it!). I am a total geek for psychology and I want to share that passion with you. Please ask me for advice/questions about being a TA, doing research, all while also working a part-time job (shoutout UREC!).
Virginia (Ginna) Brothers
Senior, Communication Sciences and Disorders – BS
I am a first-generation senior Communication Sciences and Disorders Major with a minor in Exceptional Education! I am a teacher's assistant for Language Development with Dr. Zane! I am in a research lab with Dr. Kuo. I am on exec for NSSLHA and Student Ambassador (tour guide). If you have any questions about the CSD program, being a TA, research or JMU in general I love to talk about it!! Please reach out! Being a first year can be difficult, we want to help!
Aleigh Custer
Senior, Communication Sciences & Disorders-BS, Honors Interdisciplinary Minor
Hey y'all! I am a Senior CSD major, Honors minor. I have experience with being a teacher's assistant (TA), Honors teaching fellow (TF), writing an Honors Capstone thesis and participating in research labs! If you have any questions regarding the CSD program, Honors Program, or on how to get involved in research labs, send me an email and I'd be more than happy to chat! Go Dukes!
Sarah Gomez
Senior, Psychology - BA
Hi! I'm a first-generation psychology major in my fourth year here at JMU. I'm pursuing a BA degree so I picked up a minor in Spanish as well. I've been a Teacher's Assistant and a Head Teacher's Assistant for PSYC 160 with Dr. Kondrad (I LOVE the class; I couldn't get enough!). If you have any questions about being in the psychology program, picking up a minor, becoming a TA, or any tips on organizing your schedule / time, please feel free to reach out to me! I also understand the feeling of being confused and lost; I had a hard time my freshman year, if you want to reach out about getting back on track, I'm here for you!
Courtney Gorwitz
Senior, Communication Sciences and Disorders - BS
Hey! I am a CSD major with an Exceptional Education minor in my fourth and final year at JMU. My goal is to work in schools as an SLP for children with disabilities. I have chosen to join a variety of student orgs over my time at JMU that allowed me to grow connections within my academics and personal life. I have been an employee for Student Life and have learned so much about student organizations during my time here as well. If you are looking for some guidance about the CSD program, tips to maintain a healthy routine and schedule, or want help finding your place at JMU, please reach out to me!
Allison Grunwell
Senior, Kinesiology – BS
Hi everyone! I am a senior kinesiology major in my fourth year at JMU with minors in pre-physical therapy and pre-athletic training. I currently play club lacrosse and am a student athlete tutor in anatomy, exercise physiology, and lifetime wellness. If you have any questions about the kinesiology program, courses, or getting involved in extracurricular organizations, don't hesitate to reach out to me! Entering into a new school (especially as someone from out-of-state) can feel really overwhelming but know that it WILL get better and I am here to help in whatever ways I can!
Katelyn Jackson
Senior, Health Sciences - BS
Hi! I'm a senior health sciences major from Chesterfield, Virginia! I'm also involved in CHAARG, Best Buddies, and work at UREC, which makes being at a big school feel smaller! If you have any questions about being in the Health Sciences department, clubs/organizations, or working while being a student, please feel free to reach out to me. I know coming to college can be a huge adjustment and can be difficult at first!
Kaitlin Leonard
Junior, Nursing - BSN
Hi! I am in my third year here at JMU, I was previously a Health Science major, Pre-PA minor and recently switched to Nursing (yes, as a junior) because I realized I wanted to be a nurse when I leave JMU. I had a hard time figuring out what I wanted to do with my life at first, and I feel so relieved that I finally feel like I am working towards a goal. If you feel the same way, feel free to reach out. I also studied abroad for a semester in London (best thing I've ever done) and I can answer questions you have about that too! I am also involved on campus in a few organizations/clubs so you can always ask any questions about where/how you can get involved as well!
Cate Mancini
Senior, Communication Sciences and Disorders - BS
I’m a third year Communication Sciences and Disorders major, but I came in with extra credits so I am graduating this year! I’ve been a Teacher’s Assistant for CSD 200, 209, and 300 and I love being able to help my peers understand material that I also initially struggled with. I am also apart of multiple CSD labs and had an internship last spring in the Harrisonburg area. If you have any questions regarding CSD, graduating early, or related on campus and off campus involvements, please reach out to me! I’d love to help!
Alyssa Manocchio
Senior, Communication Sciences and Disorders - BS
Hi, I am a senior Communication Sciences and Disorders major, on the Audiology track. I have minors in Linguistics and Exceptional Education. I have been a Teaching Assistant for both CSD 208 (Anatomy & Physiology of the Head and Neck) and CSD 301 (Introduction to Audiology). I am from Newington, Connecticut (about a 7.5 hours drive), so if you have any questions about being an out of state student or just want to talk about your experience, please reach out! If you have any questions about the CSD major, minors, schedule planning or anything, feel free to reach out to me! We are all here to support you!
Theresa McGrath
Senior, Communication Sciences and Disorders – BS
Hi everyone! I am a third-year student and will graduate a year early, in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), (aka pre-speech therapy). I am passionate about helping students find their path. I have been a TA for CSD 207, CSD 209, and CSD 300. I enjoy helping my peers learn and understand. Also, I have been involved in multiple CSD research labs, since my freshman year. If you want to learn more about speech therapy, how to become a TA, find a job on campus, get involved in professor’s research, manage time as a student in CHBS, decide on a minor, or have questions about accelerated graduation timelines, please contact me. I am happy to help!
Savannah Scearce
Senior, Communication Sciences and Disorders - BS
Hi!! I am a first-generation Communication Sciences and Disorders major with a minor in Biology! I did not come in as a CSD major and was set on a completely different career path. After changing my major to CSD and taking CSD 301 (Intro to Audiology), I absolutely knew that I had made the right decision by changing my major! I am involved in a variety of orgs on campus so if you have any questions about a major change, managing time between different orgs, or any general JMU questions, please reach out!!
Meaghan Sullivan
Senior, Social Work - BSW
Hi everyone! I am a senior Social Work major with minors in Nonprofit Studies and Youth Justice. As the Social Work Organization President and Phi Alpha Co-President, I am very involved in the social work major and would love to talk with you about our program if you're interested! I also work as a Madison Advising Peer and can help you with any scheduling needs you might have. I love being a student in CHBS and know your will too. :)
Abigail Valentin
Senior, Nursing, BSN
Hi! I am a senior Nursing Major with a completed minor in Chronic Illness. I have served within Orientation and Transition as well as with the CHBS Student Ambassadors, amongst other student orgs, during my time here at JMU and have loved it! Being a nursing major consists of a busy academic schedule and time management is absolute key to achieving success within nursing and to taking care of yourself. Feel free to reach out to talk about anything nursing/JMU related with any questions or need for advice and Go Dukes!
Katie
Senior, Nursing - BSN
Hi! I am a senior Nursing major with a minor in Chronic Illness. During my sophomore year, I applied to the nursing program and was admitted on my first application attempt! As a nursing student, time management is key and I have been successful at holding down a student employment job as well as participating in many student organizations across campus. I love the JMU School of Nursing program and am always eager to help potential nursing students. If you have any questions about prerequisites, time management, or clinical/nursing school advice - please feel free to reach out to me!