Director's Office

Christina Alch headshot

Christina Alch

Director, Residential Life and Learning

Christina has a B.A. from SUNY New Paltz and an M.Ed. from Salem State University. Christina joined Tufts in August 2022. Prior to Tufts, she worked at Northeastern University, the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and Salem State University. In her spare time, Christina enjoys playing board games, eating (and sometimes making) baked goods, and spending time with her dog.

The Director is responsible for the overall management of Residential Life and Learning, supporting 4,100 residents on two campuses, over 1.5 million square feet of residential space, and supervision of over 160 student and professional staff. The Director works closely with the two teams in the department (Residential Education and Residential Operations) to ensure a high level of student support, responsiveness, and inclusivity in the opportunities, initiatives, and procedures/policies of the department.

Dotty Payzant

Dotty Payzant

Staff Assistant

Dotty has lived in Somerville, Massachusetts, all her life. Dotty has been with Tufts for over 15 years. Dotty's favorite thing about Tufts is working for Residential Life. Dotty has met the most amazing people and she loves that she is able to support students, families, and others who call, email, or stop by our office. When Dotty can she loves to travel.

Dotty is responsible for the front office of the Office of Residential Life and Learning. She supports students, families, and others who call, email, or stop by the office, and can be a great resource to connect individuals to the best member of our team to assist with complex concerns. 

Residential Education

Matt Denison headshot

Matt Denison

Assistant Director of Residential Education

Matt has his roots in New England. He grew up in Maine, has a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Merrimack College, and a M.S in Human Development and Family Studies from The University of Rhode Island. 

As an Assistant Director, Matt is responsible for most first-year communities on both the Medford/Somerville campus as well as the SMFA campus. In this role, he supervises RLCs and ARLCs supporting over 1,800 students. He is a great resource for students and families seeking additional information, guidance, and support in navigating their first-year experience at Tufts. 

Some of his hobbies are playing disc golf, exploring new restaurants, and playing video games. He is a dog person but is open to conversations about cats.

Residential Life Coordinators (RLCs)

The Residential Life Coordinator (RLC) is a full time professional staff member who lives on campus and has responsibility for fostering a strong sense of community in their assigned residential community. RLCs support residents in a variety of ways and supervises Resident Assistants (RAs) and, at times, Assistant Residential Life Coordinators (ARLCs). Additionally, RLCs assist in the advisement of Hall Councils, support programming and community development within the residential area, and support students individually. They are a great resource for students seeking support in managing conflict, resolving concerns, and for getting more involved in the residential community and at Tufts.

Christina Behr-Kranefeld headshot

Christina Behr-Kranefeld

91 Professors Row, 92 Professors Row, 93 Professors Row, 95 Professors Row, 114 Professors Row, Chi Omega, Houston Hall, Miller Hall

Christina has a bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology and a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Alfred University. Christina takes a holistic approach when working with students on campus. Supporting and connecting students to resources that can help them with their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. Christina’s favorite part about Tufts is the energy that the campus has, it is warm and welcoming! A few more things about Christina is that she has two dogs (Chaplin and Teddy), Christina enjoys going for long walks and trying new restaurants in the area!

 

Candice Belluscio headshot

Candice Belluscio

Harleston Hall, Haskell Hall, Latin Way

Candice received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Purdue University and a Master of Arts in English Literature from Monmouth University. Candice is currently finishing up her PhD in English from St. John’s University. Candice’s passion area within Higher Ed would have to be Student Affairs. Candice thoroughly loves being able to connect with and support students throughout their college journey. Candice’s favorite thing about Tufts is the magnetic energy on campus and the incredible community!

 

Phillip Brown

Phil Brown

Bush Hall, Hodgdon Hall, Lewis Hall, Tilton Hall

Phil is from New York and he loves to play basketball ball and soccer. Phil is also a huge anime and Star Wars fan. Phil has a deep love for old music. Phil is currently in his third year of working as a higher education professional and pursuing a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and Leadership at Capella University. Phil loves being able to help students through his work in residential life and is eager to continue building relationships.

 

Thomas de Armas-Wlodek headshot

Thomas de Armas-Wlodek

Bartol House, Chandler House, Davies House, 12 Dearborn, 32 Dearborn, Anthony House, Capen House, Hall House, Metcalf Hall, Milne House, Richardson House, 14 Sawyer, 45 Sawyer, Schmalz House, Sophia Gordon, Stratton Hall, 101 Talbot, Theta Chi, 25 Whitfield, Wyeth House, Zeta Beta Tau 

Thomas joined the Residential Life & Learning team summer of 2023 and is excited to supporting Tufts students. While completing a Masters of Theology at Boston University in May 2020, Thomas worked in student affairs for numerous years engaging. Prior to accepting the position as Residence Life Coordinator, Thomas was an educator at a public college prep boarding-school based in Miami. Teaching high school social science, Thomas routinely challenged students to ethically analyze the gravitas of their social condition and subjective formation. 

Outside of Residence Life, Thomas can be found in the Tisch Library stacks BF173.L1-M.222 reading on psychoanalytical theory, continental theory and economic analysis or recording session guitar inspired by Yamandu Costa, Al Di Meola and Meshuggah. Thomas is a proud father to his three kitties: Marduk, Nergal and Malkia. 

Sarah Kazmierczak

Sarah Kazmierczak 

344 Boston Ave, 346 Boston Ave, 90 Curtis, 92 Curtis, 94 Curtis, Hillside Apartments 9 Sunset, 11 Sunset, Carmichael Hall, West Hall, Wilson House

Sarah has a bachelor's degree in English from Norwich University and a certificate in Developing Healthy Communities from Tufts. Sarah is currently pursuing a master’s in Educational Studies through Tufts as well. In addition to Sarah’s role as RLC, she is also a pre-major advisor. Sarah enjoys working closely with her students to develop a strong support system as they navigate college life and providing guidance as they make choices for their future. One of Sarah’s favorite parts about Tufts is the campus and all its bunnies that make walks with her dog enjoyable for both of them. Sarah’s hobbies are reading, writing, baking, soaking up the sun whenever she can, playing volleyball, and exploring Boston.

 

Victoria Medeiros headshot

Victoria Medeiros

Beacon Street Halls

Victoria has a bachelor's degree in Strategic Communication from Bridgewater State University and a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Personnel from University of Central Florida. Victoria enjoys connecting students with campus resources and helping students find clubs/organizations that get themselves out of their comfort zone. One of Victoria’s favorite parts about Tufts is the beautiful views from the library roof! Victoria is also an Assistant Coach for the Tufts Cheerleading Team. Victoria’s hobbies are going to the beach, finding new shows on Netflix to watch, and going to Disney!

 

Sarah McDaniel headshot

Sarah McDaniel

11 Bellevue, 12 Bellevue, 14 Bellevue, 15 Bellevue, 16 Bellevue, 19 Bellevue, 21 Bellevue, 22 Bellevue, 23 Bellevue, 6 Capen, 176 Curtis, 11 Fairmount, 21 Fairmount, 19 University Ave, 21 University Ave, 10 Winthrop, 43 Winthrop, 45 Winthrop, 46 Winthrop, 50 Winthrop, Simpson House, Hill Hall, Wren Hall

Sarah joined the ORLL team at Tufts in July of 2022. She grew up in a suburb of Chicago, IL and earned a B.A. in Sociology and Spanish at Colgate University in Hamilton, NY. While at Colgate, she was a Resident Assistant (RA) for two years as well. After graduation, she joined the Teach for America 2018 Corps and earned her MA Initial Teaching License to teach middle-school English in Lawrence, MA for four years. She loved forming personal connections with students, guiding them in their unique life journeys, and encouraging a love of learning. She started the school's first Health Class and Cultural Enrichments. Sarah aims to combine her RA knowledge and experience in education to continue fostering strong relationships with students and encouraging growth and a love of learning. Her hobbies include hiking, listening to podcasts and music, traveling, learning, and spending quality time with friends and family. 

Graduate Staff

Residential Life and Learning has a number of experienced graduate staff that help support the office in a variety of ways.

Assistant Residential Life Coordinators (ARLCs) are responsible for fostering a strong sense of community in their assigned area and supporting residents in a variety of ways through their transition to Tufts and to the residential community.

Graduate Assistant for Residential Operations is responsible for supporting the Residential Operations team by serving as a go-to resource for housing webinars and information sessions related to selection. This GA also supports large-scale operational events such as move-in, move-out, and housing lottery.

Graduate AssistantsArea
Harpreet Auby (ARLC)11 Bellevue, 12 Bellevue, 14 Bellevue, 15 Bellevue, 16 Bellevue, 19 Bellevue, 21 Bellevue, 22 Bellevue, 23 Bellevue, 6 Capen, 176 Curtis, 11 Fairmount, 21 Fairmount, 19 University Ave, 21 University Ave, 10 Winthrop, 43 Winthrop, 45 Winthrop, 46 Winthrop, 47 Winthrop, 50 Winthrop, Simpson House, Hill Hall, Wren Hall
Julia Bergman (GA)Residential Operations
Marya Mahmood (ARLC)14 Sawyer, 45 Sawyer, 101 Talbot, 25 Whitfield, Bartol House, Chandler House, Davies House, Hall House, Hodgdon, Milne House, Schmalz House, Theta Chi, Wyeth House, Zeta Beta Tau
Michelle Nivar (GA)Graduate Housing Operations
Andy Nguyen (ARLC)12 Dearborn, 32 Dearborn, Anthony House, Capen House, Metcalf Hall, Richardson House, Sophia Gordon Hall, Stratton Hall
Tara Nichols (ARLC)91 Professors Row, 92 Professors Row, 93 Professors Row, 95 Professors Row, 114 Professors Row, Chi Omega, Houston
Cynthia Orofo (ARLC344 Boston Ave, 346 Boston Ave, 90 Curtis, 92 Curtis, 94 Curtis, 9 Sunset, 11 Sunset, Carmichael Hall, Wilson House
Christine So (ARLC)Bush Hall, Lewis Hall, Tilton Hall

Residential Operations & Housing Services

Angy Sosa headshot

Angy Sosa

Associate Director for Residential Operations

Angy has a BA from Vassar College in Film Theory, an MFA from Academy of Art University in Motion Pictures & Television and is a candidate for Tufts’ Master of Public Policy (MPP) program in Urban and Environmental Planning. Go Jumbos! Angy has been involved in Residence Life since her undergraduate days, working with the Alumni House on annual reunions. Though Angy planned to obtain a PhD in Cinema Studies, she has found a love for helping students and families grow during such a transformative period in their lives. Angy enjoys working with Tufts students, getting to know them outside of her work in residence life, which she does as a Pre-Major Advisor and coach for the Tufts Cheerleading Team. Angy’s hobbies include crafting, woodwork, and puppies!

Angy is responsible for strategic management of all operational aspects of the Office of Residential Life and Learning, including Housing Services (assignments and room selection) and Residential Operations (relationship with residential facilities partners, keys, move in, move out). She is also the primary point of contact with all of our affiliated vendors including OCM and MicroChill.  Angy is also an excellent resource for students seeking assistance with off-campus housing opportunities and for navigating the complexities of living off campus.

Perry Doherty headshot

Perry Doherty

Assistant Director of Residential Operations

Perry has a BA in German language and literature and English from Tulane University and a MEd in Higher Education Administration from Suffolk University. Perry enjoys getting to know students and watch them learn and grow during their time at Tufts. When Perry is on campus, she loves walking through our beautiful academic quad. When Perry is not on campus she enjoys hanging out with her dog, Chicago, embroidering, knitting, and planning her next meal.

Perry is responsible for operational processes such as move in, move out, break and holiday transition, and summer housing. She also supervises our Residential Life Assistants, student workers responsible for managing lockouts and operational checks of residential buildings. She also oversees operational elements of COVID isolation and quarantine logistics.