Our Staff
Laura Doane - Program Advisor, Student Enrichment Services:
The newest member of SES, I came onboard October 31, 2005. I am thrilled to be back in my home state after taking up temporary residence in
Gerardo García-Ríos - Program Coordinator, Student Support Services:
I have been working at Brandeis University since February 14, 2005. It has been a terrific experience so far, all thanks to all the great students, faculty and staff! I was born in Mexico and my favorite board game is chess. I have not played it in awhile so let me know when you want to have a match! I love sports, soccer in particular, but most of all, I enjoy a good conversation over coffee or tea! Stop by my office and say Hola!
Kim Godsoe - Acting Associate Dean, Student Enrichment Services:
I have been at Brandeis for 11 years, and each day is wonderful because of the students, faculty and staff with whom I work. I grew up in rural Oklahoma, so my academic transition from high school to a private, competitive college was challenging to say the least. For me, there were always people who helped to support me in college, and that is why I love what SES does. I enjoy traveling, gardening, and cooking, and if you stop by, I will give you my secret recipe for molten chocolate cake.
Dana MacPhee - Senior Department Coordinator, Student Enrichment Svcs./TYP:
I started working for SES and TYP in November 2004. I can honestly say I love this job because I am part of an amazing staff and I work with fantastic students. Although I grew up in Massachusetts, I earned my degree in sociology and anthropology from a small school in Pennsylvania. While there, I studied abroad for four months in Cameroon, West Africa. I love to travel, read, spend time with friends, and meet new people. I am fascinated with crossword puzzles and most recently, sudoku. I am also easily re-addicted to TextTwist. Plus, I'm always up for a good meal!
Erika Smith - Director, Transitional Year Program:
I have been at Brandeis for 5 exciting years! I love my work at the TYP because of all of the fabulous students I work with. I know it sounds cheesy, but they're my role models! I grew up in Staten Island, NY (it is, indeed, one of the 5 boroughs of NYC) where I attended Curtis high school. While Curtis provided a competitive academic program and was a wonderful place to grow and learn, the leap from a New York City public school to a rigorous engineering curriculum was a challenge nonetheless so I can certainly relate to the transitions students in the TYP make so impressively. The support offered by the Posse Foundation helped me to get through, so it's especially nice that in addition to my work in TYP, I've also had the opportunity to mentor Brandeis Posse 5 here. For me, some of the best things in life are sunshine, laughter, comfort food, and dance!