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ISSC staff directory

Holly Singh
Assistant Vice President

Hometown: New Delhi, India and Valparaiso, Indiana
Year joined the ISSC: 2015
Language(s) spoken: English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu
Professional background: I have been in the international education field for over 30 years, including my days as an international student!
Education background: Bachelor's and master's degrees from Valparaiso University in Indiana.
Fun fact: I love to travel and meet new people!

Drew Ross
Director, International Student Advising

Hometown: Toronto, Canada and West Palm Beach, Florida
Year joined the ISSC: 2016
Professional background: Since completing a master’s degree in international education and teaching abroad in American Samoa for three years, I have enjoyed supporting the academic, transitional and integration journey of all ASU international students.
Education background: BFA from New York University, MA from Monterey Institute of International Studies, EdD from Arizona State University.
Fun fact: I love extreme sports like bungee jumping and skydiving!

Cynthia Bills
Manager, International Student Advising

Hometown: Perry, Iowa
Year joined the ISSC: 2022
Language(s) spoken: English, fluent French, basic German, and basic Spanish
Professional background: I have been teaching and supporting international students for over 20 years working in a multitude of educational and professional industries.
Education background: B.A. in French, minor in Linguistics from University of Arizona, M.A. in French from University of Iowa and M.A. in English from Université de Poitiers, France.
Fun fact: I have bilingual children with dual citizenship, am passionate about languages and international food, and love science fiction.

Cassandra Clark
Assistant Director, International Student Advising

Hometown: Keene, New Hampshire
Year joined the ISSC: 2022
Professional background: I have been working in international education since 2011 and specifically in the area of student and scholar advising since 2015.
Education background: Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Master’s degree in Global Leadership.
Fun fact: I grew up in a military family and my mom’s first station was at Luke AFB here in AZ when I was 9; I’m excited now to have come back to AZ as an adult and make new memories.

Christina Scialoia
Manager, International Student Advising

Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Year joined the ISSC: 2023
Language(s) spoken: English, Some Italian
Professional background: While completing my Masters degree in International Education and Intercultural Relations at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, I participated in a graduate internship in the International Students and Scholars Center at Tufts University. This was my introduction to the world of international student services and immigration advising. I then held student/scholar facing roles in International Student and Scholar services at both Boston College and MIT. Businesses of my own in industries outside of higher education brought me to Phoenix - where I first worked as a Student Advisor at CEA CAPA Education Abroad. Now, I am thrilled to be a part of the ISSC team, and to work with our front office student workers and Coordinators on providing the best service and experience possible for ASU international students!
Education background: M.A International Higher Education and Intercultural Relations - Lesley University. B.A Communication Studies - Culture Concentration
Fun fact: I love the sun, hiking, and being in nature. Needless to say, I am thoroughly enjoying exploring Arizona and the Southwest!

Angel Caldera
International Student Services Coordinator

Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Year joined the ISSC: 2023
Language(s) spoken: Fluent in English & Spanish
Professional background: I have been working with students for several years now in different University Housing Departments at Arizona State University and University of Central Florida. I am interested in the many different ways I can support students beyond student housing now in my role at the ISSC.
Education background: B.S in Architecture at Arizona State University
Fun fact: I have an obsession for ABBA and Mamma Mia 1 & 2. Dream trip includes visiting Greece.

Kashif (KJ) Farooqi
International Graduate Student Initiatives Program Coordinator

Hometown: Punjab, Pakistan
Year joined the ISSC: 2022
Language(s) spoken: English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi
Professional background: I have been an entrepreneur all my life. It is time for a change and so here I am, pursuing a career in Education.
Education background: Bachelors in History.
Fun fact: I plan to retire on a beach, preferably somewhere in the Caribbean.

Katsunori Hanaoka
Senior International Student Advisor

Hometown: Kyoto, Japan
Year joined the ISSC: 2014
Language(s) spoken: Japanese and English
Professional background: Helping international students for more than seven years at ASU as an international student advisor as well as a student worker while I was a student years ago. Before the current position, I taught music.
Education background: Master’s degree in music from ASU
Fun fact: Avid hiker — on Sunday, you can usually find me somewhere in South Mountain Park.

Brenden Kazensky
International Student Advisor

Hometown: Kelso, Washington
Year joined the ISSC: 2021
Language(s) spoken: English and studying Arabic
Professional background: I began as a student worker Client Services Assistant with the ISSC here at ASU while attending my Undergraduate in Public Policy. My academic background has also provided me with opportunities working in Public Defender offices and police.
Education background: BS Public Service and Public Policy (Law and Policy).
Fun fact: I play Jazz Guitar and love my Portland Trail Blazers.

Yu Hsuan Lu
International Student Advisor

Hometown: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Year joined the ISSC: 2023
Language(s) spoken: Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese Hokkien, and English
Professional background: During my bachelor studies, I helped to coordinate international students’ affairs at the Multicultural Student Engagement Office at UD. Before joining the ISSC, I worked in the construction industry.
Education background:B.A. in Communication from University of Dubuque and M.A. in Communication Studies from ASU
Fun fact: I like going to different restaurants and finding local gems

Brandon Munoz Chavarria
International Student Advisor

Hometown: Puerto Cortes, Honduras, Metairie, LA and Memphis, TN.
Year joined the ISSC: 2022
Language(s) spoken: English, Spanish, and some Arabic.
Professional background: I have worked in the Education area since 2015. I started teaching in an illiteracy program in Honduras. During college, I worked for a non-profit organization in Memphis teaching an after school program in Spanish and as a mentor in different schools around the city. Before joining ISSC, I worked for the International Office at the University of Memphis for almost 4 years assisting international students and providing translation services in Spanish and English.
Education background: B.A in Political Sciences and International Studies from the University of Memphis.
Fun fact: I enjoy meeting people from around the world and learning about different cultures. In the future, I would like to join the U.S Foreign Service.

Lori Parra
International Student Advisor

Hometown: Yuma, Arizona
Year joined the ISSC: 2023
Language(s) spoken: English and Spanish
Professional background: I have been a Massage Therapist for 20 years, within that time I have worked in healthcare, Immigration, substitute teaching, and a business owner. I have a strong dedication in helping our diverse community.
Education background: Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Wellness from Arizona State University
Fun fact: I enjoy trail running, hiking, spur of the moment adventures with my 2 daughters and eating new foods. I am little but mighty!

Riaz Shah
International Student Advisor

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Year joined the ISSC: 2014
Language(s) spoken: English, Urdu, Punjab and can understand Hindi
Professional background: I have worked with ISSC for the past seven years. In my current role as an international student advisor, I love to support and provide service to students who are attending ASU from another country.
Education background: Bachelor’s degree.
Fun fact: I love watching action-packed movies and eating spicy BBQ.

Pon Sullivan
International Student Advisor

Hometown: Surat Thani and Bangkok, Thailand
Year joined the ISSC: 2022
Language(s) spoken: Thai, English
Education background: Political Science-International Relations, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Fun fact: I enjoy hiking, playing tennis, boxing, rowing, and spending time with my daughters (18 & 14 years old). Nature photography is my way of meditation and de-stressing.

Chung-Ning Gonzalez
Director, International Scholar and Employment Initiatives

Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan
Year joined the ISSC: 2007
Language(s) spoken: Mandarin, Taiwanese and English
Professional background: I have been supporting international students and scholars for over 10 years. I was an international student and am an ASU alumnus.
Education background: I obtained three master’s degrees, all from ASU — communication studies, linguistics and education (ESL).
Fun fact: I enjoy spending time with family and seeing kids becoming multilingual and multicultural oriented.

Katharina Ells
Assistant Director, International Scholar and Employment Initiatives

Hometown: Velmede, Germany
Year joined the ISSC: 2014
Language(s) spoken: English and German
Professional background: I have been supporting international students since January 2014. Prior to joining the ISSC, I worked in the International Office at Scottsdale Community College.
Education background: Bachelor of Arts in global studies from Arizona State University.
Fun fact: Love to spend time with family, travel and learn about new cultures.

Eva Heard Harmony
Manager, International Scholar and Employment Initiatives

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Year joined the ISSC: 2017
Language(s) spoken: English and some German
Professional background: I have worked in international education for a long time: 10 years at ASU at ISSC and Global Launch. Before that I worked at a small university in Washington state. I have also worked as a travel program coordinator and library assistant in a law firm.
Education background: BA from University of Arizona and lots of random classes.
Fun fact: I love being outdoors, traveling, hiking, swimming in cold lakes with my kids, etc. My goal is to visit all of Arizona’s state parks, and I am about a third of the way to that goal. I also love reading, listening to opera and going to performances, and goofing around with my family.

Kemi Chen
Management Intern

Hometown: China
Year joined the ISSC: 2017
Language(s) spoken: English, Chinese, learning Spanish
Professional background: I have worked in ISSC in different positions since 2017 and I absolutely love and enjoy my time working with international students/scholars.
Education background: Master in Music Education; Master in Percussion Performance; DMA student in Percussion Performance at ASU.
Fun fact: Feed me hotpot I'll forget any unpleasant things.

Morgan Green
International Scholar Advisor

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Year joined the ISSC: 2012
Language(s) spoken: English, Brazilian Portuguese and Spanish
Professional background: I have been working with scholars at ASU’s ISSC since January of 2012.
Education background: BA in Multilingual/Multicultural Elementary Education from ASU
Fun fact: I have 3 cats and 2 small children, so I clearly hate sleep.

Alan Wilkins
International Faculty and Scholar Coordinator

Hometown: Danville, IA
Year joined the ISSC: 2023
Language(s) spoken: English, learning Japanese
Professional background: My experience working in international education started in 2011 when I studied abroad and taught conversational English to South Korean elementary students in Busan. Since then, I have also worked as a student employee for my undergraduate university's study abroad office, and supported the international student and scholar population at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for several years.
Education background: B.A. in Anthropology from University of Northern Iowa and M.A. in Educational Administration from University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Fun fact: I enjoy outdoor activities, trying food from other cultures, learning about other cultures, meeting new people, and spending time with my family and friends. So far, I have been to Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and Japan, and I hope to visit even more countries.

Halie Cousineau
Manager, International Advocacy Initiatives

Hometown: Waterford, CT, USA
Year joined the ISSC:2021
Language(s) spoken: English, Bahasa Indonesian
Professional background: I have been a photojournalist and international photographer, organic farmer and farm manager in Athens, Ohio as well as a Garden Educator and school garden coordinator in Oregon. I have also worked, attended school and or conducted research for about 3 months a year in Indonesia for 7 years leading up to COVID.
Education background: B.A. in Photojournalism from Ohio University and a M.A. in International Studies with a Focus in Southeast Asia, specifically Indonesia.
Fun fact: I love almost all outdoor sports and I spend my free time doing them; swimming, sailing, biking, climbing, skiing, hiking, surfing, trail running and more!

Daniel Hoyle
Senior Director, International Student and Scholar Experience

Hometown: Clinton, Maryland
Year joined the ISSC: 2015
Language(s) spoken: English and Mandarin Chinese
Professional background: I have been supporting students for over 10 years. Prior to coming to ASU, I worked for the Graduate School at Valparaiso University where I worked in international admissions and academic services.
Education background: Bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho and master's degree from Valparaiso University.
Fun fact: I like spicy food.

Rozita Smith
Associate Director, International Student Experience and Retention

Hometown: Malaysia
Year joined the ISSC: 2017
Language(s) spoken: Malay, Indonesian, Kadazandusun and English
Profession background: I have been supporting international students since January 2008 starting as a student worker. I moved to ASU in September 2017 from Emporia State University. I previously worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor for seven years at mental health and rehabilitation centers both in Malaysia and the U.S.
Education background: I have earned a Bachelor of Education in guidance and counseling from Indonesia, a Master of Science in mental health counseling from Emporia State University, and a Master of Education in learning design and technologies from Arizona State University.
Fun fact: I enjoy watching comedy movies, gardening, playing guitar and eating spicy food.

Joelle Zlaket
Assistant Director, Sponsored Student Initiatives

Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
Year joined the ISSC: 2023
Language(s) spoken: English and Arabic
Professional background: My experience has been centered around education, cross sector partnerships, and professional development. I worked in Beirut, Lebanon in the non-profit sector supporting various NGOs and served as a consultant for a few independent initiatives related to the environment and reforestation. Before joining ISSC, I was working at Arizona State University in International Admissions supporting MENA and sponsored students in the admissions process.
Education background: Political Science BA with an International Certificate from Arizona State University
Fun fact: I love to travel and meet new people. I am a history fan who danced Flamenco competitively for 5 years and studied vocal performance.

Ya Hu
Manager, International Engineering Student Experience

Hometown: Chengdu, China
Year joined the ISSC: 2023
Language(s) spoken: Mandarin, English
Professional background: I worked as an Academic Advisor, an International Student Services Coordinator, and a Study Abroad Program Coordinator at University of Electronic Science and Technology of China for 6 years before I came to the U.S.. I joined ASU in 2019 as an Academic Success Advisor at ECEE advising online students. Later, I joined SEMTE as Academic Success Advisor, Sr. advising undergraduate students, and later, graduate students.
Education background: B.A. in Administrative Management, M.A. in Law and M.S. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis

Megan Brentlinger
International Student Retention Coordinator

Hometown: Council Bluffs, Iowa
Year joined the ISSC: 2022
Language(s) spoken: English, Conversational Mandarin, and very basic Spanish
Professional background: I have worked in Education since 2006. I was an English teacher for over 8 years in Beijing, China. After completing my Master’s degree, I have focused on educational technology/blended learning, data, and assessment in adult education programs in the Phoenix area.
Education background: I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and International Studies (with minors in Spanish and Chinese Studies) from Iowa State University. I also have a Master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MTESOL) from ASU.
Fun fact: I have been to both ends of the Great Wall of China!

Meenakshi Tiwari
Polytechnic International Student Services Coordinator

Hometown: New Delhi, India.
Year joined the ISSC: 2022
Language(s) spoken: Hindi, English, Punjabi, Marathi.
Professional background: I have been in the Event Management and Data Analyst field before joining ISSC. I also have vast experience working with nonprofits.
Education background: Masters in Sociology ( University of Arkansas), Masters in Russian Language, /history and Culture (University of Delhi, India).
Fun fact: I love reading, traveling, meeting new people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. I am also an exponent of Bharatnatyam and love teaching and training kids in this beautiful classical dance form from India.

Shaorui Zhu
Chinese Student Services Coordinator

Hometown: Shanghai, China
Year joined the ISSC:2022
Language(s) spoken: Mandarin Chinese and English
Professional background: I have spent most of my career working with different levels of students and student athletes from different educational institutions. Before joining the ISSC, I worked at Washington State University Recreation as a Competitive Sports Graduate Assistant and joined IMG Academy later to become a Student-Athlete Mentor after graduating from WSU.
Education background: I received my bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University majoring in Physical Education and received my master’s degree in Sport Management from Washington State University.
Fun fact: When I play basketball, I shoot with my right hand but when I play soccer, I am a lefty. I am very passionate about soccer and I can talk about it with my wife forever.

Erik Schmitz
Associate Director, SEVIS and Technology

Hometown: Fairhaven, Minnesota
Year joined the ISSC: 2010
Language(s) spoken: English, basic Indonesian, basic Swedish and basic Spanish.
Professional background: I have worked at international students and scholars offices since 2009, and have been at Arizona State University, St. Cloud State University, and Johns Hopkins University during that time, primarily leading F-1 regulatory support and technology solutions.
Education background: BA from North Park University, Chicago, Illinois.
Fun fact: I enjoy working on my family tree, learning languages, playing trivia and singing karaoke.

Tiffany Tal-Pomrening
Assistant Director, Technology

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Year joined the ISSC: 2019
Language(s) spoken: English, basic Spanish and learning Korean and Japanese
Professional background: Prior to coming to ASU, I worked in disaster relief for a nonprofit company in Puerto Rico and Indonesia. I also worked as a student recruiter and travel organizer for a boarding school in Alaska. Before that, I was an elementary and middle school English teacher in Gokseong and Damyang, South Korea.
Education background: Bachelor’s degree in global studies and master’s in sustainable tourism from ASU.
Fun fact: I love to travel, try new foods and take photos along the way. My goal is to visit every country in the world! When I am not traveling, I like to listen to music, sew, and binge K-dramas.

Erica Hervig
SEVIS Coordinator

Hometown: Tempe, Arizona.
Year joined the ISSC: 2022
Language(s) spoken: English, studying Japanese.
Professional background: I have worked at ASU since 2016, first for the ASU Emeritus College and now ISSC. Before that, I worked for a South Korean shipping line.
Education background: BA in East Asian Studies from ASU and MLIS from U of A.
Fun fact: I love to learn new recipes and cooking techniques from different cuisines. I can spend hours watching Youtube recipe videos!

Sheau Yien “Shumi” Hung
Technology Coordinator

Hometown: Malaysia
Year joined the ISSC: 2022
Language(s) spoken: English, Malay, Chinese, Foochow
Professional background: Before I graduated from college, I worked as a student worker at the international student office in Orange Coast College (Costa Mesa, CA) and ASU (Tempe, AZ). Later, I attended a graduate level training program and worked as Team Coordinator at Anaheim, CA for 2 years; then, I moved back to Arizona to work as Program and Social Media Coordinator for a non-profit organization in Phoenix.
Education background: BS Sociology in Arizona State University.
Fun fact: Two things that make me happy- boba and fluffy dog.

Jose Lugo
Technology Coordinator

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Year joined the ISSC: 2022
Language(s) spoken: English, moderate Spanish
Professional background: During my time studying at ASU I worked as a student worker for the University Technology Office as a Technology Consultant. After graduation I worked as a software engineer for a large consultancy company before deciding to come back to work at ASU again.
Education background: B.S. in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Fun fact: I love attending live sporting events. My dream is to visit every NFL and MLB stadium.