ISSC staff directory

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!

Hometown: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Year joined the ISSC: 2022
Language(s) spoken: English, some Korean, some French
Professional background: I have worked with international students since 2008, first in South Korea, then Minnesota, and now Arizona!
Education background: B.A. in Journalism and International Studies from North Dakota State University and M.Ed. in Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum Design with Emphasis in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language (TESOL) from University of Missouri
Fun fact: I like running even though lately I get passed by walkers. My first half marathon was in Ulsan, South Korea in and around a mountain. In Minnesota, I ran a 2022 New Year’s morning 5K in -10°F/-23°C temperatures. I hope to run a full marathon by March 2025!

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ, with family roots in Long Island, NY
Year joined the ISSC: 2022
Language(s) spoken: English, low-intermediate French, basic Punjabi
Professional background: 17 years as an English professor of composition, creative writing (fiction), 20th Century American and East Indian literature, and English as a second language in the U.S. and Madagascar; 10 years as a faculty and staff trainer and consultant in Cultural Intelligence and cross-cultural competence, promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) across campuses.
Education background: Doctorate of Education (Arizona State University); Master of Fine Arts in English & Creative Writing (Long Island/Stony Brook University); Bachelor of Arts in English, communication, and theology (Biola University)
Fun fact: I’m a first-generation American, born to a Punjabi father who immigrated to the U.S. from India in 1969. I’m also an Advanced Certified Enneagram (personality inventory) facilitator and aficionado.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Hometown: Alexandria, VA
Year joined the ISSC: 2021
Language(s) spoken: English and a little Spanish
Professional background: I worked as a student worker at my university's Global Education Office. After graduating I spent a year teaching English at a junior high school in Osaka, Japan and the following year I taught English at a high school in Smolyan, Bulgaria.
Education background: Bachelor's of Science in Anthropology from Virginia Commonwealth University
Fun fact: I was born in Yokohama, Japan.

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!

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.

Hometown: Ojo De Agua, Michoacán, Mexico
Year joined the ISSC: 2023
Language(s) spoken: English and Spanish
Professional background: Before working at ASU, I worked for an international business immigration law firm as a business analyst. I was the lead Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for my team. I also worked for the Social Security Administration as a Social Security Numbers and retirement benefits specialist.
Education background: I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a minor in Religious Studies.
Fun fact: During my undergrad I studied abroad in Ghana and Spain.

Hometown: Iraq
Year joined the ISSC: 2018
Language(s) spoken: Arabic and English
Professional background: I have been supporting international students as a DSO since March 2011. I started at Winona State University, Minnesota. Also, in 2016 I was the NAFSA Region IV Regulatory Ombudsperson (aka RegBud), whose role it is to resolve problems with applications filed at the USCIS Nebraska or the California Service Center.
Education background: BS Law degree from Jami'at Al-Yarmouk and Master of Science in Education in professional leadership from Winona State University.
Fun fact: I like running and working out.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Fun fact: I enjoy watching sports and I will always be interested in hearing about your fantasy team or latest sports bets.

Hometown: Nevada
Year joined the ISSC: 2017
Professional background: I have enjoyed supporting and working with international students and scholars since 2012.
Fun fact: I love dachshunds.

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!

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.

Hometown: Turkey
Year joined the ISSC: 2023
Language(s) spoken: Turkish, English, and a little Spanish.
Professional background: I have been in the international education field since 2019. Before that, I practiced law in Turkey and worked as a legal advisor.
Education background: Bachelor’s degree in Law from Ankara University, Turkey, and Master’s degree in International Education Leadership from Northern Arizona University.
Fun fact: I traveled through all of Scotland and the highlands, including the Orkney and Shetland islands.

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.

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.

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.

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Year joined the ISSC: 2019
Language(s) spoken: English, basic Spanish and learning Korean
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 at ASU, and currently working on my Master’s in Sustainable Tourism at 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.

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.

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Year joined the ISSC: 2019
Education background: My current programs at ASU are Geographic Information Science (BS), Urban Planning (BSP), Music Performance, Orchestral Percussion (BMUS), and Social Science Research Methods (certificate)

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.