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!
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.
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.
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!
Kenia Farias
Senior International Student Advisor
Hometown: Ojo De Agua Sam Telmo, Mexico
Year joined the ISSC: 2023
Language(s) spoken: Spanish and English
Professional background: Prior to working at ISSC, I gained experience at the Social Security Administration for the U.S. Federal Government and at an international immigration law firm before transitioning to ASU. I have a passion for working with international students and providing immigration advisory.
Education background: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a Minor in Religious Studies.
Fun fact: I've swam with sharks in the Caribbean sea.
Karissa Bowers
International Student Advisor
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Year joined the ISSC: 2024
Language(s) spoken: English, learning Arabic
Professional background: I am new to the field of Education and excited to learn more about supporting international students.
Education background: I have a Bachelor’s Degree in History, Arabic, and Middle Eastern and North African Studies from the University of Arizona.
Fun fact: I am obsessed with crochet!
Angel Caldera
International Student Advisor
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.
Sara Laplanche Danache
International Student Advisor
Hometown: Brooklyn , NY
Year joined the ISSC: 2024
Language(s) spoken: English, fluent in French and Haitian creole, and basic Spanish.
Professional background: I have been working with students for several years now from University Housing Departments and Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University
Education background: B.A in Chemistry and minor in languages (French and Spanish) from St. John Fisher University. I also have a master’s in Public administration from Long Island University (Brooklyn campus).
Fun fact: I love to travel, meet new people, go to restaurants, museums, historical places, botanical gardens and beaches.
Grant Montoya
International Student Advisor
Hometown: New York , NY
Year joined the ISSC: 2024
Language(s) spoken: English, Romanian
Professional background: Nonprofits and International Exchange Programs
Education background: BA in Global Communication from Utah State University; MS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University; MA in Mediterranean Security from the University of Malta
Fun fact: Currently trying to learn Italian
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!
Chris Schnecke
International Student Advisor
Hometown: Plainfield, Illinois
Year joined the ISSC: 2024
Language(s) spoken: English, some BCSM (Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Montenegrin), planning to learn Albanian
Professional background: College Counseling and Advising, Non-Profit Sector
Education background: BA in Global Studies with a minor in Russian and Eastern European Studies from ASU, Currently obtaining my MA in International Affairs and Leadership from ASU
Fun fact: I have 10 years of experience as a ceramic artist and sculptor, and have had my work in professional showcases. A goal of mine is to one day own my own art studio and gallery.
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.
Daniel Inzunza Flores
International Student Services Coordinator
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ | Los Mochis, SIN, Mexico
Year joined the ISSC: 2023
Language(s) spoken: Spanish, English, Mongolian, studying Japanese
Professional background: My professional experience has been motivated by pursuing a career in Public Service and International Affairs, from having served as a former Peace Corps volunteer in Mongolia, to working for USDA’s Rural Development programs in AZ.
Education background: Bachelors in International Relations & Political Science
Fun fact: I enjoy photography and have done it for over 6 years as a personal hobby. My speciality is landscape photography.
Isaac Garcia
International Student Services Coordinator
Hometown: Ontario, California
Year joined the ISSC: 2024
Language(s) spoken: English, open to learning anything from our awesome international student population!
Professional background: I have worked on various state medical and health projects that have included contact tracing during the covid-19 pandemic in Pima County, vaccine scheduling and unemployment insurance for the state of New Hampshire, and health insurance enrollment for the state of Maryland. During my Bachelors degree program, I interned at a Substance Abuse treatment center that focused on harm reduction.I also studied abroad in Amsterdam at the University of Amsterdam my last semester of my undergrad. This was my first intro to international education. While getting my Masters, I worked in the student accessibility and inclusive learning services and in Event Coordination in the Memorial Union Student Center.
Education background: M.S in Justice Studies, A.A in Sociology from Santa Ana College, and a Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies from ASU, where I focused on creating awareness around utilizing music as an academic accommodation for students with disabilities. B.A in Sociology from San Francisco State University.
Fun fact: I love music and I have played guitar since I was 5. I love to travel and I love sports! The San Francisco 49ers are my favorite American football team!
Xiang Jin
International Student Services Coordinator
Hometown: Lianyungang, China
Year joined the ISSC: 2024
Language(s) spoken: Mandarin, English
Professional background: I used to be a practicum student and student worker at the ASU International Students and Scholars Center, where I first became involved with immigration issues related to international students. After graduation, I went through a long job search process and finally returned to the place where my dreams began. This is my third time crossing paths with the ISSC.
Education background: MA in Higher and Postsecondary Education at ASU, BS in Surveying Engineering Technology at the University of Maine.
Fun fact: I initially chose the education field because, in 2017, I returned to China to become a volunteer teacher, an experience that made me enjoy interacting with students. However, after studying Higher and Postsecondary Education for a semester, I realized this major wasn't directly related to teaching positions. Despite this, I decided to complete my studies, and now I genuinely love my job.
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.
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.
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.
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
Manager, International Student Retention
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!
Shailja Jawa
Indian Student Services Coordinator
Hometown: Delhi (India)
Year joined the ISSC: 2023
Language(s) spoken: Hindi, Punjabi, English
Professional background: Worked at Disability Resource and Service center at Mesa Community College and organized their events.
Education background: Bachelors in Arts, Masters in English Literature (Ravishankar University in India), Diploma in Tourism and Marketing (Jiwaji University Gwalior,India), Real Estate (Arizona School Real estate and Business) in Gilbert
Fun fact: Love music,movies,food,shopping,traveling,and making new friends. I am a childhood Bollywood actor, I have done stage performances with Bollywood actors in the past.
Ellya Farhana (Yaya) Mohd Shaferi
Coordinator Senior, First Year Student Experience Initiatives
Hometown: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Year joined the ISSC: 2024
Language(s) spoken: Bahasa Melayu, Bahasa Indonesia and English.
Professional background: With a dynamic career trajectory, I transitioned from roles as a paralegal, corporate key executive, and civic engagement coordinator into the field of higher education due to my YSEALI fellowship and the impact of Covid-19. My journey includes serving as a Graduate Assistant for Student Life, Student Accessibility Services, and Student Activities at Upper Iowa University, followed by a position as a Community Director for ASU Housing. Currently, I am contributing my expertise to ISSC at ASU.
Education background: I hold an LL.B (Hons) from The University of Hull and an M.B.A from Upper Iowa University. I am also certified in Human Resource Associate Specialization by HRCI and hold a Google Project Management certification.
Fun fact: I have been to all the states in the USA except for Oregon!
Meenakshi Tiwari
Polytechnic Student Services Manager
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.
Kamla Tung
East/Southeast Asian Student Services Coordinator
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Year joined the ISSC: 2024
Language(s) spoken: English, Mandarin. Learn(ed/ing) Korean, Bahasa Indonesia, and Arabic (MSA).
Professional background: Worked 11 years in varying education roles ranging from pre-K to college students. 10 of those years were in Nanjing, China in almost exclusively Mandarin-speaking settings.
Education background: B.A. in Communications, Chinese (Flagship) from ASU. Master’s in Pacific International Affairs with focus on China, Southeast Asia and International Politics from UC San Diego.
Fun fact: Can probably tell you which Pokemon it is just from the sound (limited to the classic generations pre-Nintendo DS).
Chung-Ning Gonzalez
Director, International Faculty and Scholar Services
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 Faculty and Scholar Services
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 Faculty and Scholar Services
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.
Morgan Green
Senior 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.
Giuliano Roberts
International Scholar Program Coordinator
Hometown: Naples, Italy
Year joined the ISSC:2024
Language(s) spoken: Italian, English, Spanish
Professional background: I was a Community Director at ASU Housing for one year before joining ISSC. Before coming to ASU I worked as a Residence Area Coordinator and International Representative at Upper Iowa University. During my professional career, I also worked with international student-athletes from Italy.
Education background: I graduated from Pegaso University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Studies and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Upper Iowa University.
Fun fact: I played soccer for twenty years.
Sophia DeSanti
Management Intern
Hometown: Sag Harbor, New York
Year joined the ISSC: 2023
Language(s) spoken: English, Elementary Spanish
Professional background: Before ISSC, I worked in retail, then hospitality, and finally secondary education, where I would go on to assist the education of Biology, Anatomy, and English for grades 7th-12th. During the time where I had pursued those opportunities, I never thought I would end up working at ISSC first as a student worker in 2023 and now as a staff member, aiding our abundant number of international students, scholars, and faculty. Now here I am, eager to continue our service, inspiring others in the ASU community via inclusivity and diversity
Education background: Currently pursuing Bachelor’s in English literature
Fun fact: My hobbies outside of work include video game-playing, movie-watching, book-reading, amateur boxing, amateur fencing, robotics, caricature-drawing, and listening to just about any genre of music save for American country :)
Halie Cousineau
Associate Director, Graduate Student 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!
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.
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!
Shumi Hung
Digital Communications Coordinator
Hometown: Malaysia
Year joined the ISSC: 2022
Language(s) spoken: English, Malay, Chinese
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: I’m a home barista and love experimenting with making drinks.
Jose Lugo
Data Support 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.