2022 Orientation Pod Captains and Mentors
Meet your Pod Captains and Mentors for the 2022 Character U Season!
Character U is the First-Year Experience Program at DeSales University. The goal of Character U is to facilitate the adjustment, development, and success of first-year students through an experience of character traits relevant to our namesake, St. Francis de Sales: gentleness, humility, patience, generosity, and love of learning. Each member of the Class of 2026 has been assigned to a pod. Each pod has a Captain and 5 Peer Mentors. Each Peer Mentor has been assigned 10-20 students to guide and assist throughout their first year at DeSales University.
Orientation Team
 | Mary Bushner—Orientation Team Student CoordinatorMajor: Nursing, Minor in Theology Hometown: Blue Bell, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "This is a fresh new start and my advice would be to make the most of it. This is a chance to become the person you want to be. Get involved early and remember that these next four years will help you create your future." |
 | Alex Harvey—Orientation Team Student Co-CoordinatorMajor: Medical Studies Hometown: King of Prussia, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Be open to all that DeSales has to offer, especially Orientation! DeSales has so many opportunities to break out of your shell through clubs, events, and at Orientation. It may seem scary at first but the more you put into orientation and DeSales, the more you will get into your time here!" |
 | Mike Robinson—Orientation Team Student Co-CoordinatorMajor: Health Science/Physical Therapy, Minors in Psychology & Business Hometown: Staten Island, NY Advice for Class of 2026: "BE YOURSELF! The motto of DeSales is, "Be Who You Are and Be That Well," isn't it? The light-hearted and open-minded culture of DeSales will enable you to be your most authentic self. Without a doubt in my mind, there is a place for everyone here at DeSales!" |
Pod 1
 | Captain Mohammed “Mo” AsadMajor: Biology, Minors in Neuroscience & Psychology Hometown: Allentown, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "I encourage you to fully embrace the experience. It’s what you put in that you’ll get out. Transitioning from high school into college is a challenging time, but it is important for you to know that there is always someone out there who is more than willing to help you navigate these challenges. Don’t hesitate to reach out!" |
 | Luke CossmanMajor: Computer Science – Game Design, Minor in Mathematics Hometown: Sellersville, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Join clubs! The first year of college can be hard socially, especially if not a lot of friends from high school came here to DeSales. The best way to get your social fill in and meet more friends is to join clubs!" |
 | Nidhi KumarMajor: Biology, Minor in Neuroscience Hometown: Buzzards Bay, MA Advice for Class of 2026: "Get yourself out there and try to make friends in your classes!" |
 | Lia MagguMajor: Medical Studies Hometown: Jackson, NJ Advice for Class of 2026: "Take it one day at a time because it can get really overwhelming." |
 | Anastacia “Staci” ScheetzMajor: Criminal Justice & Chemistry Hometown: Bethlehem, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Be true to yourself and never stray away from that." |
 | Shalynn “Shay” SlozerMajor: Business Administration Hometown: Kernersville, NC Advice for Class of 2026: "Take all the opportunities that you can." |
Pod 2
 | Captain Meghan “Meg” PineauMajor: Biology, Minors in Behavioral Neuroscience & Psychology Hometown: Shelton, CT Advice for Class of 2026: "Put yourself out there! Don’t be afraid to try new things! You don’t lose anything by just trying." |
 | Tom Berg III (TB3)Major: Biology, Minors in STEP Education & Environmental Science Hometown: Cliffside Park, NJ Advice for Class of 2026: "The most important thing is to strike a balance between school, social life, and athletics if the person is a student-athlete. It is important to dedicate time to having fun and playing a sport so you do not burn yourself out from school all the time. It goes by very fast, so it is important to enjoy every day with no regrets." |
 | Nicolette GalloMajor: Criminal Justice, Minor in Psychology Hometown: Hellertown, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Remember you are not alone in anything big or small. Something I wish I had known my first year is you and so many other first-year students are experiencing the same adjustments to friend groups, college workload, prioritizing, etc. You might not feel acclimated to college life right away and it is perfectly normal to adjust at your own pace. Many others feel the exact same way. DeSales has so many great resources and people in place to help you achieve your goals and ultimately help you become successful. " |
 | Mary LawrenceMajor: Clinical Psychology, Minor in Business Administration Hometown: Quakertown, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Don’t get too comfortable in your routine! Be willing to expand your horizons and seek out new experiences." |
 | Courtney NorthMajor: Sport & Exercise Physiology, Minors in Biomechanics & Psychology Hometown: Quakertown, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Be kind, work hard and stay positive no matter what because everything happens for a reason. Take advantage of all of the opportunities that are offered to you and more doors will open along the way!" |
 | Alex RodriguezMajor: Healthcare Administration, Minor in Data Analytics Hometown: Bear, DE Advice for Class of 2026: "It's OK to be nervous, try to be open when you come to campus and just remember to have fun and enjoy your college journey!" |
Pod 3
 | Captain Theresa TangradiMajor: Nursing, Minor in Psychology Hometown: Philadelphia, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Be patient with yourself! College is a big transition. You have an entire support system with your mentor, RA, professors, and so many others to help you succeed. It takes time to adjust, but everyone will find their place on campus." |
 | Nathaniel “Nate” EstockMajor: Medical Studies Hometown: Bethlehem, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Try something new every week!" |
 | Danielle “Dani” HanceMajor: Business Administration Hometown: Inwood, NY Advice for Class of 2026: "Get involved!" |
 | Daniel “Dan” MartinezMajor: Media Studies Hometown: Perkasie, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Find whatever people make you feel at home. As soon as I found the friends I have now, I felt like DeSales became a second home for me and that was super important for me. After that, finding the right major and classes seemed much easier, as those friends were also there to guide and support me." |
 | Alexys VernierMajor: Early Childhood Education Hometown: Tabernacle, NY Advice for Class of 2026: "Step out of your comfort zone! Take all of the new opportunities college has to give you and run with them! Be who you are and be that well!" |
 | Gianna ZongoraMajor: Business Administration Hometown: Bethlehem, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Allow yourself to embrace the unknowns of college. Be your authentic self, step out of your comfort zone and utilize a growth mindset about what is to come in your next few years at DeSales. It is important to remember that you are not alone in the process and have so many people cheering you on. Everything will fall into place when the timing is right. Always keep in mind that adversity is a catalyst for success." |
Pod 4
 | Captain Kathleen MaloneyMajor: Communication, Minor in Marketing Hometown: Kings Park, NY Advice for Class of 2026: "Take everything in and enjoy it. Just be yourself and trust your mentors." |
 | Alex AbouafechMajor: Biology Hometown: Allentown, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Put yourself out there, learn from the bumps, and understand that not everyone is living on the same page that you are. Work at your own pace and do not be discouraged by others!" |
 | Sarah BeardMajor: Education Hometown: Reading, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Come to DeSales and just be yourself. Don't be afraid coming into DeSales, because you will find your path. " |
 | Megan BrubakerMajor: Medical Studies Hometown: Thompsontown, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Make the most of every day. You will have many weeks that you feel are pointless or really stressful, but even those have a purpose. Prioritize the people in your life, that will get you through anything." |
 | Allison CostaMajor: Medical Studies Hometown: New Tripoli, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Ask questions and become involved in as much as you can. It is more fun to be involved on campus and every experience you have will open more doors for opportunities!" |
 | Daniel “Danny” FonteMajor: Accounting Hometown: Bloomsbury, NJ Advice for Class of 2026: "Do not be nervous because everything will work out in the end." |
Pod 5
 | Captain Brandon RankMajor: Accounting, Minor in Data Analytics Hometown: Center Valley, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "When you're ready, step out of your comfort zone and explore all of the opportunities here at DeSales. Take advantage of what this campus has to offer, and don't be afraid to try something new. Always remember, it's okay to have a bad day, but ultimately, it's just a small moment within the larger context of your life." |
 | Anna DarlingMajor: Nursing Hometown: Wappingers Falls, NY Advice for Class of 2026: "Get involved on campus early! It is a great way to meet new friends and help make the transition to college easier. Take every chance you can to make the most of your time at DeSales because it will be over before you know it!" |
 | Danielle DePreMajor: Nursing Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ Advice for Class of 2026: "Be yourself, enjoy the moment, work hard, and have fun!" |
 | Matthew “Matt” RedaMajor: Biology Hometown: Hazlet, NJ Advice for Class of 2026: "You are not alone. There are many other students beside you that are worried or anxious about coming to college away from home. At DeSales, you will meet many students and faculty who are there to help you succeed and encourage you to find yourself." |
 | Jacqueline “Jacqui” SchmittMajor: Early Elementary Education Hometown: Stanhope, NJ Advice for Class of 2026: "Don’t worry about everything now, you have time and so much support." |
 | Lucy SpechtMajor: Medical Studies Hometown: South Abington Township, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Take it all in and don’t sweat the small stuff! If you’re debating going to an event, go to it, you won’t regret it!" |
Pod 6
 | Captain Abigail “Abby” VernonMajor: Musical Theatre, Minor in Business Hometown: Allentown, NJ Advice for Class of 2026: "Don’t be afraid to be pushed out of your comfort zone! The more you push yourself, the more at home you will feel. Everyone is in the same boat as you." |
 | Zachary (Zach) AzarMajor: Finance & Marketing Hometown: Pottstown, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Take time to embrace the DeSales community. It is extremely beneficial!" |
 | Paige IngogliaMajor: Dance & Marketing Hometown: Staten Island, NY Advice for Class of 2026: "Don't procrastinate because even though the first year of college is particularly slow, work wise it can add up." |
 | Madison KellyMajor: Sport & Exercise Physiology Hometown: Aberdeen, NJ Advice for Class of 2026: "Get involved in community events, you never know who you will meet at these events and they may become lifelong friends." |
 | Michael SpearMajor: English, Minors in Creative Writing & Journalism Hometown: Newburgh, NY Advice for Class of 2026: "The effort you put in is what you get out of it. Get involved on campus, and get involved early. You'll find more friends that way, and you'll have more fun if you have something to do outside of class and work." |
 | Diya StephenMajor: Medical Studies Hometown: Fremont, CA Advice for Class of 2026: "Live in the moment and don't worry too much about the distant future because before you know it, your first year will fly by." |
Pod 7
 | Captain Brianna “Bri” HolodinskiMajor: Forensic Psychology, Minors in Criminal Justice & Behavioral Neuroscience Hometown: Hillsborough, NJ Advice for Class of 2026: "Go easy on yourself while adjusting to college, and don't be afraid to ask for help!" |
 | Lucas Acosta-MoralesMajor: Computer Science & Mathematics Hometown: Chalfont, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Focus on learning to balance work and fun. School is important and should be a priority, but make sure to take breaks to relax and recharge so you can perform at your best!" |
 | Grace BowmasterMajor: Musical Theatre Hometown: Harrisburg, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Take any opportunities that are available to you. You might find something new that you'll enjoy!" |
 | Caroline ErbMajor: Forensic Psychology Hometown: Akron, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Whether you are a commuter or resident student, you only get what you give out of campus, so get involved when and wherever you can. I promise the friends (and memories) you make will be worth it!" |
 | Erik KleinfelderMajor: Criminal Justice Hometown: Bensalem, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Be yourself, this is the perfect place to meet new people and make a ton of new friends." |
 | Amelia StockerMajor: Criminal Justice & Biology Hometown: Easton, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "If you have any interest in anything DeSales offers, just go for it. There are endless possibilities. All it takes is to take that first step and everything else will fall into place. Nothing happens if nothing happens. Read that again lol! It is okay to step out of your comfort zone because you'll never know all the amazing things that can come from it." |
Pod 8
 | Captain Xavier GordonMajor: Business Administration Hometown: Northampton, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Your mental health matters. Don’t forget to take care of yourself!" |
 | Sophia “Sophie” CebenkoMajor: Nursing, Minor in Spanish Hometown: New Tripoli, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Explore and be curious! College is your time to grow and try new things, so don't let anything hold you back. Be confident and patient with yourself and enjoy the process of becoming a new person!" |
 | Lydia ChrzanowskiMajor: Early Childhood Education Hometown: Matawan, NJ Advice for Class of 2026: "Put yourselves out there and experience new things." |
 | Benjamin “Ben” JohannMajor: Supply Chain Management – Data Analytics & Accounting, Minor in Computer Science Hometown: Harleysville, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Be involved! Every day is a new and different opportunity, so don't waste it!" |
 | Brenna JohnsonMajor: Dance, Minor in Marketing Hometown: West Wyoming, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Take everything day by day. You are only the percent that you are for that day, so don't overwork yourself." |
 | Paige ThompsonMajor: Medical Studies Hometown: Doylestown, PA Advice for Class of 2026: "Don't stress over every little thing! While at college, there are constantly a million things going on at once, but it is important to take a step back to take care of yourself and have fun! There are TONS of fun (and quick) events on campus to meet people, have a fun break, and then continue studying!" |
