Meet Your Counselor

Hi! I’m Charissa, and I’ve been helping students discover Rowan for more than 10 years, but my Rowan journey actually started as a student myself. I came here not quite sure what I wanted to study (shoutout to the Exploratory Studies Program), and eventually found my path in Business Finance. After a short time in the finance world, I realized my heart was really in helping students, so I came back to Admissions, earned my master's degree in Education, and trained in Career Counseling.

Now, I get to do what I love most — chat with future Profs about their big questions, explore if Rowan is the right fit, and help them picture their future here.

When I’m not talking all things Rowan, you’ll probably find me traveling (Antarctica is the only continent I haven’t visited yet!), experimenting in the kitchen (I just mastered Indian cuisine!), or volunteering with an NJ animal rescue, where I foster sweet senior cats.

Can’t wait to connect and hear your story!

Recruitment Territory:

- Middlesex County, New Jersey
- Monmouth County, New Jersey
- Union County, New Jersey

Specialty Program:

- Ascend

Hi there! I’m Ann, and I've worked in Admissions here at Rowan since the Spring of 2023. In my free time, I enjoy strolling through local museums, taking my dog on long walks and spending time with my ever growing family!

What makes me #RowanPROUD? Seeing our students thrive in their academics and explore the diverse community on campus. Rowan University exudes a welcoming atmosphere!

Recruitment Territory:

- Camden County, New Jersey
- Out of State (non-DE, MD, NY, CT)

Specialty Program:

- Homeschool Applicants

Hello! My name is Allysa and I am a proud Rowan alumna (B'23)! Before I worked as an Admissions Counselor, I was a Welcome Center Attendant and greeted prospective students and their families when touring their junior and senior year! When I am not at work you can find me with my dog, EJ, and hanging out with my friends and family!

What makes me #RowanPROUD? From the moment I toured our campus, I fell in love with the atmosphere and campus life Rowan had to offer. I never felt left out or bored with the many opportunities Rowan gives its students to be involved in and have fun with their time here.

I can't wait to speak with you and tell you more about Rowan University!

Recruitment Territory:

Specialty Programs

- GED Applicants
- Out-of-State Direct Admit

Hi there! I’m Amanda, a proud two-time Rowan alumna (B’15, M'25). I earned my bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from the Ric Edelman College of Communication, Humanities, and Social Sciences and I earned my master's degree in Arts Administration from the College of the Arts. I’m glad to see you are interested in Rowan University and I look forward to helping you through the admissions process!

What makes me #RowanPROUD? While we continue to grow our physical footprint, and expand our offerings, Rowan still has the ability to feel like a tight community. Professors, faculty, staff, and our student body are some of the most welcoming people I have ever met!

In my free time, I enjoy reading (feel free to share some book recs!), gardening, and spending time with my family.

Recruitment Territory:

Specialty Programs:

Hello! My name is Julianna, and I am a First-Year Admissions Counselor here at Rowan. In my free time, you can find me spending time with my family and friends or exploring different restaurants to try.

Rowan’s campus environment is what makes me #RowanPROUD. There is always something fun going on and you really feel like you are part of a community. At Rowan, you have the opportunity to build connections and friendships that will be long-lasting!

Recruitment Territory:

- Warren County, New Jersey
- Hunterdon County, New Jersey
- Mercer County, New Jersey
- Somerset County, New Jersey

Special Programs:

- Engineering (Biomedical, Electrical Engineering Technology, Engineering Entrepreneurship)

Hello! I'm Sean, a proud Rowan alum (B'20, M‘25) of the Rohrer College of Business and the College of Education. Prior to serving as an Assistant Director of Admissions, I worked in the Office of Admissions for two years as a Student Admissions Ambassador, where I welcomed prospective students and families and gave tours of our beautiful campus.

Why am I #RowanPROUD? I'm proud of and grateful for Rowan University's commitment to creating opportunities for students. Whether it's a career fair or a professional development workshop, there are many opportunities for students to strengthen their skills and prepare for their future.

In my free time, I enjoy watching sports, exercising, hanging out with friends and family, and playing with my dog!

Fun Fact: I was "Whoo RU" (Rowan's mascot) during my junior and senior year!

GO PROFS!

Recruitment Territory:

- Burlington County, New Jersey
- Ocean County, New Jersey

Specialty Programs:

Hello! My name is Vincent Spena, and I am a First-Year Admissions Counselor here at Rowan. I hold a Bachelors in the Fine Arts in Animation and Illustration from Montclair State University. I’m looking forward to assisting you all as you begin your journey towards Rowan. I know how exciting and nerve wracking the college journey can but so I'm here to help you explore your options, answer your questions, and support you as you take these next steps!

What makes me #RowanPROUD? I am so proud to represent a university that truly has something for everyone no matter the career path you wish to pursue. There are so many opportunities for students to excel and succeed and I am excited to be a part of that journey! 

Outside of my work, I’m passionate about art and film whether it’s creating my own art or simply getting lost in a great movie. I love exercising as well as spending time with loved ones and friends. A fun fact about me is I used to work at Walt Disney World!

Recruitment Territory:

- Morris County, New Jersey
- Sussex County, New Jersey
- Passaic County, New Jersey
- Bergen County, New Jersey
- Essex County, New Jersey
- Hudson County, New Jersey
- Connecticut & New York