Staff and Contact
Staff are listed alphabetically by first name
Adam Gray, Assistant Director of Housing Operations
(212) 217-3900
[email protected]
Adam (he/they) oversees the operations of Residential Life including but not limited to Housing Selection, Billing, Summer Conferences, and Dining. Adam received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Western New England University and his M.Sc. in College Student Development and Counseling from Northeastern University.
Before joining the operations team, Adam was a part of Residential Education at University of New Haven, Stony Brook University, Keene State College, and Simmons University where he learned a breadth of information and best practices. Outside of the office Adam enjoys gaming, reading, and learning about diverse spiritualism.
Fun fact: Adam's dream job would be to run a wildlife sancutary for rescue and rehabilitation.
Alyssa Haining, Residential Education Coordinator for Alumni Hall
(212) 217-3915
[email protected]
Alyssa (she/her) is the residential education coordinator for Alumni Hall. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz and her Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University. Before coming to FIT, Alyssa worked in residential life at Stony Brook University and as an academic advisor at Hunter College. Alyssa spends her free time with her beloved cat Minerva, at the gym, or re-watching Gilmore Girls.
Fun Fact: The first time Alyssa flew on a plane was when she went skydiving!
Amanda Díaz, Residential Education Coordinator for Nagler Hall
(212) 217-3908
[email protected]
Amanda Díaz (she/hers) joins FIT as a residential education coordinator for Nagler Hall. As a native New Yorker, Amanda received her Bachelor degree from SUNY New Paltz in Sociology and Criminology, and continued in higher education by receiving dual Masters degrees in Public Administration and Student Affairs Administration from Binghamton University. Additionally, she will be pursuing a Doctor of Law and Policy at Northeastern University this fall. With her previous work experience at Columbia University, University of Connecticut, SUNY Albany, and Binghamton University, Amanda aims to embed facets of diversity, equity, and inclusion into the fabric of residential life and within the greater community. While in graduate school, Amanda found her passion for policy analysis work within higher education, and has made a commitment to advocate for all students, especially those from underrepresented, marginalized communities and backgrounds.
Fun fact: Amanda is a published poet!
Angela Brown, Director of Residential Life
(212) 217- 3900
[email protected]
Angela Brown (she/her) is the Interim Director of Residential Life at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and has over 10 years working in FIT's Residential Life Department. Thanks to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Angela received both her B.S. in Fashion and Textile Technology, and M.S. in Student Affairs Administration from Buffalo State College. Outside of higher education, Angela focuses on her brand Angela Scarfia, which serves as a social change agency to bridge the gap in equity impacting marginalized communities in the areas of access to health, education and self-fulfillment. In her spare time, Angela sources new fruits locally, nationally and internationally. She also collects herbs for teas, and her current collection includes over 100 herbs, fruits and seeds. Angela also practices bouldering at local gyms, and plays forward for a street hockey league in NYC.
Fun Fact: Angela was a finalist for the Independent Handbag Designer Awards in 2014, where she designed a handbag for Guess.
Ashley Wolfe, Associate Director of Residential Life
(212) 217- 3930
[email protected]
Ashley Wolfe (she/her) joins the FIT Residential Life team as the Associate Director of Residential Education. Ashley is a first-generation college student who completed her master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Augustana College (Illinois). She is pursuing a PhD in Education and Social Justice from Lancaster University. Prior to arriving at FIT, Ashley served as a program manager at the University of Chicago and as a resident director at Fordham University. Outside of work, Ashley can be found swimming at the local YMCA, hiking, knitting hats and scarves for family and friends, writing, reading, and volunteering. Lastly, Ashley is a New York State trained sexual assault crisis and intimate partner violence advocate, with more than 200 volunteer on-call hours under the supervision of Crime Victims Treatment Center NYC.
Fun fact: Ashley's first job was in second grade as a paper route carrier!
Destini Young, Assistant Director of Community Standards & Student Support
(212) 217-3900
[email protected]
Destini Young (she/her) is the Coordinator of Community Standards, responsible for managing the daily operations associated with the residential student conduct process. These tasks include providing referrals for critical incident follow-up to students who need additional support, overseeing the procedures associated will major crisis response, and provides insight to policy changes or updates on all levels (FIT, SUNY, State, Local Laws).
While attending SUNY Purchase and earning a degree in Psychology, Destini found her passion for higher education after being a student leader herself. Helping to support student growth and development brings her great joy! Destini previously worked at Clarkson University and transitioned from Stony Brook University in 2021.
Fun fact: Destini is known for being close to her father, claiming pizza as her favorite food, and being an active Beyoncé fan. She loves to make people laugh and believes laughter brings together the community.
Gissell Dume-Perez, Office Manager, 27th Street
(212) 217-3900
[email protected]
Gissell (she/her) is the Office Manager and joined FIT in 2001. In her role, Gissell assists with the daily business operations involving the Department of Residential Life. When not at work, Gissell spends time with her family, enjoys hiking and camp fires.
Fun fact: Gissell has taken more than a dozen cruise vacations. Her goal is to cruise around the world.
Joann Puryear-Cole, Office Manager, 31st Street
(212) 217-3930
[email protected]
Joann (she/her) is the Office Manager in Kaufman Hall (31st). In her role, Joann assists with the daily business operations in the Department of Residential Life. She graduated from F.I.T with a degree in Production Management.
Fun Fact: Joann has two cats, Coco and Honey, along with one dog named Seven.
John Rowell, Assistant Director of Residential Education for 27th Street
(212) 217-3900
[email protected]
John Rowell (he/him) is joining the Fashion Institute of Technology Res Life team as the Assistant Director of the 27th St. community. John has been working in residential life for over 10 years with a variety of students, all over the world. John has his Bachelors of Arts from Northeastern University where he majored in History and a Masters in Education from the University of Kentucky! John's work focuses on emergency response, mental health advocacy, and diversity related student engagement. John is a trivia buff, enjoys cooking Korean food, consumes massive amounts of movies and TV, and can always be called upon to travel anywhere in the world to experience a new environment.
Kayla Lujan, Residential Education Coordinator for Kaufman Floors 1-7
(212) 217-3942
[email protected]
Kayla Lujan (Lu-hon) (she/her) is the Residential Education Coordinator for Kaufman Hall Lower. She received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology, as well as her Masters of Education degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The University at Buffalo. With previous experiences in Student Life at The University at Buffalo and New York University, Kayla looks forward to learning from the FIT community. Kayla shares that her experiences as a queer first generation college student and Latine woman, guides her work with student success and support. The center of Kayla’s passions are to replenish the resources and agency to NYC neighborhoods like the one she grew up in, Woodhaven Jamaica. Shout out to the J line!
Fun fact: Kayla never leaves her apartment without a book. If you need a horror or LGBTQIA+ romance book recommendation, you know where to go!
Marta Toledo, Housing Operations Coordinator
(212) 217-3900
[email protected]
Marta M. Toledo (she/her) joined the FIT Residential Life team in Fall 2022 as the Housing Operations Coordinator. She has worked for over 8 years in education in both South and North America.
Before FIT, Marta has dedicated her work to different areas: admissions, workforce, Residential Life and Housing for the past 3 years serving as the Housing Director of an International language campus here in NY. Marta went to Law School in Chile, and continued her studies in international law focusing in community interaction and justice systems. Marta is passionate about equity, diversity and social action. She enjoys learning about other cultures, the expression of their history and languages. She speaks Spanish and is beginner in Portuguese.
Fun fact: Marta has lived in five different countries: U.S.A, Chile, Venezuela, New Zealand, and Germany!
Richard Moreno, Assistant Director of Residential Life for Kaufman Hall
(212) 217-3930
[email protected]
Richard (they/them, he/him) serves as a residential education coordinator, supporting the development of resident assistants, assisting in residential program development, and providing direct oversight to a specific residential community. They are originally from Los Angeles, CA. They received their Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from UC Santa Barbara and their master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University. Richard began their work in student affairs by advocating for queer and trans students in various positions through programming and student development initiatives. In their spare time, Richard enjoys reading queer fiction and trying new restaurants in the city, especially for a good brunch. They are always looking for recommendations!
Fun fact: Richard's favorite album is "Channel Orange" by Frank Ocean.
Sarah Guzmán, Residential Education Coordinator for Kaufman Hall Floors 8-15
(212) 217-3945
[email protected]
As a Residential Education Coordinator (REC), Sarah is responsible for providing leadership and supervision for a residence hall community. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Residential Life, Sarah oversee the daily operation of Kaufman Hall Upper and serves as an active and visible Residential Life staff member. Sarah leads educational and community-building initiatives within a residence hall through supervision of staff, building relationships with and assisting residents, enacting community standards procedures, and serving on an on-call duty rotation. Sarah is also instrumental in contributing to the success of Residential Life and the FIT Division of Student Success through department-wide and campus activities including move in/out, student leadership retreats, summer housing, departmental committees, assessment, and more.
Yean Franco-Marin, Residential Education Coordinator for CoEd Hall
(212) 217-3906
[email protected]
Yean Franco-Marin (he/him) joins FIT as a Residential Education Coordinator for CoEd Hall. Yean is a first generation college student who received his Bachelor's degree in Media Culture and Communications, as well as his Masters degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from New York University. With previous experience at New York University, Brown University, and within Rotary Youth Programs, Yean is looking forward to serving the FIT community. As a proud first generation queer Colombian immigrant, Yean hopes to continually work to advocate for student voices. He is passionate about providing the adequate support, resources, and developmental opportunities to enhance student success.
Fun fact: As an avid reality TV watcher, Yean has seen at least 100 seasons of a variety of shows. He is fascinated by people, and believes these shows are the most interesting social experiments.