Boston Area College Housing Association 

Samantha Gordon, President

Samantha, or Sam, is the Assistant Director for the Harvard Pre-College Program in the Summer School at Harvard University. After growing up in Los Angeles, California, Sam attended Brandeis University where she received her undergraduate degrees in Theatre and Sociology. Following graduation, Sam attended Boston College to pursue a graduate degree in Higher Education Administration. She was a Resident Director at BC for 4 years and was the Assistant Director for Residential Leadership and Learning for almost 2 years. In her free time, Sam enjoys taking improv classes, discovering new coffee shops, and reading. Sam is a cast member at ImprovBoston and she produces a weekly show there. Sam is so excited to be back on the BACHA team this year as the President.

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Jim Wildason-Ferreri, Past-President

Jim Wildason-Ferreri is an Assistant Director at Regis College. Prior to Regis, Jim has worked in Residence Life at the University of Hartford, Mount Ida College, and Sacred Heart University. Jim received his BA in Criminology from Merrimack College, a MA in Criminal Justice from Sacred Heart University, and a Masters of Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In his spare time, Jim enjoys playing video games, watching plays/musicals, and taking walks with his dog. Jim previously was a Co-Chair for the New England Student Affairs Placement Conference, which aims to help new and seasoned professionals connect with perspective employers in the New England area. He currently serves as the Past-President.

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Michael Santoro, Treasurer

Michael, or Mikey, Santoro is currently a Residence Director at Endicott College in Beverly, MA. Michael has worked professionally at Endicott, MIT, and at Salem State University, where he received his M.Ed. In Higher Education and Student Affairs. Before that, Michael attended Merrimack College for his undergraduate degree, where he received a BS in Business Administration and found a passion for working in Residence Life. Outside of work, he enjoys watching movies, baking, taking care of his plants, and going to the beach with a good book. 

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Marcie Dineen, Secretary

Marcie is currently an Area Director at Framingham State University. Marcie originally graduated from Bentley University, where she received a BS in Marketing. She went on to pursue a Masters of Science in Higher Education at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY in 2016. Marcie enjoys creating community in the residence hall she supervises, in addition to working on RA selection and training committees and even managing to advise the Dance Team on campus!  In her free time, Marcie enjoys running, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, and raving about Wegmans (born and raised in Rochester, NY!) She is excited to be joining the BACHA team as one of the Professional Development co-chairs.

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Timothy Jordan, Membership Coordinator

Tim Jordan (He/Him) currently serves as an Assistant Director of Residential Education at Tufts University. Tim is originally from Westford, MA and previously worked in housing roles at Clemson University and Texas Christian University. In his spare time, Tim loves to hike the northeast, read sci-fi novels, and spend time with his wife Chelsea and dog Watson.

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Andrew Manchino, Technology Coordinator

Andrew (he/him) currently serves as an Academic Advisor at Northeastern University. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Westfield State University and an M.Ed. in Higher Education from Merrimack College. Andrew joined Northeastern in August of 2021 and has been impressed by the high level of passion students have for their growth and success. Andrew looks forward to continuing to support students while at Northeastern and building connections with them throughout their journey.

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Lena Schwallenberg, RA Conference Co-Chair

Lena (she/her) is a Resident Director at Berklee College of Music. As a Double Gator, Lena earned her bachelor’s in Journalism and her master’s in Higher Education from the University of Florida. She is passionate about crafting impactful and engaging experiences, including recruitment processes, trainings, and conferences. She's your go-to person when you need something benchmarked or branded! In her free time, Lena loves writing, attending concerts and shows, and creating elaborate murder mysteries from scratch with her partner.

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Bess Tracey, Professional Development Co-Chair

Bess currently works as a Resident Director at Berklee College of Music. Bess earned her B.A. in History and Secondary Education from the Catholic University of America in 2015. In 2017, Bess earned her M.Ed. in Student Development in Higher Education from the University of Maine. Professionally, Bess is passionate about supporting students in transition and leadership development. In her spare time, Bess enjoys arts and crafts, drinking coffee, and playing board games.

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Amanda Hemond, New Professionals Co-Chair

Amanda Hemond is currently an Area Coordinator at Merrimack College in North Andover, MA. Amanda attended the University of Massachusetts - Lowell where she received her Bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Disability Studies as well as her Master's in Higher Education Administration. Amanda has worked at UMass Lowell, San Francisco State University, Wagner College, Endicott College, and Merrimack College. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys watching shows on Netflix, taking care of her plants, spending time with family, and exploring local destinations with her fiance. 
 

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