Interns:
MATT SOYCHER
Matt Soycher is ready to give UMASS a farewell salute, and take with him his Master’s of School Counseling and Certificate in Social Justice Education. He has dedicated his life to fighting the good fight alongside young people via Bikes Not Bombs, Student Bridges, and now Renaissance. He is passionate about creating a not too distant future where education institutions rather than burger joints are shouting to young people “have it your way”. He looks forward to the day when students have a meaningful role in the operations of their school, where they are served as whole beings not just future employees. When not at Renaissance, he can be found spending some quality time with his wonderful partner, Ms. Engebretson, and his brand-spanking new daughter, Lilah. When he needs to get away, he can be found riding through the woods with his trusty hound, Rudy.
CHRIS WILLIAMSON
I am currently a graduate student at Springfield College pursing my Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology. At Renaissance I serve as an Academic coach, helping 10th and 11th graders achieve their academic goals. I enjoy discussing the vast world of foods with my intern friend Kristen, as well as eating and cooking. I also enjoy golfing, working out, and watching New England sports. My future plans consist of achieving a doctorate degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology and working with athletes of all ages.
ROBERT STOREY
Being at Renaissance has been a joy for Bobby Storey. He grew up in Georgia and graduated from the University of Tennessee, majoring in Psychology. He worked for several years with special education students before deciding to get a Master’s in School Counseling at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He finishes his Master’s this May. When he is not spending time with his wife, an English Ph.D. candidate, Bobby is riding his motorcycle, running or biking. They have two parrots, Pedro and Earl, and a longhaired dachshund, Franklin. Bobby loves discussing perspectives on education, how those perspectives were learned, and how we all co-construct our realities.
LAUREN O’SULLIVAN
Lauren is currently in her first year of the Master’s Social Work Program at Springfield College. She grew up in Windsor, Connecticut and is currently still living there. Along with attending Springfield College, Lauren serves as an AmeriCorps member, and works as a receptionist at Physical Therapy Partners. Lauren graduated from New England College, located in Henniker, New Hampshire (The only Henniker on Earth) and recieved her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and minored in Social Work. She completed her Bachelors degree in three years. During these years Lauren interned at Children’s Alliance, Children’s Trust Fund, as well as The Department of Children Youth and Families in New Hampshire. After graduating with her Master’s Degree Lauren plans to pursue a career as a school social worker.
NATASHA MURIEL
I am currently a senior on my last semester at Westfield State University as a Sociology major and minor in Psychology. I will be spending the next four months at Renaissance High School completing my undergraduate internship as part of the Guidance Office team. I plan on attending graduate school to earn my Master’s in School Counseling in the near future. I plan on becoming a Guidance Counselor and having the privilege of making a positive impact on a student’s life. It is my goal to become the voice of those who are not heard. Meanwhile on my free time as a newly engaged fiancee, you can catch me surfing the web and looking through magazines planning my wedding! On the weekends you can catch me eating my guilty pleasure pizza and then heading to the gym right after.
KEVIN JOSLYN
Kevin Joslyn has to come to The Springfield Renaissance School as a graduate student of the School Counseling program at Springfield College. He is motivated and inspired by working with students to create opportunities that guide them in the present, and empower them in the future. Living in the Springfield area for 5 years now, Kevin has come to call Springfield home. The city is unique in its history and culture, and has a sense of community that can be felt in the streets of downtown, as well as in the hallways of the schools. When he finds time to relax you can catch Kevin blasting his country music or looking up new places for his next getaway.
GABRIELA BUSTAMANTE
Gabriela Bustamante received her Bachelors of Science and from La Universidad del Norte, in Barranquilla, Colombia, where she also completed a post graduate year in the neuropsychology of cognitive and learning impairments. She practiced psychology in Barranquilla, Colombia for two yeas before migrating to the USA. Gabriela is a second year student at Smith School of Social Work, and is working on her master’s thesis on culturally sensitive parent education. Gabriela is the proud mother of a pre-school son and three dogs. She resides with her husband in Easthampton, MA.
RENA HOLDER
I am currently a graduate student attending Springfield College pursuing my Masters Degree in School Guidance Counseling, while also serving as a Graduate Fellow to both the Multicultural Affairs Office and the Student Volunteer Office. At Renaissance, I am looking forward to doing my pre-practicum with both the Middle school and High school students. During my free time, I like to cook, read books, and listen to music. I also enjoy watching sports (New England Patriots are my favorite football team) and working out. Upon graduating from Springfield College in May 2014, I want to be a High School Guidance Counselor.
CAMERON JESSE COX
Cameron Jesse Cox is a Financial Aid Advisor here at Renaissance. He assists students and families with creating affordable plans needed to pay for higher education. Cameron is a recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he received his BA in Sociology. While at UMass Mr. Cox was heavily involved in a mentoring program serving male students K-12. He also spent time advocating for underrepresented communities in Cape Verde and Shanghai, China where he studied abroad. Before uAspire Cameron worked as a policy analyst with the Roosevelt Institute in New York where he focused on urban planning and urban education policy.
LIAM LATTRELL
Liam graduated from UMass, Amherst in 2007 with a BA in Legal Studies. After his undergraduate training, Liam earned his Master of Arts degree in Socio-Legal Studies at York University. Liam taught undergraduates at York and discovered his passion for working with people. After finishing his MA, Liam worked on an adult mental health outreach team. Liam served as a recovery counselor and was then promoted to a manager. Liam is currently an MSW student at Smith College; he interns at Project Coach and the Renaissance School counseling students. In his free time, Liam enjoys outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, basketball, and golf. He also loves to read–preferably in his bath robe.
BRITTANY HENDERSON
Brittany is a second year graduate student in the Athletic Counseling Program at Springfield College, where she plans to continue her education so that she can one day become a licensed mental health professional. When Brittany is not roaming the halls of Renaissance School, she is running performance workshops and providing counseling for youth and college athletes. Brittany was a Division I soccer player from Loyola University of Maryland, but she has since traded in her cleats for a whistle and is now one of the Grad Assistant Coaches for Springfield College’s Women’s Soccer team. Aside from psychology and sports, Brittany enjoys hanging out with friends and family, catching up on her favorite TV shows, roaming the isles at Barnes & Nobles, playing guitar hero, and taking boxing classes.
KELSEY LENGYEL-JACOVICH
Kelsey is currently in her second year of the Sport and Exercise Psychology Master’s Program at Springfield College. Aside from serving with AmeriCorps as a LACES Academic Coach at Springfield College, Kelsey is a Volunteer Assistant Coach for the Softball team, works in the Office of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation under the Dean of Graduate Students, as well as in the Athletics Department as a Graduate Student Supervisor of Events. Kelsey obtained a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Post University in Connecticut in 2011 where she played NCAA Division II Tennis, Basketball, and Softball and graduated Summa Cum Laude.
KRISTEN BARAN
I am finishing my Master’s degree in School Counseling/Adjustment Counseling at Springfield College while also working as an English/Essay Writing tutor, art teacher, and graduate fellow. While at the Springfield Renaissance School, I am enjoying my time assisting some spunky seniors as they complete the college application process, helping middle schoolers find their way both academically and socially, and empowering girls in their relationships with others and with themselves. In my spare time, I paint, read, see some live shows, spend time with my family, discuss lunch with Chris, and explore NYC with my best friend.