Staff


Hi! I’m Chris Beneke, Professor of History and Associate Dean for the First Year Experience and the Bentley Core. Among other things, I oversee the Falcon Discovery Seminar (FDS). This is my 23rd year at Bentley, where I’ve been a teacher, researcher, and administrator for almost half my life. Before that, I received my bachelor’s at Cornell and my PhD at Northwestern. I’ve written some books and articles about religious freedom, as well as sports. I love to teach, write, coach, and run short distances. And like my FDS teammate, Jamie Bang, I’m a pug enthusiast.

My name is Steph Bohler, and I am the Associate Director of Student Accessibility Services. I have been a member of the Bentley Community since 2016. My favorite part of working with students is supporting them in fostering their self-advocacy as they work confidently toward their goals. I earned my Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education and English from Stonehill College and my Master of Education in Higher Education, Student Affairs from Salem State University. In my free time, you can find me reading a mystery thriller, cooking grandma's Italian recipes, and exploring New England with my husband and dog.

My name is Meghan Charbonneau, and I am an Associate Director for Undergraduate Advising in the Office for Student Success. I received my bachelor’s degree in social work and my master’s degree in Higher Education in Students Affairs from Salem State University in Salem, Massachusetts. I joined the Undergraduate Advising team in September of 2010 and have been with the team since. I love working with students to identify their academic goals and chart a pathway to success in achieving those goals throughout their Bentley journey. My favorite activity outside of work is attending concerts with friends.

I’m Valerie Como, Associate Director of Undergraduate Advising and a Bentley alum married to a Bentley alum. My B.S. is in Management, and I have an M.Ed. in Higher Education in Student Affairs from Salem State University. I began working at Bentley in 2007 as a transfer admission counselor and moved into advising in 2016 because I love helping students identify what they want to do academically and being a resource as they work toward those goals. Originally from RI, I enjoy working out, reading, planning/organizing, and all things British.

My name is PJ Dickson, I am the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Academic Success, and I chair the Committee on Academic Standing (CAS) and the Graduate Academic Performance committee. I have had the great fortune to be a part of the Bentley community since 2012. Before coming to Bentley, I worked in various roles in higher education, including in positions in academic advising, community standards, and residence life. I have also taught courses in history, African American Studies, college writing, and college success. I earned my undergraduate degree from Colgate University and have master’s degrees from the Africana Studies and Research Center at Cornell University and Brandeis University. When not working, I am usually coaching, watching, or playing sports with my two boys.

My name is Leslie Doolittle, and I serve as Assistant Dean for Academic Achievement & Access. I’ve been at Bentley since 1998 and am passionate about helping students meet their academic and personal goals. My educational background is Business Administration at the undergraduate level (UMaine), and Adult Education-Training & Development (University of Southern Maine) at the graduate level. I grew up in Northern Virginia, and now live in Ayer, MA with my two sons, Gus and Owen. In my personal time, I am an avid Boston Celtics fan, and have active yoga and spiritual practices.

My name is Jordan Dubina and I am the Assistant Director for the Honors Program. I joined the Honors Leadership Team in May 2022. I received both my undergraduate degree in History and master's degree in Higher Education in Student Affairs at Salem State University. Prior to coming to Bentley, I was an Academic Coach at MCPHS University for four years. My favorite things to do outside of work include walking my dog, Tobey, and finding a local spot to watch the sunset!

Hello! I’m Esen Dukanci the Administrator Coordinator for the Office of Student Success. I hold a BA in Physical Education and an MS in Management. One of my key accomplishments has been overhauling the Office of Student Success website and continuing to develop additional webpages to support and enhance the office’s online presence. I joined Bentley in 2019, I’ve also had the privilege of working at two other prestigious universities in MA, however, I love Bentley the most. I’m proud to say that I’m a former athlete who played basketball from middle school through college. Outside of work, I’m a parent to a daughter and two sons. My greatest joy is spending time with my kids; whether we're cooking, baking, bowling or enjoying a trip to the movie theater.

Hello! My name is Kate Evans, and I am an Undergraduate Academic Advisor. I’m originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UMass Amherst. I completed my M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University. Before joining Bentley in July 2025, I worked as an Assistant Learning Specialist at the University of North Carolina, where I supported student-athletes in achieving academic success. I’m passionate about helping students build the academic skills and confidence they need to thrive throughout their college experience. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, spending time at the beach, and going to dinners with friends—especially when trying new spots around Boston.

Hello! My name is Greg Farber, and I am the Director of Academic Integrity. I also serve as the Director of Bentley’s Writing Center and am a Distinguished Lecturer in the English and Media Studies department. I received my bachelor’s degree from Bentley when it was still Bentley College, and after getting my MFA, I returned to teach here in 2007. I love working with students in the classroom, as tutors, and as members of the Society for Academic Integrity. Outside of work, I enjoy seeing and writing plays as well as spending time outside hiking, running, and biking. I also love to cook and play board games.

Hello! My name is Summer Feng, and I am an Undergraduate Academic Advisor. I am passionate about working with college students and feel grateful to have joined the Undergraduate Academic Advising team at Bentley in November 2024. Grew up in China, I moved to the U.S. in 2014. I earned my master's degree in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2020. Outside of work, I enjoy journaling, exploring Chinese restaurants in Boston, and hiking in the White Mountains.

My name is Tiffany Goodall, and I am a Senior Academic Advisor in the Undergraduate Academic Advising office. I was born and raised in Connecticut, I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychological Sciences with a concentration in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Eastern Connecticut State University and my master’s in Counselor Education and Family Therapy with a concentration in Student Development in Higher Education from Central Connecticut State University. I have been at Bentley since May of 2022 advising all student populations, coordinating our events and programs in the office, as well as developing our educational sites for FDS 100 and Orientation. In my free time I enjoy exploring restaurants in Boston and the surrounding communities.

Hello! I’m Jane. Since starting my Bentley career in 2010, I’ve been blessed to do lots of fun things. I’ve written books of academic scholarship and literary translation, taught a wide range of classes in the Modern Languages department, and worked closely with first-generation college students. Originally from Santa Catalina Island, California, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Comparative Literature from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and my master’s degree and Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of California, Irvine. Together with my husband and daughter, I love to camp, hike, cook, craft, and see live music.

Hello and Auybowan! I am Neelangi Gunasekera, Program Manager for the Falcon Discovery Program (FDS) and FirstGen Presidential Fellows (FPF). This is my fifth rewarding year at Bentley University. My communications degrees are from Oklahoma State University and Illinois State University. My administrative career has spanned private industry, international government, and education. The most unusual position that I have held outside of administration is serving coffee on the Staten Island, NY ferry! I am originally from Colombo, Sri Lanka.

My name is Kristin Helm, and I serve as the Assistant Director of Student Success Coaching. I have been in the field of higher education since 2013 and have been at Bentley since 2022. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communications from Bridgewater State University and a Master of Education degree in Higher Education in Student Affairs from Salem State University. I have worked at institutions in Vermont and Texas and currently live in Rhode Island. In my free time I love to travel on cruises in the Caribbean and participate in community events with my family.

My name is Karen Hovsepian, and I am the Senior Academic Administrator. I have been with Bentley since 2011 working with the Computer Information Systems Department and the Office of Academic Integrity before moving to Student Success 2 weeks ago. I loved supporting Faculty in CIS but am really looking forward to my new role in Student Success. I have a son, daughter, and two dogs. In my free time I like to do animal related volunteering and am a resource for many Animal Control Officers to find placement for stray and surrendered dogs.

Hello! As the Director of Undergraduate Academic Advising, I have the privilege of leading our dedicated advising team and shaping the undergraduate advising experience. Collaborating closely with leadership in the Office of Student Success and Academic Affairs, as well as engaging with various campus stakeholders, I focus on academic strategic planning and fostering a vibrant Bentley community. A lifelong resident of the Boston area, I am an avid Boston Bruins fan. In my free time, I love to read, play golf, travel, and spending time with family.

Hello! My name is Katie Johnson, and I am the Assistant Director of Student Accessibility Services. I am a lifelong Massachusetts resident, growing up in Central Massachusetts, receiving my Bachelor’s degree at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in Western Massachusetts, and then receiving my Master of Public Administration at Framingham State University here in the Greater Boston area. Before joining SAS in January of 2023, I worked in a variety of educational settings including higher education, K-12 special education, and an educational non-profit. Outside of work, I love to run and travel – I am trying to run a half marathon in every state!

My name is Catlain McCarthy, and I have worked as an Undergraduate Academic Advisor at Bentley since I started in June 2024. A proud first-generation college student, I attended Bridgewater State University where I received my bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a concentration in pure mathematics and later my master’s degree in student affairs counseling. I worked at TJX Companies in Accounts Payable after undergraduate and, after a few years at this company, I decided to pursue my love of working with college students and go back to school for my master’s degree. Outside of work, I love reading, spending time with friends and family, and consider myself an avid lover of pugs.

Hello! My name is Rahat Sabyrbekov, and I am excited and privileged to have joined Bentley University in August 2025 as a Data Scientist in the Office of Student Success. I hold a Ph.D. in Economics and have built my career as a researcher and professor at respected academic institutions in Massachusetts, as well as a consultant for leading international organizations. I have taught courses in Econometrics and Statistics, inspiring students to use data as a tool for understanding and solving real-world challenges. Passionate about using analytics to improve student experiences and outcomes, I am thrilled to bring my expertise to Bentley’s vibrant community. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two sons, exploring new places, enjoying the outdoors, and sharing great meals together.

My name is Madden Schmauch, and I am excited to join the Office of Student Success as a Student Success Coach. Originally from Poughkeepsie, NY, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from SUNY Potsdam and a Master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration from Binghamton University. My previous work experience in higher education includes assistant teaching, academic advising, residential life and housing as well as coaching an NCAA cross-country team. In my free time, I enjoy running, attending concerts and spending far too much time scrolling through social media.

My name is Stephanie Segalini, and I am the Director of Student Accessibility Services. I joined the Bentley team in 2008 after working with children and young adults with disabilities. I earned my Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at Assumption University in Worcester, MA and I love supporting students in any way I can. Accessible education, inclusivity and self-advocacy are all important skills I assist my students with. I live in Dedham with my spouse, two children, and dog. During my personal time, I enjoy reading, working out and visiting Cape Cod. Mystery shows and movies are my favorite to watch.

My name is Mel (Melody) Smith, and I am a Senior Academic Advisor. I have worked in Advising since 2022 and previously spent 7 years working in Residence Life & Housing (4 of those here at Bentley!). I hold bachelor’s degrees in English from Bridgewater State University and Digital Photography from Southern New Hampshire University. I received my master’s in education from Merrimack College. I’ve spent my entire life in Massachusetts. When I am not at work, I spend time with my dog Sparky (a chiweenie), family and friends. I love coffee, reading, the beach and baking!

My name is Hannah Roos, and I am the Administrator of Student Accessibility Services. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of New Hampshire and worked within an elementary school for several years. I have loved working within an educational setting and am excited to continue that journey here at Bentley! Outside of work, I love to spend time with my dog, family, and friends!

My name is Christian Rubio. I came to Bentley in 2011. I am the Director of the Honors, and I teach of Spanish. I am also the Director of the Honors Program since 2018. I am originally from Peru, but have lived in many other places, such as NYC, Scotland, and Louisiana. I love working with students and I strive to helping them reach their career goals and aspirations. During my spare time, I like traveling and trying new restaurants. I also love spending time with my mini goldendoodle, Stella, whom you can see on campus twice a week.

My name is Amy Weber, and I am the Assistant Director, Academic Achievement & Access. I first joined Bentley in 2011. In my current role, I serve as Director of the Peer Tutoring and Academic Mentoring Program. I have worked with college students at various campuses for over 20 years, and I can honestly say that Bentley has been my favorite! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Tufts University and a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from Pennsylvania State University. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends and family, reading, and binge watching my favorite tv shows.