Meet Our Team

Krystal Woolston is the director of public service programs at Montclair State University where she oversees the development and implementation of two AmeriCorps programs, the Bonner Leader Program, the Next Generation (NextGen) Service Corps, and the Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning (CETL) fellows program. She completed her PhD in Family Science and Human development doing research on clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse, institutional betrayal, and the impact on survivors’ faith and levels of post-traumatic growth and continues to do research in this area. In her current role, she is passionate about getting students involved in volunteering, public service, community engagement, and leadership.

Iris DiMaio is the Director of University Action Nexus (uCAN) at the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships, which serves as an agent for partnership and community engagement. She earned her MA in Educational Leadership, Concentration: Education/Trainer at Montclair State University and her expertise spans a variety of roles, including budgeting, human resources, staff supervision, marketing, and public relations. She led the Montclair Teacher Certification Apprenticeship initiative, which became New Jersey’s first Teacher Certification Registered Apprenticeship Program recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Before joining Montclair, Iris served 25 years at William Paterson University, where she founded programs for young adults and aging-out high school students with learning disabilities and developed professional certification programs, career readiness workshops, and life skills training. Currently, she facilitates University partnerships with community members, government officials, and other stakeholders to create a clear pathway for locating and accessing resources needed for the community.

Jessica Bush is the Director of the Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium. She earned her M.S.Ed from the Bank Street College of Education and has over 25 years of experience in the field of public History. In her current role she is responsible for overseeing the museums, exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. Jessica is passionate about preserving and sharing our collective history and is dedicated to creating engaging and informative experiences that inspire curiosity and a connection to our past.

Emely Bryan is the Executive Assistant for the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships at Montclair State University. Ms. Bryan received her Associate Degree in General Science from Essex County College. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus on Healthcare Management from Berkeley College. With over 10 years of experience in administration and business development Emely hopes to support the vision for community engagement here at Montclair State University and make an impact in local communities.

Jessica Pichardo is the Director of the NextGen Service Corps program at Montclair State University. With 20 years of experience spanning government, nonprofit, and education sectors, she is dedicated to empowering students through experiential learning, internships, and public service opportunities. A first-generation student and proud graduate of Montclair State University’s Educational Opportunity Fund program, Jessica Pichardo holds a bachelor’s degree in history (2006) and a master’s degree in social research and data analysis (2023) from Montclair State University. She also earned a master’s degree in higher education from Caldwell University in 2017. Her work is driven by a passion for helping students achieve their full potential and succeed in their academic and professional journeys

Donna Climent is the AmeriCorps Program Director at the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources and a certificate in Environmental Geomatics from Rutgers University. Donna completed two 1700 hour terms of service with the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program through the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. Her AmeriCorps service strengthened her skills in community partnership building, environmental education, volunteer project coordination, and stream assessments. She has held multiple roles in environmental education, further nurturing her passion for community service. In her current role, Donna aims to inspire members to explore their interests while connecting them with service sites that address critical community needs. She is committed to helping members develop career readiness and the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce. Donna is pursuing a Master’s degree in Sustainability Science with a concentration in Sustainability Leadership at Montclair State University.

Sofia Perez serves as the AmeriCorps Program Coordinator at the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships. As an alumni of Montclair State University, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Science and Human Development with a minor in Leadership Development Through Civic Engagement. During her undergraduate years, Sofia was a Bonner Leader and AmeriCorps National Member, where she cultivated her passion for service, leadership, and empowering communities. Driven by a commitment to service and community engagement, Sofia strives to build strong communities through collaboration, equity, and hands on service.

Nereida Delgado Garcia is an alumna of Montclair State University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degrees in Spanish, and Public and Professional Writing along with her Spanish Translation Certification. During her undergraduate years, Nereida served as a Bonner Leader where she supported efforts in marginalized communities, specifically working with individuals learning English as a second language. She continued serving her communities leading the Mexican-American Student Association as President her senior year and was a College Student Leader for the nonprofit organization, More Than Bootstraps, a college readiness program which utilizes near peer mentoring between high school students and college students. She currently is an AmeriCorps Healthy Communities Member serving as the Volunteer Coordinator. She hopes she can inspire the next generation of volunteers and student leaders.

Aracelis Ruiz serves as the Paterson One Square Mile Project Manager University Community Action Nexus. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Ramapo College of New Jersey, Ms. Ruiz brings a wealth of expertise garnered from over two decades of dedicated service within Paterson and various other communities. With an unwavering commitment to effecting meaningful change, she aspires to create a profound and enduring impact on the lives of community members.

Sunovia Scudder is the project coordinator for University Community Action Nexus (uCAN) in the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships, which bridges the gap between members of the community, community partners, and Montclair State University. After studying Law and Justice, Sociology, and Africana Studies at Rowan University, she developed a strong passion for social justice and advocating for underserved communities. She began her career in 2020 in New York City at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic doing direct community outreach through food ministry and social service work. Now at Montclair State University, she is committed to serving her hometown of Paterson and neighboring communities by inspiring youth to pursue higher education, fostering community development, and nurturing future leaders, while advocating for social justice and equity to ensure every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Madeline Alicea serves as the Early College Program Associate for Paterson One Square Mile, where she leads efforts to recruit students from Paterson and Passaic schools for Summer Programs and Early College enrollment opportunities. A proud Paterson native and first-generation college graduate, she is driven by a heart for underserved communities and firmly believes in the transformative power of one meaningful decision to change the course of a person’s life. Madeline holds an AAS in Accounting, a BA in Interpersonal Communication, and a MA in Communication and Media Studies. Additionally, she is a certified Financial Coach, and is deeply rooted in community service and regularly volunteers her time at local organizations and causes.

Sowmya Kampara is the Technology and System Specialist for the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships. She holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Montclair State University. Sowmya received her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Engineering from India. She has experience working at Cognizant as a Program Analyst Trainee and at Accenture as a Full Stack Engineering Analyst. Sowmya wishes to pursue her career as a Software Engineer.

Lauren Dinour, DrPH, RD, CLC, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies at Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ. Her research focuses on health-promoting policies, programs, and practices that improve childhood nutrition and food security, particularly in the areas of school food and breastfeeding. More recently, she has engaged in several studies regarding the development, implementation, and outcomes of service-learning pedagogy in dietetics coursework. A Registered Dietitian and public health professional, Dr. Dinour holds a DrPH and MPH with a focus on Public Health Nutrition. Prior to joining the Nutrition faculty at Montclair State University, Dr. Dinour worked as a practitioner and researcher in community-based and public health settings in the areas of childhood nutrition and food policy.

Sara Duricko is the Graduate Assistant at the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters Degree in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health here at Montclair State University. Sara also received her Bachelors in Psychology from MSU and minored in Criminal Justice and Environmental Justice. In her undergraduate career she served as a Bonner Leader and R.I.S.E mentor. Sara wishes to pursue a career in which she can continue to serve communities and work within the mental health sector.

Ariana Rosa is the Graduate Assistant for the NextGen Service Corps at Montclair State University. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Montclair State University. During her undergraduate years at The Pennsylvania State University, she studied Broadcast Journalism and served in the community, working toward the unity of all Latino/Hispanic and Multicultural students on campus. Outside of her professional work, Ariana enjoys journaling, spending time in her faith and hopes to continue serving different communities and bridge the gap between mental health and faith.

Nicholas Lim is a Graduate Assistant for the Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning (CETL) Fellows program. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology here at Montclair State University. Nicholas received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Messiah University. He aims to gain experience and obtain valuable knowledge from the field of Community Engagement to benefit the communities he is a part of.

Pariwish concentrates on International Development, Refugee Resettlement, and Humanitarian Response. Holding an MA from the School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University, Pariwish is currently enrolled in an MA English program at Montclair State University. Pariwish has worked with prominent international not-for-profit organizations, including the International Rescue Committee, Oxfam, HelpAge International, Save the Children, and Church World Service. Proficient in leading complex projects, coordinating with diverse stakeholders, and fostering social cohesion in conflict-sensitive environments, Pariwish is committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.