Meet Our Staff

Susan K. Benzie
Director of Residence Life and Housing
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Susan immigrated to Massachusetts over twenty years ago. Susan graduated from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA in 2002. She completed her Master of Science in Management from Emmanuel College in 2005. From 2003 to 2005, Susan was an Assistant Director/Resident Director for Loretto Hall at Emmanuel College. She then proceeded to work as an Academic Advisor for Emmanuel's Graduate and Professional Programs.  Susan returned to Residence Life as Director in 2009.

John Byrne
Associate Director of Residence Life and Housing
A native of nearby Watertown, John began his higher education career at Georgetown University where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in linguistics, and worked for Undergraduate Admissions and then Housing & Conference Services. After over four years on the west coast at UCLA's Housing and Hospitality Services, John headed back home in 2005 and served as an operations manager for Residential Life at Northeastern University before gratefully joining the Emmanuel community in August 2007. John's professional interests include process management, customer service solutions, and automation. Outside of the office, he is a stand-up comic, a certifiable Sox/Pats/Hoyas fan, and enjoys creative writing and long-distance running.

Gretchenrae Callanta
Assistant Director/Residence Director - St. Ann Hall
Gretchenrae is a city girl originally from Seattle, Washington. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Seattle University and holds a Master's degree from the University of Vermont in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Higher Education. Gretchenrae enjoys arts and crafts, baking, and hanging out in coffee shops and museums in her free time. She is thrilled to be part the Emmanuel College community. If you're in St. Ann's or see her around campus, say hi and give her a high five!

 Kyle Black
Assistant Director/Residence Director - St. Joseph Hall
A Rhode Island native, Kyle received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Rhode Island College and stayed at the college and also received his Master of Arts degree in Substance Abuse Counseling. Kyle's interests include movies, TV, music, swimming, and most importantly spending time with his friends and family. Kyle is excited to join the staff at Emmanuel and get his first taste of city living. If you are ever in St. Joe's, make sure to stop by and say hi.

Lamonte R. Stamps
Assistant Director/Residence Director - Julie/Rodgers Hall and City View Apartments 
Lamonte Stamps is a native of Chicago, IL and new to the Boston area. He is a proud alumnus of Mississippi State University - GO DAWGS and holds a M.A.E. in Counselor Education and Student Affairs. He is energized about being a part of Emmanuel College and providing a living and learning community for students and helping students discover their passion- BECOME LEGENDARY. In his spare time, Lamonte enjoys poetry, theatre, writing, reading, jazz, college sports, history and learning more about life. If you are ever up for a debate, he is your go to person. He quotes, "We are what we aspire to become, BE IT." 

Laura Field
Professional-On-Call/Assistant Residence Director - St. Joseph Hall
Originally from Assonet, MA, Laura is very excited to be living in Boston and working for the Office of Residence Life at Emmanuel College. Laura graduated in May with a Bachelors of Arts in Dance from Dean College and is starting her Masters of Education in Higher Education at Boston University. When not working out of St. Joe's or taking class Laura can be found exploring the city, dancing, reading a good book, or spending time with family and friends. Please stop by and say hello if you are near St. Joe's! 

Shayna Smallwood
Professional-On-Call/Diversity & Judicial Affairs
Shayna is originally from the city of Boston a.k.a BEANTOWN!! Shayna graduated from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts double majoring in Sociology & Legal Studies. Shayna is currently attending Simmons College to pursue a Master's Degree in Social Work. Shayna embraces her Caribbean roots and in her spare time, loves to dance, watch movies, listen to music, and travel. Shayna is excited to join the Residence Life and Housing Staff as a Professional-On-Call/Diversity & Judicial Affairs where she intends to work with RAs to promote multiculturalism, individuality, and diversity in the residence halls and creating an environment where students feel like they are a part of a diverse and inclusive community. Shayna's office is located in the basement of St. Ann's Residence Hall - so please stop by and say hi! 

Kevin Farrell
Professional-On-Call/Assistant Director - Office of Student Activities and Multicultural Programs
Kevin is the Assistant Director of Student Activities through the Office of Student Activities and Multicultural Programs here at Emmanuel College. As Assistant Director, Kevin has the opportunity to coordinate the leadership programming on campus which includes; the L.E.A.D.E.R.S. Program, Emmanuel College's Leadership Academy, Access Leadership, and the Leadership Summit. He also advises 1/3 of the student organizations, Dance Marathon and Campus Activities and Student Events. Kevin oversees the operations of Corner Pocket, Emmanuel's game room located in St. Joseph's Hall and serves as the head coach for the Emmanuel College Cheerleading squad. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith in Fort Smith, AR and his Master of Science in College Student Personnel from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR. He was born and raised in the Scranton, PA area and most recently comes to us from Lafayette, IN where he worked with transition and success programs as an Assistant Director at Purdue University. For fun, Kevin enjoys watching movies, listening to music, hanging out with friends, and making people laugh. He looks forward to developing strong leaders on Emmanuel's campus and showing each student their potential. His office is located in the basement of St. Ann's, so please feel free to come by and visit.