Meet Our Staff
Susan K. BenzieDirector 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 Studies. 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 bachelors 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!
Michael Conte
Assistant Director/Residence Director - St. Joseph Hall.jpg)
Mike is Boston born and raised and loves everything about the city, even the crazy weather. Mike received his undergraduate degree in History in 2007 and his graduate degree in Higher Education Administration in 2009, both from Suffolk University. He then went on to work at Northeastern University for four years as a Residence Director and is now excited to be a part of the Emmanuel Community. Mike loves Boston sports, The Office and Storage Wars and is a self professed trivia expert. His personal goal for this year is to complete a Tough Mudder.
Sarah Brethauer
Assistant Director/Residence Director - Loretto Hall
Sarah is a true Black and Gold fan, born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. She earned her BA in Sociology/Anthropology from Elizabethtown College and her MEd. in Post-Secondary Education from Salisbury University. In her free time Sarah enjoys exploring the great city of Boston, trying new cuisine, and watching the latest movies. Sarah is happy to be a part of the Emmanuel College family. When you are near Loretto make sure to wave and say hi.
Alissa Lynch
Assistant Director/Residence Director- Julie Hall
Alissa is from a small town in Connecticut. She did her undergraduate work at Saint Anselm College, earning her BA in Political Science. She then worked at Saint Francis University in the Residence Life Department and also received her Master's in Educational Leadership there. Alissa is very happy to be back in New England. She enjoys shopping, cooking, reading, and being with family and friends in her free time. Feel free to stop in her office in Julie Hall to say hi!
Corey Allen
Professional on Call/ Assistant Residence Director - St. Joseph Hall
Corey was born in Philadelphia, PA but raised in Atlanta, GA. He graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from Suffolk University in downtown Boston. Currently, Corey is working towards his Master's of Science in Counseling and College Student Development at Northeastern University. In his free time, Corey loves to hanging out with friends, running, and reading a good book. Corey looks forward to joining the Residence Life and Housing Staff as well as meeting the Emmanuel College community. If you ever see him on campus, be sure to say "Hi!"
Cindy Miller
Professional-On-Call/Assistant Residence Director - St. Joseph Hall
Cindy hails from Warwick, RI and embraces all of the typical Rhode Islander cliches. She has graduated from Suffolk University with a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and is furthering her education there still, as she is pursuing a Masters of Education in Administration of Higher Education. While she is not working on Emmanuel Campus or at Suffolk, she is filling in at events for a local radio station. After all that has been done, she loves watching 90's movies, running, and catching up with friends. You will most likely find her in the Jean Yawkey Student Center, Room 103 and in St. Josephs hall so don't hesitate to stop and say hey.
Shayna Smallwood
Professional-On-Call/Diversity & Judicial Affairs- St. Joseph Hall
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!
