Get to Know Us
At Emmanuel, each student and family has a dedicated financial services counselor to help with the process of paying for an Emmanuel education. Should you have questions regarding the costs to attend Emmanuel, the process to apply for financial aid, or the options to pay the tuition bill, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Ashley Dillon
Assistant Director of Student Financial Services
dillona [at] emmanuel.edu (dillona[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)
Counselor for students with a last name starting with A - D
What makes Emmanuel different from other colleges?
In many ways, Emmanuel has the best of both worlds. It has a small college, close-knit campus community feel, while still having easy access to everything Boston has to offer. I'm originally from the Midwest & came out east for college, so I understand how overwhelming it can be to move to a completely new part of the country at one of life's great inflection points — Emmanuel's campus & community allow students to explore Boston while taking comfort in knowing they will always have a familiar place to come back to.
What is one Boston activity you recommend for students?
Go to museums! In my experience, going to museums or other tourist attractions is both fun and a great way to familiarize yourself with a new city. Even if you're already familiar with Boston, I find that museums or other similar types of attractions allow you to shut out the world for a while, putting your day-to-day stressors on hold — as students are adjusting to life in Boston & in college, in my opinion taking some time to reset can be just as important as schoolwork or extracurricular activities. In particular, I love the New England Aquarium located in the Seaport neighborhood, the Museum of Fine Arts & Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum (both located within a 5-15 minute walk from Emmanuel), and the Museum of Science in Cambridge.
What tips do you have for students when it comes to financial aid and/or payment options?
Knowledge is power — the more you know about financial aid & Emmanuel's payment options, the more informed decisions you'll be able to make. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the resources we offer, including meeting with someone from our office to talk through things. The OSFS is here to help you navigate these aspects of your college career, but we can't help if we don't know what you need. The other piece of advice I would give would be to be proactive! I would strongly recommend submitting outside scholarship or grant applications right around the same time you're submitting your application to the college and continuing to do so throughout the year leading up to your first year of college.
What do you like most about working in the OSFS?
I love solving problems & teaching people about financial aid, which can be confusing and overwhelming! Being able to break something complicated down into more digestible pieces is very rewarding to me, especially when doing so has a positive impact on a student and/or their supporters.
Dominique Farinha
Senior Associate Director of Student Financial Services
farinhad [at] emmanuel.edu (farinhad[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)
Counselor for students with a last name starting with E - Gq
What makes Emmanuel different from other colleges?
What makes Emmanuel special is how welcoming and personal the community feels. I experienced that support as both an undergraduate and a graduate student. Faculty and staff take the time to get to know students, and the small campus makes it easy to build meaningful connections. Being in Boston also gives students access to internships, service opportunities, and experiences throughout the city.
What is one Boston activity you recommend for students?
I recommend taking a walk along the Charles River Esplanade. It’s a beautiful place to catch up with friends, get some exercise, or take a break from classes. The views are especially lovely in the fall.
What tips do you have for students when it comes to financial aid and/or payment options?
Be proactive, and never hesitate to ask questions. Check your Emmanuel email, financial aid requirements, and student account regularly so you know what needs your attention. I remember how much there was to keep track of as a student, so I encourage you to explore payment options before a bill is due. Every situation is different, and the OSFS team is here to help you understand your options and make a manageable plan.
What do you like most about working in the OSFS?
I enjoy helping students and families navigate financial matters that can sometimes feel complicated or overwhelming. Emmanuel has been an important part of my own education, so it’s especially meaningful to support students here now. I value the opportunity to answer questions, offer clear information, and find practical solutions that help students focus on their education and future goals.
Will Meyers
Senior Associate Director of Student Financial Services
meyersw [at] emmanuel.edu (meyersw[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)
Counselor for students with a last name starting with Gr - J
What makes Emmanuel different from other colleges?
One of the coolest things that makes Emmanuel stand out is the small community feel, while being located in the heart of Boston. It gives you an opportunity to have a close-knit community and home-like campus feel, but with the city at your fingertips!
What is one Boston activity you recommend for students?
The food is a must! Boston has some of the best restaurants and food around – I always recommend trying new things at as many different spots around the city.
What tips do you have for students when it comes to financial aid and/or payment options?
Stay connected! We are here to help though this process – no question is too big, or too small. Whether you just want to check in or need help navigating payment options and resources, we are here every step of the way.
What do you like most about working in the OSFS?
I look forward to building relationships with students and families as we navigate the financial aid and payment process together. I enjoy helping families gain a clearer understanding of the different resources available and finding the one that is right for their specific family.
Michael Cattaruzza
Assistant Director of Student Financial Services
cattaruzzam [at] emmanuel.edu (cattaruzzam[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)
Counselor for students with a last name starting with K - Pi
What makes Emmanuel different from other colleges?
The size and location of Emmanuel are two of the major things that make the school different. Emmanuel is located in the Fenway neighborhood and so close to some of the best hospitals and reputable companies to gain experience at. There is always something available for students to do, whether it's taking the short walk over to Fenway Park or grabbing a bite to eat downtown. Above all is the strong sense of community that is present here—everyone is so friendly and willing to help each other.
What is one Boston activity you recommend for students?
The City of Boston has so many opportunities. I highly recommend students take the time to go outside their comfort zone to experience something new here that they might not have done elsewhere. If I were to pick one specific activity though, it would be to try the many different food options around the city!
What tips do you have for students when it comes to financial aid and/or payment options?
My biggest piece of advice is to keep your eyes open for different scholarship opportunities available to you. Some examples to consider are through your hometown, school, or even a previous employer. There is no one size fits all method to funding your education, and we are here to help every step of the way.
What do you like most about working in the OSFS?
Our office wants to make the Emmanuel experience affordable for anyone who wants to attend. We have a team that truly cares about each student and wants to make the financial aid process as stress-free as possible. I enjoy being able to build a relationship with students and their families and see their progression during their time here.
Matthew Ciccio
Senior Assistant Director of Student Financial Services
cicciom2 [at] emmanuel.edu (cicciom2[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)
Counselor for students with a last name starting with Pj - Z
What makes Emmanuel different from other colleges?
The most obvious answer to this question is the size and location of Emmanuel, which has a 17-acre campus situated right between the Longwood Medical District and the Fenway neighborhood. Many Emmanuel students, whether they are in the Health & Sciences School or another program, take advantage of the incredible learning and development opportunities the research labs and world-renowned hospitals in the Longwood Medical District provide. The Fenway neighborhood provides students with awesome places to eat, night-life entertainment, and of course, Fenway Park – America’s most beloved ballpark! However, the community at Emmanuel is what truly differentiates us from other colleges. From the moment you step on campus you are part of the Emmanuel family. You won’t walk across campus a single time without someone saying “hello” or offering a helping hand if you need it.
What is one Boston activity you recommend for students?
My favorite aspect of Boston, in general, is how walkable the city is. I recommend that all students, whether visiting as a prospective student or during their freshman year, really take the time to explore what Boston has to offer. Some of my favorite activities include popping in and out of the shops on Newbury St or in Faneuil Hall, playing frisbee in the Boston Common, visiting the aquarium, going for a bike ride along the Charles, and eating dinner in the North End before catching a game at the TD Garden!
What tips do you have for students when it comes to financial aid and/or payment options?
Overall, the best piece of advice I can give to students is for them to understand that college is an investment in themselves. It is important for them to stay informed and involved with the financial aid process and loop in any parent or guardian who might be helping pay for their degree. Students should always take advantage of all scholarships or grants they can possibly apply for. There are more available through your school, community, religious institution, or local non-profit organization than you might be aware of. No question is too small, and no problem is too big, we are always here to help!
What do you like most about working in the OSFS?
Our goal is to make the Emmanuel experience affordable for everyone who wants to be a part of our community. Although the financial aid process can sometimes be stressful or confusing, our job in Student Financial Services is to simplify the process and find solutions for the student and their families. My favorite part of working in Student Financial Services is that I can make a positive impact on a student’s life every single day.