Full Circle: Emmanuel’s Academic Resource Center Turns Students into Mentors and Leaders

Noelle Deady: Director of Student Accessibility and Accommodations and 504 Coordinator

For Noelle Deady ’17, ’18G, returning to Emmanuel wasn’t just a career move—it was a homecoming. Now serving as the Director and 504 Coordinator of Student Accessibility and Accommodations within the ARC, Noelle draws on her own experience as both an undergraduate and 4+1 master’s student to support today’s students.

“The Emmanuel community played a big role in my decision to return,” she said. “As a student, I experienced firsthand the support and collaboration—meeting with professors, attending campus events, and working with peer tutors—inherent in the College's community. That sense of belonging and guidance stuck with me, and I want current students to know those same resources are here for them.”

Noelle has also witnessed the ARC’s growth, as it continues to evolve to meet the diverse needs of Emmanuel’s student body. “It’s long been one of the largest student employers on campus and remains a central hub for academic support,” she explained. “But the ARC’s mission goes beyond academics—it’s about helping students build the confidence and skills to advocate for themselves.”

From receiving support as a student to now providing it, Noelle’s journey embodies Emmanuel’s culture of care—showing that the community that once uplifted her now inspires her work every day.

Abby Shaw: ARC Peer Tutor Coordinator

When Abby Shaw ’15 first stepped into the ARC as an undergraduate, she didn’t realize it would become the foundation of her academic and professional life. Majoring in Secondary Education, Abby joined the ARC as a Spanish tutor at the suggestion of a professor.

“Since I was planning to become a teacher, I thought it would be great experience,” she recalled.

What started as a way to sharpen her teaching skills soon evolved into something more. Abby expanded her role, becoming a writing tutor and supporting students across disciplines. “I held drop-in hours in the evenings, and it was fascinating to learn about what students in other majors were studying,” she said. 

The skills Abby honed at the ARC carried her forward after graduation. She earned her master’s degree in Student Affairs from Bridgewater State University and spent six years teaching high school English. Time and again, she found herself drawing on the lessons learned as a peer tutor.

“Tutoring prepared me for teaching better than any other campus job could have,” Abby said. “I gained experience running study groups and providing one-on-one feedback on writing assignments. By the time I started teaching high school, I was comfortable speaking in front of a class and giving constructive feedback—especially with writing, which can be such a vulnerable process for students. I learned how to deliver feedback in a way that felt supportive rather than critical, and that was a skill I carried into my teaching career.”

Her journey came full circle when she returned to Emmanuel as the Peer Tutor Coordinator. Now, she oversees the very program that once shaped her. “Not only was I a tutor, but I was a tutor right here in this same space,” she said. “When our current tutors come to me with questions or moments of self-doubt, I can draw from my own experiences to support them.”

Abby understands the vital role the ARC plays in student life. “From what I’ve seen, the ARC is often the first place a struggling student will go—especially first-year students,” she said. “It can be intimidating to attend a professor’s office hours, but meeting with a peer tutor feels more approachable.”

That sense of approachability is strengthened by collaboration. The ARC works closely with other campus offices, like Academic Advising, reinforcing Emmanuel’s community-centered approach to academic support. “Advisors often refer students to the ARC, and we work together to ensure students feel supported from every angle,” Abby explained. “It’s about creating a network of support.”

Abby stressed that the ARC isn’t just for students who are struggling—it’s a resource for everyone. “We see a lot of strong students using the ARC, tutoring each other in different subjects,” she said. “Seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.”

For current tutors considering careers in higher education, Abby offers simple but impactful advice: “Take full advantage of all the opportunities Emmanuel offers. Connect with offices on campus and talk to staff about their roles,” she recommended. “Exploring these areas can help you decide not only if you want to pursue a career in higher ed, but also what specific path you might want to follow.”

Dominique Farinha: Associate Director of Student Financial Services

For Dominique Farinha '17, the Academic Resource Center was more than a workplace—it was the foundation for a career rooted in student support. Majoring in Elementary Education, Dominique balanced multiple roles during her time at Emmanuel. She tutored in the ARC and worked the front desk as a student aide, served as a note-taker, and tutored students at Mission Grammar School.

“I was involved in tutoring both on campus and in the community,” Dominique said. “It taught me how to guide and counsel others—skills I use every day in my career.”

Now the Associate Director of Student Financial Services at Emmanuel, Dominique continues to be a resource for students navigating complex challenges. But long before stepping into this role, she was also a student seeking support at the ARC.

“I actually used the ARC myself,” she recalled. “Even for classes where I felt confident, I liked having those concepts reinforced, so I’d go to study sessions and meet with tutors.”

This firsthand experience shapes how Dominique approaches her work today. “I let students know that I’ve been in their shoes,” she said. “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and I’m here to help them figure out the next steps. Whether they’re stressed about paying their bill or struggling with coursework, it’s a high-stress situation. I think it helps when students know the person they’re talking to genuinely understands what they’re going through—it makes them feel heard.”

Dominique’s connection to the ARC runs even deeper—it’s where she met her husband, a fellow peer tutor. “We were sort of known as the ‘ARC couple,’” she laughed. “He was a lead peer tutor, so technically, he was my supervisor!”

Dominique’s tutoring experience taught her adaptability and collaboration. While helping students in beginning Spanish, she initially worked with those taught by familiar professors, making it easy to anticipate their needs. But when a professor with a different teaching style arrived, students struggled with the shift. “I met with the professor regularly to understand their expectations,” Dominique said. “That way, I could tailor my tutoring sessions to better support their students.”

It was a moment that reinforced what Dominique believes to be the core of the ARC’s mission: empowering students to take control of their academic journeys. “The ARC gives students the tools and support they need to grow and excel,” she said. “If a student is struggling with a concept or wants to improve their performance in a class, it’s not about just suffering through the rest of the semester after a low test score. The ARC can change the trajectory of a student’s experience.”

After teaching preschool for four years, Dominique returned to Emmanuel in 2021, drawn back by a deep sense of belonging. “This is where my heart is,” she said. “I’ve been working in Student Financial Services for almost four years now, counseling students—which is what I love.”

Her decision to transition from teaching to higher education was shaped by the challenges of the pandemic and a desire for greater work-life balance. “It was a tough time for teachers,” Dominique admitted. “But returning to Emmanuel felt like coming home.”

Today, while her work focuses on financial aid operations and student accounts, Dominique’s commitment to supporting students remains unchanged. “At the end of the day, I’m still helping students,” she said. “It’s just in a different capacity.”

Looking back, Dominique credits her time at the ARC with sharpening the skills she uses every day—communication, empathy, and problem-solving. “The ARC taught me how to listen, how to guide others, and how to offer support,” she said. “Those skills carry over into everything I do today.”

Emma Leisentritt: Assessment and Special Projects Librarian

Emma Leisentritt’s path from peer tutor to Assessment and Special Projects Librarian at Emmanuel highlights how the Academic Resource Center (ARC) shapes careers in unexpected ways. A 2017 graduate, Emma earned a master’s degree in English at the University of Alabama before earning her Library Science degree at Simmons University.

Looking back, she sees a direct connection between her time at the ARC and the work she does now. “The one-on-one support I provide today is very similar to my tutoring experience,” Emma said. “Back then, I helped students work through material and develop their writing skills—skills I still use daily.”

In her current role, Emma assesses library services and resources, gathers student feedback, and performs research to support library initiatives—all while drawing on the same problem-solving abilities she honed as a tutor. “When I was a tutor, I often helped students brainstorm writing topics or understand proper writing conventions and mechanics on the spot,” she explained. “That quick thinking—being able to pivot and troubleshoot in the moment—has carried over into my work today.”

But Emma's experience with the ARC wasn’t limited to tutoring. She also turned to its resources to strengthen her own academic performance. “I firmly believe every student should take advantage of the ARC,” she said. “I used it not just as a tutor but as a student—attending study groups, booking writing appointments, and preparing my grad school applications. Some students might think they don’t need tutoring, but there’s always something the ARC can offer—whether it’s a workshop, a study session, or targeted academic support. It truly helps students excel academically and grow personally.”

Her advice to students who might feel hesitant about using the ARC? Don’t let fear hold you back. “I would tell them not to be nervous about approaching the tutors,” Emma said. “Everyone there is fantastic, and they’re never going to judge you for not knowing something—that’s not what they’re there for. They’re there to support and help you. Plus, they're your peers, so it can feel different from meeting with a professor. Sometimes, it’s easier to open up about your struggles to someone who's been in your shoes.”

Reflecting on her time as a writing tutor, Emma highlighted how the skills she developed extend far beyond the classroom. “You learn to communicate complex ideas clearly, break down information, and problem-solve on the spot—especially with writing, since you never know what kind of paper a student might bring in,” she said. “But you also build empathy and active listening skills. It’s important to hear a student’s challenges and reflect back what you’re hearing—acknowledging what they want to work on. Those abilities are crucial in higher education, where connecting with students matters.”

Emma also encourages current tutors to recognize the professional value of their ARC experience. “The skills you develop as a tutor are so valuable,” she said. “I always tell tutors to highlight this work when applying for jobs. Don’t be afraid to ‘humble brag’—show future employers how this experience has prepared you. Whether you go into education, business, or any other field, those communication and problem-solving skills will set you apart.”

From helping students refine their writing at the ARC to guiding them through complex research projects in the library, Emma’s experience reflects the lasting impact of peer tutoring—and the many ways Emmanuel students continue to support one another, long after graduation.

A Legacy of Mentorship and Growth

“At the end of every semester, I love reading the written reflections that tutors provide of their experiences,” said Wendy LaBron. “Tutors frequently note that their work in the ARC strengthens their understanding of the topics they tutor, builds interpersonal skills, deepens campus connections, and prepares them in very tangible ways for the professional world. Most of all, both tutors and student aides note the rewarding experience of helping their fellow students feel supported and heard. We have seen how the meaningful and relevant experience they gain in the ARC often provides a foothold for future connections and ambitions.”

The stories of Noelle, Abby, Dominique, and Emma highlight the lasting impact of Emmanuel College’s Academic Resource Center. Long after graduation, their work continues to reflect the heart of the Emmanuel experience: a community built on support, mentorship, and a shared commitment to helping one another thrive.

Beyond Emmanuel: Alumni Reflect on Their ARC Experience

Several current members of the Alumni Association Board and a member of the College’s Board of Trustees, once ARC tutors themselves, reflect on how those formative experiences shaped their personal and professional journeys.