Meet the Team!

2022 First Year PSIP Leadership

First Year Director

Lauren Bernic '23 she/her

PSIP Student Director

Hometown: Manhasset, NY
Major(s): Pharmaceutical & Health Care Marketing

Hi PSIP Nation! My name is Lauren & I am a rising senior from Long Island, NY studying Pharmaceutical & Health Care Marketing major with a minor in Health Care Ethics! I am super excited to be directing for PSIP 2022 to welcome the class of 2026 to SJU! On campus, I am a member of the Club Running Team, Alpha Phi Omega, and a CLC & APEX leader! PSIP is an amazing way to begin your college journey through fellowship with others while serving in Philadelphia (your new home!!) and creating a strong sense of community! Welcome to Hawk Hill- peace love PSIP!

First Year Coordinators

Emily Ash '23 she/her

PSIP Student Coordinator

Hometown: Fort Lee, NJ
Majors: Early Childhood/ Elementary Education

Read Emily's Message

Hi Hawks! My name is Emily Ash and I'm a junior Early Childhood and Elementary Education major with a minor in Faith-Justice Studies from Fort Lee, NJ! I'm so excited to be one of the First-Year PSIP Coordinators this year! PSIP was such an incredible way to be introduced to Saint Joes when I was a first-year and it has continued to be such an incredible part of my SJU experience! Besides PSIP, I am Search Retreat Director, Hawk Host, Secretary of Member Relations of Alpha Sigma Nu, a member of Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, and I also sing in our Chapel Choir! You will always catch me singing a song and laughing a lot! I am so excited to meet all of you and share the amazingness and love-filled community that is PSIP! #THWND

Jackie Moyer '23 she/her

PSIP Student Coordinator

Hometown: Hatfield, PA
Major(s): English & Secondary Education

Read Jackie's Message

First Year Leaders

Nino Aquino '23 he/him

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Washington Township, NJ
Major(s): Accounting/Business Intelligence & Analytics

Read Nino's Message

Hey there and welcome to Hawk Hill! My name is Nino Aquino, and I'm a rising senior as a Accounting & BI double major with a LEO minor from Washington Township, New Jersey! Things I'm involved in include: Brother of Delta Sigma Pi (VP of DEI), Hawk Host (Tour Guide), Chapel Choir & Band (Tenor/Bass singing, Alto Sax playing), Baseball Manager (Go Hawks), Hip Hop Hawks (Yes I love to dance), STAR Scholars (Accounting Tester), and others to name a few. I love PSIP because it gives you a chance to explore the city of Philadelphia and what makes the city itself unique and diverse! You'll get a chance to meet your fellow hawks in your grade and embark on a new adventure! I'm excited to meet you all and share what Philly has to offer!

Andrew Bruce '24 he/him

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Acton, MA
Major(s): Business Intelligence & Analytics

Read Andrew's Message

Kaleigh Cadogan '24 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Boston, MA
Major(s): Marketing

Read Kaleigh's Message

Hi! Can't wait to meet everyone!! My name is Kaleigh and I am a marketing major from Boston, MA. I am currently on the SJU Student Senate, a brother of Delta Sigma Pi, and a Community Partnership Coordinator for the Weekly Service Program. Also, I am a part of the Dean's Leadership Program and a member of the Haub School Advisory Board. I was a PSIP 2.0 participant, so I am super excited to be a part of this amazing program again!! Serving in Philadelphia is filled with so much fun, knowledge, and memories and I am looking forward to sharing this experience with everyone. Class of 2026 be hyped and ready because SJU is ready for you!

Matt Clifford '23 he/him

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Annapolis, MD
Major(s): Psychology

Read Matt's Message

What is up Class of 2026!!! My name is Matthew Clifford and I am a rising senior psychology major from Annapolis, MD. On campus I am a brother of the Phi Sigma Pi national honor fraternity, I am also the Christian Life Community (CLC) Peer minister, an APEX leader, and have participated in and led retreats here at SJU. I am a big fan of Survivor and I enjoy a a good game of spikeball or corn hole. I absolutely love PSIP because it gave me the opportunity to meet new people, learn more about the city of Philadelphia and SJU, and also grow as an individual. PSIP is a great way to start off your time here at SJU and I can't wait to welcome you all to Hawk Hill in August!!!

D41B8F94-3097-4B34-A1FE-8971A2257824 - Sofia Connor

Sofia Connor '23 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Canton, MA
Major(s): LEO, BIA & Philosophy

Read Sofia's Message

Hello Everyone:) Welcome to a pretty cool school and dope city! My name is Sofia and am a senior who loves to explore, chat about life, and get groovy. Im that outdoors are my home, books are my love language, and cooking is my happy place. Here on campus I’m a member of Net Impact, the ultimate frisbee team, community garden, and the SDG Dashboard! If you’re looking for the best service of your life stop by Landmark and I might get to serve you! PSIP is really cool and I have no other words because estoy need to experience it to love it! Amazing people and great way to explore the city and do some self reflection before the next chapter of you life begins! I’m beyond excited to meet you all:)

Abby Counihan '25 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Wilmington, DE
Major(s): Food Marketing

Read Abby's Message

I'm a rising sophomore Food Marketing major from Delaware with minors in Communications and LEO (Business Ethics). I did PSIP last year and it introduced me to so many people that I'm still friends with today. I'm a theater kid at heart, and I also love cooking, volunteering, and singing! I was a part of 15 clubs last year across business, theater, service, and diversity clubs. I look forward to helping the newest class find their place on this campus like I did!

Dennis Dougherty '25 he/him

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Drexel Hill, PA
Major(s): Undecided Business

Read Dennis's Message

Keegan Gallagher '23 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Lafayette Hill, PA
Major(s): Accounting and Finance

Read Keegan's Message

Alyssa Graham '24 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Major(s): Biology

Read Alyssa's Message

Hey everyone! My name is Alyssa Graham and I am a rising junior majoring in Biology. I’m from Philadelphia, so I am very excited to further explore the city and community with all of you. This past year, I participated in PSIP 2.0, and absolutely loved it! PSIP gave me the opportunity to find a community on campus and learn more about Campus Ministry and all of the great things it has to offer. It also allowed me to take a deeper dive into the Philadelphia community that I have lived in my whole life, but never really fully immersed in. Following PSIP, I learned about and got involved with Weekly Service and APEX, which are two other service opportunities offered at SJU. I am also a Chemistry lab TA and a member of Project Sunshine. I can’t wait to meet you all and look forward to August!

Sarah Halupa '24 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Frackville, PA
Major(s): Biology

Read Sarah's Message

Hi everyone!! My name is Sarah Halupa and I am super excited for PSIP 2022! On campus, I am involved with Chapel Choir, APEX, the Kinney Center, University Singers, and Phi Sigma Pi. I love PSIP because I am able to perform service in my newly found community in Philadelphia and have fun while doing so. Service is such an important part to the human experience and I am so stoked to do it with new Hawks! Can't wait to meet you all <3

Shannon Harrington '25 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Port Jefferson Station, NY
Major(s): Marketing and Business Intelligence & Analytics

Read Shannon's Message

Hey class of 2026!!! My name is Shannon and I'm a rising sophomore majoring in Marketing and BIA. I am a brother of Delta Sigma Pi, a member of the Honors Program, and involved in CLC and Weekly Service. I love all things food and music, venturing into the city, and hanging out with friends around campus. I'm a huge fan of PSIP and super excited to be a part of the leadership team for the first time! I participated in this program last year, leaving with some of my best friends and a new love of the Philadelphia community. I hope you all love PSIP as much as I do! I can't wait to meet you and welcome you all to your new home!

Erin Lamanna '23 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: New Providence, NJ
Major(s): Psychology

Read Erin's Message

Hi everyone! I’m Erin and I can’t wait to meet you all! On campus I am involved as a leader in Agape Christian Fellowship, Christian Life Communities (CLC), the Psychology Club, and PSIP! I am also a brother of Phi Sigma Pi, participated in APEX, and conduct research with one of my professors. This will be my third year participating in PSIP (my second year as a leader) and I love this program! It is a great way to get to know Philadelphia and the needs of our community. I have met so many wonderful people at SJU and in Philadelphia through this program, and I can’t wait to keep learning, growing, and meeting new people this summer 🙂

Elle Leavitt '23 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Franklin, MA
Major(s): IHS

Read Elle's Message

Welcome class of 2026!! My name is Elle Leavitt and I’m a senior IHS major with minors in healthcare ethics and faith justice! I’m from Franklin, MA. On campus, I’m involved in the Kinney Center, am a biology teaching assistant, and lead a Christian Life Community. In the past, I’ve been involved in APEX, service-learning, FYLT, SOAR, the Winter Immersion Program, and have led freshman retreats. PSIP made a huge impact on me my freshman year and I would not have had the courage to get so involved without it. My experience on PSIP sparked my passion for service, pushed me to get out of my comfort zone, and helped me make Hawk Hill my home. I’m super excited to experience PSIP again as a leader and can’t wait to meet everyone!

Paige Martin '25 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Scranton, PA
Major(s): Political Science

Read Paige's Message

Hi! My name is Paige Martin, and I am a rising sophomore. I’m a Political Science major with Faith-Justice and Justice and Ethics in the Law minors. On campus, I am involved in Campus Ministry, and I will be a Winter Immersion Program Peer Minister this coming year. I also am a brother of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, as well as the music director for the all-gender a cappella group on campus, Hawkappella! PSIP was the stepping stone to every place I have found home on campus, including giving me my best friends. I can’t wait to meet you all!

Val McLaughlin '25 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Harleysville, PA
Major(s): Psychology & Art Education

Read Val's Message

Hi hawks! I’m Valerie and I am a sophomore Psych Major with a minor in Art Therapy. I love being a part of campus ministry in any way I can- right now that’s Wednesday Worship, CLC and Chapel Choir where I occasionally cantor! I also am a big art girl and love to paint, sew, knit, -you name it- so I love participating in Art Club too! This year I’m hoping to try some new activities like the Garden Club, Weekly Service, APEX, and WIP. I am super pumped about PSIP because it is the perfect place to put those pre-school year jitters into a productive and enriching experience. Not only do we get to establish some roots on campus before the busy semester, but PSIP is also a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and explore various cultures and social justice issues hands-on. I can’t wait for PSIP 2022!

Ethan Niesz '25 he/him

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Annapolis, MD
Major(s): Business Administration

Read Ethan's Message

My name is Ethan Niesz, I’m from Annapolis, MD, and I'm a Business Administration major with a minor in Supply Chain Management. I’m super excited to be on the first-year PSIP team this coming year. Other than PSIP, I am involved in some intramural sports around campus. I did PSIP last year, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made at St. Joe’s. PSIP allowed me to meet so many close friends and create relationships that last a lifetime. The service aspect of PSIP allowed me to serve those in my community and explore a city that was new to me. PSIP is the best way to start your journey at SJU. I can’t wait to see the Class of 2026 in August!

Ash Pharis '24 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Marlton, NJ
Major(s): Interdisciplinary Health Studies Major

Read Ash's Message

Hey guys! My name is Ashleigh Pharis and I am a junior IHS major and Business minor. I'm from Marlton, NJ and I cannot wait to meet you all!! On campus, I am involved in Club soccer, CLC, APEX, and Weekly Service. I love spending time with friends, going outside, running, playing soccer with my friends, and going to the beach. Service is one of my passions, and I am so excited to be able to serve in the community of Philadelphia with you all! We are going to have so much fun. I am so excited to welcome you all to Hawk Hill, welcome class of 2026!

Lizzy Pharis '23 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Marlton, NJ
Major(s): Psychology

Read Lizzy's Message

Hi Class of 2026! Welcome to Hawk Hill!! My name is Lizzy and I’m a rising senior here at SJU, studying Psychology and Business. On campus, I’m involved in Christian Life Communities (CLC), APEX, campus ministry retreats, Big Brothers Big Sisters, weekly service, and now PSIP! Some of my favorite things about SJU are the community here, the beautiful campus, and all the people I’ve met and gotten to know. I’m so excited for all of you to come to Saint Joe’s and I can’t wait to get to know you!

Grace Reed '23 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: York, PA
Major(s): Accounting & International Business

Read Grace's Message

Hi Class of 2026!! Right now, as a rising senior on campus, I am involved in the Service-Learning Program as a Placement Liaison, Accounting Society, International Business Society, Beta Gamma Sigma, Summer Scholars Program, and the Sutula Scholars! PSIP forever has a piece of my heart and I can't wait for you guys to feel it too. A lot of the connections and involvements I've made on campus sprung from the love of service I found in PSIP. I'm so excited to meet all of you during your own, amazing PSIP experience! Even now, I couldn't be happier that I chose to join the SJU community freshman year through PSIP. The program gave me some of my best friends and is what really made me feel like Hawk Hill was home! It was the spark that ignited my passion for service and made me want to give you all have the same, great experience. I'm so so excited to lead for you all in PSIP 2022 and make it a special experience for you and your classmates!

Liv Reilly '23 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Northborough, MA
Major(s): Communications

Read Liv's Message

Hi everyone! Welcome to Saint Joe’s! My name is Olivia Reilly and I am a rising senior from Northborough, MA. I am majoring in communications and I have two minors in sociology and healthcare ethics! On campus I am involved in APEX, PSIP, Peer Wellness, and a social sorority! I love to go on walks and I LOVE my dog Cam (he’s a sassy elderly dachshund)! I can’t wait to meet each of you and welcome you to the world of service and to St. Joe’s!

Joe Runzer '23 he/him

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: West Chester, PA
Major(s): Accounting

Read Joe's Message

I am a senior accounting major with a minor in business intelligence and I can't wait to meet you guys for PSIP this year! PSIP was an amazing introduction to Saint Joe's and campus ministry for me as a freshman and I hope you all get the same experience this year! On campus I am a brother of the Delta Sigma Pi professional fraternity, on club Gaelic football, and I am a leader for the Appalachian Experience. Outside of campus, I am a massive Philly sports fan and I love to play golf! I'm so excited to get started with all of you this summer and get you started at SJU the right way!

Grace Sammon '23 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Blue Bell, PA
Major(s): Elementary Education and Special Education Dual Major

Read Grace's Message

Hey everyone! My name is Grace Sammon and I am a rising senior from Blue Bell, PA studying elementary and special education! I have been involved in lots throughout the year including Phi Sigma Pi, WIP, Hawk Hosts, Weekly Service and all kinds of intramural sports (kickball, basketball and softball to name a few)! A fun fact about me is that I will be studying abroad in Italy for the summer of 2022! I am so excited to meet you all during PSIP and kick off our year!

Alana Simrell '23 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Scranton, PA
Major(s): Computer Science and Mathematics

Read Alana's Message

Hi!! My name is Alana Simrell and I am a rising senior from Scranton, PA. I am double majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics with minors in Behavioral Neuroscience and Data Science. On campus, I am involved in several programs through Campus Ministry such as Chapel Choir, APEX, and retreats. I am also a peer minister for the Winter Immersion Program for this upcoming year. In addition to this, I am a member of the McNulty Scholars Program and serve as the co-chair of the McNulty Student Leadership Committee. I am so excited to be a part of PSIP this year! PSIP gives students the opportunity to explore Philadelphia and understand the needs of their new home, while also forming an amazing community both on and off campus. I can’t wait to meet you all and welcome you to Hawk Hill!

Jenny Simrell '25 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Scranton, PA
Major(s): Interdisciplinary Health Studies

Read Jenney's Message

Hi everyone! My name is Jenny Simrell and I am from Scranton, PA. I am I rising sophomore majoring in IHS! On Campus, I am apart of the City Belles a cappella group and APEX! I’m a big goofball and my favorite thing to do is just have fun, so I am super excited to do exactly that this summer when leading PSIP! PSIP is a great way for first-year students to meet new people before the school year officially starts, so I cannot wait to see many friendships form and to be apart of this awesome experience! I am beyond excited to meet all the first-year students and show them what SJU is all about, while having fun and making amazing memories together! Yay PSIP!

Katie Swanson '25 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Lynbrook, NY
Major(s): Biology

Read Katie's Message

Hey everyone, my name is Katie Swanson! I am a rising sophomore Biology major from Long Island, New York. At SJU, I am involved in the Honors Program and have done service through Weekly Service and Service-Learning. I am a brother of the Phi Sigma Pi honor fraternity and am a member of the Women's Club Basketball team! I cannot wait to be a 2022 PSIP Leader because of the major impact PSIP had on my life when I was a participant last year. I made my best friends through my own PSIP experience and was able to begin my time at SJU with a willingness to meet new people and help others. Peace, love, PSIP!! 🙂

John Terrivel (J.T.) '24 he/him

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Hainesport, NJ
Major(s): Psychology

Read J.T.'s Message

Hello class of 2024! My name is John Terrivel and I am a rising junior Psychology major from Hainesport, NJ. On campus, I am currently involved as a CLC and Apex Leader. I have also participated in various campus ministry activities such as Ignite, spark, and engage. Although I didn’t attend PSIP in previous years, I am looking forward to partaking in service and exploring the greater Philadelphia area with my PSIP group. I love campus life and meeting new people, and I am super excited to welcome the class of 2026 through such an impactful program like PSIP. I am so grateful to be a PSIP leader this upcoming summer because service is such an important part of my life here at SJU, and I can not wait to share this experience with each one of you. I can promise you that we are going to have a lot of fun together while also learning about Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. I can’t wait to meet all of you, but until then always remember… Peace, Love, PSIP!!!

Meg Thompson '24 she/her

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Downingtown, PA
Major(s): Psychology

Read Meg's Message

Hi class of 2026! My name is Meg Thompson and I'm a rising junior with a psychology major and minors in music and Autism Studies. On campus, I'm involved in Alpha Phi Omega, chapel band, CLC, retreats, APEX, and a SCHOLAR at the Kinney Center. I'm so excited to be a part of the PSIP team and meet all of you! One of my favorite parts about SJU is the overall feeling of community so I'm so glad that I get to introduce and share that with all of you through serving with and for others. Overall, I can't wait to get to know all of you and welcome you to campus!

Kevin Villec '23 he/him

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Wilmington
Major(s): History

Read Kevin's Message

What's up Class of 2026! My name is Kevin Villec and I am a rising senior here at SJU. I am a History major with an Educational Studies Minor. I'm from Wilmington, Delaware and work as a lifeguard during the summer. On campus, I am a leader for APEX as well the student section 54th and Airborne! I also am a member of the club volleyball team as well. PSIP is such a great program that helped me settle in at Saint Joseph's. It allowed me to learn more about the city through immersion and service while meeting some of my best friends along the way! The community that is fostered through PSIP is why I love this program so much, and I can't wait to continue that community with you all!

John Henry Walters '25 he/him

PSIP Student Leader

Hometown: Albany, NY
Major(s): History and Political Science

Read John Henry's Message

Welcome class of 2026!! My name is John Henry Walters, and I am a current first year student double majoring in History and Political Science. On campus I am involved in First year leadership team and APEX. One of the things that I loved about PSIP is that it gives you a group of friends and familiar faces around campus before classes even start. I am so excited to meet everyone and see you all around hawk hill!

Philadelphia Service Immersion Program

2022 First Year PSIP Leadership Team

Meet the Team!

2022 First Year PSIP Leadership

First Year Director

Lauren Bernic '23 she/her

First Year Coordinators

Emily Ash '23 she/her

Jackie Moyer '23 she/her

First Year Leaders

Nino Aquino '23 he/him

Andrew Bruce '24 he/him

Kaleigh Cadogan '24 she/her

Matt Clifford '23 he/him

Sofia Connor '23 she/her

Abby Counihan '25 she/her

Dennis Dougherty '25 he/him

Keegan Gallagher '23 she/her

Alyssa Graham '24 she/her

Sarah Halupa '24 she/her

Shannon Harrington '25 she/her

Erin Lamanna '23 she/her

Elle Leavitt '23 she/her

Paige Martin '25 she/her

Val McLaughlin '25 she/her

Ethan Niesz '25 he/him

Ash Pharis '24 she/her

Lizzy Pharis '23 she/her

Grace Reed '23 she/her

Liv Reilly '23 she/her

Joe Runzer '23 he/him

Grace Sammon '23 she/her

Alana Simrell '23 she/her

Jenny Simrell '25 she/her

Katie Swanson '25 she/her

John Terrivel (J.T.) '24 he/him

Meg Thompson '24 she/her

Kevin Villec '23 he/him

John Henry Walters '25 he/him