Meet Our Graduate Assistants

Michael Bellifemini of Palisades Park, New Jersey, is a student in the M.S. in Professional Communication and Digital Media Arts program. Bellifemini completed his undergraduate studies at Seton Hall University, earning a B.A. in Journalism in 2024. Bellifemini’s interest in the program was driven by his ambition to earn a master’s degree while increasing his involvement with WSOU 89.5 FM and the Center for Sports Media. Looking ahead, he aspires to build a career in the sports media industry, concentrating on broadcasting, writing, and hosting radio shows and podcasts.

Steven Bifano of Newark, New Jersey, is a student in the M.S. in Professional Communication and Digital Media Arts program. Bifano completed his undergraduate studies at Bloomfield College, where he earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Writing and Media Studies, graduating as Salutatorian in 2021. This program uniquely combined expanded media and english writing. Bifano's interest in media production was sparked by his creative spirit and his passion for disseminating information to the masses. He believes that the best way to spread knowledge is through a creative medium. After graduation, Bifano aims to work in media production, pursue a Ph.D., and eventually become a professor.

Shane Brennan Black of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, is a student in the M.A. in Communication program with a Digital Media concentration. Black completed his undergraduate studies at Colorado State University, earning a B.A. in Journalism and Media Communication. From a young age, Black has been passionate about both sports and writing, and combining these interests has always felt like the perfect fit for him. Over the past decade, he has written for various outlets, covering sports such as baseball, basketball, football, and tennis. Black joined the M.A. Communication program to fine-tune his multimedia skills and enhance his professional portfolio. Upon graduation, Black aspires to work in sports media and communications. Whether it be covering a specific team or supporting an organization as an external communicator, Black’s goal is to merge his passion and skills to drive positive change in the ever-changing industry. Black’s current research concerns the Name, Image, and Likeness industry. 

Aliyah Brown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a student in the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program. Brown completed her undergraduate studies at Penn State University in, earning a B.S. in Psychology. She further continued her studies at Temple University, earning her M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology. Brown is passionate about connecting with people and bridging the gap between social justice, advocacy, and relational development. A career in the services allows her to achieve this by exploring individual stories and making a meaningful impact on many others. In the future, Brown aspires to become a psychologist and follow wherever her passions may lead her.

Chelsea Chen of Connecticut, is a student in the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program. Chen earned her B.S. in Physiology and Neurobiology from the University of Connecticut in 2020. Her interest in the Counseling Psychology program stems from a passion for research and a commitment to boosting marginalized voices in the field. While Chen's career aspirations are still evolving, she remains interested in exploring both research and clinical positions.

Justine DeGaetano of Staten Island, New York, is a student in the M.A./Ed.S. in School Psychology program. DeGaetano earned her B.A. in Psychology from Binghamton University in 2021. Her aspiration to become a school psychologist was sparked by her long-term passion for the field of mental health. DeGaetano has always enjoyed working with children and is deeply interested in the process of assessing and evaluating students. This led her to the field of School Psychology, which she believes perfectly aligns with her aspirations. After graduation, DeGaetano aims to offer support and relief to individuals and families affected by special needs, dedicated to making a meaningful difference in their lives.

Erin Demczyszyn of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, is a student in the M.A. in Museum Professions program. Demczyszyn graduated in 2022 from DeSales University, earning a B.A. in both Costume Design and History. Demczyszyn’s passion for historic costumes and her desire to preserve them led her to explore a career in the museum field. Her hands-on experience in collections management at the Moravian Historical Society, the Allentown Art Museum, and Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library solidified her decision to pursue this path. Looking ahead, Demczyszyn aspires to work in collections management at a museum with a historic costume collection. Outside of work and academics, Demczyszyn enjoys sewing, crocheting, and watching classic horror movies.

Nicole Elyukin of New York City, is a student in the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program. Elyukin graduated from SUNY New Paltz in 2021, earning her B.A. in Psychology. Growing up, Elyukin witnessed the impact of mental health stigma on her family and community, which sparked her interest in diverse cultural perspectives on mental health. She is passionate about providing therapy and building connections with clients, and she values the role of research in enhancing mental health care. This inspired her to pursue a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, enabling her to combine both interests. Elyukin focuses on Reproductive Health across the lifespan and aims to develop expertise in addressing mental health issues related to menstruation, pregnancy, and perimenopause. After graduation, she hopes to engage in therapy, conduct research, and teach in training hospitals and other settings.

Ariana Esposito of South Orange, New Jersey, is a student in the M.A./Ed.S Professional Counseling program. Esposito, a Seton Hall Alumna, earned her B.A. in Psychology and Public Relations in 2022. Esposito’s passion for counseling stems from her desire to support young adults through life transitions, helping them develop coping strategies and manage stress. She aims to bridge the gap for Gen-Z in therapy by creating tailored approaches that resonate with the next generation. After graduation, Esposito plans to pursue research in the field, attain a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology or a related area, and eventually open her own private practice.

Annakay Gordon of New Jersey is a student in the Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management and Policy program. Gordon earned her B.A. in Business Administration at Berkeley College in 2013. Gordon’s previous work experiences, which have been working in higher education in various roles, influenced her to pursue her Ph.D. in Higher Education. Post graduation, Gordon desires to be a dean or lecturer at a university and to ultimately pursue a leadership position in higher education. In her free time, Gordon enjoys listening to music, travel experiences, and spending time with her family.

Manisha Janjikhel of Bridgewater, New Jersey, is a student in the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology Program. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Panjab University in India and later completed her MBA at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. She then advanced her studies at Rutgers University, graduating with an M.A. in Applied Psychology in 2022. Janjikhel has a passion for mental health advocacy and is committed to supporting individuals with mental health needs. Upon graduation, Janjikhel plans to work in counseling centers with adults to help them navigate their mental health challenges.

Kelsey Kaelin of Montclair, New Jersey, is a student in the M.A. in Special Education program. Kaelin is a Seton Hall University alumna, where she earned a B.A. in Theatre with minors in Musical Theatre and Psychology in 2023. She has also recently obtained her teaching certification in elementary education. Kaelin is deeply proud of her connection to the University and is immensely grateful for the numerous opportunities the institution has provided. Driven by her passion for working with children and her commitment to fostering a positive and enriching learning environment, Kaelin has always aspired to a career in education. The inspiration and support from her teachers, professors, and counselors have profoundly influenced her, motivating her to bring the same enthusiasm and dedication to her own work. Kaelin’s career aspiration is to be an elementary school special education teacher.

Amanda Kix of Frenchtown, New Jersey, is a student in the M.A./Ed.S. in School Psychology program. Kix completed her undergraduate studies at Seton Hall University, graduating in 2022 with a B.A. in Psychology, and continued her education earning an M.A. in Psychological Studies in 2023. By 2025, Kix will earn her Ed.S. in School Psychology. Since January 2022, she has been a valued member of the Graduate Assistant team in the Office of Fieldwork and Certification. Her passion to advocate for those needing extra support was inspired by witnessing a loved one receive special education services in New Jersey’s K-12 public schools. Kix's ultimate goal is to become a school psychologist within the New Jersey public school system.

Christina Korotki of Oceanside, New York, is a student in the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology Program. During her undergraduate years, Korotki minored in sociology, criminology and graduated with a B.A. in General Psychology from Adelphi University in 2023. Korotki continued her education at Adelphi University for an additional year, earning her M.A. in 2024 along with an advanced certificate in Human Resource Management. Korotki's interest in psychology was deeply influenced by her nana’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Witnessing the complexities of the illness, the challenges of treatment, and the strain on caregivers sparked her desire to understand and address these issues more effectively. Although she is currently uncertain about which population she wants to serve after graduation, she is optimistic that her program will help her discover and define her future focus in the field.

Tejasvini Mantripragada of Port Orange, Florida, is a student in the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program. Mantripragada graduated from the University of Florida in 2022, earning a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Women’s Studies. Mantripragada's dedication to counseling psychology is deeply rooted in the widespread mental health stigma within South Asian communities across the diaspora. She aims to create a supportive environment where South Asian individuals feel comfortable discussing their personal challenges and stressors. In the near future, Mantripragada aspires to open her own private practice, contribute to teaching, take on various leadership roles, and actively participate in advocacy and policy work.

Oliva Ohngemach of Wayne, New Jersey, is a student in the M.A./Ed.S. in Professional Counseling program. During her undergraduate years at The College of New Jersey, Ohngemach earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Marketing in 2024. Ohngemach has always envisioned a career in Counseling and Therapy. Her internship experience at Wayne Counseling & Family Services is what truly fueled her passion for helping others, solidifying her desire to pursue this path professionally. In the near future, she aspires to establish her own private practice or non-profit agency dedicated to providing mental health counseling in underserved communities.

Lisa Pescatore of Hillsdale, New Jersey, is a student in the M.A./Ed.S. in School Psychology program. Pescatore earned her B.A. in Psychology at Seton Hall University in 2021. Pescatore has developed a strong passion for working with children, particularly in supporting their emotional, behavioral, and academic well-being. Reflecting on her own childhood, she often wishes she had access to the resources of a school psychologist. Her desire to be that supportive figure for future generations is a deeply rewarding goal for her. Pescatore is committed to equipping the younger generation for success both academically and in the real world. As a future school psychologist, she is dedicated to fostering a safe and nurturing environment where students can thrive and realize their limitless potential with the right support.