I was born in Manila, Philippines, and lived there until I was 12. My family immigrated to the United States in 1981. Growing up in the Philippines and in Southern California, I feel truly fortunate to have been exposed to all types of diversity — ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, intellectual, religious, sexual orientation. Brandeis is interested in you for who you are.

JT Duck
Associate Director
jtduck@brandeis.edu

I grew up in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., and spent a decade living in the Philadelphia area. Now I live in Cambridge, Mass. — a short drive from Brandeis. I studied comparative literature as an undergrad and earned a master’s degree in higher education administration. During many years in college admissions, I’ve read thousands of personal statements, visited hundreds of high schools and worked with many students to find the right college match. I’m thrilled to help you navigate your way through the process of learning about Brandeis.

Territories: AL, AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DC, GA, ID,  KY, LA, MD, MS, MT, NC, NV, NM, SC, TN, UT, VA, WV, WY

David Rion
Associate Director
drion@brandeis.edu

I was born and raised in West Hartford, Conn., lived in Southern California for seven years and now live in the shadow of Fenway Park with a precocious cat and a lazy tortoise. When not working, I enjoy traveling, following politics and rooting for the Red Sox.

Territories: Boston/Middlesex Counties-MA

Nicholas Senecal
Associate Director
nsenecal@brandeis.edu

I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting international and U.S. students and families for more than 20 years, 10 of those years at Brandeis. I have had to add pages to my passport twice to enable the gatekeepers in more than 30 countries to let me enter their borders. I was born and educated in Kansas and have been doing university admissions for 35 years. Reviewing applications, understanding different educational systems, reading student essays and selecting scholarship winners are "special trips" for me.

Jennifer Walker
Associate Director
walkerj@brandeis.edu

I was born in Boston and raised just south of the city. I spent my undergraduate and graduate years in New York, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in organizational and industrial psychology. I have been an athlete all my life and swam competitively throughout college. I truly enjoy getting to know more about you through your personal statements or chatting with you during a campus visit. When I am not at work, I like to spend as much time as I can outdoors. I try to take one adventure trip a year in addition to leading a wilderness service trip. I look forward to helping you through the admission process.

Territories: Central and Western Mass, CT, RI, NH, ME, VT

Karen Gerrior-Mariani
Assistant Director
klgm@brandeis.edu

I was born and raised in Massachusetts and earned an undergraduate degree in communications and a master’s degree in management. Before coming to Brandeis, I spent many years in the corporate world, primarily in radio, professional sports and cable television. Currently entering my fifth year at Brandeis, I appreciate the university’s commitment to social justice and the activist spirit and enthusiasm on campus. When I am not at the university, I enjoy spending time with my husband, three small children, exercising, playing tennis and helping others.

I grew up in Georgetown, Guyana, and moved to New York City, where I attended Benjamin Cardozo High School. I majored in psychology and philosophy in college and use most of what I learned throughout the admissions cycle. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, reading and conquering my fear of deep water.

Territories: FL, Guam, NYC, PR & US Territories, TX

Luigi Solla
Assistant Director
solla@brandeis.edu

I am originally from Watertown, Conn., and now live in the great town of Natick, Mass. While in Connecticut, I studied psychology and studio art as an undergraduate and then later earned a master's degree in counseling and college student development. When not doing admissions work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, friends and loved ones. I am glad to be a part of the wonderful Brandeis community, and I look forward to working with those of you in my territories!

Territories: IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, OK, SD, WI  

Katy West
Assistant Director
kwest@brandeis.edu

I grew up in Greenville, S.C., and came to New England for college, where I studied sociology and psychology. I also studied abroad in Kingston, Jamaica. After college, I moved to Dalian, China, to teach sociology and English and to enjoy the amazing food in northeastern China. Prior to coming to Brandeis, I earned a master’s degree in higher education. Outside of work, I enjoy doing pottery, cooking, playing soccer and traveling. I'm looking forward to working with students and families from around the world.

Territories: International, HI

Sarah Ehrich
Admissions Counselor
sehrich@brandeis.edu 

I grew up in Arlington, Vt., a town with a population smaller than that of Brandeis.  fter receiving a bachelor's degree in psychology at Brandeis, I lived in Montpellier, France, for three months, studying the language and getting to know the people. I then spent two years as a full-time tutor at a charter high school in Boston and am happy to have returned to my alma mater as an admissions counselor. I am excited to work with those of you in my regions.

Territories: North/South Shore Boston, Long Island-NY, OR, WA

Ethan Feuer
Admissions Counselor
efeuer@brandeis.edu

I grew up in the great city of Armonk, N.Y., in the Westchester area. I attended Brandeis, where I majored in history and minored in secondary education. While at Brandeis,I founded the Punk, Rock and Roll Club, a group that brings musical acts to campus, and Bad Grammer, an improv comedy troupe. Currently I live in Allston, Mass., with my fellow comedians, where in which we attempt to make people laugh at our weekly Boston performances. As regional director for New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Westchester and upstate New York, I look forward to meeting you all.

Territories: DE, NJ, Westchester & Upstate NY, PA

Phoebe Chamberlain
Operations Manager

In my many years in higher education, I’ve had the opportunity to work on creating new ways of “getting the job done.” The operations work I do in Undergraduate Admissions here at Brandeis opened a whole new world of systems to develop.  I am originally from a large family in a small town in Iowa and now a resident of Waltham, Mass.  For fun, I like to travel, garden and do large and small jobs around the house.