Meet the Staff
The admissions staff is eager to help you throughout the admissions process. Please feel free to contact any counselor below.
Mark Spencer
Dean of Admissions
mspencer@brandeis.edu
I grew up in Western New York, went to college in Central New York, worked my first job in Downstate New York (living just outside NYC,) then returned to the “gorges” finger lakes area of Central New York, and have now very recently moved to the western suburbs of Boston. I earned my undergraduate degree in political science and my graduate degree in education. I have been working in admissions now for almost 17 years and have loved every minute of it. I really enjoy getting the opportunity to speak to students and families from a myriad of backgrounds and counseling/assisting them however I can to navigate these sometimes “turbulent waters” called the college admissions process. I have been an avid soccer player for many years, but a torn ACL has me sidelined for the next year (I promise I will return to the pitch!) Please let me or any of the admission officers know how we might be of assistance to you as you conduct your college search process. We truly look forward to working with each and every one of you!
Jennifer Walker
Director of Admissions
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: New York City
Martin Vaughn
Associate Director
mvaughn@brandeis.edu
I was born and raised in Elizabeth, Pa., just south of Pittsburgh. Go Steelers! I now live in San Diego and look forward to working with students and families on the West Coast. When I'm not working, I love to watch movies and play lots of golf (not so well)! I look forward to helping you learn more about Brandeis!
Territories: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, NV, NM, ND, OR, UT, WA, WY
Amy Perez
Associate Director
apr@brandeis.edu
I originally grew up in Lubbock, Tx., and have been living in Boston for the past eleven years. I earned my undergraduate degree in marketing and my graduate degree in higher education administration. What I like most about working in admissions is the excitement of meeting new people and finding out what makes people tick. In my free time I enjoy outings with friends and I like to try new restaurants in Boston and surrounding areas. Moody Street in Waltham has fantastic dining options!
Territories: AR, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, OH, OK, TX, WI
Jared Rivers
Associate Director
jriv@brandeis.edu
I was born in the Bronx, but I grew up in a small town called Skowhegan in central Maine. I spent my undergraduate years studying History and Geography before earning a bachelor’s degree in 2001. What I like most about college admissions is the opportunity to help students and parents navigate a process that at times can seem daunting. I’m an avid sports fan with basketball and football being my favorites but I also like to play volleyball as much as possible. When I’m not at work or playing sports you’ll find me on the road traveling to visit with friends and family. I look forward to meeting you and being a personal contact here in the Brandeis Admission Office.
Territories: MA (Boston and Cambridge), NY (Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island)
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 ninth 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.
Territories: MA (Concord, Lowell, Worcester, Wellesley)
Rebecca Simons
Assistant Director
rsimons@brandeis.edu
I was born in Boston and grew up just west of the city. I spent my undergraduate years studying psychology and economics, and recently received a master's in higher education. I’ve lived in Cambridge, Mass. the past four years and when I’m not at work I enjoy traveling, exploring the Boston culinary scene, cheering on the Red Sox and spending time with my family, friends and dogs.
Territories: CT (Fairfield, New Haven and Middlesex counties), NY (Long Island, Westchester)
Meghan McHale
Admissions Counselor
mmchale@brandeis.edu
I’m originally from a little town called Bernville in Central Pennsylvania. I was lucky enough to complete my undergraduate degree at Brandeis, where I majored in American Studies and Health: Science, Society and Policy. In my spare time I enjoy running, cooking, and exploring the great city of Boston. The best part of my job is traveling abroad and working with our amazing international students. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.
Territories: Delaware, Pennsylvania, International
Julie Carroll
Admissions Counselor
carroll@brandeis.edu
I grew up in Middletown, N.J., and moved to the Boston area for college and fell in love with New England. I studied East Asian history in school and spent my free time in various education-related extracurricular activities. As an undergrad, I worked at the admissions office at my alma mater and found that I really enjoyed working with prospective students. I now live in Sudbury, Mass., and am excited to come to work on the vibrant Brandeis campus every day. In my spare time, I can be found cooking, hiking and hosting dinner parties. I can’t wait to get to know all of you in my territories!
Territories: MA (North Shore, South Shore, Cape, and Boston environs), RI
Jeff Wong
Assistant Director
jmwong@brandeis.edu
I grew up in central Massachusetts, outside Worcester, about a 45-minute drive from Brandeis. I attended Wesleyan University in Connecticut as an undergraduate, where I majored in government with a concentration in American politics. I was also the president of my college radio station and played guitar for a Ramones cover band. I love reading about politics, listening to music and rooting for the New England Patriots. I'm excited to meet all of you in my territories.
Territories: AL, D.C, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV
Marya Schnedeker
Admissions Counselor
mschned@brandeis.edu
I grew up in the small college town of Ithaca, N.Y., and moved to the big college town of Boston to attend university. I currently live in Cambridge, Mass. and in my spare time I bicycle around the Charles River and play soccer. I look forward to talking with you about Brandeis!
Territories: Western MA, ME, CT (excluding New Haven, Middlesex, and Fairfield counties), NH, VT
Alison Herget
Assistant Director
aherget@brandeis.edu
Born and raised on Long Island, I have also spent parts of my life in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and recently moved to Massachusetts. I'm a journalist-turned-admissions professional and I sincerely enjoy working with high school students, traveling and exploring new places. When I'm not on the road recruiting students or reading applications, you can find me reading the newspaper, dancing, spending time outside, or writing.
Territories: NJ, NY (upstate and Rockland county)
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 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.
