Damian Bakula, Advanced Field Academic Advisor
After working in the security and semiconductor industries, Damian joined UMUC in March 2010 as a field academic advisor for the UK. He earned a BS in Business Administration from UMUC in 2005, and went on to become a Beta Gamma Sigma MBA graduate at Boise State University in 2009. In addition to his business studies, Damian enjoys exploring engineering, Spanish, and Italian. Relying upon his broad background, Damian is looking forward to helping UMUC students meet both their educational and professional objectives.

Sean Bryan, Senior Academic Advisor
Sean joined the academic advising team at UMUC Europe in February 2009, shortly after completing his BA in political science at Rice University in 2008. In addition to his studies, he was also an intern with the Army Flight Operations Detachment in Heidelberg, Germany. Sean's focus is on general advising and he is looking forward to assisting UMUC Europe students with their degree planning.

Barry Fletcher, Senior Academic Advisor
After retiring from the U.S. Army in 1997, Barry joined UMUC Europe in the Textbooks Office. He joined the academic advising team in July of 2000 and has been helping and advising students in all areas. Barry's specialty is providing the degree audits for students applying for their associate's degrees and is the Green-to-Gold point of contact. He completed his BA degree in management with UMUC in 1993.

David Godfrey, Academic Advising Policy Associate
David has been with the advising team since 1988. Previously, he served as a German language instructor for the Army Command Language Program; manager of the U.S. Army Europe Command Language Office; and as a Czech, German, and Russian linguist for the Army. With UMUC he has served as an academic advisor for degree candidates, coordinator of academic advising, and currently as coordinator of academic advising policy. In addition to his regular advising duties, David has specialized in working with students with international credentials in the context of credit transfer as well as admissions. He earned his AB in German and linguistics from San Diego State University in 1981 and has an MA in public administration from Bowie State University.

Tessalina Halpern, Senior Academic Advisor
Tessalina holds a BA in Communications with a concentration in mass media from Rhode Island College and is currently pursuing a second BA in German with University of Maryland University College Europe. She started working with the UMUC admissions office in 2009, assisting students with the application process, transcript information, and enrolling in courses. She also provided technical support and answered student inquiries regarding GoArmyEd and specializes in VA course certifications. In addition to her roles in higher education, Tessalina has worked for more than five years in the broadcast industry editing videos for the Rhode Island International Film Festival, NOVA, and a variety of cable television programs. Tessalina joined the advising team in December 2009.

Maria Kostavasili, Advanced Field Academic Advisor
Maria began her position as a field academic advisor in March 2010 after having served as a UMUC Europe field representative in Ramstein. Maria's professional experience includes 12 years as an underwriter and supervisor at Interamerican, the largest insurance company in Greece. She has also been actively involved with producing and performing in community theater. Maria completed her bachelor's degree in humanities with a minor in history with UMUC in 2008, and is currently working toward a master's degree in public administration through Bowie State University.

Andy Midura, Field Academic Advisor
Andy first joined UMUC Europe in 2004 as a field representative in Babenhausen after completing more than five years of active-duty service in the U.S. Army. While in the service, Andy was deployed to Albania in support of NATO's Kosovo Campaign and later completed V Corps' Distinguished Leaders Course. Andy's professional experience also includes working as a retail exchange accountant for AAFES and administrative/clerical positions within the U.S. government. Prior to becoming a field academic advisor, he served as a senior field representative and thoroughly enjoys helping students on their educational journey. Andy completed his bachelor's degree in information systems management in 2007, and is currently working toward an MBA from University of Maryland University College.

Monica Philipp, Senior Academic Advisor
Monica started with UMUC Europe in March of 1995 as an undergraduate records clerk. She moved to the business office in 1996 holding various positions until she joined the advising team in 2001. In order to broaden her horizons, she transferred to UMUC Asia in 2007 to join the academic advising staff in Japan. After a year, Monica returned to Germany and once again joined the Europe team where she is currently working as an advisor in the Graduation Services Office conducting graduation reviews and serving as the records supervisor. Monica earned her BA in business management and German from UMUC in 1999.

Cassandra Pope, Senior Academic Advisor
Cassandra began with UMUC in June 2009 as a MyCAA specialist and veterans affairs assistant in the VA Office. She joined the academic advising team in September of the same year. Since becoming an academic advisor, she manages the academic advising e-mail account and is the point of contact for instant messaging with field representatives. Cassandra received her BA in English and film studies from North Carolina State University in 2009, and was recently published in Film: A Critical Introduction (3rd edition) for her essay, "The New Vampire as Sympathetic Gothic Heroine in Tomas Alfredson's Let the Right One In (2008)." As a recent graduate, she looks forward to helping students meet their educational goals.

Daniel Powers, Senior Academic Advisor Administrator
Dan joined UMUC in 2003 after retiring from the U.S. Army as a sergeant major. He earned his master's degree in education counseling from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, in 1983. As a former marriage and family therapist, West Point Cadet counselor, and federal education center counselor, he can address most student concerns, both academic and personal, if requested.

Helmuth Radig, Regional Enrollment Manager and Field Academic Advisor
Helmuth is currently the regional enrollment manager for Central Germany, which is now complemented by his role as field academic advisor. He has worked in various capacities for UMUC Europe throughout the years and is a strong believer in educating our servicemembers, civilians, and family members. Helmuth holds a BA in English from UMUC.

Sara Roth, Academic Advisor for Degree Candidates
After holding several positions with UMUC Europe, Sara began her advising career in 1981. She was later selected to oversee the Evaluations/Student Records Office in addition to her advising duties. Currently, Sara conducts the final audit of student records before graduation and looks forward to commencement every year because she can finally see the fruit of her labor. Sara earned her degree in German studies from Schiller College in 1975 and provides historical knowledge, problem solving skills, and comic relief to her colleagues.

Sonya Sessions, Field Academic Advisor
Sonya joined the University of Maryland University College team in 2010 as a field representative in the Kaiserslautern military community. Previously, she taught in Turkey, England, and Germany and enjoyed an eight-year commitment with the Army. Most her service time was spent in Landstuhl, Germany. Sonya's wish is to always meet students where they are in order to help them reach their goals. She is currently working toward an MA in counseling psychology with UMUC.

Caitlin Short, Field Academic Advisor
Caitlin joined UMUC Europe in July 2011 as a field academic advisor in Vilseck, Germany, responsible for advising students in the Vilseck, Grafenwoehr, and Hohenfels areas. In 2009, she graduated from Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, with a BA in psychology. Originally from Wheaton, Illinois, Caitlin moved to Georgia where she met her husband, an active duty servicemember in the U.S. Army. Caitlin enjoys being a new mom and traveling in Europe with her family.

Amy Van der Vliet, Senior Field Academic Advisor
Amy began her career with UMUC Europe in 2005 as a field representative in the Netherlands and Germany Tri-Border area. Previously, she held support positions in higher education, served as a public affairs specialist in the Indiana National Guard, and taught English (ESL) in South Korea. Amy earned her BA in English at Indiana University in 1993 and a Master of Library Science degree from Clarion University in 2009. After three years as a member of the academic advising team in Heidelberg, Germany, Amy is pleased to return to the Tri-Border region in the fall of 2011 where she will be assisting students in the Netherlands, Belgium, and both Geilenkirchen and Spangdahlem, Germany.  

Nelson Villegas, Field Academic Advisor
Nelson began his position with UMUC Europe in June 2010 as a field academic advisor in Aviano, Italy. Prior to joining the advising team, Nelson managed the tuition assistance program for the U.S. Army Reserve Command in Europe. He also assisted Reserve soldiers transitioning from the Web Enable Education Benefits Systems (WEBS) to GoArmyEd. While serving in the military, Nelson attended UMUC's stateside, Asia and Europe campuses. He earned his BS in information assurance from UMUC in 2008 after retiring from the U.S. Army. With his military and education background, Nelson understands the needs of UMUC students and enjoys helping them reach their academic goals.

Jessie Yerkic, Senior Academic Advisor
Prior to joining the advising team in November 2009, Jessie taught middle school and high school social studies in New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. She also served in the U.S. Army for four years. Jessie earned a BS in secondary social studies education, with a concentration in history, from West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 1996 and an MA in education from Central Michigan University in 2001. She brings an in-depth knowledge of education, advising, and the military to UMUC students.

Tiffany Zdunkawicz, Advanced Field Academic Advisor
Tiffany has been the field academic advisor for Southern Italy, Greece, Spain, and Bahrain since June 2010. Previously, she worked for Watson Realty Corp. and Pulte Homes in the field of sales and marketing - including advertising, customer relations, market research, database management, and contracts. Tiffany also served in the Navy for six years, working both as a Navy recruiter and an electronics work group supervisor. While serving, she earned the Navy/ Marine Corps medal for outstanding production. Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Science in professional business management with a minor in business administration from Nova Southeastern University, as well as a real estate license from the state of Florida. Having earned her degree while in the military, she provides the knowledge, insight, and tools needed to help UMUC students achieve success.