Michele Bigos, Field Academic Advisor
Michele completed her bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She began her career with UMUC Europe as a field representative in 2009. Prior to moving to Germany, she worked at the University of California, San Diego, in various positions including an undergraduate advisor in the Division of Biological Sciences, as well as an advisor at Muir College. Michele looks forward to continuing her work in assisting students with pursuing their educational endeavors.

Barry Fletcher, Master 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, Master 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 holds a bachelor's degree in humanities with a minor in history from UMUC and a master's degree in public administration from Bowie State University.

Angela Langley, Field Academic Advisor
Angela joined the UMUC Europe team in April 2012 as a field academic advisor for Spangdahlem, Germany, and the Benelux region. Prior to working at the university, she served the military community in Hawaii as a financial aid advisor and veterans benefits coordinator. Additionally, she has spent time teaching English to elementary through college level students in South Korea. Angela graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in international relations from Hawaii Pacific University in 2009. She is currently working on her master's degree and looks forward to helping UMUC students.

Keri Martell, MA, Field Academic Advisor
Keri completed her master's degree in English and linguistics at University of Arizona while teaching classes in freshman composition and English as a Second Language. In July 2012, she joined the UMUC Europe team as a field academic advisor in the United Kingdom. She has taught in Georgia, South Carolina, and Korea, and enjoys working directly with students in a variety of academic settings. Having completed her education as an active duty military spouse, she empathizes with the challenges faced by students working in the military community who wish to pursue higher education.

Rick Michael, Academic Advisor
Originally from Michigan, Rick began his career as an M1A1 Tank Mechanic in the U.S. Army. He considers himself lucky to have served in many exotic locations including Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and Germany. After his military service he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from UMUC Europe. Rick served as a field representative and in the Tuition Assistance Billing Office at UMUC Europe before joining the academic advising team in 2012. He is currently pursuing his master's degree in financial management and information systems.

Andy Midura, MBA, Advanced Field 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 his MBA from UMUC in 2012.

Monica Philipp, Senior Field Academic Advisor
Monica started with UMUC Europe in 1995 as an undergraduate records clerk. She later moved to the Business Office, holding various positions until joining 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. A year later, Monica returned to Germany and once again joined the Europe team as an academic advisor in the Graduation Services Office, where she conducted graduation reviews. In June 2012, she joined the field advising team in support of downrange staff and students. Monica holds a bachelor's degree in business management and German from UMUC. She is passoniate about guiding students toward achieving their lifelong educational goals.

Daniel Powers, 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.

Jose Alexis Ramos, Field Academic Advisor
Alexis joined UMUC Europe in 2012 after retiring as an aviation commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. He holds a BA from Rutgers University and a MA from Webster University. Earning his graduate degree while serving on active duty, he is an enthusiastic supporter of adult education within the military community. With 20 years of military service, Alexis understands the challenges of attaining a degree while serving, and looks forward to helping our students achieve success in their educational endeavors.

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, Advanced Field 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, Advanced Field 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.

Aurora Streeter, MSM, Field Academic Advisor
Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Aurora is an active duty Air Force spouse with two children. Prior to working in Naples, she began her career with UMUC in 2010 as a field representative in Ramstein, Germany. She holds an associate's degree in business and management and a bachelor's degree in business administration from UMUC Europe. Aurora has recently completed a master's degree in financial management with UMUC. Excited to be working as a field academic advisor, she looks forward to helping students progress toward their educational goals.

Nelson Villegas, Advanced 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.

Tiffany Zdunkawicz, Field Advisor Administrator
Tiffany began her career with UMUC as the field academic advisor for Southern Italy, Greece, Spain and Bahrain in June 2010. Originally from Northern California, Tiffany served in the Navy for six years, working as an electronic workgroup supervisor for the 5" gun weapons team. While serving, she earned several Navy/ Marine Corps medals for her outstanding production and leadership. Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Science in professional business management with a minor in business administration from Nova Southeastern University. Having earned her degree while serving in the military, she provides the knowledge, insight, and tools needed to help UMUC students achieve success.