We are dedicated to providing excellent service to prospective college students, their parents, guidance counselors, and those we meet while traveling at college fairs and high schools spanning the globe. Look for a St. John's counselor visiting near you.
Meet our Undergraduate Admission Counselors!
First-Year Counselors
Ilana Ciccone
Assistant Director of Admission and Student Ambassador Coordinator
[email protected]
Territory you recruit in: Georgia, California, Seattle
How many years have you worked in admission: 16
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: The diversity of our students and the campus location. Having a true campus and being able to access all that Manhattan has to offer, our students get the best of both worlds.
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: Be sure to visit campus. Having the chance to visit and see the campus as well as interacting with our campus community is such an important part of the admission process.
Keila Menjivar
Undergraduate Admissions Counselor
[email protected]
Territory you recruit in: Suffolk County, Puerto Rico
How many years have you worked in admission: 1.5
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: Accessibility to new opportunities
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: It’s okay not knowing what your ideal job looks like right now, be patient with yourself, ask questions and take advantage of all school resources!
Abigail Molos
Admissions Counselor
[email protected]
Territory you recruit in: NJ Counties: Ocean, Alantic, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Cape May, Mercer, Burlington, Union, Middlesex, Somerset, Monmouth; Rockland County (NY)
How many years have you worked in admission: This is my first year working as an Admissions Counselor.
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: The Great Lawn, as a student I spent a lot of time sitting on the grass studying or just hanging out with friends. Some of my favorite memories from Undergrad were made on the great lawn.
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: You have to listen to your gut, when you visit the right school, you will feel it. It will feel like home, like you were always meant to be here. If SJU is that place for you, welcome home!
Jillian Perota
Assistant Director of Admission
[email protected]
Territory you recruit in: Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Ohio
How many years have you worked in admission: 4
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: Networking opportunities and alumni base in NYC. Regardless of your major, you have the chance to meet people within your field and get experience in different career paths!
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: Apply early and plan a visit. There is no better way to decide on a school than going for a visit and experiencing the vibe you feel on campus!
Christine Perrault
Associate Director, Admission
[email protected]
Territory you recruit in: DC, Maryland and Virginia
How many years have you worked in admission: 14
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: Students...Visually colorful and our spirit matches it!
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: To be aware of any pre-requisites for majors (ex-Math requirements for the Business school)
Francisco Resto
Admission Counselor
[email protected]
Territory you recruit in: Nassau County, except Chaminade, Kellenberg, Sacred Heart.
How many years have you worked in admission: 3
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: I love Carnesecca Arena! As a big basketball fan, I find the history incredible!
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: Be as genuine as possible in your application. Use that space to let us know the things about you we that can’t infer using the application.
Brooke Rutman
Admissions Counselor
[email protected]
Territory you recruit in: Massachusetts, Rhode Island
How many years have you worked in admission: 6
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: The pride you feel on campus. How’s there’s something here for everyone. How centrally located we are and how diverse the culture is. You completely forget that you are in the heart of Queens, NY.
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: The college process can be overwhelming – plan early and ask questions! Also, be sure to visit. We’re here to help you.
Lisa Sayo
Senior Assistant Director
[email protected]
Territory you recruit in: Nassau County, Long Island: Chaminade, Kellenberg, Sacred Heart Academy
How many years have you worked in admission: 16
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: The People! Everyone on campus is always so friendly and helpful, it is not uncommon to have someone ask you if you need help finding something if you look lost on campus.
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: Keep an open mind going into the college application process. Try not to get caught up in where all your friends are applying to and going to college as every student’s situation is unique and there is always a best fit school for you!
Lisa Ann Tufariello
Admissions Counselor
[email protected]
Territory you recruit in: Florida and Staten Island
How many years have you worked in admission: 7
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: Taco Bell
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: Research our Institution so you are aware of all the opportunities and scholarships you may be eligible for.
Tyree Vann
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Diversity Recruitment
[email protected]
Territory you recruit in: Manhattan, Bronx, Chicago
How many years have you worked in admission: 8
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: Between Einstein Bagels & Freshens
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: Ask as many questions, as you want, nothing is the wrong answer.
International Counselors
Amy Arcario
Director of International Admission
[email protected]
718-990-2415
How many years have you worked in admission: 20
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: I enjoy working at a university that fosters caring, global citizens. Success and service is the St. John's way! You can do well in life and make a difference in the world; St. John's will help you discover how.
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: If you aren’t sure what your next step should be, reach out to your admission counselor for help.
Pedro Davisson
Recruitment Manager
Tel +55 31 99307-2537 (Whatsapp)
[email protected]
Territory you recruit in: Latin America and the Caribbean
How many years have you worked in admission: 7
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: Our location, diversity
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: Explore all opportunities St John's has to offer! Visit if you can or connect with an admissions representative and current students!
Zeinab El Hawari
International Admissions Counselor
[email protected]
718-990-6104
Territory you recruit in: Africa and South Asia
How many years have you worked in admission: 1
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: As an alumna, St. John’s has given me the opportunity to connect with many students from around the world with different backgrounds and has opened doors for my career path in ways I never knew were possible.
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: Start your application process to St. John’s as early as you can so that you have enough time to submit all the required documents!
Ding Huang
Regional Recruitment Manager
[email protected]
Territory you recruit in: East Asia and Southeast Asia
How many years have you worked in admission: 4
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: Diverse and inclusive community
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: SJU’s outstanding academic reputation and excellent location will ensure you having the opportunity to pursue your life dreams.
Maggie Panzera
Assistant Director
[email protected]
Territory you recruit in: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands
How many years have you worked in admission: 16
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: I love its mission to social justice issues both in the US and around the world. I also love the tightknit alumni community we have.
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: Don’t be afraid to ask about what other scholarship awards are available in addition to our merit-based scholarships.
Shawn Slon
Recruitment Manager
[email protected]
Territory you recruit in: Europe, Middle East, and North Africa
How many years have you worked in admission: 4
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: Our diversity – we are truly a global family!
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: St. John’s University and New York City will open a whole new world of possibilities! Call and email us with any questions you have. We're here to assist you through the application process.
Transfer Counselors
Kyle Gouldthorpe
Transfer Admission Counselor
[email protected]
Territory you recruit in: New Jersey and Pennsylvania
How many years have you worked in admission: 2
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: The people
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: Be involved on campus and make the most of your time at St. John’s University
Ann Marie Napoli
Assistant Director, Transfer Admission and Advising Counselor
Territory you recruit in: Brooklyn, Nassau County, Suffolk County
How many years have you worked in admission: 10
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: My favorite thing about St. John’s is that we are a traditional college setting in the middle of Queens in such close proximity to New York City.
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: Explore your interests, take tours of the school campuses that you are interested in attending and ask questions.
Melissa Mirabella
Associate Director, Transfer Admission and Advising
[email protected]
Territory you recruit in: Queens, New York
How many years have you worked in admission: 10
Favorite thing about St. John’s University: The campus. It is truly a beautiful setting to learn, work and live.
Advice you would give to a student applying to St. John’s University: Be yourself. Transfer applicants may experience the academic journey differently than first-year applicants. The journey comes with its ups and downs. Embrace it, and we will be sure to take notice.