Current Coordinator Team
Dan Freeman
Dan is a fourth year Double English Major (Creative Writing & Literary & Cultural Studies) with a Minor in Business Management starting his first year as a Peer Leader Coordinator. He worked as a Peer Leader for the 2021-2022 Academic Year and is super excited for his new role with the Learning Commons. Dan is from the West Side of Cincinnati and on campus is on the Executive Board for the College of Arts & Sciences Ambassadors, acting this year as Director of Training. Off campus, Dan is a fulltime manager for LaRosa's - a true Cincinnati staple - where he coordinates scheduling, hiring, training, and leads the night team. He has had previous experience with Thunderdome Restaurant Group and Delaware North SportsService as well. Dan's hobbies include fishing, genealogy research, and being with friends. Dan is ecstatic for the 2022-2023 year and can't wait to work with his new peers.
Brooke Towe
Brooke is a third year Health Science major on the Pre-Physical Therapy track with a minor in Nutrition and a certificate in Developmental Disabilities. After graduation, Brooke hopes to attend UC’s Physical Therapy School to become an Orthopedic Physical Therapist. Brooke has been involved in the Learning Commons for two years: one as a student, another as a Peer Leader, and now as a Coordinator. She is super excited to be working with the other PLC’s and making more connections with other Peer Leaders. Outside of the Learning Commons, in her free time, she volunteers at places such as Iron Core, Beacon Orthopedics, and Clean Up Cincy. She also serves as the Recruiting Executive for the Pre-Physical Therapy club at UC. Her favorite hobbies include taking care of her Golden Retriever Koda, visiting local coffee shops, and listening to podcasts (True Crime is the best :)).
Kayleigh Harpring
Kayleigh (she/her) is a fifth year Psychology major. This will be her second year working with the Learning Commons; during her fourth year she worked as a Peer Leader and Learning Assistant at the UC Clermont Campus. She loved getting to work as a Peer Leader and is so excited to be a Coordinator and take on more responsibilities within the Learning Commons. She also serves as the Service Chair for her National Honor Fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi. Kayleigh grew up on the east side of Cincinnati, loves reading, spending time outside, and hanging out with her friends and family.
Tori Visconti
Tori is a third year student double majoring in Political Science and Sociology, with a Social Justice Certificate. After graduation, she hopes to earn her PhD in Sociology to work as a professor for a university. Throughout her time at UC, Tori has been both a Peer Facilitator and Peer Leader and a 2022 Student Orientation Leader. She has also been involved with UC Votes as a Democracy Fellow, and is a member of UC Generation Action. In her free time, Tori likes to take care of plants, listen to music, and spend time outdoors. She is very excited to help assist Peer Leaders and Peer Facilitators in their role at the Learning Commons!
John Burwinkel
John is a fourth-year Medical Sciences major with a minor in Integrative Medicine. After graduation, he plans on attending medical school. This is John's second year with the Learning Common, having spent the previous year as a Peer Leader. Outside of academics, John is a track and field coach for the Special Olympics and conducts research in a neurodevelopment lab at Cincinnati Children's. In his free time, you can find John outside playing frisbee, running around campus, or cheering on the Bearcats! John is very excited to be working with his peer leaders and watching them develop over the course of the year.
Graham Ruselink
Graham (she/her/hers) is going to be a third year studying Sociology with a certificate in Pre-Medicine. She plans to apply to a Master of Physician Assistant Studies program in the spring in hopes to continue her education once completing her Undergraduate degree. She worked in the Learning Commons as a Peer Facilitator for two semesters and as an Academic Coach for one semester. This is her first year as a Coordinator and she is excited to step into this new role. Graham is from Fort Wayne, Indiana where she was raised with her two younger brothers. During her free time Graham enjoys golfing, reading, any sort of physical activity, hiking, traveling, live music, and spending intentional time with her friends and family. Aside from working in the Learning Commons Graham is a Patient Care Assistant at UC Health, is heavily involved in ministry at her church in Over the Rhine and is a two-year volunteer of the Iron Core Strength and Conditioning team that meets in the spring. She is looking forward to working with her PFs this semester and watching them grow into even better leaders 🙂
Cat LaManna
Cat is a third-year Health Sciences major on a Pre-PA track. She is originally from Cleveland, OH and moved down here for school with her twin sister! She also has two older brothers, two nephews, who she adores, and one more on the way! This will be her second year with the Learning Commons and her first year as a Coordinator. She is very excited to get to know all the members of the FYE program and to spend time with the other Coordinators in the office! Outside of the Learning Commons, Cat works at the Christ Hospital. She loves to read, go to the movies, cook, and find new restaurants and places to explore in Cincinnati, so send recommendations her way!
Erica Alves
My name is Erica Alves and I am so excited to be a coordinator this year! I am a fourth year Marketing and International Business major with a certificate in Business Analytics. I don’t have a specific career path but I hope to work abroad! This is my third year with the Learning Commons, I started as a PF and then transitioned to the PL role. I am from the suburbs of Chicago, specifically Downers Grove! I have work experience interning at Kroger in the Human Resources department and this past summer studied abroad in Nantes, France! On campus I volunteer with Girl Scouts and am a brother of the professional fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi. I love music, hanging with friends, and exploring Cincinnati!
Elena Novak
My name is Elena Novak. I am a fourth year Public Relations major and I'm also obtaining a certificate in Digital Engagement. I was a Peer Facilitator and Peer Leader last year and am super excited to be a PF Coordinator this fall! I also serve as the Social Media Director for UC Dance Marathon and am a volunteer for Ohio Special Olympics. I am most looking forward to working closely with my group of PF's and the coordinator team:)
Sam Zak
Sam is a fourth-year Health Sciences major on a pre-PA track with a minor in nutrition. After graduation, Sam plans on attending PA school to obtain her PA-C. This is Sam’s third year working for the Learning Commons where she served as a Peer Leader for the first two years and this is her first year as a coordinator. Outside of working at the Learning Commons and taking classes, you will find Sam working at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital as a Patient Care Assistant, attending SAPPA meetings, and working with the Bearcats Food Recovery Network. In her free she enjoys taking workout classes, reading, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. Sam cannot wait to form relationships with all staff at the Learning Commons and continue to better the freshman experience.