Meet Our Team

Jivanto van Hemert (he/him) serves as the University Ombuds, providing informal, impartial, confidential, and independent support to all members of the university community navigating conflict. Before joining the Ombuds team in 2022, Jivanto worked across several areas of higher education administration, including advancement, enrollment management, student affairs, within shared governance and the President’s Office at institutions across the country.

Jivanto holds a Master of Education Degree in College Student Personnel from Ohio University and a Master of Business Administration from Salve Regina University, where he also obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Administration of Justice. Additionally, Jivanto holds a Graduate Certificate in Crisis Communications and is currently a law student.

For nearly a decade, Jivanto has served as a transformative mediator with the Dayton Mediation Center and is certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio in facilitative mediation. Additionally, Jivanto is a Certified Organizational Ombuds through the International Ombuds Association (IOA), a certified Sustained Dialogue facilitator, a member of the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation, and a member of the Ohio College Student Personnel Association (OCPA).

Paula Kerezsi (she/they) serves as Associate Ombuds, providing informal, impartial, confidential, and independent support to all members of the university community navigating conflict. Before joining the Ombuds team in 2024, Paula held leadership roles in academic advising and academic affairs at both large public and small private institutions.

Paula holds Master of Arts degrees in Educational Measurement & Statistics and in Student Development in Post-Secondary Education from the University of Iowa. Paula's bachelor's degree is from Tulane University, with a major in Anthropology and an emphasis in Sociolinguistics. Additionally, Paula holds a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution & Mediation from Colorado State University.

Paula is certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio in facilitative mediation, has served as a small claims court mediator in Johnson County, Iowa, and is a member of the International Ombuds Association (IOA).

Finley Shields (they/them) joined the office in 2023 as a graduate assistant.  In the past, Finley worked as a Resident Assistant and a camp counselor, providing many opportunities to navigate conflict and learn more about campus procedures.

They are currently pursuing a master degree in stage management through CCM. Finley holds a bachelor degree in Media X with minors in Spanish and Writing from the University of the Pacific. 

Anna Bryan (she/her) joined the office in 2025 as a graduate assistant. In the past, Anna worked as a Resident Success mentor, providing many opportunities to navigate conflict and being knowledgeable in the resources that the campus offers.

She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in School Psychology. Anna holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in human development and family sciences from Bowling Green State University.

To safeguard confidentiality, we do not provide Ombuds services by email. Please DO NOT include details about your concerns in an email to the Office of the University Ombuds. Communication with the Office of the University Ombuds does not constitute notice to the University of Cincinnati. Learn more about our Standards of Practice. Additionally, by utilizing Ombuds services, you are agreeing to our Terms of Service.