About OAMI

Staff

We have an open-door policy. Each of us is here because we are passionate and committed to developing students. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Julia J. Barron, M.S.

Success Coach

Julia holds a Master's degree in Developmental Psychology from the University of Michigan. Before UMich, she began her educational journey at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). Julia is passionate about connecting and supporting students to obtain their academic, personal and professional goals.

Sharon R. Burch, M.A.

Associate Director

Sharon manages administrative and operational functions to maximize outcomes of staff and programs that serve OAMI's mission. Her experience in higher education includes pre-college outreach, admissions, and program development. As a U-M graduate, she values student success as a paramount goal!

Rachel Dawson, J.D.

Director

Rachel guides OAMI's vision and mission, defining goals and priorities, and develops collaborations across campus to facilitate student leadership development, student success, community engagement, and diversity programming and education. Rachel brings experience in academic success programming, career development and strategic department management to execute the role of director.

Hector Galvan, M.A.

Associate Director

Hector leads Undocumented Student Initiatives, chairs the SAMI grant committee, and is a DEI lead for the Office of Diversity Equity & Inclusion. He also coordinates the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow and various graduation celebrations. Hector was raised in Detroit and is a U-M graduate.

Erika Johnson, M.A.

M-Connect Program Director

As the director of M-Connect for community college transfer students, and a Success Coach, Erika strives to help each student realize that they belong here. She has worked with transfer students for over 25 years through roles in admissions and new student programs, and holds a BA and MA from U-M.

Janice Jones, PH.D.

M-STEP Program Director

Janice is intentional about student success and dedicated to helping students discover themselves and achieve their academic and professional goals. She wants students to make the most of college and to experience meaningful personal growth. In her free time, Janice loves watching classic movies, taking long walks, drawing, and spending time with friends and family.

Samrawit Kahsay, B.A.

Program Manager,
Success Coach

Samrawit is a Success Coach and coordinates the Graduate Success Partners. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Women’s Studies. She is enthusiastic about mentorship and encouraging students to achieve holistic success.

Brendan Kirwin, M.A.

Assistant Director of
Marketing and Communication

Brendan supports OAMI's programs as a marketing and communication specialist. He is an alum of U-M's Performing Arts Technology program and has an M.A. from Georgetown University in Communication, Culture & Technology.

Nrupali Kulkarni, M.S.

Data Manager

Nrupali provides her expertise in managing data by ensuring the data systems and technological mechanisms are in alignment with OAMI's mission, goals and objectives. She graduated from Arizona State University, earning her MS in Information Systems Management with specialization in Data Analytics.

Terra Molengraff, PH.D.

Program Director of
First-Generation Initiatives

Terra is the Program Director of First-Generation Initiatives. She is a two-time U-M alum and completed her Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota focusing on how colleges and universities support first-generation college students.

Gregory O. Thomas, M.A.

Assistant Director,
Success Coach

Greg is the Program Director of the Men of Color Leading & Investing In Community (M-CLIC) program, Co-Chair of the annual U-M MLK Symposium, Coordinator of the Black Celebratory and a Success Coach with SuccessConnects. He holds a Masters Degree in Higher Education/Student Affairs.

Student & Temporary Staff

OAMI relies on the talents of many students and young professionals to help with our programs and initiatives, offering them real-world experience in a dynamic, supportive environment.

Zack Abdirahman

Communications Assistant

Dominick Diaz

Welcome Desk

Imani Drame

Welcome Desk

Kate Lopez

Welcome Desk

Irene Lopez

Success Coach

Lexie Milukhin

First-Gen Program Assistant

Madison Powell

Wolverine Pathways Student Program Coordinator

Madison Ramsey

Student Program Coordinator

Bailey Norwood

Student Program Coordinator

Alycia Pietrzak

M-Connect Program Assistant

Kamilah Sandoval

Welcome Desk

Pearl Thianthai

Communications Assistant

Be a part of the OAMI family

OAMI is dedicated to supporting the University of Michigan in its ongoing commitment to create and foster an intellectually and culturally diverse campus community. Be a part of our mission. Help us to holistically develop students and encourage them to be the leaders of today and tomorrow.

SUPPORT OAMI Today!