Meet Your Admissions Team

We are here to help you determine which graduate program is right for you, as well as to help walk you through the application process. Feel free to contact us via phone or email or attend one of our on-campus events. The Office of Graduate Admissions is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-ins are always welcome, but appointments are preferred so that we can better serve you.

If you are a prospective international student, please contact the Office of International Admissions at 203-576-4552 or .

Allison Garris

Allison Garris

Dean of Admissions

  • Phone 203-576-4108
  • Email

Zeina Riachy

Zeina Riachy

Assistant Director of Admissions

  • Phone 203-576-4543
  • Email

I graduated from Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth (USJ) with a bachelor’s degree in translation and a master’s in translation, with a focus on banking and business translation. I also earned a teaching diploma in living languages. I’m passionate about working in graduate admissions since I get to play a role in helping students take a step towards their future.

In my free time, I enjoy socializing, spending time with family and friends and swimming.

Favorite color: Purple
Favorite movie: Can’t decide on one. The list is long!
Favorite book: Oscar et la Dame Rose
Favorite food: Tabbouleh
Best part about my job: Helping the students achieve their academic and career goals
Something you don’t know about me: I speak 6 languages
Three words to describe me: Hardworking, friendly, helpful


Jacob Knox

Jacob Knox

Assistant Director of Admissions

  • Phone 203-576-4147
  • Email

Through my education, I have background in politics, French, and teaching. I truly believe that education empowers people, and I enjoy helping students obtain their professional goals.

In my free time, I like to cook, go on hikes, and root for the Patriots.

Favorite color: Blue
Favorite movie: Braveheart
Favorite book: The Plague by Albert Camus
Favorite food: Steak
Best part about my job: Meeting new people and helping them achieve their goals
Something you don’t know about me: I have owned 2 English mastiffs
Three words to describe me: Kind, loyal, diligent


Sarah Doran

Sarah Doran

Graduate Admissions Officer

  • Phone 203-576-2407
  • Email

I graduated from Arcadia University with a bachelor’s in English. I have a background in customer service and administrative work. I love interacting with people and learning more about them. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, writing, and finding new music.

Favorite color: Blue
Favorite movie: Tie between Serendipity and Always Be My Maybe
Favorite book: Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Favorite food: Ice cream
Something you don’t know about me: I spent three semesters abroad in college; one in Scotland, Ireland, and Italy
Three words to describe me: empathetic, observant, resilient


Jennifer Hirshorn

Jennifer Hirshorn

Graduate Admissions Officer

  • Phone 203-576-4527
  • Email

I graduated from Sacred Heart University and have my bachelor’s degree in Finance Management. I worked in the finance industry for about 8 years and decided it was time for a change in my career path. Therefore, I chose to get into higher education and have always had a passion for getting into education. I love working with people and learning new information every day.

Favorite color: Pink
Favorite movie: Ghostbusters
Favorite book: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Favorite food: Pasta
Something you don’t know about me: I have a big Italian family and I love to cook
Three words to describe me: Friendly, outgoing, and kind

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