Kailee Brickner-McDonald
Director
Harris-Millis Commons 100A
kbrickne@uvm.edu
Telephone: (802) 656-2575

"I've learned the most about the world and what's important to me through hands-on, community-based experiences-- from service-learning courses and working with non-profit organizations, to contra dancing and gardening. These experiences shape my passion for supporting others' involvement. I've worked in various service-related roles and offices across the UVM campus as a graduate student, AmeriCorps VISTA member, as the Dewey House's Program Coordinator, and now as the Director. I'm excited to work with the Dewey House because it's a place for an amazing group of students to figure out what they bring to their communities and what they can learn from others."

Grace Matiru
Faculty Associate
Harris-Millis Commons 100B
gmatiru@uvm.edu
Telephone: (802) 656-2575

"I am excited about joining the team at the Dewey House for Civic Engagement. I hope my varied experiences both as a part-time faculty and graduate student here at UVM will be valuable in bringing out our best as we endeavor to learn together and hone our skills in being vital, active members of the UVM and greater Burlington communities." Dr. Grace Matiru brings extensive experience in service-learning and community development. In particular, Grace has studied, researched, taught, and worked with agriculture in Kenya, Albania, and South Africa, agribusiness management in the Philippines, and agricultural economics and international development of West Bengal at Penn State. She teaches regularly in the Department of Community Development and Applied Economics at UVM and is also pursuing a further degree in Plant and Soil Science. We are excited to have Grace as part of the Dewey House team!

Dawn Graham
Program Specialist
Community Service Scholarship Program (CSSP) Coordinator
Harris-Millis Commons 100B
dwgraham@uvm.edu
Telephone: (802) 656-2575

"Throughout my life, I have sought ways to be involved in helping the communities I have been a part of. I am especially passionate about working with youth, fighting discrimination and prejudice, and working against intimate partner violence. The Dewey House fosters civic engagement and social change in a very real way that makes me excited to be involved. Aside from being at the Dewey House, you'll find me out at local music shows and munching on yummy vegan treats. I enjoy getting to know Dewey students and what you are passionate about!"

Carin Hoffman
Program Specialist
Harris-Millis Commons 100B
carin.hoffman@uvm.edu
Telephone: (802) 656-2575

"Our every interaction is an opportunity to engage with and learn from others within the community.  I strive to live every day as an exchange of ideas and skills.  This has enabled me to travel and make friends around the world and also have a really strong connection to my community, here in Vermont.  With the Dewey House, I'm excited and privileged to work with people who are building relationships and making their communities stronger.  When I'm not working I enjoy playing outside, making things with my hands, and writing letters to old friends!  I love music and especially going to Burlington's many outdoor concerts during the summer."  Carin is also the Coordinator for the Global Village Residential Learning Community.  Before coming to work at UVM, she earned her Master's Degree in Human Geography from the University of Edinburgh, in Scotland, and her BA in Government from Franklin & Marshall College, in Lancaster, PA.

Corey Richardson
Program Specialist
Harris-Millis Commons 100B
Corey.A.Richardson@uvm.edu
Telephone: (802) 656-2575

"I started working with the Dewey House as a social work graduate student and now I am excited to be back!   The Dewey community is a dynamic, motivating and inspiring group of individuals.  It's an amazing learning environment for both staff and students alike and one that I am grateful to be a part of.  As a former UVM graduate student and a Vermont native, I am passionate about contributing and giving back to the UVM, Burlington and greater Vermont communities - I love sharing my passion with students and seeking new and creative ways to encourage civic engagement and community involvement." Corey is also the Executive Director of Rancing Revolution, a non-profit organization with a mission to transform cultures of bullying into cultures of kindness.

Cleopatra Doley
Student Program Director
tdoley@uvm.edu

"Working with the Dewey community has helped me learn the importance of caring for others and following your interests and passions in life. Growing up, as a young girl, I've always wanted to make a difference, and now, in college, I've learned to do just that through the Dewey House for Civic Engagement. I am passionate about working with children and the homeless, as well as protecting the environment. I am a second-year student at UVM, majoring in Environmental Studies and I am from New York City. I look forward to seeing how the Dewey community will make a difference this year!"

John Sama Living/Learning and Residential Learning Communities, Director
jsama@uvm.edu

John is the Director of the Living/Learning Center and Residential Learning Communities. He reports to the Associate Provost for Curricular Affairs and works closely with faculty and students in developing the Center's programs. John has a long history at L/L, starting in 1980 when he was a member of the Emergency Medicine Program during his first year at UVM. He became a student director of the E-Med Program during his sophomore and junior years. He also served as an RA in L/L during his senior year. John started his working career at L/L as Program Coordinator in 1984, and was appointed Director in 2004. Starting in 2005 John was also charged with developing the Residential Learning Communities at UVM. He presently is responsible for oversight of the Arts Initiative, Global Village, GreenHouse, and Health & Wellness. John also serves as the liaison with the Department of Residential Life and many other departments, schools and colleges, and serves on a variety of institutional committees and task forces.

Ebonish Lamar
Harris- Millis Residence Director
ebonish.lamar@uvm.edu

Before coming to UVM, Ebonish was a Hall Director at Texas A&M University where she worked for two years. She earned a master’s degree in postsecondary administration and student affairs from the University of Southern California in 2009 where she served as a program coordinator, assistant residence coordinator, and residence coordinator.

Benjamin Daggett
Dewey House Residence Advisor
bdaggett@uvm.edu

"As an RA in the Dewey House, I enjoy being part of a team of other like-minded individuals and reaching out into our community!"