Hello! My name is Jonelle Beatrice. As Associate Executive Director of Student Life and Director of the Center for Student Progress, I would like you to become acquainted with our staff so that we may better meet your needs. I graduated from East Palestine High School and received my Bachelor's Degree in Education from Mount Union College. Before I began teaching, I moved to Oxford, Ohio, where I received my Master's Degree in Remedial and Diagnostic Education from Miami University. After teaching seven years in public education, I began working at YSU. From 1986-1996, I served as faculty in Reading and Study Skills. At this time, I was able to develop an honors course for pre-medical students and a course in critical thinking. In 1995, I was honored to have my text Learning to Study for Critical Thinking published by McGraw Hill. I have been the director of the Center for Student Progress since 1996. The aspect of my job that I enjoy the most is facilitating student success. I have an open-door policy and encourage you to call me at (330) 941-1450, or visit me in the Center for Student Progress.

My email address is jabeatrice AT ysu DOT edu.

Welcome to our website! I’m Pat Shively, Associate Director of YSU’s Center for Student Progress. Joining the Center’s team in the fall of 2003 was like returning home for me. I graduated from YSU in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in comprehensive communications. My teaching career began here at YSU as a limited service faculty member in the Reading and Study Skills Department where I taught both 510B and Critical Thinking 570. In the fall of 1992 I joined the staff of Mineral Ridge High School where, for 11 years, I had the honor of teaching English, journalism and study skills to some of the greatest students ever! While at Ridge, I earned my Master’s Degree in English at YSU and also worked closely with the University in presenting its annual Press Day.

My goal here in the Center for Student Progress is to help you make your college life successful and enjoyable so that you, too, may have a wonderful experience at YSU. I’m looking forward to meeting each of you! Please stop by or call me at the Center at (330)941-3197 to say hello and learn more about our services.

My email address is peshively AT ysu DOT edu.

Hello! My name is Robin Sakonyi, and I am the Assistant Director of the Center for Student Progress Student Tutorial Services. It’s my job to coordinate learning support services for YSU students and to provide supervision and leadership to a wonderful staff of peer tutors and SI Leaders.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Pittsburgh (PA) and, after "experimenting" with careers in museum administration and broadcast journalism, I decided that what I really wanted to do was to help college students make informed academic and career decisions! In essence, I was driven by a desire to help college students realize their potential, discover their dreams and find success. In 2002, I realized my goal toward helping college students when I earned a Master of Arts degree in Student Personnel from Slippery Rock University (PA).

It has been my pleasure to have worked with students in a variety of capacities in higher education for the past 5 years. I am excited by the challenge of this new role as a the Assistant Director in the Center for Student Progress at YSU. It’s my goal to provide challenge and support to college students as they work toward realizing their academic and career goals. Students, parents, faculty and staff…I look forward to forging fruitful partnerships with all of you as we work together to create YSU success stories!

Please stop by and see me in the CSP in Kilcawley Center, call me at 330-941-2956, or email at rlsakonyi AT ysu DOT edu!

My name is Chris Khumprakob, and I have been associated with YSU in many different capacities over the years. I was an undergraduate student, receiving my BA in English in 1973 with minors in Geology, Anthropology, and Philosophy. Following a year at the Vindicator, where I worked as a writer, I returned to YSU as a graduate assistant, Writing Center tutor, and part-time instructor for the English Department and the Reading and Study Skills program. I also spent several years teaching at Kent State University and working as a marketing assistant at a shopping mall. While the marketing position taught me a great deal about business and "Corporate America," it also made me realize that what I enjoy most of all is working with students and helping them succeed in college. This is my goal as the Assistant Director of the Center for Student Progress.

I hope you'll call me at (330) 941-3098, or stop by and visit me.

My email address is mckhumprakob AT ysu DOT edu.

Hello!  My name is Michael Beverly, Coordinator of Multicultural Student Services.  I am a graduate of East High School in Youngstown, Ohio, and a graduate of Youngstown State University where I received my B.A. and M.A. in History.  Prior to assuming my role as a Coordinator of the Center for Student Progress, I served as the attendance/student support administrator at Eagle Heights Academy.  My number one priority on campus is that all students receive the help they need to fulfill their dream of becoming a college graduate.

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call me at (330) 941-1441, or email me at mabeverly AT ysu DOT edu.

Hi! My name is Gina McGranahan and I am the Assistant Director of the Center for Student Progress Disability Services. I graduated from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Special Education. During my career in education, I have worked with students of many age levels both with and without disabilities. I enjoy assisting students with disabilities in receiving the necessary accommodations they need to succeed in school and in life. If you have any questions about the office or the services we provide, please feel free to contact me.

My email address is glmcgranahan AT ysu DOT edu or you can reach me at the office by calling (330) 941-1372.

Hello!  My name is Karen Clayton.  I am the Coordinator of Disability Services at the Center for Student Progress.  My office is located at 275 Fifth Avenue.  It is my job to provide support services for students with disabilities. I graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Severe Behavior Handicap and Specific Learning Disabilities.  I received my Master's Degree from Youngstown State University in Educational Administration.  For the past seventeen years, I have been an Elementary Principal with both Youngstown City Schools and Warren City Schools. I am excited to be joining the staff at CSP and I am looking forward to working with the students at Youngstown State University.  If I can assist you, please feel free to call me at (330) 941-3273.

My email is kaclayton AT ysu DOT edu.

Hi! My name is Becky Varian and I am the Assistant Director of Orientation Services in the Center for Student Progress. I received my Bachelor's degree from Kent State University and recently completed my Master's degree here at YSU.  I've worked with students for most of my professional life and I love learning!  YSU is a great school with abundant opportunities for anyone who wants to succeed, and I look forward to participating in the academic success of YSU students.  Two of my favorite movies are "Coach Carter" and "Freedom Writers" because the main message in each is that there is potential in everyone to learn and to accomplish their goals.

Please call (330) 941-2055 if I can assist you in any way, or email me at blvarian AT ysu DOT edu.

Hi!  My name is Lori Marshall and I am a Coordinator in the Center for Student Progress.  I graduated from Youngstown State in 1997 with my Bachelors of Science in Education.  Since then, I have been an educator in Ohio, Maryland, Vermont and New Mexico.  I am extremely proud to be back at YSU and working in higher education.  As an educator, I do not believe that all students learn the same way, but I do believe that ALL students can learn.  I enjoy helping students discover how they learn best and teaching them strategies that will help them reach their goals.  Working one-on-one with students and seeing them succeed is a very rewarding part of my job.

Please do not hesitate to call me at (330) 941-2308, or email me at lamarshall AT ysu DOT edu.

Hi!  My name is Karen Graves, Assistant Director of CSP First-Year Student Services.  I graduated from Kent State University in 2003 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and again from KSU in 2006 with a Master's of Education in School Counseling.  While in graduate school, I served as the Supplemental Instruction Coordinator.  When my husband and I moved to Pittsburgh, I worked for a non-profit organization providing in-home family counseling.  I love working with students in many ways but it was this job that strengthened my conviction that education is truly the key to success, no matter what your background.  I then worked as a Counselor at the Community College of Allegheny County helping Pittsburgh Public School students become acclimated and successful at the college level.  I am thrilled to be here at Youngstown State University, continuing to help students reach their goal of attaining a college degree.

Please call me at (330) 941-7492, or email me at kegraves AT ysu DOT edu if I can assist you in any way.

Hi! I'm Noreen Yazvac, CSP Administrative Assistant. I have been employed at YSU for 17 years. I initially began working in the Athletic Department as a secretary in Sports Information.  In 1999 I joined the staff in the Center for Student Progress where I am happy to assist the students, coordinators, associate director, and director in helping all students successfully achieve their academic goals.

I am a graduate of Boardman High School where my concentration was in the business course of study.  I furthered my secretarial education at the Mahoning County Joint Vocational School, and have also taken some course work in secretarial studies at YSU. In addition, since I have always been interested in the arts, I feel fortunate to have received an Associate of Arts degree in Humanities in 2002, and a Bachelor of Art in Art History in 2006, both from YSU.

If I can be of any assistance to you, please feel free to email me at nayazvac AT ysu DOT edu.

Hello!  I am Chris DiIanni, CSP Administrative Assistant. I started my career here at YSU at the Center for Student Progress/Tutorial Services in 2007.  I was previously employed as a secretary at Glenwood Middle School in the Boardman Local School District.  I enjoy being part of such a wonderful team and assisting the students, coordinators, the associate director and director.

I am a graduate of Chaney High School and I furthered my secretarial and medical education at the Mahoning County Joint Vocational School with courses in Medical Assisting and Transcription.  I also attended YSU for two years, and I am looking forward to returning to YSU as a student in the near future.

My husband Frank and I have four children, twin girls, Amanda and Kaila, Nicolas, and Phillip.  I enjoy watching my children's sporting events, cooking, baking, and being at a beach whenever I can!

If I can be of any assistance to you, please feel free to email me at cdilanni AT ysu DOT edu.

Welcome to orientation!

My name is  Kathy Palladino, CSP Orientation Services, Administrative Assistant.

In 2007, I began my journey in Orientation Services with the Center for Student Progress.

Through our orientation programs, we will offer the initial support to assist you with your transition into college; as well as provide you with valuable information and on-campus resources for your success at YSU.

Visit us on the website at web.ysu.edu/csporientation for further information regarding our orientation programs and services offered at the Center for Student Progress.

For answers to your questions, call (330) 941-2103 or e-mail me at kmpalladino AT ysu DOT edu.

I look forward to welcoming you as you begin your journey!

Hi!  My name is Debbie Moy and I am the Secretary in the Center for Student Progress Disability Services. 

Following graduation from Mathews High School, I was employed at two local financial institutions then moved to the Detroit area, and was employed by an on-line computer company in customer service installing and training credit union software.  I returned to the area and began with a Sharon, PA computer company traveling nationwide installing and training custom accounting and word processing packages.  I assisted in a family contracting business part time while starting my family then returned to the work force full time as an administrative assistant at a local trucking company, in the sales department of a local television station, and then a newspaper. 

I proudly began my career at Youngstown State University in 2000 teaching introductory computer courses through the Metro College.  I started full time with YSU as a secretary in the Office of Professional Practice in the Williamson College of Business then moved to the School of Graduate Studies and Research before joining this team in the Center for Student Progress.  I am excited to be here and look forward to assisting you. 

Please feel free to email me at dlmoy AT ysu DOT edu.

 Hello!  My name is Maura Picciano.  I am a first year graduate student in the Counseling Program here at Youngstown State, and I am currently a Graduate Assistant in the Center for Student Progress.  I graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 2005 and received my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from the Mount Union College in spring 2009.  I developed an interest in working with college students through my involvement in academic and campus organizations throughout my undergraduate.  I am passionate about promoting college students' opportunities to achieve their most successful college experience in which their individual needs are accommodated, allowing them to grow professionally and personally.  In pursuing a career in Student Affairs, I also want to assist in making the pre and post college transition more beneficial, comfortable, and fulfilling for college students.  I am very excited to gain excellent insight about the Student Affairs and Counseling in my various courses and I'm looking forward to hands-on experience here at the Center for Student Progress.

If you have any questions, concerns, comments, please feel free to call me at (330) 941-2223, or contact me by email (mpicciano AT student.ysu DOT edu). I always tell my students, I may not have your answer, but I won't stop till I find it!  :)

Hi!  My name is Sarah Deiger and I am a graduate assistant in the Center for Student Progress.  I am working on my Master's degree in Counseling with a Student Affairs track.  I began my college experience at Waynesburg University as a Forensic Science major.  I transferred into Youngstown State as a nursing major, and then switched to a social work major.  I then graduated, with my bachelor's degree in Social Work in August 2011 from Youngstown State.  Before beginning my college career I graduated from South Range High School.

I am passionate about helping college students become the best students they can be, whether traditional or non-traditional.  The transition to college can be very difficult and I want to assist students as much as possible to make the transition easier.  My door is always open and I want to assist students to be the most successful they can be in their academic and professional development.  I am excited to work with all of you, and be a part of your academic support system this semester or in the future.

Please contact me with questions, comments, or concerns (330) 941-1410. or sadeiger AT student.ysu DOT edu.

Hi!  My name is Diane Stahl, Graduate Assistant at the Center for Student Progress.  I am currently enrolled in the Student Affairs program here at YSU, and I will earn my Master's of Education in 2012.  I graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2000 with a Bachelor's degree in Humanities and Religious Studies.  Last year, I had the opportunity to work in the CSP as part of a practicum for the Student Affairs program.  I was so impressed by the energy and commitment to student success here at the CSP that I decided to pursue a Graduate Assistantship.  Prior to becoming a Graduate Assistant at the CSP, I worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Coordinator for Compass Family and Community Services.  I have been both a "traditional" and "non-traditional" student, and I am aware that every person has unique needs.  I am passionate about working with college students to help them have a successful and meaningful experience while at YSU, and I look forward to working with you to help you discover ways to become the best student you can be!

Please call me at (330) 941-2229, or email me at drstahl AT student.ysu DOT edu if I can assist you in any way.