Meet Our Staff

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@ysu.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@ysu.edu.

Hello! My name is Robin Sakonyi, and I am the Assistant Director of the Center for Student Progress Supplemental Instruction (SI) and 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@ysu.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@ysu.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@ysu.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@ysu.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 Wick House.  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 iskaclayton@ysu.edu.

Hi, my name is Tysa Egleton and I am the Assistant Director of the Center for Student Progress Orientation Services.  I began my academic career at YSU in 1997, majoring in Advertising and Public Relations.  In addition, I worked in the Center for Student Progress as a Peer Assistant and Student Coordinator of First Year Student Services during my undergraduate period.  Graduating in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, I immediately enrolled in the Counseling Department’s graduate program.  Through coursework and practical experiences, I concentrated on Higher Education and Student Services while working in the Office of the Registrar and Office of Student Life at YSU, Office of Judicial Affairs at Thiel College, and Office of Residence Life at Mount Union College.  Ultimately, I attained a Master of Science in Education at the end of the 2004 spring semester and feel honored to return to the Center for Student Progress as a professional to aid students and transform lives.

If you need my assistance, I encourage you to call me at (330) 941-2055 or email me at tmegleton@ysu.edu.

Hi! My name is Becky Varian and I am a coordinator 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) 941-2223 if I can assist you in any way, or email me at blvarian@ysu.edu.

Hi! My name is Shannon Reesh and I am a Center for Student Progress Coordinator of Supplemental Instruction and Individual Intervention Services.  It is my job to provide intervention services to students conditionally admitted to YSU, as well as to assist in the leadership and direction of a staff of talented peer tutors and SI leaders.

I earned both my bachelors and masters degrees from Youngstown State University.  My  undergraduate work was focused in fine arts.  After graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and working as a professional graphic designer for a couple of years, I realized how much I missed working with people.  It was then that I gained the awareness that I wanted to pursue my master's degree in Counseling Education, so that I could engage and inspire students during their pursuit of higher education.  I entered the YSU graduate program and received a graduate assistantship as a Resident Director at Thiel College in 2002.  I continued working at Thiel throughout my graduate program and in 2004 I earned my Masters of Science in Counseling Education degree. Then I was given the opportunity to work as the Director of International Student Services at Thiel.

For the past several years, I have had the wonderful opportunity to work professionally in the field of higher education.  As a result of my educational and professional experiences, I have found that what I enjoy the most about this field is the opportunity to facilitate academic success in the students with whom I work.

Please do not hesitate to call me at (330) 941-2221, or email me at snreesh@ysu.edu.

Hi!  My name is Lori Marshall and I am a Coordinator in the Center for Student Progress.  I am a graduate of Campbell Memorial High School and Youngstown State University.  I received my Bachelors of Science Degree in education from YSU in 1997.  Since then, I have taught in various elementary classrooms in Ohio, Maryland, Vermont and New Mexico.  I enjoy working with students of all ages and helping them reach their goals.  I am very happy to be back home in the Youngstown area where I have many friends and a large extended family, and I am very proud to be a part of the YSU family now as well.  In the near future, I plan to start taking classes towards my master's degree here at Youngstown State.

I currently live in Niles, Ohio with my son Tommy, who will be a freshman this year at YSU, and my two kitties, Billy the Kid and Jesse James.  My daughter Jamie lives in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Please feel free to call me (330) 941-2308, or send me an email, lamarshall@ysu.edu, if you need my assistance.

Hi! I'm Noreen Yazvac, CSP Administrative Assistant. I have been employed at YSU for 15 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@ysu.edu.

Hello!  I am Chris DiIanni, CSP Secretary. I have just 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, age 16, Nicolas, age 13, and Phillip, age 12.  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@ysu.edu.

Welcome to orientation . . .

My name is  Kathy Palladino and I am the CSP Orientation Services Secretary. Your education is an investment in your future.  Your initial investment begins by attending orientation where you will be provided with an introduction to available academic, co-curricular, and social opportunities, as well as vital resources to aid you in your success at Youngstown State University.

For answers to your questions regarding orientation, or additional services offered at the Center for Student Progress, contact me by phone at (330) 941-2103 or e-mail at kmpalladino@ysu.edu.  Visit us on the web at www.ysu.edu/studentorientation.

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

Hello, my name is Holly D’Amico.  I am the secretary in Center for Student Progress/Disability Services. I enjoy helping students in any way I can, whether it’s helping them find their way around campus, or answering questions about the services we provide.

Stop in to see us in Wick House and let us know how we can help you be a success at YSU.  You can reach me by e-mailing hrdamico@ysu..edu, or by calling 330-941-1372.

Hi, my name is Christy Blazek.  I am a Graduate Assistant for the Center for Student Progress Individual Intervention Services and am located at Wick House.  Prior to this position, I was the Center for Student Progress non-traditional peer assistant for three years.  I have been honored to represent the CSP, and I believe that utilizing the CSP is a crucial component in helping students achieve success at YSU.  I have enjoyed helping students set, reach and exceed their goals.  I am a 2008 graduate of Youngstown State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  I am currently working on a master’s degree in Social Work.  I have two fantastic teenagers and two adorable little dachshund.  One statement that sums up my view of life is, “If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got.”  Change begins with you.