Staff directory

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As director, Jesse provides campus-wide leadership on student belonging with regard to gender and sexuality. Jesse drives our strategic planning, sets unit goals, and oversees the operation of the center and our programs and services.

Dawn Espy (they/them) is a social justice educator and equity strategist with a background in psychology and a deep commitment to identity, inclusion, and community transformation. They hold a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan and also serve as a local school board trustee.

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Uriel provides administrative support for the center and helps to make the office a welcoming space for students and visitors.

Thea/TJ is a special projects coordinator at Spectrum Center. TJ is a Master of Social Work student at the University of Michigan who studies interpersonal practice in integrated health and mental health, as well as community change. They focus on providing sexuality and gender affirming care, with intent to recieve a sexual health certification in counseling and education. Thea has experience working with Spectrum as an undergraduate in student support services and is thrilled to continue supporting the LGBTQ+ community here at Michigan.

Arushi Rana is a graduate coordinator at Spectrum Center. She is a first-generation international student pursuing a graduate degree at the School of Social Work, specializing in management and leadership. She is ecstatic to engage with members of the community and co-create meaningful change. Arushi aims to promote diverse, equitable, and inclusive practices to foster a culture of acceptance and respect within the university community. 

Sebas Abbate is the research, assessment, and advocacy graduate coordinator at Spectrum Center. They are a queer, trans Latine activist and grassroots organizer dedicated to making the world a safer space for young LGBTQ+ people of color. He is a first-generation graduate student pursuing his Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in community change. In 2020, they graduated with bachelor's degrees in political science and sociology; and a certificate in peace, justice, and human rights from Florida Atlantic University.
 

Daniel Chavez is a front desk student lead at Spectrum Center. Daniel is an undergraduate majoring in applied exercise science. Coming from Joliet, Illinois, he is passionate about transgender rights. In his role at Spectrum, Daniel greets and helps visitors get connected to support, resources, and information.

Jamy is a non-traditional 3rd year undergraduate on the pre-medical track studying biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience with a minor in sociology of health and medicine. They currently serve Spectrum Center as a front desk attendant and take great pride in being one of the first faces students see when they enter the office. Elsewhere, Jamy is involved in various organizations across campus, including the Neurosurgery and Urology departments of Michigan Medicine, as a '22-'23 Michigan Student Power Alliance fellow, and as a student coordinator for the Office of New Student Programs.

Jada Maxwell is a center support student lead at the University of Michigan's Spectrum Center. Through interacting with students, they help maintain and foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for the center.

Isaac Schultz is a front desk student lead at Spectrum Center. Isaac is an undergraduate majoring in secondary education and minoring in music. Coming from Portland, Oregon, he is passionate about anything regarding queer rights and access to healthcare. In their role at Spectrum, Isaac greets and helps visitors get connected to support, resources, and information.

Avery Thompson is 4th year at University of Michigan who is passionate about equitable and holistic care in healthcare systems. As a Front Desk and Operations Student Lead at Spectrum, Avery greets and helps visitors get connected to support, resources, and information and enjoys making visuals and signage on occasion.

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Angie Freeman, MS is the events and partnerships program manager at Spectrum Center. They are a fiery, energetic student affairs practitioner, educator, and speaker who pours their heart out into the work of social justice.

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Nicole Newsome is the program specialist for student engagement and belonging at the University of Michigan's Spectrum Center. Nicole is a Black, queer, disabled emerging student affairs professional, and QTBIPOC advocacy has always been at the center of their educational and professional work.

Sol Llanes is an events and partnerships graduate student coordinator at Spectrum Center. Sol is pursuing a Master of Science degree in environmental sustainability. Coming from Chicago, IL,  Sol cares about climate change, indigenous equality, disability rights, and more.

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Elizabeth González, LMSW, CYT leads Spectrum Center's educational engagement portfolio, facilitates workshops, supports research, and consults with campus partners.

Ariel Saldana is the education and training graduate coordinator at Spectrum Center. At U-M, Ariel is pursuing a Master of Social Work degree. Coming from California, he is passionate about advocating for comprehensive and inclusive sex education for all ages. In Ariel's role at Spectrum Center, she supports and co-lead a portfolio of workshops and trainings for the U-M community.

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Spencer Hall, MSW, leads Spectrum Center's work on support services and wellness, including HIV/STI testing, navigating gender affirming care, health and wellness programming, essential needs, and mentorship.

Macie Richardson is a first-generation college student and sophomore in LSA and the Residential College double majoring in creative writing and literature and linguistics with a minor in LGBTQ+ studies. As the support services and wellness student lead, they enjoy working with the FreshSpectives program and getting to be involved in helping queer and trans students find community and resources. They’re extremely excited to be a part of Spectrum Center!