Staff directory

Jesse Beal is the director of Spectrum Center. They joined as associate director in November 2021 and were named the director in December 2022. Prior to arriving at the University of Michigan, Jesse served as the director of the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center at Michigan State University. Jesse is an experienced student affairs practitioner, who brings over a decade of experience leading student-facing affinity-based resource centers at Amherst College, Brandeis University, Suffolk University, and MSU.

Tristan “TK” Morton is the associate director of Spectrum Center. Ze is a Black, trans, queer educator; advocate; and joy creator. Ze centers queer and trans BIPOC joy, laughter, and advocacy, making sure that all spaces are accessible and centering the love and care of the community. Tristan brings experience in student affairs; social justice; and supporting LGBTQIA2+ and marginalized staff, faculty, students, and alumni.

Uriel Light is the office coordinator at Spectrum Center. They provide administrative support for the Center and help to make the office a welcoming space for students and visitors. Uriel graduated from the University of Michigan with a BA in history in 2021, where their studies focused on gender and sexuality in the Greco-Roman world. Making U-M a safe, welcoming place for students is important to Uriel, and they’re excited to support the community through Spectrum Center. 

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 the DEI action 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.
 

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.

Avery Thompson is a current sophomore at the University of Michigan studying sociology with a minor in LGBTQ+ studies. As a front desk student lead, she enjoys connecting with students and staff alike, and looks forward to getting to know more members of the community. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, DnD, and cooking.

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.

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.

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. With over a decade of experience in various roles such as residential life, mentoring, coaching, retention, training, advising, LGBTQ+ and diversity and inclusion, Angie continues to pave a path led by self-work and action.

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.

Jordan Rhym is the graduate programming board and events coordinator at Spectrum Center. She is currently a first-year master’s student at the University of Michigan School of Information, studying archives and digital curation. She looks forward to helping students facilitate diverse and welcoming events to serve the UM LGBTQIA+ community!

Elizabeth González, LMSW, CYT, is the education and training program manager at Spectrum Center. Their responsibilities include facilitating allyhood development trainings and consulting with campus partners about inclusive practices. Elizabeth is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Social Work, where she studied interpersonal practice and mental health. Elizabeth earned a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on sociology and government and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin.

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.

Spencer Hall, MSW is the support services and wellness advocate at Spectrum Center. Hall is a social worker with a deep passion and investment in supporting youth and young adults—particularly those who are LGBTQIA2+, first-generation, and limited-income—in maneuvering through the complexities of life, including higher education. He does this work by collaborating with young people and supporting them in meeting their own goals and definitions of success. Spencer brings years of creating, planning, and leading programming for LGBTQIA2+ youth and young adults with him.

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!