Meet Our Staff
Christine Flax, Director of the Academic Link
Ever since coming to Stevenson University twenty-six years ago, Christine Flax’s passion has been to find ways to help students achieve their academic goals. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland, College Park, and her Master of Education from The Johns Hopkins University. Her position as Developmental Studies Faculty, Director of the Academic Link Tutoring Center, and Director of PASS is devoted to the success of and advocacy for all students, particularly first-year students. She has implemented several programs and has seen them flourish. Supplemental Instruction was introduced in 2002 with 1 SI Leader and as a result of student feedback has grown to include a staff of 24 SI Leaders. In addition, PASS (Partnerships and Student Success), a first-year student mentoring program, has been in existence since 1996 and was honored in 2001 with the Noel-Levitz Retention Excellence Award and in 2008 with the MD Psychological Association Best Practice Award. Her hobbies include reading, brain puzzles, and physical fitness. Christine loves to have fun with her students and takes pride in hearing career success stories of former Link tutors.
Kaitlyn Marzullo, Coordinator of Tutorial Services
Kaitlyn Marzullo began working at Stevenson University in July 2008. She received her undergraduate degree in Writing from Loyola College in 2007. While attending Loyola, Kaitlyn spent her free time working in the Writing Center as a tutor. After graduation, Kaitlyn continued working with students through Sylvan Learning Center, where she tutored students ranging in age from kindergarten to high school. Here at SU, Kaitlyn coordinates the Tutoring Program, which includes hiring and training The Academic Link’s tutors. She also supervises the Supplemental Instruction Program (SI) and assists Christine with the PASS Program. Kaitlyn is passionate about helping students and enjoys the opportunities to work closely with them whenever possible. In her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys running, working out, horseback riding, reading, and especially making trips home to Wildwood to visit her family, friends, and dog, Marlie.
Carmen C. Velez, Weekend and Evening Supervisor
In 1989, as an older returning student, Carmen Vélez, CPA MBA, was recommended as a tutor for accounting. Upon completion of her accounting degree from Stevenson University (then known as Villa Julie College), she sat for the CPA exam and started her Master’s degree in Business at the Johns Hopkins University. With what “free” time she had, Carmen was asked to continue tutoring upper level accounting and business classes. After completing her master’s degree she was invited to teach accounting and finance at the university. Carmen has been instrumental in making weekend and evening tutoring available. Carmen is a strong advocate for student achievement. She believes in helping students to hone the skills needed, not only to pass but to excel in their class work, and to carry those tools forward into their lives after academia.
The Academic Link is home to over 50 qualified tutors with expertise which spans across all academic disciplines. Our tutors are not only excellent students, but they also serve as role models for their peers. The Link’s tutors dedicate their time to assist their fellow classmates in achieving academic focus and becoming independent learners. In addition, The Academic Link tutors receive training for certification from the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). Stevenson’s tutors have achieved certificates for Regular, Advanced, and Master Levels. Our tutors are the heart of The Link’s success!
Front Desk Student Receptionists
The Academic Link Front Desk Receptionists demonstrate their dedication to Stevenson University students on a daily basis. The Link Coordinators, administration and faculty are proud of these students…the best ambassadors of SU!! These student members comment often that their experience at the front desk adds a “special” dimension to their life at SU. Our tutors are the heart and soul of The Link, but the front desk workers keep the center “pumping!”