< Transfer Experiences < Current Students < Transfer Team
These staff members serve as part of UMBC’s Transfer Success Committee, a team dedicated to addressing transfer students’ unique needs and improving their experience at UMBC. Learn more about each staff member by clicking on the icon next to their name.
Advising
Desiree has been a Retriever since 2011 earning her B.A. in Media and Communications Studies with minors in Dance and Psychology from UMBC later also earning her M.A. in Texts, Technologies, and Literature here. She returned to UMBC as Coordinator for Advising and Recruiting in the Erickson School for Aging Studies in 2019. In January 2022, Desiree transitioned to her current role as Coordinator for Pre-Transfer Advising in the Office for Academic and Pre-Professional Advising. Outside of her dedication to advising prospective and current transfer students, Desiree has served as Assistant Coach for UMBC Dance Team since 2016.
Desiree identifies as a “pre-college transfer student”. She frequently moved around and transferred schools, to include high school, due to her father’s service in the US Army. Given her childhood experience, she is especially passionate about supporting transfer students in their journey of adjustment and finding a sense of belonging. When not at work, Desiree enjoys dancing, spending time with her human and animal family, singing karaoke, and traveling.
Dr. Kenneth Baron is Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Advising and Student Success at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). In his 17th year of service at UMBC, he leads and manages academic advising practices as both an administrator and a practitioner. Before coming to UMBC, Dr. Baron held diverse leadership positions at various institutions, including Emory University, The College of New Jersey, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the American InterContinental University in London (now Regents University). Dr. Baron received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park. He received his Ph.D. from the Department of Educational Studies at the University of Surrey, Guildford, England, where a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship supported his graduate study and research on the Nature of American Academic Advising in the 21st Century.
Julie is passionate about transfer student success because she was once a transfer student. After earning her Associate’s degree from CCBC she transferred to UMBC earning a B.A in Sociology and M.A. in Applied Sociology. As a first generation transfer student, transitioning from a small CCBC campus to UMBC was an eye opening experience. Luckily with the assistance of advising and the support of her fellow transfer peers Julie was able to make her transfer journey a good one. As the Assistant Director for Student Transitions in the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS), Julie work’s with transfer students throughout their journey from pre-transfer advising to advising current transfer students.
“My goal is that the transfer students in CNMS feel supported and valued and know that I am here to support them along the way.”- Julie
Krista Wallace joined UMBC in July 2019 as the Transfer Success Advisor for the Post-Transfer Pathways (PTP) Program in the College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT).Krista earned her Bachelor’s (Early Childhood Education) from Howard University and Master’s (School Counseling) from Loyola University, Maryland. Before joining UMBC, Krista served as a Military & Veteran Advisor for University of Maryland, Global Campus.
In her current role of Assistant Director of Transfer Success Initiatives, Krista develops and maintains partnerships with MD community college advisors to strengthen UMBC connections. She also develops programs dedicated to easing the transition of new students into UMBC’s computing and engineering programs, in addition to providing prescriptive academic advising to prospective and current transfer students interested in computing and engineering majors. Krista is passionate about working with transfer students and helping them as they navigate their educational journey through graduation.
Director of Academic Advising
Academic Affairs
Dr. Laila M. Shishineh joined UMBC in 2010 to support First-Year Experience programs in the Office of Academic Engagement & Transition Programs (AETP). In her current role as Director, Laila oversees all programs under the AETP umbrella intended to help first-year students, second-year students, and new transfer students as they transition to campus and through their first few semesters and beyond. Laila came to UMBC from the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP). During her time at UMCP, she received her B.A. in Criminal Justice & Criminology (2006) as well as her M.A. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with a focus on Higher Education (2009) while she worked full-time with Orientation and New Student Programs. Laila then earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Frostburg State University, where she conducted her doctoral research on UMBC’s Summer Bridge Program. Her extensive background working with students in transition, along with her research background, guide the work that she does on campus to support all students to find success.
Abby joined UMBC in 2022 and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Transfer Experiences in the Office of Academic Engagement and Transition Programs (AETP). Abby works primarily with the design and implementation of Transfer Student Seminar (UNIV 301) courses. The highlight of her semester is teaching a UNIV 301 course. Additionally, Abby leads UMBC’s Second-Year Experience program. Abby earned her B.A. in Ancient Studies at UMBC and is currently pursuing a M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership at Salisbury University. When not at work, Abby enjoys cooking, traveling, and trying new restaurants!
Hope joined the UMBC community in 2018 and currently serves as the Senior Academic Advocate for transfer students. In this role, Hope supports the success of transfer students. Prior to this position, Hope worked in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at UMBC. Hope is also an alumna of UMBC earning her B.A. in Psychology/Sociology and M.A. in Applied Sociology. As a previous transfer student herself, Hope understands the importance of campus support, advocacy, and building a sense of community while attending UMBC. This background allows Hope to successfully navigate the unique needs of the transfer student population. When Hope isn’t in the office, you can find her grabbing a coffee/tea at Dunkin’, exercising, or listening to true crime podcasts.
Student Affairs
Director, Retriever Essential Needs and Connections
Amery Thompson serves as the Director for Student Affairs Success Initiatives at UMBC. In his role he works across divisions to bring resources, community development and leadership opportunities to enrich the college experience for Transfers and First Generation Students from admission to graduation while also creating culturally centered initiatives to highlight the inclusive community at UMBC. His focus on student success comes from his own experience as a first generation transfer student while his passion is found with transfer students he is dedication to the success of all students. Amery obtained his Master of Arts in higher education administration. He has been working in higher education for over seven years.
Michelle joined the UMBC Internships and Employment team in March 2023. Previously, she was the Assistant Director of the Corporate Internship Program at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore for 5 years. Prior to that, she spent 4 years in the classroom teaching International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement students in Harford County Public Schools
Shady Grove
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Recruitment
Contact UMBC at the Universities at Shady Grove
Assistant Vice Provost, UMBC-Shady Grove
Enrollment Management
Valentina Leon-Ledezma (she/her) is the Transfer Coordinator for the Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation office. Previously, she served as the Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Hokie Transfer Community at Virginia Tech where she supported transfer students through programming and professional development. In May 2024, she graduated with a master’s in Higher Education from Virginia Tech and moved to Baltimore upon graduation. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, baking, and playing volleyball!
Associate Director for Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships