Lin Tang, PhD, NCSP
Executive Director, Learning Resource Center and Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies
Lin Tang, PhD, is an experienced Higher Education executive, a Licensed Psychologist, and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), with expertise in strategies to enhance learning, student wellness and student success, cognitive and behavioral psychology, academic support programing, undergraduate research access, flexible learning initiatives and program development.
Tang has served in a leadership role at the Learning Resource Center (LRC) and Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies (OURS) at UMass Amherst for the past 16 years. Over the years, Tang transformed and grew the LRC and OURS to become the central academic and undergraduate research support unit for UMass Amherst, a unit that has been deemed critical to student success and is at the forefront of academic support research and best practices. Under Tang's leadership, the LRC and OURS unit has become one of the largest and most comprehensive student support and success centers in the country.
Tang also contributes regularly to research and scholarly pursuits. She has secured over 2 million dollars in grant funding in her time at the LRC and OURS. Tang recently authored the Academic Success Coaching program at UMass Amherst, created and taught a core graduate course titled Helping Skills for Professionals in Higher Education course, and developed a Metacognition First Year Seminar (FYS) curriculum, showcasing her unique blend of Higher Education experience with her background in psychology. She also contributes regularly to research conferences and presentations and has served on numerous comprehensive exam and dissertation committees.
Tang’s area of expertise and scholarship is focused on metacognitive strategies and skills to enhance learning outcomes, college student transition and success, academic coaching, and designing and implementing system level academic interventions founded on Universal Design Learning (UDL) principles. Tang currently teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate level at UMass Amherst, is an invited speaker to conferences and Grand Round presentations, and collaborates with UMass Chan Medical School on enhancing student wellness and student learning. She is in a leadership role at regional and national organizations and she is recognized as a national expert in college student learning and success.
Tang has served in a leadership role at the Learning Resource Center (LRC) and Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies (OURS) at UMass Amherst for the past 16 years. Over the years, Tang transformed and grew the LRC and OURS to become the central academic and undergraduate research support unit for UMass Amherst, a unit that has been deemed critical to student success and is at the forefront of academic support research and best practices. Under Tang's leadership, the LRC and OURS unit has become one of the largest and most comprehensive student support and success centers in the country.
Tang also contributes regularly to research and scholarly pursuits. She has secured over 2 million dollars in grant funding in her time at the LRC and OURS. Tang recently authored the Academic Success Coaching program at UMass Amherst, created and taught a core graduate course titled Helping Skills for Professionals in Higher Education course, and developed a Metacognition First Year Seminar (FYS) curriculum, showcasing her unique blend of Higher Education experience with her background in psychology. She also contributes regularly to research conferences and presentations and has served on numerous comprehensive exam and dissertation committees.
Tang’s area of expertise and scholarship is focused on metacognitive strategies and skills to enhance learning outcomes, college student transition and success, academic coaching, and designing and implementing system level academic interventions founded on Universal Design Learning (UDL) principles. Tang currently teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate level at UMass Amherst, is an invited speaker to conferences and Grand Round presentations, and collaborates with UMass Chan Medical School on enhancing student wellness and student learning. She is in a leadership role at regional and national organizations and she is recognized as a national expert in college student learning and success.
Stacie Vanasse
Director of LRC Tutoring and Academic Success Coaching
Stacie has been with the Learning Resource Center since September 2012. In her role as Director, Stacie coordinates and supports day-to-day operations of the course-based Peer Tutoring and Academic Success Coaching programs.
Much of Stacie’s work centers on program development and implementation. She uses her previous experience as a transition specialist to build programs that are effective for and accessible to the campus community.
A highlight of Stacie’s work is the training and support she provides to the peer tutoring team. Over the last few years, Stacie has focused on formalizing tutor development and aligned training to meet Level 1 and Level 2 CRLA (College Reading Learning Association) standards.
When she’s not at UMass, Stacie enjoys attempting DIY projects with her partner, James, and practicing her (very) amateur photography skills on her adorable pups, Franklin and Liberty Belle.
Much of Stacie’s work centers on program development and implementation. She uses her previous experience as a transition specialist to build programs that are effective for and accessible to the campus community.
A highlight of Stacie’s work is the training and support she provides to the peer tutoring team. Over the last few years, Stacie has focused on formalizing tutor development and aligned training to meet Level 1 and Level 2 CRLA (College Reading Learning Association) standards.
When she’s not at UMass, Stacie enjoys attempting DIY projects with her partner, James, and practicing her (very) amateur photography skills on her adorable pups, Franklin and Liberty Belle.
Deb Phillis
Director of Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies (OURS)
Deb got involved in research as an undergraduate when searching for a work-study position. She was hired into a Drosophila genetics lab and was instantly fascinated; she would work in the field for the next 30 years.
Deb joined the Learning Resource Center in September 2010 where she worked with the newly formed Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies (OURS). In her role as Director of OURS, Deb directly supports UMass Amherst undergraduate students looking for ways to be involved in research. Deb supervises and trains OURS Research Mentors and works with campus partners to help students learn about research and to actively help them find and apply to programs.
A highlight of Deb’s work is meeting with students one-on-one to help guide them to find opportunities that will help them gain skills and knowledge for their future endeavors. Another highlight is being able to work with a team of dedicated OURS research mentors who bring to the office their research experience, information, and personal experiences about the UMass Amherst campus.
When she is not at OURS, Deb enjoys the outdoors and nature.
Deb joined the Learning Resource Center in September 2010 where she worked with the newly formed Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies (OURS). In her role as Director of OURS, Deb directly supports UMass Amherst undergraduate students looking for ways to be involved in research. Deb supervises and trains OURS Research Mentors and works with campus partners to help students learn about research and to actively help them find and apply to programs.
A highlight of Deb’s work is meeting with students one-on-one to help guide them to find opportunities that will help them gain skills and knowledge for their future endeavors. Another highlight is being able to work with a team of dedicated OURS research mentors who bring to the office their research experience, information, and personal experiences about the UMass Amherst campus.
When she is not at OURS, Deb enjoys the outdoors and nature.
Rebecca Steinberg
Associate Director of LRC Supplemental Instruction (SI)
Rebecca’s LRC journey began in September 2018 as a graduate assistant to the tutoring program. As a graduate student, she worked with Stacie to observe and train LRC tutors.
After graduating with a Master’s of Education in 2020, she worked in the nonprofit world, developing digital literacy and job readiness programming for refugee and asylum seekers.
Rebecca returned to the LRC in Spring 2023. As Associate Director of SI, she coordinates and supports day-to-day operations of the Supplemental Instruction Program in close collaboration with the executive director and SI Admin Team. Their combined efforts propel SI leaders in lifting their peers to reach their academic goals.
A highlight of Rebecca’s work is getting to know SI Leaders and seeing their growth during their time at the LRC, as well as working with an incredible team to ensure smooth program operations.
When not at the LRC, Rebecca can be found adventuring outdoors by foot or by bicycle, cooking something tasty, and enjoying time with her partner, Mark and their adorable/mischievous cat, Saffron. She welcomes gluten-free recipes (preferably with chocolate) and suggestions for trail running routes!
After graduating with a Master’s of Education in 2020, she worked in the nonprofit world, developing digital literacy and job readiness programming for refugee and asylum seekers.
Rebecca returned to the LRC in Spring 2023. As Associate Director of SI, she coordinates and supports day-to-day operations of the Supplemental Instruction Program in close collaboration with the executive director and SI Admin Team. Their combined efforts propel SI leaders in lifting their peers to reach their academic goals.
A highlight of Rebecca’s work is getting to know SI Leaders and seeing their growth during their time at the LRC, as well as working with an incredible team to ensure smooth program operations.
When not at the LRC, Rebecca can be found adventuring outdoors by foot or by bicycle, cooking something tasty, and enjoying time with her partner, Mark and their adorable/mischievous cat, Saffron. She welcomes gluten-free recipes (preferably with chocolate) and suggestions for trail running routes!
Cassidy Buchanan-Gauthier
Assistant Director of Academic Success Coaching
Cassidy Buchanan-Gauthier first joined the LRC in Fall 2023 as a graduate student in the School Counseling program in the UMass Amherst College of Education. As the Assistant Director of Academic Success Coaching, Cassidy gets to apply his education and wealth of life experience to his mission: supporting people on their journey.
It wasn’t until the age of 37 that Cassidy realized what he wanted to be when he grew up. Since that moment his entire life has been devoted to pursuing the goal of becoming a School Adjustment Counselor. As an Academic Success Coach with the Learning Resource Center, he gets to live that dream of supporting students while continuing his education.
Attaining a BA in Psychology gave Cassidy the chance to reflect on the professional and personal experiences his life has provided. In particular, the sense of meaning and purpose he found in 7 years of AmeriCorps service while helping to provide that same opportunity for others. When not having the privilege of working as an Academic Success Coach and pursuing his academic dream Cassidy savors time with his incredible wife, three sassy children, eccentric family, and a sprawling constellation of friends.
It wasn’t until the age of 37 that Cassidy realized what he wanted to be when he grew up. Since that moment his entire life has been devoted to pursuing the goal of becoming a School Adjustment Counselor. As an Academic Success Coach with the Learning Resource Center, he gets to live that dream of supporting students while continuing his education.
Attaining a BA in Psychology gave Cassidy the chance to reflect on the professional and personal experiences his life has provided. In particular, the sense of meaning and purpose he found in 7 years of AmeriCorps service while helping to provide that same opportunity for others. When not having the privilege of working as an Academic Success Coach and pursuing his academic dream Cassidy savors time with his incredible wife, three sassy children, eccentric family, and a sprawling constellation of friends.
Kereth Cowe-Spigai
Student Access Manager
Kereth has been with the Learning Resource Center since November of 2021. In her role as Student Access Manager, Kereth specializes in connecting undergraduates with tutoring services. She also directly supports tutoring and front desk operations while services are running. In addition to supporting day-to-day operations, Kereth supervises the LRC’s front office staff and participates in the recruitment and training of tutors.
Kereth’s favorite part of her job at the LRC is collaborating with students to find out what they need to achieve academic success, whatever that may look like for them, and then putting them on the path to attaining it. Kereth firmly believes that academic support is for everyone and enjoys convincing skeptics that she is right about this.
When she’s not at the LRC, Kereth is generally distracted by her two cats, playing video games with her partner Jess, reading, or whipping something up in the kitchen.
Kereth’s favorite part of her job at the LRC is collaborating with students to find out what they need to achieve academic success, whatever that may look like for them, and then putting them on the path to attaining it. Kereth firmly believes that academic support is for everyone and enjoys convincing skeptics that she is right about this.
When she’s not at the LRC, Kereth is generally distracted by her two cats, playing video games with her partner Jess, reading, or whipping something up in the kitchen.
TBD
Office Manager
Graduate Student Staff
Cortland Carbone
Academic Coach
Cortland joined the LRC as an Academic Success Coach in August 2024 and is pursuing her MEd/EdS in School Psychology through the College of Education. With a strong background in psychology and education, she is deeply committed to supporting positive change in students' academic lives.
As an assistant teacher, school psychology/counseling intern, and student ambassador, she has worked closely with diverse student populations in various educational settings, from preschool to higher education. Cortland’s experience has well-equipped her to implement evidence-based interventions that foster students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. Cortland’s passion for supporting students shines through in everything she does, and she is excited to empower others on their educational journeys.
As an Academic Success Coach, Cortland engages in 1:1 sessions with students to explore their academic interests, successes, and challenges. She views the ASC role as a collaborative partnership, working together to create educational goals, tailored plans, and supports that enrich the student’s scholarly experience at UMass Amherst.
In addition to her academic and professional endeavors, Cortland expresses her creativity through writing and performing music (guitar and singing). She loves spending time outdoors exploring hiking trails with her dog, Bertie, local farms, kayaking, and gardening. When unwinding inside, she enjoys cooking, baking, and curling up to watch movies with her cat, Millie.
Fun Fact: Cortland was named after the ‘Cortland’ apple!
As an assistant teacher, school psychology/counseling intern, and student ambassador, she has worked closely with diverse student populations in various educational settings, from preschool to higher education. Cortland’s experience has well-equipped her to implement evidence-based interventions that foster students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. Cortland’s passion for supporting students shines through in everything she does, and she is excited to empower others on their educational journeys.
As an Academic Success Coach, Cortland engages in 1:1 sessions with students to explore their academic interests, successes, and challenges. She views the ASC role as a collaborative partnership, working together to create educational goals, tailored plans, and supports that enrich the student’s scholarly experience at UMass Amherst.
In addition to her academic and professional endeavors, Cortland expresses her creativity through writing and performing music (guitar and singing). She loves spending time outdoors exploring hiking trails with her dog, Bertie, local farms, kayaking, and gardening. When unwinding inside, she enjoys cooking, baking, and curling up to watch movies with her cat, Millie.
Fun Fact: Cortland was named after the ‘Cortland’ apple!
Graduate Student Staff
Mia Josephy-Zack
Tutor Supervisor
Mia has been with the Learning Resource Center since Fall 2021. For six semesters, she worked as an Office Assistant helping students access LRC services. She enjoyed fostering a friendly environment for visitors, problem-solving with students, and seeing the LRC thrive over the past few years. Her time as an OA was integral to her undergraduate experience, and she is grateful to continue working alongside such a kind and dedicated team.
Currently, Mia is the Graduate Tutor Supervisor for the LRC. She assists with day-to-day Peer Tutoring operations, conducts session observations, and leads workshops. Mia works with the Director of LRC Tutoring and Academic Success Coaching and the Student Access Manager to support the tutoring cohort.
For her graduate studies, Mia is completing her MS in Statistics. She has applied her love for mathematics and educational accessibility to both her research involvement and professional work at UMass. Outside of school, Mia enjoys pursuing creative art (especially drawing) and spending lots of time with her friends and family.
Currently, Mia is the Graduate Tutor Supervisor for the LRC. She assists with day-to-day Peer Tutoring operations, conducts session observations, and leads workshops. Mia works with the Director of LRC Tutoring and Academic Success Coaching and the Student Access Manager to support the tutoring cohort.
For her graduate studies, Mia is completing her MS in Statistics. She has applied her love for mathematics and educational accessibility to both her research involvement and professional work at UMass. Outside of school, Mia enjoys pursuing creative art (especially drawing) and spending lots of time with her friends and family.
Graduate Student Staff
Aadam Lokhandwala
Tech Lead
Having held various roles at the Learning Resource Center (LRC), including serving as the SI Supervisor in Fall 2023, Assistant Tech Lead in Spring 2023, and SI Leader for CS230 from Fall 2021 to Spring 2023, Aadam has been instrumental in cultivating successful peer-facilitated learning and contributing to the evolution of the LRC's technological framework.
Aadam's commitment extends beyond projects; he finds joy in returning to the LRC, driven by the wonderful team's dedication to supporting students. The collaborative spirit and shared passion for educational enhancement make the LRC a dynamic environment where Aadam thrives in leading innovative initiatives.
In addition to his current responsibilities, Aadam is actively involved in developing tools that streamline LRC operations, ensuring a seamless experience for both staff and students. Currently, he spearheads the creation of a research database set to launch on the LRC's webpage, further contributing to the center's commitment to enhancing accessibility and information dissemination.
Aadam's commitment extends beyond projects; he finds joy in returning to the LRC, driven by the wonderful team's dedication to supporting students. The collaborative spirit and shared passion for educational enhancement make the LRC a dynamic environment where Aadam thrives in leading innovative initiatives.
In addition to his current responsibilities, Aadam is actively involved in developing tools that streamline LRC operations, ensuring a seamless experience for both staff and students. Currently, he spearheads the creation of a research database set to launch on the LRC's webpage, further contributing to the center's commitment to enhancing accessibility and information dissemination.
Graduate Student Staff
Ana Moscoso
SI Supervisor
Ana started at the LRC in Spring 2022 as an undergraduate MATH-132 SI Leader and stayed on as an SI Leader for 6 semesters. She also served as an SI Peer Mentor for 4 semesters. The LRC has been Ana’s home away from home. As an international student, Ana found her community in the amazing and supportive staff and she greatly enjoyed connecting with all of the students who attended her sessions. Ana is now serving as the Graduate Supervisor for the SI program. She leads trainings for new SI leaders, observes SI sessions, and checks-in with SI leaders throughout the semester. Ana finds it very meaningful and gratifying to support new SI leaders to grow more confident in their role, so they can better support their fellow students. Ana is also generally available as a friendly face on the 12th floor to help troubleshoot any issues while services are running.
Ana is currently enrolled in the Applied Mathematics MS program in the UMass Amherst College of Natural Sciences. As much as she loves research, one of her biggest passions is teaching and supporting college students to find their own version of success. In her future, Ana aspires to be a Math professor and open up roads to de-stigmatizing academic support. In her free time, Ana loves to lift and to play with fashion and make-up.
Ana is currently enrolled in the Applied Mathematics MS program in the UMass Amherst College of Natural Sciences. As much as she loves research, one of her biggest passions is teaching and supporting college students to find their own version of success. In her future, Ana aspires to be a Math professor and open up roads to de-stigmatizing academic support. In her free time, Ana loves to lift and to play with fashion and make-up.
Graduate Student Staff
Tianyi Zhou
SI Supervisor
Tianyi is the Graduate Supplemental Instruction Supervisor at the LRC. Her role is to provide ongoing support to the SI cohort by monitoring and evaluating SI Sessions, addressing SI leaders’ concerns, and helping them develop their skills. Tianyi is also a doctoral student in the College of Education. When Tianyi is not at work, she loves hiking, practicing pilates, and jigsaw puzzles.