Meet the Team:
Director – Valerie Wherley is originally from Berwick, Maine, and currently lives in Ansonia, Connecticut. She received her B.S. and M.S. in Exercise Science from the University of Maine, and received her PhD in Higher Education Administration from the University of Connecticut. Dr. Wherley arrived at Sacred Heart after having worked at the University of Hartford as an academic advisor and, prior to that, at UConn in the Office of First Year Experience. When not working, Dr. Wherley and her husband enjoy spending time with their son Cooper, daughter Quinn, and traveling the world.
Bet you didn't know that Valerie and Scott went to Egypt on their honeymoon. Phone: (203) 396.8355 email: WherleyV@sacredheart.edu
Assistant Director-Laura Minor has been with the Mentor Program since its beginning in 2004, and had spent most of her professional life prior as an academic advisor and a high school guidance counselor. Laura received her Bachelor's degree in Education from Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, and her Master's of Education in School Counseling from the University of Texas at Austin. She makes her home with her husband and two children in Seymour, Connecticut. In her free time, Laura enjoys playing softball, running, geocaching, and drinking mocha lattes.
Bet you didn't know, Laura and Jim lived in Jerusalem for a year and studied Arabic at Bethlehem University. Phone: (203) 396.8356 email: MinorL@sacredheart.edu
Sean Heffron is originally from Factoryville, PA. He has a Bachelor's Degree from Ithaca College, and a Master's Degree in Higher Education with a focus on Diversity and Leadership from N.Y.U. Sean has spent eight years working in Higher Education and has experience in Residential Life, teaching Communication, advising student organizations and Student Government, and developing workshops. Sean enjoys playing baseball, golfing, skiing, and writing almost as much as he enjoys working with students.
Bet you didn't know, Sean's first novel, Seams, was published in October of 2006. Phone: (203) 396.8056 email: HeffronS@sacredheart.edu
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Heather McKillop is originally from Nashua, NH and an alumnus from Sacred Heart University. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English with a concentration in communications, as well as a Master’s of Arts in Teaching from Sacred Heart University. Heather loves traveling, playing sports, coaching, writing, and helping students grow as individuals. Heather currently resides in Trumbull, CT.
Bet you didn't know, Heather is engaged to fellow alumni Curtis Lewsey.
Phone: (203) 396.8357 email: mckilloph@sacredheart.edu
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Susan Damaschke is originally from central NJ. She received a Bachelor’s degree in education and sociology from Bucknell University and a master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Miami University. She has worked with first year students in orientation, academic advising and residence life. Susan enjoys going on road trips to visit friends and family, watching movies, and meeting new people.
Bet you didn’t know Susan backpacked across Europe for three weeks with friends from graduate school.
Phone: (203) 396.8358 email: damaschkes@sacredheart.edu