Orientation Staff

Jenn Lindell ’14
Orientation Coordinator
Student Center
503/777-7530
Hometown: Edmonds, Washington
I'm a senior theatre major who loves show tunes and Shakespeare. Other great joys in my life include my two rambunctious kittens and making baked goods for people. Reed has been such a positive influence in my life, and I hope it is for all of you as well!

Dean Schmettz ’14
Orientation Coordinator
Student Center
503/777-7530
Hometown: Elgin, IL
I’d heard that Reed was all about “the life of the mind,” so I came here for the academic challenge and I haven’t been disappointed. As a linguistics major, my challenge is to be able to make sense of any foreign language, and I love learning to do that! But what has surprised me about Reed is that whether I’m playing in a jazz combo, volunteering with SEEDS, or participating in traditions like Hum Play, my experience here has been about way more than academics.

Kristin Holmberg
Director, Student Activities
Student Center
503/788-6692
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
I’ve worked at Reed for 13 years and love that I’m still continually surprised by Reed students. When I’m not at work, I spend my time playing with my 5 and 8 year old boys, cooking, reading, and walking for exercise. I LOVE the first day of Orientation and can’t wait to meet you all. “I am here to live life out loud.”—Emile Zola

Ramiro Espinoza
Assistant Director, Student Activities
Student Center
503/788-6692
Hometown: Pacific NW
I’ve worked at Reed for the past year. Before that, I was a professional lion-tamer, flamenco dancer, and llama shepherd. I’ve also served in the military and play the ukulele. Come meet me to find out which of these is true.

Parent Orientation Staff

Mela Kunitz ’87
Assistant Director, Alumni & Parent Relations
Greywood
503/777-7215
Hometown: Davis, California
In 1983, I came to Portland and have stayed ever since as I love the great neighborhoods, amazing food, and the small town/big city combination. I received a BA in political science from Reed and obtained my master's from Marylhurst University in organizational communications. During my free time I love running, baking, and exploring the new restaurants and food carts that are popping up all the time. My favorite thing about Reed is watching new students become Reedies.

International Student Odyssey

Dana Bays
Assistant Dean, International Student Services
Gray Campus Center 104
503/517-5538
Hometown: Portland, OR
I serve as the primary staff contact for international students and language scholars within the college's student services division. I enjoy traveling and experiencing different cultures, music and concerts, going out to the movies, reading good books, volunteering, and hanging out with my family, friends, and my dog, Rosco. I am so excited to welcome the new group of international students and language scholars to campus in August!

Outdoor Odysseys

Will Symms
Assistant Director, Physical Education and Athletics/Outdoor Programs
Sports Center
503/777-7232
Hometown: Caldwell, Idaho
I love skiing with my 7 year old son, playing dinosaurs with my 4 year old son, cooking great meals, and traveling outdoors. My favorite thing about Reed College is my job. I love to program outdoor activities for the students to explore the Pacific Northwest.

Peer Mentor Program Odyssey

Santi Alston
Coordinator, Multicultural Resource Center
Student Center
503/777-7712
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
This is my third year at Reed. I love it. Love Portland. Love Reed. Love love. I work with students in the Peer Mentor Program, the Multicultural Resource Center, and all Reed students who are committed to inclusion and building community.
"Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try."
—Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back.

Dayspring Mattole
Coordinator, Multicultural Resource Center
Student Center
503/777-7518
Hometown: Honeydew, California
I’ve been at Reed for two years now, and this community continues to inspire me. Reed students are one-of-a-kind, and I absolutely love the students I work with in the Peer Mentor Program, the Multicultural Resource Center, and across campus. Orientation is my favorite time of the year—the energy and excitement of welcoming new students and families, and working together to make this a vibrant and inclusive community. When I’m not on campus, you’ll find me exploring Portland with my husband and three-year-old daughter, Simone.

SEEDS Odyssey

Fawn Livingston-Gray, ’95
Coordinator, SEEDS (Community Service)
Gray Campus Center 104
503/777-7563
Hometown: Various in Central California
I love food (cooking, Portland's restaurants, our neighborhood food cart pods, cooking shows), yoga, exploring the world with my three year old and her papa, volunteering, nature in the city (like the Reed canyon), and dreaming about traveling.