LAS BIOS

Tanya Willard is thrilled to join the SAAO team as the Director of First-Year Experience and New Student Belonging and Success. With extensive experience in Orientation, student transitions, and inclusive excellence, Tanya is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences and helping students thrive. She holds a Ph.D. in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Miami University, an M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Georgia State University, and a B.A. in Spanish from the University of Tennessee. In her spare time, she enjoys marveling at her houseplants, calligraphy, and taking long walks with her rambunctious beagle, Joey.

Roxana is a member of the Recruitment & Admissions team at LAS, where she is dedicated to helping prospective students find the major that best fits their goals and interests. She is passionate about guiding students through the decision-making process and ensuring they feel confident in their choices. Outside of work, Roxana enjoys traveling, reading, and crafts.

Lakisha Street is a Senior Career Advisor in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, where she supports online and nontraditional students in navigating their career journeys with clarity and confidence. With nearly a decade of experience in workforce development, she is known for her results-driven approach to career coaching, helping individuals translate their experiences into clear, competitive career pathways. Lakisha specializes in supporting career changers, adult learners, and professionals seeking upward mobility. Her work is rooted in access, empowerment, and helping students not only find jobs—but build sustainable, fulfilling careers. Originally from Chicago, Lakisha relocated to the Champaign-Urbana area 18 months ago and is a proud mother of three. Her passion for helping others succeed is grounded in both her professional experience and her personal journey of growth, resilience, and reinvention. Lakisha holds an MBA with distinction and is a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP). Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and creating meaningful experiences with her children.

Maria Dorofeeva, PhD is an Embedded  Academic Advisor in the Department of Astronomy. A proud international alumna, she earned her PhD in Art History from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2020. She is passionate about helping students discover their paths and succeed on their own terms while supporting their growth along the way. Before joining LAS, Maria worked with students across campus through roles at the Center for Global Studies, Gies College of Business, and Grainger Engineering Career Services. In her free time, she loves drawing, reading, attending Campus Observatory Open House events, and taking long walks with her dog, Colonel Mustard.

I’m an Illinois native, from the South Suburbs of Chicago. I worked as an Administrative Assistant for over a decade, within several school districts.  In 2020 I relocated to Las Vegas, NV and worked with the Department of Aviation as an Office Specialist, with the Safety, Risk and Management Team, from 2021-2024.  I found the heat to be unbearable in Nevada, and relocated back to Illinois in 2024, making Illinois home again, specifically Urbana. My hobbies are reading, pilates, shopping and traveling. 

Suzanna White is an Office Support Specialist who support the Executive Assistant Dean and the Advising and Records team. When she is not at work, you will likely find her spending time with her fur babies or reading.

Stephanie Buldak is an LCSW and one of 2 embedded counselors in LAS. She grew up in the Chicagoland area and moved to Champaign in 2021. Stephanie attended UIC and graduated with a master’s degree in social work and has worked in social service agencies, hospitals and now happy to be serving students as an clinical counselor at UIUC. When not working with students, Stephanie loves to spend time with her family, attend concerts and listen to music. Stephanie is an avid bicycle enthusiast and rides her bike to work daily.

Sara Hubbard is excited to be joining the SAAO team as a records advisor. Sara is originally from the St. Louis area but has called Champaign-Urbana home for 11 years. She majored in English at Webster University in St. Louis and worked in secondary education and undergraduate admissions prior to joining LAS. She is passionate about helping students achieve success, and working with students is the aspect of being a records advisor that excites her the most. In her free time, Sara loves traveling, reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her husband and three sons.

Kristy Krisher is the Assistant Director for Employer Connections in career services. She comes from a similar role at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. Prior to her work in career services, she spent the first part of her career in human resources. She is a proud 2x graduate from the University of Illinois system with her MPA from the University of Illinois in Springfield and her EdD from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She has her undergraduate degree in psychology from Alfred University in Alfred, New York. She is an avid traveler and a fiction author in her free time. 

Hi, I’m Alexandro! Originally from the Chicagoland area, I’m new to UIUC and excited to be part of the LAS community. I earned my Master’s in Higher Education Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University and am passionate about helping students find their path, feel supported, and succeed. I believe in meeting students where they are and guiding them forward with care and confidence. Outside of work, I enjoy anime, collecting trading cards, and spending time with my dog, Blu. I also love thinking about future travels. Japan and China are at the top of my list. Feel free to stop by, I’m always happy to chat!