Student Life Staff

Danielle Cushion
Assistant Vice President of Student Life
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
Danielle’s hometown will forever be The Bronx, NY. She is a fitness enthusiast and avid reader. Danielle enjoys exploring the incredible journey of life with her three young children and spouse.
Favorite Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Pam Barela
Director of Counseling
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
Pam grew up in Sitka, Alaska and recently came to Fayette after spending nearly a decade in Astoria, Oregon. Her hobbies include spending time with her human family and fur children (Ruby, Bruno, and Jimmy), cooking, hiking, tending to her garden, and exploring new places on her motorcycle.
Favorite Quote: “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” -Carl G. Jung

Lizzie Van Dyk
Coordinator of Student Life
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
Lizzie is from Des Moines, Iowa and graduated from Upper Iowa University with a Bachelors in Science in 2019. She is a self proclaimed “foodie” and enjoys outdoor activities like hiking & backpacking. Lizzie spends her free time binge-watching Survivor and it is her life-long goal to make it onto the show.
Favorite Quote: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Zachary Sparks
Assistant Dean of Students
Pronouns: He, Him, His
Zach received a bachelor’s degree in history from Southeastern Louisiana University, and a master’s in history in Amercian concentration. His hobbies are reading history books, going out on walks, and camping.
Favorite Quote – Coming soon…
Coming Soon!
Residence Area Coordinator
Pronous: He, Him, His
Watch for updates!

Angelina Monfrey
Graduate Assistant for Student Engagement
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
Angelina is from Anchorage, Alaska, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Upper Iowa University. While at UIU, she was a dedicated student-athlete, competing in Shotgun Sports, Lacrosse, and Track & Field. Passionate about student engagement, Angelina is driven to enhance student life and build community. She has a deep love for the outdoors—whether it’s hiking through the mountains, spending time by the ocean, or simply exploring new landscapes. Angelina also enjoys reading, writing, and immersing herself in the fine arts. With a free-spirited outlook on life, she embraces each new chapter with curiosity and joy, letting life take her where she’s meant to go.
Favorite quote:
“Remember, the mind is your best muscle. Big arms can move rocks, but big words can move mountains.” – Rocky Balboa
Other Favorite Quote:
“But still, like dust, I’ll rise.” -Maya Angelou
Coming Soon!
Graduate Assistant for Residence Life
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
Check back soon!