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Division of Student Affairs Staff

I originally hail from Peoria, Illinois, and am the youngest of 10 children; the product of an Irish mother and an Italian father (that good garlic and gaelic combination). I graduated from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with a BA in Theology and Philosophy.  I then completed a Master's Degree in Religious Studies from Providence College in Rhode Island.  Currently, I am writing my dissertation for a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Duquesne University.  The topic of my thesis centers on Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body. I have been with Ave Maria since 2001, and I consider it a privilege and a blessing to work and teach for such an outstanding University in service to the best student body in the world.

I am originally from New Jersey and graduated from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Ohio with a degree in Theology and Philosophy.  I began working for Ave Maria in 2003. It has been a great joy and blessing to work at this university. To be able to assist our students in having a successful college experience, is the most rewarding part of my job. I am currently working towards an M.T.S. degree in Pastoral Theology which i hope to complete in two years.

I am originally from Fairfax, VA. I graduated from George Mason University with a B.A. in Philosophy and English and subsequently earned an M.T.S. at the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family. I moved to the great state of Florida in 2000. Since then, I have taught theology in a Catholic high school and worked as a youth minister.

I came to Ave Maria University as the Director of Student Life in 2006. What I love most about my job is the interaction I am able to have with our students: attending mission trips and retreats, praying at abortion mills, planning events and activities (snorkeling trips, Orientation, Bible on the Beach, etc.), or simply hanging out. I constantly learn from the witness of our students as faithful, passionate young Catholics. Working with the young people here at AMU has been one of God's great blessings in my life.

Sharon o'reilly Clinical Counselor; Career Services                                                                                                                                          Office: Email: Phone: Student Union Building sharon.o'reilly@avemaria.edu  (239) 280-1654

I was born in Chicago Heights and grew up in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois.  I admit I am a Chicago Cub's baseball fan and despite the odds enjoyed many a game at Wrigley field!  I earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago and completed post-graduate certification in family therapy at the Family Institute of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.  I am a licensed clinical social worker and came to the Counseling Department of Ave Maria University in 2005 after much work in community mental health agencies with children, students and families in Chicago.   Working within the Catholic community here at Ave Maria is an enormous support and a great blessing.  I am currently finishing my second year of a three-year spiritual director training program.

I originally hail from Fargo, ND. I attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where I earned my Bachelors in Political Science and International Studies.  I have taught World Geography, and most recently have worked for the Institute for Pastoral Theology.  My avocations include running, playing guitar, and coaching speech and debate.  I have an appreciation for homemade tortillas, worthy cribbage opponents, and clever turns-of-phrase.  I am a big fan of the Student Life Department and looks forward to serving the students with my new co-workers.

I will be in charge of coordinating our very successful intramural sports program, along with helping to oversee the many Club Athletics initiatives. I was born in Dallas, then moved to West Bloomfield, MI at the age of ten. I am a recent graduate of Ave Maria, where I enjoyed working in the Athletics department as a student worker.  I am looking forward to the development of the University and its community as we progress through this period of transition.

I was born in Germany since my parents, who were both in the army, were stationed there at the time.  We moved several times, including two over-seas moves, before we finally settled in Santa Rosa, California where my family and I have lived for the past ten years.  So, I can safely boast that my real home is in the beautiful Wine Country of California. 

I entered Ave Maria University as a freshman when the university first opened its Naples campus in the Fall of 2003.  As a student I was a Resident Assistant for two years and during my senior year I served on Student Government and worked in the Student Life Office.  I completed my B.A. in history and had the distinction of being one of the only two history majors in the Graduating Class of 2007.  I am incredibly excited and honored to be a member of the Student Life Staff and to have this opportunity to serve the students as the university enters a new stage of its development.

I came to Ave Maria from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  I received a Bachelor's degree in history, and I am proud to be working for my Alma Mater.  I am an avid fan of any and all sports and will play a pick-up softball game, rain or shine.  Proud to be one of the original Ave Maria University pioneers, I was a Resident Assistant for three years, graduated from Ave Maria in May of 2007 and was married to fellow graduate and Admissions Counselor, Alexander Frain, in June 2007.  I am thrilled to be working for Student Life as the Residence Director for Goretti Hall and am eager to spend my post-graduate years serving the University and returning the support I received as a student. 

I was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Lebanon, Oregon. I started my education in a private school and was later home-schooled along with my 8 siblings. I first came to Ave Maria as a student at the original Ypsilanti, MI campus. I was among the first 18 upperclassmen to transfer to the Naples campus when it opened in 2003. I served as a Resident Assistant for two years before graduating in May 2006 with a major in Theology and minor in Literature. After graduating, i worked in a Catholic elementary school as the Administrative Assistant for teh Executive Director before returning to Ave Maria University to serve as the Administrative Assistant for the Division of Student Affairs and now I have transferred to be the Residence Director of Siena Hall.

Thomas DeCaro  Mens Residence Director                                                                                                                                                                                     Office: Email: Phone: Xavier Hall (Mens Residence Hall) thomas.decaro@avemaria.edu  (239) 280-2540

My name is Thomas DeCaro and I am a 22 year old graduate from Ave Maria University.  I am originally from Long Island, New York but have lived in Atlanta, GA for most of my life.  I attended Ave Maria for 4 years and graduated this past May with a degree in Politics.  During my time as an undergraduate, I was a Resident Assistant for two years, a member of Totus Tuus household, and a player of all intramural athletics.  Also, I enjoy playing golf, relaxing by a nice sunset, and listening to all kinds of music, especially Angels and Airwaves.   Finally, I am looking forward to the transition from student to full time staff member as Ave Maria moves to its permanent location.  May God's Will be done through the arms of Our Holy Mother Mary!