Dr. Scheidel leads ongoing efforts to provide holistic and inclusive support to all UConn students and alumni interested in pursuing postgraduate study to enter the health and legal professions. Sarah is a proud first-generation college graduate, having earned a BA in Psychology from Bay Path University, an MS in Applied Educational Psychology (College Student Development and Counseling) from Northeastern University, and an EdD in Educational Leadership from the University of Hartford. Prior to serving as the PPA Director, Sarah led the First Year Experience (FYE) program at UConn; prior to FYE, Sarah served as an Academic Advisor in the Department of Psychological Sciences. Before UConn, Sarah worked in TRiO Student Support Services at Springfield Technical Community College and in Residence Life and Housing at Emmanuel College. Sarah brings her experience of building peer mentorship programs, designing curriculum, promoting diversity and inclusion, and engaging authentically with students to the dynamic staff team in the Office of Pre-Professional Advising. In her free time, Sarah enjoys cooking or trying new restaurants with her partner, catching up on her favorite TV shows, rooting on the NY Rangers, and cuddling with her two cats, Ginger and Pepper.

Krista serves as the Assistant Director of Pre-Professional Advising. She received her BA in Japanese Studies (IMJR) from UConn and her MA in TESL from Simmons University, returning to UConn as professional staff in Enrichment Programs in 2015. She enjoys connecting with everyone from first-semester students to alumni through advising. In particular, she encourages the development of their diverse passions while on a pre-health professional track–whether in the form of artistic/musical pursuits, parallel plans of study, or hobbies for fun. Anything can be tied back to the Core Competencies for professional school! She also takes a leading role in coaching applicants to medical and dental schools through the office’s applicant support processes. In her free time, Krista enjoys teaching Japanese at UConn, translating for an online news blog, teaching ice skating to young children, hiking, and playing with her energetic yellow lab, Lexi.

Megan Baro serves as a Pre-Professional Advisor in the Office of Pre-Professional Advising. In this role, Megan supports and advises students and alumni interested in pursuing pursuing postgraduate study to enter the health and legal professions. Megan is a proud Blue Hen and received a B.S. in Human Services from the University of Delaware. She also received a M.S. in Human Resource Development from Xavier University, with a focus on learning & development, career development, and organizational development. Prior to joining the Office of Pre-Professional Advising, Megan worked for the Honors Program at UConn, and previously worked in Human Resources. Megan has professional experience in student development, program coordination, and managing people-related initiatives such as employee onboarding, early-career recruitment, and intern programs. In her free time, Megan enjoys being outdoors, taking classes at the gym, spending quality time with family, and lounging with her two cats, Ralphie and Gil.

Christina serves as a Pre-Professional Advisor in the Office of Pre-Professional Advising. She works to support students and alumni interested in pursuing postgraduate study to enter the health and legal professions. She has an BA in Communication Sciences from Case Western Reserve University and her MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University. Stop by her office to see some of her 300+ Lego minifigures, share your favorite cartoon, or talk about dinosaurs. In her free time, she enjoys baking, sewing, watching far too much TV, napping, and sneaking treats to her dog, Zeniba.

Andre is a current graduate student within the Neag School of Education working to earn his M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs. He earned a B.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in Human Rights from UConn. With a passion for contributing to student success and ensuring equitable and holistic support for all, he is a proud member of the Office of Pre-Professional Advising. Andre has a wide variety of interests, of which include discovering new music, record collecting, drawing, fashion, and the list goes on!

Andre has been with the Office of Pre-Professional Advising since Spring 2025 and has provided comprehensive advising, coaching, and letter packet support for 2026 cycle applicants throughout the summer. He is excited to continue to connect with UConn pre-health students and alumni with diverse interests in the months to come.

Nicole is a current graduate student within the Neag School of Education working to complete an MA degree in Higher Education & Student Affairs. She is a proud first-generation college graduate who earned her BA in psychological sciences from UConn at the Avery Point regional campus and has a variety of experiences working in student support services. With a passion for advocating for young adults, Nicole is excited to be with the Pre-Professional Advising team and looks forward to help students and alumni pursue careers in the health and legal professions. In her free time, Nicole enjoys being active, spending time with family and friends, and serving at her local church.

Patrick is a current graduate student at UConn’s Hartford campus, working to earn his Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree within the School of Public Policy. He previously earned a B.A. in Political Science from Western New England University in Springfield, MA. He brings with him valuable experience and a strong passion for promoting student success and building connections. During his time at WNE, he helped lead the Peer Advising program, furthering his commitment to student engagement and support. A proud new member of #HuskyNation and the Office of Pre-Professional Advising, he is very excited to provide support for all students and alumni at all stages in their academic and professional careers. In his free time, Patrick loves reading (even the news!), watching all things true crime, listening to Dua Lipa, playing the piano and clarinet, and most of all spending time with his family.

“Hey y’all!” Maria is originally from Texas. She has been passionate about health and science research her whole life. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and is now pursuing a Master of Science in Health Promotion. Outside of school, she enjoys working out, listening to heavy metal, and cooking.

Eliza is a Ph.D. student in Educational Psychology and a second-year MSW student at UConn. She brings experience in academic, career, and mental health support through her roles at UConn’s Center for Career Development, Community Outreach, and as a graduate assistant on the Total Teacher Health research project. Eliza has worked clinically with children, adolescents, adults, and families in medical and school settings, with a focus on supporting neurodivergent individuals and those managing chronic health conditions.

She is passionate about helping students and alumni explore career possibilities, navigate the graduate school application process, and pursue paths aligned with their values and strengths. Having explored many pathways herself, Eliza understands that the journey to pre-health or law programs is rarely linear and approaches advising with empathy, flexibility, and encouragement.

Outside of work, Eliza enjoys cooking, traveling, the outdoors, biking, and spending time with her rescue dogs, Eloise and Madigan.