Meet the Team

Our team prepares students holistically through leadership development, co-curricular programming, community engagement, and dialogue around inclusion and diversity. We strive to create a community of learners that think critically and act responsibly both within the Stevens community and beyond.

To contact the Office of Student Life, please email [email protected]

Leo Pedraza headshotLeo Pedraza, Ph.D. | Assistant Dean of Students | Director of Student Life

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 201.216.5679

Dr. Leo Pedraza joined Stevens in November 2018, and he has dedicated the last 20 years to helping students succeed in college. Dr. Pedraza earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy at Seton Hall University, an M.Ed. in College Student Services Administration at Oregon State University, and a B.A. in Communication Studies at Cal State Long Beach. He is originally a Southern Californian but has been an East Coast resident since 2002. Outside of work, he enjoys a good burrito, traveling, playing volleyball, and lots of Disney Plus and HBO Max. 

Responsibilities:
  • Oversight of Student Life programs, organization policy, and operations

  • Budget oversight, financial approval, and contract negotiations

  • Advisor to the Student Government Association, Commuter Student Union, and liaison to arts & music organizations

  • Civic engagement and parent/family programs

  • Mediation, crisis management, and judicial hearings

Danielle Maxson HeadshotDanielle Maxson | Associate Director of Student Life

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 201.216.8962

Danielle rejoined the Student Life team In April 2022, after previously serving in the office from 2018-2021.  Before starting at Stevens, Danielle received her M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her B.A. in English and Educational Studies from Arcadia University.  Born and raised in Bayville, NJ, Danielle is a Jersey girl through and through. Outside of Student Life, you can find her baking up a batch of cupcakes, enjoying a Broadway show in the city, or eating all the pizza Hoboken has to offer!  Danielle’s areas of oversight in Student Life include:

Responsibilities:

  • New student and transition programs

  • Community service and civic engagement opportunities

  • Administration of student engagement platform, DuckLink

  • Leadership development initiatives

  • Student organization support and liaison to professional organizations

  • Annual campus-wide large-scale events and traditions 

  • Peer Leader Program

Kevin Grunder headshotKevin Grunder | Assistant Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life

Email: [email protected]  | Phone: 201.216.3366

Kevin (he/him/his) joined the Student Life team in December 2021. Kevin earned his M.A. in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University and his B.A in Public Relations and Theatre Studies from Rider University. Kevin is a proud member of a fraternal organization, and is passionate about working with student leaders to identify and lead with their “why” of fraternal membership. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys attending live theatre productions, watching Netflix series and movies, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, and exploring the city. 

Responsibilities:

  • Advisement to 20 Greek-lettered social organizations, 3 governing councils, and 2 programmatic councils

  • Oversee Primary Recruitment for three governing councils

  • Provides education on risk management, social events, hazing prevention

  • Serves as liaison between chapters and other students, campus partners, headquarters staff

Shaya Morgan headshotShaya Morgan | Student Life Coordinator

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 201.216.3403

Shaya Morgan (she/her) joins the Student Life Team in Fall 2021 as our Student Life Coordinator. Before Stevens, Shaya's collegiate career included receiving her A.A. from Seminole State College of Florida, her B.A from the University of Central Florida (Go Knights!) in Interdisciplinary Studies and her M.A from New York University in Higher Education Student Affairs. Her background is founded in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs/trainings to create inclusive and equitable spaces for students. Originally from Orange City Florida, Shaya moved to NYC in 2018 and has made it her home. Some fun facts about Shaya include her love for anime and Disney so if you ever want to have a conversation about either she is your go-to person!

Responsibilities:

  • Leadership Programs for students through workshops, courses, and events

  • Advisor to the Entertainment Committee and co-advisor to Student Government Association

  • Advisement of student organizations

  • Annual campus-wide large-scale events and traditions 

  • Recruitment, selection, and training of Peer Leader team

  • New Student Programs 

 
Natasha Oramas HeadshotNatasha Oramas | Student Life Administrative Assistant

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 201.216.5206

Natasha Oramas (she/her) joined Stevens in September 2021, after three years in Medical Device Sales and Marketing. She graduated from Boston University with a B.A. in International Relations, focusing on China and Japan. Natasha is a Hudson County native and knows some of the best local spots in NJ and NYC! Outside of work, she enjoys reading in excess, watching C-Dramas, and playing video games. She is currently playing Baldur's Gate 3. She also enjoys bad puns and the occasional dajare.

Responsibilities:

  • Recruitment, selection, and training of Student Center Assistants

  • Budgetary allocations, compliance, and financial transaction processing 

  • Training and advisement of Student Organization Treasurers

  • Liaison to recreational, electronics, and gaming organizations

 

Caitlin Gurgone headshotCaitlin Gurgone | Graduate Coordinator for Fraternity & Sorority Life

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 201.216.5532

Caitlin (she/they) joined the Student Life team in August 2022. Caitlin earned their B.A. in History from Susquehanna University and is pursuing an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs at New York University. Caitlin is a proud member of Zeta Tau Alpha Women’s Fraternity which influences her passion to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Fraternity & Sorority Life space, and make all students feel comfortable and safe in their homes away from home. Outside of work and school, you can find Caitlin watching anime, playing video games, enjoying a Mets game, and dancing.

Responsibilities:
  • co-advisement of fraternities and sororities

  • IMPACT Leadership retreat for Greek students 

  • Educational programs for new members of the Greek community

  • Risk management, social events, and hazing prevention