TRIO Program Staff
TRIO Program All Staff
Left to right, back to front: Phillip Vinson, Nichaela D., Steph W., Lydia N., Madjesca L., Wyatt L., Dr. Margaret Sebastian, Grayson L., Davon N., DaBrion H., Sasha L., Gladie K., Jaliyah B., Alaina W., Phil Brunecz
Dr. Sebastian has more than 10+ years of higher education experience, including work in TRIO Grant Programs, Housing and Residence Life, and Title IX Compliance and Equity. Additionally, Dr. Sebastian has teaching experience in the Department of Leadership, Policy & Development at the University of Northern Colorado and in the School of Health Sciences & Wellness Department and University Seminar Department at Northwest Missouri State University. Dr. Sebastian has a Bachelor’s degree in History & Leadership Studies, a Master’s degree in Guidance & Counseling, a Certificate in Organizational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education & Student Affairs Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado. Her research interests include student affairs administrators, qualitative research methods, campus climate, and organization change.
Phil is a first-generation student from Anne Arundel County, Maryland. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Science from Chesapeake College and was awarded the Outstanding Graduate of Liberal Arts and Science Award for 2016. In 2022 – 2023, Phil was awarded one of the highest honors within the University System of Maryland, the Board of Regents Award for Excellence: Exceptional Contribution to the Institution and/or Unit to Which the Person Belongs. He has experience with marketing and advertising events in addition to providing administrative support and managing data for TRIO Programs.
Phillip is a Wicomico County native, born and raised on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. He has been working in Education for more than 8 years, with over 6 years as a Special Education teacher with the last 2 years working in Higher Education. Phillip graduated with an associate's degree in Secondary Education from Wor-Wic Community College and a bachelor's degree in social studies education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Phillip has taken graduate-level courses in Special Education and Leadership and will complete his M.ED at Wilmington University this summer! Phillip looks forward to being a positive role model for those who come from a similar background as him!
Alaina is a recent graduate from Auburn University with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science. She is currently pursuing her master’s in social work in hope of a career in clinical mental health counseling. She is passionate about mental health and the creation of genuine, positive, and supportive relationships. Alaina values the TRIO program for how deeply the staff cares about all TRIO students and their persistent willingness to support the students in all areas. She strives to be a safe space for all and help students reach their full potential. She has a thorough understanding of the role peer mentorship plays in success and is excited to create lasting relationships with everyone that is a part of TRIO.
DaBrion Heath is a dedicated TRIO Senior at Salisbury University, majoring in Accounting and Information Systems with a focus of Business Analytics and Enterprise Systems. Her journey with TRIO began in high school, and ever since, she’s been a passionate advocate for the program that helped shape her academic and personal growth. With years of experience navigating the college journey, she’s committed to helping fellow students find their footing and flourish, just as TRIO helped her do so. Whether it’s offering guidance, sharing resources, or simply being a listening ear, she is here to make a difference.
Grayson is a first-generation Junior from Millsboro, Delaware. He is currently majoring in Psychology with goals of getting a Master's in clinical counseling. He takes interest in helping people who had similar upbringings as himself and guiding the youth. He believes TRIO is a great organization because they help serve underprivileged students who need access to resources.
Madjesca is a first-generation Senior from Salisbury, Maryland, pursuing a double major in Accounting and International Business with a minor in French. Born and raised in Haiti, she knows quite a bit about life in the Caribbean. Being part of TRIO has been a life-changing experience for her, and she aspires to share that TRIO magic with incoming scholars. From personal experience, she understands what it feels like to be in lack of resources and knows how vital TRIO can be in helping students find their way to success. She understands the importance of building the right connections to flourish here at Salisbury University and hopes to serve as a valuable resource for others.
Sasha is a Junior at Salisbury University from Catonsville, Maryland. She is currently majoring in Anthropology with a minor in Law, Justice, and Advocacy. She is interested in helping those without a voice in today’s societies learn how to empower themselves further, and hopes to contribute to a more just society. She is excited to help her mentees find safe spaces and comfort in their school lives, as well as community. She believes TRIO is an amazing program, connecting students with necessary resources to help them succeed. Sasha hopes to ensure all mentees and members of the TRIO program feel welcomed and safe to express themselves and find their social comfort while soaring in academics.
Lydia Nimo is a first-generation college student and junior from Prince George’s County, Maryland. She is pursuing a degree in Health Science with a track in Nursing, aspiring to work in a critical care unit for premature babies and, one day, open her own clinic. Deeply passionate about caring for children and infants, Lydia is committed to making a lasting and positive impact on their lives. She is equally devoted to supporting her peers, ensuring her mentees find a strong sense of community and build connections that will guide them throughout their college experience. Lydia values the mission of TRIO, believing it truly invests in its students by providing the resources and support needed to navigate new challenges. Dedicated and compassionate, she works to ensure incoming students not only feel welcomed but also create meaningful relationships that make their time in college valuable, enriching, and unforgettable.
Davon is a Junior at Salisbury University from Baltimore Maryland. He is Majoring in social work looking to become a therapist with his own practice. He is passionate about helping people from all walks of life, particularly those who feel like they don't belong to reach their full potential. He believes TRIO is necessary for all college students, not just first-generation students. The support the Trio provides is unparalleled; you won't find it anywhere else on campus.
Steph is a first generation sophomore from Glen Burnie, Maryland, majoring in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolutions with a minor in Psychology. She is passionate about working with children, building meaningful connections, and understanding what makes each individual unique. She loves being people’s safe space and is eager to offer support in any shape or form she can. Having personally experienced moments feeling helpless she deeply values the community she has behind her through the TRIO program. Overcoming much adversity this has shaped resilience and strengthened her passion for supporting others, hoping to be that light for others.
Lord is a sophomore from Baltimore County, Maryland. She is currently majoring in Medical Laboratory Science. She strives to ensure that her mentees have a safe and enjoyable place to be a leader. She believes TRIO is a great organization because TRIO provides academic support, financial guidance, and various career opportunities and exploration. She is looking forward to giving her time, knowledge, and energy to help younger students here at Salisbury University thrive and achieve their goals.
Jaliyah is a first-generation sophomore from Baltimore County, Maryland. They are currently majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Disability Studies in hopes of getting a master’s and doctorates in Art Therapy to help children in hospitals. They take interest in helping those with mental struggles who had to move far for college like themself. They strive to help students feel independent and comfortable on campus to pursue their dreams. They believe that TRIO is a wonderful organization as the staff and students truly look out for each other. TRIO takes great care of the students to make sure that they can thrive at the same level as their peers and go above and beyond with resources and support from the staff. Jaliyah hopes to push TRIO students to feel confident on campus.
Wyatt Ledsome is a sophomore at Salisbury University, currently studying for a BFA with a focus in Graphic Design. As a first-generation student, Wyatt has greatly benefited from TRIO in the past. He resonates with the struggle to navigate being a university student and appreciates TRIO’s consistent assistance to students who don’t have much guidance in their education. In working with TRIO, Wyatt hopes to encourage the growth of students.
Nichaela is first-generation, Junior from Prince George’s County, Maryland, She is currently majoring Graphic Design and Photography in hope of bringing more creativity in the world. She takes interest in seeing the world in different lenses. She strives to ensure students have a comfortable in environment to thrive in. She believes TRIO is a good organization because TRIO gives you many learning moments and opportunities you wouldn't imagine you could have. She would give anything to help a younger student here so they can be successful at Salisbury University.