Heidi E. Zeich

Associate Dean of Students
202-319-5619
zeich@cua.edu

Dean Zeich was raised in Northern Jersey before attending Catholic University. She quickly got involved with Hall Council, the Residence Hall Association, worked as a HSA, and served as an RA for two years. During those experiences she found her passion for mentoring and educating college students. After graduating from Catholic University, Dean Zeich earned her M.S. in Counseling from Mankato State University before working in Residence Life at Syracuse University, University of San Francisco, and then Loyola Marymount University. While at LMU she earned her M.B.A. and then returned to Catholic University as the Director of Housing Services. In 2015, she started as the Associate Dean of Students managing the Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development. Dean Zeich returned to the Residence Life family last year. You might see her on campus at a yoga class or swimming laps at the Duf. Fun fact: Dean Zeich has sailed around the world twice with Semester at Sea! She has traveled to 28 countries on 5 continents and enjoys experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, and sharing stories of those experiences with others.

Vacant

Alexandra Tserenova

Community Director, Centennial Village
202-319-5720
tserenova@cua.edu 

Alex returned to the Washington, D.C. area when she joined the Residence Life team after graduating from Eastern Illinois University with a master’s degree in College Student Affairs. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Originally from Moscow, Russia, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, and exploring DC in her free time.

Paulina Rusinek

Community Director, Opus Hall
202-299-2881
rusinek@cua.edu 

Before joining the Residence Life team, Paulina worked in New York City. She earned her masters in Educational Leadership within Higher Education and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology both from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Originally from Poland, Paulina enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, reading, and photography.

Jada Kamau

Community Director, North Neighborhood Two
202-319-5740
kamauj@cua.edu

Jada holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Wheaton College, IL, focusing on philosophy, literature, and ministry. With a passion for student success, she has collaborated with institutions like Wheaton College, Little Lights Urban Ministries, and Dallas Champion's Academy to promote college readiness. Jada is eager to leverage her experience to foster a supportive community environment and explore new avenues for engagement as a Community Director for North Neighborhood Two. Hailing from Los Angeles, CA and Dallas, TX, Jada enjoys reading, karaoke, and her morning green tea lattes.

Mariamawit Hailu

Community Director, North Neighborhood One
202-299-2500
hailum@cua.edu

Mari is currently pursuing a master's in counseling at Liberty University and holds a BA in Anthropology from the University of Mary Washington. Before joining the team at Catholic University she worked at Milton Hershey School as a Transitional Living Assistant. Originally from Ethiopia, Mari enjoys time with her family and friends, learning and trying new foods.

John F. Loia

Community Director, Central Neighborhood
202-319-5850
loiaj@cua.edu

John holds a Bachelor’s in English with a minor in Psychology from Caldwell University. His professional experiences have spanned a diverse range, from high school education to nonprofit operations to restaurant group management. He is excited for the opportunity to share these skills and experiences with students at Catholic University. John, being a Jersey Boy, enjoys good food and good company. He loves taking his fianceé, Elizabeth, out for “fun coffee,” making dinner together for their friends and family, and, when the time allows, taking the weekend to explore wherever Southwest Airlines will take them.

Kelsey Morrison

Graduate Community Coordinator
202-319-5850
morrisonkg@cua.edu

Kelsey is a graduate student in social work at Catholic University and will be working with Residence Life for her second year as a Graduate Community Coordinator. She completed her undergraduate degree at Goucher College where she worked as an RA. Kelsey also spent two summers working with high school programs at UCLA and Georgetown Universities. During her free time, she enjoys journaling, yoga, and visiting with friends.