Abi cavazos, MBA, Ed.D.
DIRECTOR of International Programs
PHONE: (518) 786-5047
EMAIL: acavazos@siena.edu
OFFICE: FOY HALL 301
Abi earned her BA in Geology from St. Lawrence University, her MBA from the University of Connecticut, and her Doctorate in Education from Northeastern. Her doctoral thesis focused on making study abroad more accessible to first-generation and underserved student populations. She studied abroad for a semester in Oulu, Finland, while in high school, and spent a semester in Melbourne, Australia, as an undergraduate. She formed a passion for travel and exploring other cultures when she visited Scotland at age 8 and has wanted to experience all the world has to offer ever since. In Abi's role as director, she hopes to continue to lead Siena in its internationalization efforts, helping to foster meaningful and impactful cross-cultural connections both for students coming to Siena from afar and for Siena Saints heading off to explore the world.
Abi's Bucket List Travel Destination: Morocco
Shakiya Booker, M.A.
associate director for study abroad, center for International Programs
Phone: (518) 786-5047
EMAIL: sbooker@siena.edu
OFFICE: Foy Hall 301
Shakiya earned a dual BA in International Studies and Africana & Latino Studies from SUNY Oneonta. After a faculty-led program to Dublin, Ireland, Shakiya was bitten by the travel bug and decided to spend a semester studying Spanish language in Valencia, Spain. After graduating, Shakiya moved to Washington, D.C., to teach while completing her MAT at Relay Graduate School of Education. Shortly after, Shakiya led a cultural immersion trip to Ecuador and eventually moved back to Spain to teach English, combining her love of global learning and cultural exchange. Shakiya is passionate about making global experiences accessible and meaningful for every student.
Shakiya's Bucket List Travel Destination: Tokyo, Japan
Angie Tario Corchado '15, M.A.
Assistant Director, International Student Services
phone: (518) 786-5047
email: atario-corchado@siena.edu
Office: Foy Hall 301
Angie graduated from Siena with a BA in Spanish with minors in Educational Studies and International Studies. During her degree, she did various short-term programs in Ecuador, Mexico, and Brazil, and a semester abroad in Spain. After graduation, she found a way to mix her newfound love of travel with her passion for education by teaching English in Spain, followed by a Fulbright grant teaching English in Brazil. After returning, Angie earned her MA in International Education at the School for International Training Graduate Institute. Angie strives to provide a welcoming environment and support to international students to help ensure they get the most out of their international education experience.
Angie's Favorite Travel Destination: Brazil
susan e. ambrose, M.A.
Associate DIRECTOR, international student services
PHONE: (518) 786-5047
EMAIL: sambrose@siena.edu
OFFICE: FOY HALL 301
Susan has a wide background in international education, studying abroad in Spain and Mexico while earning a BA in Spanish language and culture. She earned a MA in TESOL and has taught English for over 10 years. Teaching and working with international students grew her interest in advising. Susan is especially interested in campus internationalization, multiculturalism, intercultural exchange, student orientation and adjustment, student engagement, and supporting Siena’s diverse, outstanding international students with a holistic advising practice.
Susan's Favorite Travel Destination: Sardinia, Italy
Angela m. youngs
office coordinator
PHONE: (518) 786-5047
EMAIL: ayoungs@siena.edu
OFFICE: FOY HALL 301
Angela is a proud native of the Capital District and also a proud parent of a Siena Saint ’24. She enjoys working with students eager to explore the world, is happy to be a part of the Siena family, and shares in its commitment to the Saint community. Angela enjoys spending quality time with family & friends, and summers vacationing on the Cape.
Angela's Favorite Travel Destination: Italy
Br. Brian C. Belanger O.F.M.
SENIOR Partnership Manager
Phone: (518) 786-5047
EMAIL: bbelanger@siena.edu
OFFICE: Foy Hall 301
As a Franciscan friar, Brother Brian is inspired not only by Saint Francis’ many journeys but more importantly by his embrace of all peoples, no matter their background or belief. Francis’ desire to lead others in building a world of peace and equity serves as the model for international endeavors at Siena. Br. Brian worked for four years in Spain, and, as a Fulbright-Hays recipient, in Mexico for one year. He is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, earned an MA from Middlebury College, and holds a Ph.D. in Latin American Studies from Tulane University.
Br. Brian's Bucket List Travel Destination: Oman