Monica has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. During her time at UMass Amherst, she worked for the International Programs Office assisting students interested in studying abroad as well as international students from across the globe. It was while working with International Programs in which she learned how integral place is in relation to community. Prior to TSS, she lived on a small homestead care-taking goats and chickens practicing intentional community-based values. Some of her personal interests lie in equitable food systems, mycology, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable livestock management. With her current position as Graduate Program Administrator and Enrollment Coordinator, she looks forward to working with current and prospective students in building a community that promotes a strong sense of belonging, empowerment, and connection to place.