Bennion Center Staff

	TBD | ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
	ASMA HASSAN | UTAH READS , SR. PROGRAM MANAGER Asma is glad to be back at the Bennion Center and grow its Utah Reads program. Previously, she worked at the Eccles School of Business in their IT department, at Utah Campus Compact, a local chapter of AmeriCorps where she enrolled and exited members completing their AmeriCorps hours in educational, health, and environmental fields, serving vulnerable populations, and as a tutor for Utah Reads. Asma has a M.Ed. in Special Education and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Utah. In her free time, she enjoys tutoring students using engaging teaching methods, hanging out with her sisters, and eating Thai food. 801-585-9101 | asma.hassan@utah.edu Pronouns - She, Her, Hers
	BOBBIJO KANTER | INTERIM DIRECTOR & ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS  BobbiJo Kanter joined the Bennion Center in 2016 following a 13-year career with Special Olympics programs. She is excited about connecting students with community experiences to create inclusive, engaging, and meaningful opportunities. While not working, BobbiJo can usually be found in the great outdoors with her wife and giant dogs. 801-585-9103 | bobbijo.kanter@utah.edu Pronouns - She, Her, Hers
	TBD | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
	TBD | CURRICULAR PROGRAMS, MANAGER
	SABITA BASTAKOTI | COMMUNITY PARTNER PROGRAMS, MANAGER 801-585-1508 | sabita.bastakoti@utah.edu  Pronouns - She, Her, Hers
	MEGAN MEDINA | ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM & SCHOLARSHIP Megan Medina likes growing programs and people. She's happiest when she is mentoring and encouraging students, which is part of the reason why she's so excited to direct the Bennion Center's curricular programs (CEL courses/faculty, Bennion Scholars, & Certificate). A native of North Dakota, Megan's an avid traveler. She spent time living and teaching in China and loves the outdoors. 801-585-3297 | megan.medina@utah.edu Pronouns - She, Her, Hers
	GRACE HYMEL | ALTERNATIVE BREAKS, PROGRAM MANAGER Grace Hymel is a passionate community builder and educator at heart. She comes to the Bennion Center after several years dedicated to community engagement and leadership development throughout her undergraduate and graduate education. Grace earned her Master of Science in Student Affairs for Higher Education from Miami University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Loyola University in Maryland. She also brings experience from working at the College of WIlliam and Mary, and with Break Away, the national non-profit for Alternative Breaks. In her free time, she enjoys reading, being active, spending time outdoors, and exploring new places. Grace is thrilled to work, learn, and live alongside this community in their collective pursuit of a more just society. Grace.Hymel@utah.edu Pronouns - She, Her, Hers
	BRETT GAFFNEY | STUDENT COHORTS, PROGRAM MANAGER Brett Gaffney joined the Bennion Center in 2022, on her birthday, which feels lucky. Before moving to Utah, she earned her MFA in Poetry from Southern Illinois University and worked an eclectic mix of jobs which allowed her to connect with communities of writers, librarians, booksellers, artists, veterinarians, dog walkers, and haunted house actors, among others.  Now she is thrilled to hold a position in Residential Engagement and Student Cohorts where she can support students with a drive toward advocacy and social impact. Brett is happiest when she's in the mountains or desert with her family and their spoiled puggle, Ava.  801-581-8436 | brett.gaffney@utah.edu  Pronouns - She, They
	TBD | MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS, DIRECTOR
	KRISTI THOMPSON | ADVANCEMENT OFFICER Kristi.Thompson@admin.utah.edu Pronouns - She, Her, Hers