Professional Advising

Rache Alaran
Student Success Advisor for DC Special Cohorts
Email: alaranr@trinitydc.edu
Phone: (202) 884-9254
Office: Main Hall 244

Rache Alaran is a DC native who has lived her whole life in the DMV area. Rache graduated from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore (UMES) with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and then a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling. She began her career at the UMES in the Offices of Residence and Campus Life and then went on to serve as Program Coordinator for the UMES College Women R.E.A.C.H. program for gifted at risk youth before transitioning to Montgomery College where she worked in a variety of roles in the Office of Student Life. Rache’s professional career has been devoted to supporting the encouraging the holistic development and success of students which she will continue in her role at Trinity supporting DC students in overcoming challenges so they can successfully persist and complete their educational journeys.

Llyoandra Cooper
Assistant Director for the Center for Student Success and advisor for students in the College of Arts and Sciences 
E-mail: CooperLl@trinitydc.edu
Phone: (202) 884-9258
Office: Main Hall 211

Llyoandra Cooper joined Trinity in December 2021. She received her B.S in Health Sciences-Rehabilitation Services from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s of Education in Social and Cultural Foundations in Education from DePaul University. Prior to relocating to Washington D.C., Llyoandra worked at Evanston Township High School, Evanston, IL (which she is a Proud Alumna) as the College & Career Services Specialist for over 5 years. Llyoandra is very passionate about education, the desire to positively impact underserved populations of students all while being a strong, dependable, supportive resource during their collegiate journey. She prides herself on providing students with the tools to help realize and reach their full potential.

Promis Crawford
Program Coordinator and Advisor in the School of Education
Email: CrawfordPr@trinitydc.edu
Phone: (202) 884-9565
Office: Main Hall 219

Promis Crawford is an experienced higher education professional who thrives in student-centered environments.  Ms. Crawford has served in various university capacities including Enrollment Services, Student Affairs, and Academic Advising.  She holds a B.A. in Communications from Old Dominion University and an M.A. in Higher Education from Morgan State University.   She provides academic advising services to graduate students in the School of Education as well as education major in the College of Arts and Sciences.  In addition to her advising role, she provides coordination efforts for students in the School of Education seeking DC-approved teacher licensure.

Ignacio Velez
Student Success Advisor in the School of Professional Studies 
E-mail: VelezI@trinitydc.edu
Phone: (202) 884-9633
Office: Main Hall 250

Kenya A. Kirkland
Advisor for students in the College of Arts and Sciences
E-mail: KirklandK@trinitydc.edu
Phone: (202) 884-9422
Office: Main Hall 210

Kenya A. Kirkland transitioned to the College of Arts and Sciences academic advising team after serving as an Enrollment Recruiter for the Office of Admissions here at Trinity Washington University. Ms. Kirkland is a two-time graduate from Georgetown University (BA in Psychology and MA in Liberal Studies) as well as a graduate of Trinity’s Master’s of Arts in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling. Ms. Kirkland has held various positions in higher education, including the Recruiting Coordinator at Jacksonville University, Director of Basketball Operations at Auburn University, and the Assistant Coach at Georgetown University. All of her professional experiences have allowed her to pursue her passion, which is serving students.

Janet Perez-Aguilera
Director of The Dream.US Partnership and advisor for students in the College of Arts and Sciences
Email: perez-aguileraj@trinitydc.edu
Phone: (202) 884-9259
Office: Main Hall 214

Janet Perez-Aguilera has 13 years of work experience in higher education during which she has focused on advocating for first-generation & low-income, current & former foster youth, undocumented, transfer, post-traditional, and student parents. She is passionate about uplifting underserved student communities by providing them holistic support to help them thrive in college and personally. Ms. Perez-Aguilera completed her Masters of Science in Counseling in Student Development in Higher Education (SDHE) at California State University, Long Beach, and her Bachelors of Science in Human Services from California State University Fullerton (Go Titans!). Ms. Perez-Aguilera is a seasoned counselor and has dedicated her career to developing programs, initiatives, and resources to achieve a more equitable higher education.

Roniesha Hardee
Advisor for students in the College of Arts and Sciences
Email: HardeeR@trinitydc.edu
Phone: (202) 884-9222
Office: Main Hall 208

Roneisha Hardee joined the Trinity family in 2023 as an undergraduate advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Africana Studies and Political Science and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction both from University of South Florida.  Roniesha has a wealth of experience in student centered roles and has a particular interest in advising practices to support students of color (topics she is focusing on in her own graduate studies!).

Ayesha Shabazz
Advisor for students in the Professional and Graduate Programs 
Email: shabazzay@trinitydc.edu
Phone: (202) 884-9627
Office: Main Hall 216

Ayesha holds a Master’s in Business Administration (M.B.A) from Walden University and a Bachelor’s in English from the University of Maryland, College Park. With 15 years of experience in higher education, she is passionate about student success and believes acquiring an education is the key to building confidence and thriving in today’s workforce. As a former career coach and certified life coach, she utilizes her skills to motivate and empower students to reach their academic and professional goals. In addition, she enjoys spending time with her son, traveling to new places, staying active and eating good food.

Raushanah Taylor
Advisor for students in the Professional and Graduate Programs
Email: TaylorRau@trinity.dc.edu
Phone: (202) 884-9564
Office: Main Hall 250

Raushanah Taylor joined the Trinity family November 2021 as an advisor for graduate students in the School of Business Studies as well as advising undergraduate business majors in the School of Professional Studies.  She is also a two-time Trinity Washington University Graduate! (BA in sociology & MSA in Nonprofit Management- Go Tigers!!!!) Raushanah has more than 6 years of experience in Higher Education and mentoring/ advising adult learners. Supporting mission driven organizations that provide systematic resources for underserved people and their communities is her passion.

Quiera Thomas
Advisor for students in the College of Arts and Sciences
Email: ThomasQ@trinitydc.edu
Phone: (202) 884-9297
Office: Main Hall 210

Quiera Thomas joined Trinity in December 2022. Quiera has lived in the D.C. area since beginning her higher education career. She received her B.A. in Sociology from Howard University, and her Master of Arts in Education and Human Development from The George Washington University. Quiera has been able to chase her passions, serving in student-support roles for over 6 years. Quiera is passionate and committed to safeguarding and advocating for the equitable access to education and the well-being of students of all ages.

Sarah Trippensee, Assistant Dean of NHP and Academic Advisor for students in the Nursing and Health Professions
Email: TrippenseeS@trinitydc.edu
Phone: (202) 884-9684
Office: Payden Academic Center 219

Ms. Trippensee provides pre-professional phase academic advising services to students pursuing baccalaureate degrees in nursing and occupational therapy assistants. She meets with students about curriculum plans, academic progression, and she supports faculty in their academic advising roles. She serves as the Test of Essential Academic Skills coordinator and as the liaison to the Admission staff for undergraduate NHP degree programs. Sarah assists the dean and associate dean with data analysis associated with academic records

Briana Williams, Advisor for student in the College of Arts and Sciences
Email: WilliamsBriana3@trinitydc.edu
Phone: (202) 884-9264
Office: Main Hall 213

Briana Williams joined the Trinity team in January of 2023. She received her B.S. in Communications from the illustrious Bowie State and has always been passionate about forming strong connections and helping individuals reach their goals. With 5+ years of Academic Advising experience at an online university, Briana is excited about the opportunity to support and guide students in a more traditional capacity.