Simmons Academic Mentors (SAMs)
Simmons Academic Mentors (or SAMs) are current Simmons students who assist first-year students with academic acclimation to Simmons University. In this newly designed role, SAMs provide peer academic support to first-year students throughout the summer leading up to and during your first year at Simmons University.
SAMs will also hold weekly drop in hours throughout the year to answer any questions you might have. SAMs also facilitate programming to support you throughout your first year at Simmons. If you think you might have something in common with any SAM or have a question about one of their majors, please feel free to reach out.
Are you undecided? The SAMs can help! They can help you narrow down which courses to take and help you fill your PLAN requirements along the way. Please feel free to reach out to any SAM via email!
If you have questions about the Simmons Academic Mentor Program, please reach out to Talia Hirsh or Amanda Chapman.
| SAM | Major | Minor |
|---|---|---|
| Olivia Beauchesne | Nursing | |
| Sarah Defanti | Nursing | Spanish |
| Maude Elovitz | Data Science and Analytics | |
| Alexa Figueroa | Biochemistry, Pre-Med | |
| Jenny Huynh | Psychology | Sociology |
| Sydney Iannantuono | Exercise Science | |
| Abigail PinterParsons | Computer Science | English |
Get to know our SAMs
Olivia Beauchesne
Olivia is a sophomore in the nursing program. She is from Nottingham, NH, and is so excited to be an SAM this year. Olivia spends her summers working as a waitress and getting out into nature as much as possible. She loves to exercise and is always looking for new exercise trends like yogalates. During the school year, she loves to explore everything Boston has to offer like Puppy Bowl, a fake super bowl for dogs. Olivia is so excited to be a SAM and help students transition into college and answer any questions and give as much advice as she can. She is looking forward to hearing from students so feel free to reach out!
Sarah Defanti
Sarah is a junior majoring in nursing with a minor in Spanish. Sarah is a member of the Student Nursing Association here at Simmons and is a fellow through Together, Restoring Their Names. When she's not in class or the gym, she loves reading, music, and art. Feel free to reach out with any questions or just to chat!
Maude Elovitz
Maude is a junior and uses she/her/hers pronouns. She is originally from Lake Oswego, Oregon, and is currently studying data science and analytics at Simmons. Maude is a student-athlete and co-captain of the Simmons Crew team! Maude loves meeting new people, trying new restaurants in Boston, and spending time in the city. Being a SAM, Maude hopes to help students find their path at Simmons, specifically learning how to use their time wisely to balance academics and extracurriculars. If you don’t find Maude in the library, you can catch her rowing on the Charles with her team, or on a walk in the beautiful Fenway neighborhood listening to The Daily podcast by the New York Times!
Alexa Figueroa
Alexa was born and raised in Honduras and immigrated to the United States at age 13. She taught herself English while acclimating to a new life in Southwest Florida. Before attending college, she took a gap year where she was able to help other adult immigrants, from across the world, to learn English and adjust to life in the United States.
She's a commuter student and a current junior in the pre-medical track majoring in biochemistry. At Simmons she's in the Chemistry and Physics Liaison E-board. She's also a member of Sunrise Movement Boston and attends Fenway Socialist meetings. She enjoys going to the beach, putting her body through pain in CrossFit sessions, watching and drawing anime, and drinking boba tea from Kung Fu Tea. As a SAM, she is looking forward to helping students adjust to college life and feel welcome at Simmons and in Boston!
Jenny Huynh
Originally from Malden, MA, Jenny is a commuter student majoring in psychology and minoring in sociology. As a junior this year, she is excited to return as a SAM and she is looking forward to meeting all of you! She is a senior office assistant for the Office of Undergraduate Advising, so you may have seen her around! Jenny is also a member of the Neuroscience and Psychology Liaison. Aside from Simmons, you can find Jenny as a barista at the Starbucks in Station Landing in Medford! She loves to make flyers, which you may have seen on campus! She spends her free time watching House and Grey's Anatomy. She is always trying new restaurants in Boston and loves to pet all the dogs that she sees! Jenny can't wait to meet you and feel free to say hi!
Sydney Iannantuono
Sydney is a sophomore in the DPT program as well as on the volleyball team. She is from southeastern Connecticut. In her free time, she loves to go to the gym, go to the beach and bake. She has a brother and two black labs who she loves so much! She considers herself very outgoing and open to learning about new things and meeting new people!
Abigail PinterParsons
Abigail is a senior majoring in computer science with a minor in English. She came to Simmons as an undeclared major and has since found her path in the school and the city. She is originally from Holliston, MA. At Simmons, she is a dancer and choreographer with the Simmons University Dance Company. She is excited to be a SAM this year and share the opportunities that this school has to offer!