Staff
Welcome!
We’re glad to have you visit our site and learn more about the Maxine Platzer Lynn Women’s Center at UVA! We are here to develop strong women leaders and those who work beside them to bring social justice, especially gender and racial justice, to our world.
We at the Women’s Center are all stewards of something larger than any one of us: a sustained commitment to the well-being of all UVA students in all stages of their lives that supporters of the Women’s Center have fostered over the decades. Throughout its history, students’ voices have had a significant impact on the growth and development of the Women’s Center. We count our work with students among the most meaningful work we do. I am proud to say that in their time with us, our students develop their skills and passions, and they leave us prepared to put them to use in service of the public good.
I encourage you to get to know us better through the programs and events we offer in the Women’s Center and across Grounds. We look forward to meeting you!
Abby Palko,
Director
Director
Abby Palko
Directorapalko@virginia.edu
434-982-2934
Counseling Staff

Margaret Edwards, LPC
Program Director for Counseling and Wellness Services
Cathy Erickson, LPC
Trauma Counselor
Poe Erickson, PSD
Therapy Dog / Good BoyAisha Saeed, LCSW
Trauma Counselor and Body Positive CoordinatorUriel Santiago, NCC
Resident in Counseling
Amelia Walton, MA, EdS
Resident in Counseling
Janie Williams, LCSW
Trauma CounselorPrograms Faculty & Staff

Genevieve Brackins
Education and Outreach Specialist, MLPgbrackins@virginia.edu
434-982-5324

Mary Esselman
Iris Editormdesselman@gmail.com

Sarah Jenkins
Education and Outreach Specialist, YWLPstjenkins@virginia.edu
434-982-2648

Jaronda Miller-Bryant
Assistant Director for Engaged Scholarshipjjm8ac@virginia.edu
434-924-9732
Taylor Nichols
Education and Outreach Specialist, GVSC & DEItnichols@virginia.edu
Administration

Diadra Bendixen
Receptionistdb8ru@virginia.edu
434-982-2361

Leigh Ann Carver
Program Director of Communications & Advancementlac4g@virginia.edu
434-924-3946

Carol Gilbert
Business Managerceg6a@virginia.edu
434-982-2902
Graduate Assistant & Fellows

Ivana Brancaccio
Greer Fellowiab8jp@virginia.edu

Alyssa Candelmo
Casscells Fellowac3et@virginia.edu
434-243-1199

Rachel Davies
Casscells Fellowrsd2js@virginia.edu
434-982-3907