Meet the Staff
Advisor Kudos!
If you think your advisor is GREAT and want to send them (and their supervisor!) a quick note of appreciation, click this link Advisor Kudos.
LeAnn Taylor,
Director
LeAnn Taylor is a 1st generation college student who was born and raised in eastern North Carolina. She received a B.A. in English from Barton College (in her hometown of “Wilt-sun”) before venturing to Greenville where she received an M.A. in English from East Carolina University. She has been an advisor at ECU in the College of Arts & Sciences since 2004 and can’t imagine ever doing anything else.
LeAnn is a homebody who enjoys watching football (KC Chiefs), decorating her house for every season, and just hanging out at home with her hubby Robert and their fur-babies Shelby (cat) and Mo (dog). She has a sarcastic wit, enjoys dad jokes (What does a nosey pepper do? It gets jalapeño business), and loves helping students find their way. P.S. Diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2021 so if you want to talk gluten free food in Greenville—let me know.
John Trifilo,
Associate Director
John Trifilo was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. He received a B.S. in Health and Human Services from Medaille College and M.S. in Student Personnel Administration from SUNY at Buffalo State. He started at ECU in 2004 and has worked in a variety of areas on campus. John enjoys watching football, volunteering at the animal shelter, spending time with family/friends and his dog Corbin.
Peggy Newsome,
Lead Advisor
Peggy Newsome was born and raised in Wilson, NC. In fall 1998, she came to East Carolina University as a freshman and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services in May 2002. She taught GED preparation classes at Wilson Community College for 4 years. While she was doing this, she realized she loved working with students and she asked herself why not do it at her beloved alma mater. She needed a master’s degree to do this so she began her graduate studies at East Carolina University in May 2007 and she received a Masters of Arts in Education (MAEd) specializing in Adult Education in May 2010. She loves all things ECU and enjoy advising half of the Criminal Justice students in the College of Arts and Sciences. She has been advising since September 1, 2010, and she still loves to advise each and every day! Go Pirates!!!
Joselyn Blount,
Academic Advisor
Joselyn Blount was born and raised in her hometown of Plymouth, North Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Elizabeth City State University and began her career as a middle school educator, where she served students for nine years.
While Joselyn enjoyed her career in education, she wanted to continue supporting students in a different capacity. In 2016, she earned a Master of Science in Higher Education (MSEd) and transitioned into higher education, where she discovered her passion for academic advising and student support.
Joselyn began her higher education career at North Carolina Wesleyan University and later continued her work in academic advising at Pitt Community College. She is excited to bring her experience and passion for student success to East Carolina University, where she looks forward to assisting students in the College of Arts and Sciences as they navigate their academic journeys and work toward achieving their educational goals.
Outside of work, Joselyn enjoys spending time with her husband and children. In her spare time, she also enjoys baking and creating sweet treats for family and friends.
Addison Carrasquillo,
Academic Advisor
Addison Carrasquillo was born and raised in Goldsboro, North Carolina. She attended ECU for her undergraduate and graduate degrees, earning a B.S. in Communication and an M.A. in Strategic Communication. Her involvement on campus, along with her experience studying abroad, fueled her interest in pursuing a career in higher education and supporting students.
When Addison’s not working, she enjoys exploring local businesses around Greenville, going to concerts, and rarely turns down a side quest if it means trying something new!
Autumn DeMartino,
Academic Advisor
Autumn DeMartino was born in Denver, Colorado and moved to eastern North Carolina in the third grade. A first-generation college student, Autumn received her Associate of Arts from College of the Albemarle, then transferred to ECU where she graduated with a B. A. in Psychology. She chose the distance education path for grad school and received a Master in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MTESOL) from Arizona State University. Autumn returned to ECU as an employee in 2024 when she joined the Department of English as an admin support associate. Autumn enjoys supporting students on their college journeys because each person’s experience is unique, something she learned while working as a peer tutor and mentor during her own college years.
Autumn is a self-described nerd and enjoys reading and watching things in the fantasy, mythology, and sci-fi genres; playing DnD each week with her friends (she plays a Circle of Stars druid elf); and doing arts and crafts. She also loves spending time with animals, especially her cat/BFF Moira (pronounced Moy-ra).
Chris Fowler,
Academic Advisor
Chris Fowler is originally from Iowa and earned a B.A. in psychology from the University of Dubuque, an M.S.E. in Adult Counseling Education from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Ohio University. She has worked in student and academic affairs at universities in Iowa and Ohio, with professional experiences that have shaped a strong commitment to student development, academic success, and supporting students throughout their college experience. Chris is excited to join Pirate Nation and looks forward to supporting students in making the most of their experience at ECU.
Chris enjoys watching WNBA games, exploring craft breweries, and spending time with her dogs.
Michael Goodhart,
Academic Advisor
Mike Goodhart was born in the small town of Warsaw, NY and spent most of his childhood in Richmond and Chesapeake, VA. He received a B.S. in Psychology from Radford University (VA) and an M.A. in Higher Education & Student Affairs at The Ohio State University. Mike worked as a residence hall director and student organization advisor in Idaho and Massachusetts before coming to East Carolina University in 2018 as an academic advisor. Mike enjoys doing landscape/travel photography and family history research in his spare time. He is an avid San Francisco 49ers fan and also collects walking sticks!
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Ginger Grimes,
Academic Advisor
Ginger Grimes was born and raised in a suburb of Charlotte, NC, she moved more than four hours away to attend East Carolina University as a first-generation college student in 2003.
Like many graduates, she explored several career paths before discovering her passion for education. As a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course instructor through the North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Education Program, she taught motorcycle safety for 12 years, where she developed a passion for teaching and supporting adult learners.
In 2014 she joined ECU’s Department of Biology, where she found a deep appreciation for working with students. Working alongside academic advisors and undergraduate students inspired her to pursue a career in academic advising.
Motivated by that passion, she enrolled in graduate school while working full time and raising her family, earning a Master of Arts in Education in Adult Education with a graduate certificate in Student Affairs in Higher Education. Her graduate work focused on the unique challenges faced by student parents in higher education a topic she understood first hand while balancing graduate school, full-time employment, and raising young children.
As an academic advisor, she is passionate about helping students navigate their college experience, overcome challenges, and achieve their educational and career goals.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and making memories together, especially at Walt Disney World. She is also deeply committed to public education advocacy, lactation support advocacy, and expanding her understanding of child development, particularly in relation to disabilities such as dyslexia and ADHD, in order to better support and advocate for children and families.
Chalisa Harrell,
Academic Advisor
Chalisa Harrell was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. She received a BS in English from SUNY Brockport and a MS in Student Personnel Administration from SUNY at Buffalo State. She has worked in higher education over the last twenty years, primarily in admissions at the University and Community College level.
Chalisa enjoys photography, making jewelry and pottery, and visiting all types of festivals.
Taylor McFarland,
Academic Advisor
Taylor McFarland grew up in Garner, North Carolina. She attended East Carolina University for her undergraduate and graduate degrees, earning a B.A in Psychology and a Master of Social Work. During her time there, she discovered her love for education and for working with students. After graduation, she worked as a School Social Worker in Eastern North Carolina. Her love for ECU and for higher education guided her to return to ECU as an Academic Advisor so that she could help future Pirates to have as great of an experience as she did and find their own success! During her free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her family, watching HGTV, snuggling with her dogs, reading, and watching Yankees games with her husband.
Jenna Norris,
Academic Advisor
Jenna Norris was born and raised in Greenville, North Carolina, and is a proud first-generation college graduate and two-time East Carolina University alumna. She earned a BS in Elementary Education and an MAEd in Reading and Literacy Education from ECU. Before joining the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences as an Academic Advisor, Jenna spent more than 20 years in public education with Pitt County Schools as a classroom teacher, AIG teacher, and Multi-Classroom Teacher. Throughout her career, she supported students and families with academic planning and goal setting while also coaching and mentoring educators in their professional growth. Jenna is a National Board Certified Teacher and is passionate about building relationships with students, helping them recognize their strengths, explore opportunities, and make meaningful plans for their futures.
Outside of work, Jenna enjoys attending ECU sporting events and Pirate activities and spending time with her husband, family, and two fur babies. She loves both the mountains and the coast and especially enjoys golf cart rides, evenings by the fire, and making memories with family and friends.
Go Pirates! 💜💛
Jesse Sykes,
Academic Advisor
Jesse Sykes is a first generation college student with a Transfer degree from Nash Community College. She received her B.A. and M.S. degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Jesse has worked with different student support offices to provide services within the community college and university setting. These experiences demonstrated the key impact academic support services have on promoting college student success and furthered her passion for working in advising. She is excited for the opportunity to provide a supportive environment and listening ear to students as an academic advisor at ECU.
She enjoys reading, watching movies, and doing puzzles in her free time.
Luis Zuniga,
Academic Advisor
Luis was born in Miami, Florida, but has spent most of his life in North Carolina. He earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2013 before serving in the United States Army. Following his military service, Luis moved to Greenville, North Carolina, where he earned an M.S. in Clinical Counseling in 2022. As a Hispanic, first-generation college graduate and veteran, Luis understands the importance of having support and guidance throughout the college experience. He is passionate about creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where every student feels supported, empowered, and prepared for success.
Pamela Morris,
Administrative Support Specialist
Pamela Morris grew up in Wilmington, NC. She graduated from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington with undergraduate degrees in Biology and Anthropology. She also earned dual minors in Classical Studies and Forensic Science. For over 15 years Pam coached Pop Warner youth cheerleading. In her free time, Pam enjoys touring historical landmarks, spending time with family, and crafting. She also loves her dog, Chyli Papilla (whose name is a homage to Pam’s science background).