About
Gonzaga’s Jesuit, Catholic, Humanistic education will challenge and inspire you.
Educational Background:
- Master of Education in Counseling, Texas Christian University, 2014
- Bachelor of Science in Social Work, Texas Christian University, 2012
Jesuit ideal I most identify with: Cura Personalis, “Care for the whole person” – Working in housing we get to be a part of a significant amount of a student’s college experience. I truly believe that the out of classroom development plays as huge of a role in a students collegiate experience as their academic experiences. The ability to walk alongside students as they develop in mind, body and spirit is why I choose to work in student affairs and housing. I believe that a big piece of our work is simply caring for and investing in our students whether that are thriving, or they need a little extra support to be at their best while at Gonzaga.
Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga: I enjoy working at Gonzaga for the community. Relationships are at the center of our work in how we support our students. I have been able to connect with so many people across campus and have gotten to join with numerous partners in working toward the betterment of the student experience. With Gonzaga being a smaller campus, it has been easy to connect with others both formally and informally. No matter where I go across campus I am always bumping to other professionals and students, I have appreciated that casual moments to connect with others.
What I enjoy about Spokane and the PNW: I love living in the mountains and being able to look out my windows or drive down the road and simply enjoy all of nature that is around us. I enjoy spending a decent bit of time outside, even if it is simply sitting outside of on my back porch, Spokane and the PNW allows me to spend time outdoors as much as I would like. Spokane is a town that has the amenities I enjoy while also having a feeling of a slower pace of life and small-town atmosphere.
Ways I’ve been able to get involved on campus: Being new to campus I am still working to find where I want to be involved on campus. Currently I have been taking advantage of learning the culture of campus, attending campus events and traditions to allow myself to better understand the student experience. There is always something going on around campus and I have enjoyed learning what it means to be a Zag.
Hobbies and interests: Outside of work I enjoy gardening, quilting, crafting, home renovations/DIY home projects, being outdoors and spending time with my family.
Educational Background:
- PhD in Leadership Studies Gonzaga University, 2021
- Master of Arts in English Literature, Northern Arizona University, 1993
- Bachelor of Science in English Literature, Northern Arizona University, 1991
Jesuit ideal I most identify with: Cura Personalis
Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University: Gonzaga’s focus on its mission of helping students develop intellectually, spiritually, culturally, physically, and emotionally is real. I’ve never worked at an institution so focused on benefitting the mind, body, and spirit of its students to the degree that we do at Gonzaga. These are lofty goals, but I sense that everyone truly cares about the work, which is life-giving to me as a professional.
What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: Nature surrounds us! Spokane speaks to me.
Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus: There's no shortage of people who want to engage with Housing and Residence Life. We're sought for our knowledge of students, for our connection with residents, and our abundant energy. My opportunities come from being a student advocate. People want that perspective at the table, which is refreshing to see.
Hobbies and Interests:I am a scuba diver and paraglider; I dabble in making pottery, and I enjoy traveling,
Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University: I love working with our students, and campus partners. I’ve met some of my favorite people while working at Gonzaga.
What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: I love that Spokane has all four seasons. Weekends can easily be spent hiking, snowboarding, or at a lake. I am partial to the warmer weather activities, but I appreciate summer even more after a snowy winter.
Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus: I’m one of a handful of IDI (Intercultural Development Inventory) Qualified Administrators on Gonzaga’s campus which has allowed me to work with a variety of students, staff and faculty, educating others on cultural competency and having eye opening conversations with the Gonzaga community. My office is a Safe Space and I am an Ally. In my role in Housing and Residence Life I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with areas all over campus from Admissions, Athletics, Center for Global Engagement DICE, Disability Access, and GUEST.
Hobbies and Interests: I love spending time with my friends and family. I enjoy going to the gym, I’m not great at CrossFit but I love the family it creates. I get embarrassingly excited talking about workouts, and certain aspects of nutrition.
Educational Background:
- Bachelor of Education in Special Education, Gonzaga University, 1999
Jesuit ideal I most identify with: We are called to be men and women for others.
Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University:I love seeing how the campus at Gonzaga has changed, but the community bond remains strong.
What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: My family and I enjoy living in Spokane and exploring the Pacific Northwest. The summer and fall are our favorite seasons for camping and visiting the many lakes nearby. We also love spending time together outdoors and interacting with the dynamic Spokane community through events like Hoopfest. We are always looking and ready to try the new restaurants, coffee shops and experiences that Spokane has to offer.
Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus: My husband and I are alumni, so we bring our children to many of the awesome alumni events that are organized for families and we also enjoy Gonzaga athletic events.
Hobbies and Interests: Spending time with family and friends, cooking, reading, camping, yoga.
509.313.5133
Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University: I enjoy working at GU because of the community. It is a welcoming one that encourages a holistic approach to work and life. The environment is a fun and engaging and working with the students is rewarding.
What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: I enjoy the slow pace and hometown feel of Spokane. Originally from Indiana I get some similar vibes which makes me feel even more at home. The scenery is great, and the food scene is even better!
Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus: In my previous position with GUEST, I had a great opportunity to interact with and meet a variety of departments on campus. It was a good way to get to know a diverse group of staff/faculty/and students.
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family. We enjoy spending time with family in town and being active!
509-313-5302
What is your educational background?
B.S. in Psychology – George Fox University, 2019
M.A. in Higher Education & Student Development – Taylor University, 2021
Jesuit ideal you most identify with: Education for Lives of Leadership & Service – I love that Jesuit higher education seeks to be a transformational experience rather than a transactional one. We’re preparing students for lives of leadership, not jobs or careers of leadership and service. Getting a degree and a good job are very important things, but I really appreciate the high value we place n impacting students’ whole selves. My hope is that every Gonzaga student walks across the stage having been changed into the fullest version of themselves they can be.
Reasons why you enjoy working at Gonzaga: There are many! We have incredible students who are so much fun to work alongside and bring such a wealth of stories, backgrounds, talents, and other experiences to the Gonzaga community. When I first started here, I was immediately drawn to how mission-driven Gonzaga is as an institution and am continuously impressed by how integrated our mission is into everything we do across campus. I feel so cared for here, both as an employee and as a human; the campus is also beautiful and has a prime location both within Spokane and within the whole Inland Northwest.
What you enjoy about Spokane and the PNW: I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest my entire life and moved to Spokane about five years ago; I will live and die by the fact that the PNW is the best place to live in the whole country! I love that Spokane, like Portland and Seattle to our west, offers a plethora of coffee shops, bookstores, breweries, and thrift stores while giving us far more sunshine and far fewer rainy days. There are so many fun neighborhoods and pockets of community to explore here. Outside of Spokane, I enjoy visiting all the Fall festival activities in Green Bluff and love the access to outdoorsy areas for hiking and paddleboarding in Riverside State Park and over in parts of Idaho, too.
Ways that you've been able to get involved at GU: Since I’m still new, I’m still dipping my feet into the water, but I’m very excited to attend various events and programs across campus to see what our wonderful community is up to. I love learning from others, and I’m always looking for new and fun ways to collaborate with different folks and partners around campus and always plan on immersing myself in the things those around me feel passionately about and find important! It’s also a life goal of mine to become a club advisor, but I’m just waiting for the right group of students to come knocking with a club idea…
Hobbies and interests: I’m an avid reader and am mostly into novels and other fiction; I also love a good used bookstore and am always open to taking new book recommendations. I drink copious amounts of coffee and can be found at many of Spokane’s finest coffee shops (though Indaba is probably my favorite). I’m an absolute fanatic when it comes to hockey and try to catch every Colorado Avalanche game that I can. I play guitar, drums, and piano, I dabble in singing and am a giant music snob. I love the idea of running but wouldn’t consider myself a “runner”, but do love being active – I go on walks pretty much every day, and more recently have gotten really into pickleball. My spouse and I also love to go paddleboarding, hiking, and camping whenever we get the chance when the weather is nice, and snowshoeing in the winter.
509.313.4881
Educational Background:
- Master of Arts in Leadership in Student Affairs, University of St. Thomas, 2020
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Hispanic Studies and Concentration in Community and Global Health, Macalester College, 2017
Jesuit ideal I most identify with: Faith That Does Justice. I think we all have a responsibility to be change agents who work to make our community a more just place to learn and live. Our faith can guide our commitment to this work.
Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University: I like that Gonzaga is a small campus, which allows us to connect more easily with each other and give students personal attention. I get to work with some fantastic campus partners who care deeply about their work and have a genuine desire to provide the best experience for our students. I'm grateful to work with such hardworking and kindhearted professionals.
What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: Born and raised in North Idaho, I really appreciate the ability to be close to family and old friends. Being in Spokane gives me the opportunity to re-explore spots I enjoyed as a child and also make new memories in a city that I'm learning to love. I also enjoy how many ski resorts the Northwest has to offer and how easy it is to drive to the mountain and be on the lift in minutes.
Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus: There are so many awesome programs put on by DICE. Diversity Monologues is a campus favorite and I enjoy showing up to support students' events. The Out with Allies series is also something I enjoy attending. I always learn something new, and I appreciate the opportunity for conversations that include students, faculty and staff.
Hobbies and Interests: If there is a mountain, I'll be there either hiking or skiing! I also enjoy watching documentaries and doing book clubs with friends. When we aren't in a global pandemic, I'm a big traveler and always have my passport ready.
509.313.4130
Educational Background:
- BA in Human Services, Minor in Psychology, Whitworth University
Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University: The students, I really like engaging with them, for one student understood and cared for makes a difference
What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: I love Spokane/Northwest because there are four seasons and I love to be able to enjoy each one of them! There is always something to do Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter all you have to do is look.
Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus: I think once I get settled into my role I will find a way to be involved and continue with BIPOC. I love what they stand for!
Hobbies and Interests: Gardening! I love that I can reconnect with Mother Earth and produce not only knowledge, but the fruit that sustains.
509-313-4160
Educational Background:Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, Georgetown University, 2025
Jesuit ideal you most identify with: Contemplation in Action. I appreciate the emphasis on discernment and ongoing reflection baked into the Jesuit philosophy of education, and how it builds the foundation for students as lifelong learners and question-askers.
Reasons why you enjoy working at Gonzaga: Gonzaga has such a lively campus filled with warm and welcoming faces, and the institution works very hard to cultivate and nurture that culture.
What you enjoy about Spokane and the PNW: This is my home! I grew up here and have always loved Spokane's sleepy big small town feel, and its proximity to all things outdoors.
Ways that you've been able to get involved at GU: I'm brand new to Gonzaga, so I'm still learning what there is to get involved with!
Hobbies and interests: I studied linguistics in school, and love learning about language and its impacts on culture. Outside of academics, I love Midwest emo and country music and am very well-versed in a lot of Gen-X nerd culture (Firefly deserved a second season!).
509.313.4477
Educational Background: B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Spanish with a Dance Minor, Gonzaga University
Jesuit ideal I most identify with: Accompaniment. I always think about the ways this role allows me to show up in empathy and solidarity with folks on our campus who are experiencing all of the different aspects of college life, for better and for worse. Reminding myself that sometimes the most valuable thing we can do for others is walk alongside them in their own journey and truly listen as they tell their stories has shaped my approach to this work.
Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University:I love the community here! Students, staff and faculty members alike are all proud to be zags, and being able to connect with anyone on campus over our university's shared mission of pursuing excellence and creating a more just and equitable world is something I value a lot.
What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: I was born and raised surrounded by the natural beauty of the PNW, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for all things nature. Here in Spokane, I love that you can experience being in a bustling city center filled with bookstores and coffee shops and then drive 30 minutes and find yourself at the shore of a peaceful, remote, gorgeous lake somewhere. For anyone who loves to be outdoors, Spokane feels like an ideal place to access anything from lakes to rivers and mountains and more.
Ways that you've been able to get involved at GU: I've loved finding opportunities to support all sorts of events on campus. It has been a fun way to connect with students and other staff members. Our Performing Arts Center also puts on stunning dance performances several times a year that I enjoy going to.
Hobbies and Interests:I love to read, bake, drink too much coffee, and I've taken up distance running lately! I also love listening to music and enjoy going to concerts.
Educational Background
Bachelor of Social Work, Radford University, 2023
Jesuit Ideal I Most Identify With
The Jesuit ideal I connect with most is Magis, which means “more.” During my time with Teach For America in Atlanta, I witnessed firsthand the power of going beyond what is expected to support others. That experience taught me the value of giving more of yourself in service and leadership. There is always a way to make a greater impact and show up more fully for the people around you.
Reasons Why I Enjoy Working at Gonzaga
Although I’m still new to Gonzaga, I can already tell that this is a community that genuinely lives its mission. The values are present in the way people work, support one another, and approach their roles. I’m excited to grow in this environment and contribute to something meaningful.
What I Enjoy About Spokane and the Northwest
Spokane is a beautiful city. I visited the Pacific Northwest for the first time during a solo trip in 2021 to celebrate my birthday. The moment I got off the plane, I saw a mountain and instantly felt a connection to this place. I knew then that I wanted to live here one day. I love being surrounded by nature and having easy access to rivers, forests, and hiking trails.
Ways I Hope to Get Involved on Campus
I plan on getting involved by building strong relationships with students and becoming engaged with the Unity Multicultural Education Center. I want to be a supportive presence on campus and play a role in creating a space where everyone feels seen and valued.
Hobbies and Interests
Hiking, biking, running, traveling, painting with oils, and taking film photos. I enjoy being outdoors and finding creative ways to express myself.
509.313.4476
Educational Background: BA Intercultural Studies
Jesuit ideal I most identify with: Advancing A Culture of Inclusiveness
Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University: Although my time at GU is just beginning, I have enjoyed the relationships that are being built, not only within my team, but across campus. For someone who has moved from far away, it has been nice to find a community here that truly cares about the work we do. Being a mission and purpose-driven team has been refreshing to find within the team!
What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: I love all of the coffee shops that are in Spokane; the ones that have been here for a while and the new ones that add a freshness to the city. The area is full of nature, which is great to explore. An endless number of hikes have kept me busy during my time here!
Hobbies and Interests:One of my favorite ways to unwind is to have a perfectly made cup of tea, a British tv show on, and my cats curled up next me. Finding ways to find calm in the business of life through books or walks in nature are also go-to's for me!
509.313.4648
Educational Background:
- Bachelor of Arts in English with Writing Concentration Minor in Journalism & Visual Literacy, Gonzaga University, 2021
Jesuit ideal I most identify with: The Jesuit's commitment to social justice; during my time at Gonzaga, I was involved on-campus in areas where social justice was a large focus of the work that we did and conversations we had. To me, it's also very important as a person of color to advocate for and stand in solidarity with other marginalized groups.
Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga: I've enjoyed being able to return to Gonzaga in a different context and work with the students who are in the same position I was once in. Being able to interact with so many people with differing personalities, goals, backgrounds, and interests has brought me enjoyment in this position as well.
What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: Definitely the coffee culture of Spokane. I didn't drink coffee before I came here, but now I love going to the different cafes there are here. Plus, getting coffee and then walking around one of the many bookstores in Spokane is a great way to spend a weekend.
Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus: I'm starting to find ways to get reconnected with the people I met and the work that I had done previously while I was here, but I'm also still finding opportunities to get to know the new people that I'm working with and what new things I can be involved in now that I've returned.
Hobbies and Interests: I'm a pretty big film buff and I enjoy being able to go to the movie theaters whenever I get the chance to. I love going to concerts as well. Seeing my favorite music artists whenever they come out to Spokane is one of my favorite things to do here. I also enjoy reading and writing. If you ever need any recommendations for movies, tv shows, music or books, I've got plenty!
mcdanielg@gonzaga.edu
Educational Background:
Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Boise State University, 2022
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Boise State University, 2020
Jesuit Ideal I most identify with: Cura Personalis - "Care for the whole person". While academic learning is vital to institutions of higher education, I also strongly believe that students who don't know how to care for themselves and those around them will have a tough time being a part of a healthy residential community. I personally align with Gonzaga University's mission to "care for the whole person" because our job as educators is to educate students and help them to discover who they want to be and how they can help build a better society while holding true to themselves and their values.
Reasons why I enjoy working at Gonzaga: I love that Gonzaga holds true to their values and mission, and it is evident in all the work that we do. The people that choose to spend their professional time at Gonzaga really embody those values and it creates such a positive environment to be in. Also, we know how to enjoy the work that we do, which helps me keep my cup full.
What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: I grew up in and around Spokane as a kid and I always loved being so close to the forests, mountains, rivers and lakes. It is truly such a beautiful place. I love being able to step outside and take a walk along the river or drive up to Mt. Spokane, especially in the winter with the snowboard gear ready to go. In addition to that, the people who call this place home are good, grounded people and I enjoy being a part of this community.
Ways I have been able (or hope to get involved) on campus: I look forward to connecting with the students on campus every day; they are the reason I get to be here! I hope to continue to use my role to cultivate meaningful relationships with students and staff around me while I seek to mentor others and grow professionally and personally in the process.
Hobbies and interests: I love being outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, snowboarding, boating, running, and the list goes on. If it's outside, count me in! I also really enjoy staying active by working out, running and generally using exercise to stay healthy. I recently got back into reading, though I prefer a good movie.
509-313-4103
- For Housing & Residence Life inquires please contact Gonzaga's main Housing & Residence Life Office at 509-313-4103 or email at housing@gonzaga.edu
509.313.5261
Educational Background:
- Juris Doctor, Gonzaga University School of Law, expected May 2026
- Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Criminology, Gonzaga, May 2023
Jesuit ideal I most identify with: Cura Personalis is important to me and something I work on every day when it comes to taking care of myself and others!
Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University: The people! I have met the best people with the biggest heart and inspirations to me by working at Gonzaga.
What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: I enjoy the BarkPub the most! I think the organization is amazing in trying to find forever homes for animals and I love being able to go out to dinner with my puppy!
Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus: Black Student Union is one way I have been involved through being Vice President and President for 3 years. My favorite part of this involvement is the advocacy for underrepresented students on campus!
Hobbies and Interests: All time favorite hobby is being a dog mom, but I also love to dance, choreograph, and write poetry.