Meet the Academic Advising Staff!
Welcome to Academic Advising! Our Mission is to assist students in accomplishing their academic and lifelong learning goals. Academic Advisors are available by appointment and for drop-in advising throughout the academic year. We look forward to meeting with you!
Anna Regan
Executive Director, Academic Advising
Email: aregan@ocean.edu
Office: 105G – Student Enrollment Bldg. #9
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2018
Education: BS, Education, Villanova University; MA, Higher Education Administration, The George Washington University
Interests: Running, reading, going to the beach, and most of all spending time with my daughters!
I enjoy advising students who are close to graduating! It’s great making sure they’ve completed all of their requirements and discussing their next steps!
Michele Connolly
Associate Director, Academic Advising
Email: mconnolly@ocean.edu
Office: 105N – Student Enrollment Bldg. #9
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2005
Education: BA, Psychology, Monmouth University; MA, Teaching, Monmouth University
Interests: Have passport, will travel! Yoga, Running, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Surfing.
I enjoy advising students who are unsure of their major! I too was undecided and confused (still am!)
Victoria Cinquegrana-Rod
Assistant Director, Advising & Transfer Services
Email: vcinquegrana@ocean.edu
Office: 105C – Student Enrollment Bldg. #9
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2884
Education: BA Communications (Journalism & Media), Felician University, MSEd Student Affairs, and College Counseling, Monmouth University.
Interests: During the summer, I live on the beach! I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling to new places, and photography.
I enjoy advising students as they are starting a new chapter of their educational journey especially first-generation college students who seek assistance regarding the college process.
Laura Wills
Director of Transfer and Articulation
Email: lwills@ocean.edu
Office: 105E – Student Enrollment Bldg. #9
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2822
Education: BA, Psychology, Georgian Court University; MA, Counseling Psychology: Community Counseling (LPC), Georgian Court University
Interests: Cooking/Baking, Gardening, Music, Non-Fiction, Exploring NJ/Hiking/Beach.
I enjoy advising students who are transferring! I enjoy helping students take the next step in their academic endeavors.
For Workshops & Events: Please visit the Transfer Events page.
Amy Nadybal
Transfer Advising Coordinator
Email: anadybal@ocean.edu
Office: 105C – Student Enrollment Bldg. #9
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2008
Education: BA, Rutgers University; MA, Centenary University
Interests: Cooking (and eating), traveling, puzzles, and animals.
I enjoy advising students because being an advisor means being a support to students along their journey at OCC. I look forward to helping students plan their next steps through the overwhelming college experience and connecting them with available resources.
For Workshops & Events: Please visit the Transfer Events page.
Jenna McAteer
Transfer Advising Coordinator
Email: jmcateer@ocean.edu
Office: 105D – Student Enrollment Bldg. #9
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2320
Education: BA, Psychology, Loyola University Maryland; MA, School Counseling, Seton Hall University
Interests: Spending time at the beach, kayaking, metal detecting, watching sports, attending concerts (& collecting records from those artists I’ve seen live!).
As a first-generation college student, I understand how powerful the decision to pursue higher education can be—not just for students, but for all who have helped create that opportunity. My own journey inspires my commitment to supporting students to and through college – I am passionate about helping students feel at home in their classes and confident in their role as college students, and I enjoy offering guidance and working together to map out meaningful paths toward transfer or career goals.
For Workshops & Events: Please visit the Transfer Events page.
Jennifer Kipp
Academic Advisor, Coordinator of NJ STARS
Email: jkipp@ocean.edu
Office: 105C – Student Enrollment Bldg. #9
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2933
Education: BA, Mathematics (Teaching),Trenton State College; MA, Counseling, The College of New Jersey
Interests: Cooking, reading and spending time with my family (including my dog and cat).
I enjoy advising students who are new to Ocean County College, whether first-time students or transfer students. I like being able to answer their questions, introduce them to what the college has to offer and, for those who are nervous, offer reassurance.
Diane DeFilippo
Academic Advisor
Email: ddefilippo@ocean.edu
Office: 105M – Student Enrollment Bldg. #9
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2957
Education: BA, English, Montclair State University
Interests: Biking, yoga, running, reading, and holistic health
I enjoy advising students and encouraging them to take an active role in their educational journey. I am always happy to assist students in progressing toward their academic goals.
Jeffrey Kurz
Academic Advisor
Email: jkurz@ocean.edu
Office: 105L – Student Enrollment Bldg. #9
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2539
Education: B.A., Psychology, William Paterson University; M.A., Higher Education Administration, Rowan University
Interests: Tennis, Baseball, Kayaking, Traveling, Spending time with my family and my two dogs, Jet & Jax.
I’m passionate about guiding college students as they navigate one of the most important and transformative periods of their lives. Whether it’s choosing a major, or planning for a future career, I enjoy offering encouragement and support. I believe every student has unique strengths and I take pride in helping them recognize their potential, build confidence, and make informed decisions. I find the work as a higher education practitioner genuinely meaningful and rewarding.
Brett Young
Academic Advisor
Email: brett_young@ocean.edu
Office: 105H – Student Enrollment Bldg. #9
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2012
Education: B.A., History, Kean University
Interests: Hiking, gaming, reading history, and training and raising Siberian Huskies.
As an OCC alum, I enjoy advising students who are beginning their academic journey, while also understanding the hardships and challenges that such a journey entails. I strive to help all students succeed in their academic ambitions.
Evan Gonnella
Academic Advisor
Email: evan_gonnella@ocean.edu
Office: 105H – Student Enrollment Bldg. #9
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2006
Education: BA, Economics, Rowan University
Interests: I enjoy playing music with others and spending time with my family and friends.
I enjoy supporting students who are starting their academic journey and are passionate about achieving their goals. Having faced challenges myself in navigating my own path, I use my college experience to guide others. I aim to help students overcome obstacles and stay focused on their aspirations. My goal is to provide the guidance I wish I had when I was in their shoes.
Breanna St. Clair
Academic Advisor
Email: bstclair@ocean.edu
Office: 105K – Student Enrollment Bldg. #9
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2007
Education: B.S., The Pennsylvania State University; MS, Shippensburg University
Interests: Music, being outdoors, traveling, animals.
I enjoy advising students and take great pleasure in guiding students as they start their academic paths, while also recognizing the obstacles and difficulties that can come with it. My goal is to provide the support and resources necessary to help every student thrive and achieve their educational aspirations.
Lisa Gilliar
Senior Advising Technician
Email: lgilliar@ocean.edu
Office: Student Enrollment Bldg. #9
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2982
Education: BA Fine Arts/Education, Georgian Court University
Interests: Spending time with family, going to the beach, painting and reading
Assistance with scheduling advising appointments, answering questions, and assisting students, faculty, and campus advisors.