Meet the Team

Lead Team

Jessica Mott

Jessica Mott (she/her), the Director of Student Outreach and Support (SOS), joined the Hopkins community in October 2022 as the Associate Director of SOS. In her current role, Jessica is responsible for the operation of the SOS office which provides resources for Homewood students managing challenges that arise during their college experience. She supports SOS staff, engages with undergraduate students, contributes to campus-wide committees, and cultivates strong partnerships with other campus partners.

Jessica brings extensive experience working with youth and young adults in Baltimore in varied educational and workforce training settings. Prior to joining Hopkins, she developed programming and provided supportive case management and mental health/well-being support to youth and young adults. Additionally, she supervised graduate social work interns during their internship placements.

Jessica’s approach values understanding each person’s lived experiences, supporting individual needs and growth, and creating accessible, affirming, and effective practices. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan and a B.A. degree in psychology from Williams College.

Susan Kodzwa

Susan Kodzwa (she/her), Assistant Director of Student Outreach & Support (SOS), became part of the Hopkins community in March 2022. With over 10 years of experience in student affairs, international education, housing, and residence life, Susan is dedicated to providing support, interventions, and connections to resources for students facing personal, medical, mental health, academic, and adjustment concerns. She specializes in supporting international students.

Before joining Hopkins, Susan served as a Case Manager in the Office of the Dean of Students at American University and as a Residence Director in Housing and Residence Life at Frostburg State University.

Passionate about assisting international students, Susan strives to help them integrate into the Hopkins community by enhancing their ability to seek support and resources. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and a master’s degree in human resources management.

Case managers

Lindsay Jeffers

Lindsay Jeffers (she/any), First Generation & Limited-Income (FLI) Case Manager, joined the Hopkins community in December 2023. In their role, they support students of all backgrounds, focusing primarily on those who identify as first-generation and/or limited-income (FLI) college students.

Before joining Hopkins, Lindsay served as the Assistant Director of Programming at the Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities, a cultural center at Rutgers-New Brunswick. Lindsay holds a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and a Master of Education degree in College Student Affairs from Rutgers University. Most recently, Lindsay completed a Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice Facilitation and Leadership from the University of San Diego.

Lindsay is dedicated to connecting students with campus and community resources while also empowering them by affirming inner resources such as problem-solving, self-compassion, and resilience.

Maura Knestout

Maura Knestout (she/her), Student Athlete Case Manager, joined the Student Outreach and Support Office in December 2023 but has been a member of the Hopkins community since August 2017. In her role, she supports all Homewood undergraduates but specializes in supporting Hopkins’ scholar-athletes.

Before taking on her current role, Maura served as an Assistant Cross Country/Track Coach at Hopkins. Her coaching philosophy extended beyond the track, incorporating group sessions addressing body image, mental health, fueling, and goal setting to ensure success both on and off the track. This ideology translates to her current work where she offers support to students facing challenges such as physical and mental health issues, personal and family emergencies, financial concerns, and other obstacles that may arise throughout their college journey.

Maura is passionate about supporting student-athletes and other students in achieving their goals of personal and academic success. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Syracuse University and a certificate in Health & Wellness Coaching from Georgetown University.

Joe Reyes

Joe Reyes (they/them), First Generation & Limited-Income (FLI) Case Manager, joined the Hopkins community in May 2023. In their role, Joe provides case management primarily to FLI students while also serving all Homewood undergraduates. Joe actively listens to students’ needs and challenges, identifies appropriate support and resources, and collaborates with students to navigate obstacles.

As a Case Manager, Joe partners with academic advisors/success coaches in the Center for Student Success and staff in Student Disability Services to ensure comprehensive student support. Excited to assist students in accessing higher education, Joe is particularly dedicated to supporting those who may face unique challenges in understanding higher education.

Before joining Hopkins, Joe served as the Graduate Assistant for Student Care and Parents in the Dean of Students Office at Indiana University-Bloomington, providing case management support for 250-300 students. Joe holds a B.A. in English and Political Science from Saint Louis University and an M.S.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University.

Joe is deeply committed to student support, fostering a sense of belonging, and empowering students to achieve their goals.

Specialty support

Eileen Clinton

Eileen is smiling outdoors. She is wearing a green silky shirt and has glasses on.

Eileen Clinton (she/her), Triage Specialist, joined the Hopkins community in May 2024. In this role, she coordinates the referral of students to the office, connects them with case managers based on their individual needs, and occasionally provides direct support to students in collaboration with campus partners.

Before Hopkins, Eileen provided direct clinical services to undergraduate students as a clinician-in-training at the James Madison University (JMU) Counseling Center. She also supervised Health Sciences undergraduate students within the JMU Health Center’s volunteer program and facilitated conversations about inclusion, access, and allyship as a Peer Educator for JMU’s Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Expression program.

Eileen approaches her work with students from a holistic perspective, showing curiosity about each student’s story and multifaceted background. She strives to foster self-growth and reinforce support-seeking behavior among students. She holds an M.A./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from JMU and B.A in Psychology from the College of William & Mary.

Administrative Support

Niya Johnson

 

Niya Johnson (she/they), Administrative Coordinator, joined the Hopkins community in November 2023. In their role, Niya serves as the initial point of contact for members within the Hopkins community seeking to connect with the Student Outreach and Support office. Niya manages front office operations and provides valuable support to the Director and entire SOS office.

Before joining Hopkins, Niya found success and fulfillment working as an administrator in both nonprofit and healthcare spaces. She holds a B.A. in English Language and Literature from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.