Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Life
Shadia Sachedina, (she/hers)
As AVP and Dean of Student Life, Shadia oversees the Offices of Residential Life; Student Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging; Student Involvement and Leadership; and International Student Support and Belonging. Her experience as a Student Affairs educator spans over 30 years, and she approaches her work with dedication and a commitment to student wellbeing, engagement, and success. She is inspired by the energy and dedication of the Student Life team and is excited for the opportunity to collaborate and partner with her Sarah Lawrence colleagues to continue to foster a strong sense of belonging and purpose for Sarah Lawrence students.
Prior to joining Sarah Lawrence, Shadia was a Consultant at Keeling & Associates, a higher education consulting firm, and previously served as Associate Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students at the Fashion Institute of Technology (SUNY). She has also held leadership roles at Baruch College (CUNY), the School of Visual Arts, Stony Brook University, and SUNY Cortland. A Gallup-certified Strengths coach and certified trainer in Restorative Practice, she brings a dynamic and holistic approach to leadership, drawing on principles of empathy, cultural understanding, and student-centered support.
Shadia holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Stony Brook University, a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College, and a doctorate in Higher & Postsecondary Education from NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.
Assistant Director of Residential Education
Kyla Hunter (she/her)
As assistant Director of Residential Education, Kyla specializes in designing Residential Education curricula and programs within the Office of Residential Life. Her enthusiasm for Residential Education was sparked during her two-year tenure as a Residential Advisor at the New College of Florida, where she successfully built a living and learning community focused on supporting the performing arts while earning her Bachelor of Arts degree. In her current role, Kyla plays a pivotal role in supporting Resident Fellows in their supervisory capacities over Resident Advisors. She also serves as a bridge between various campus offices, fostering a seamless and comprehensive residential experience. Through intentional programming, educational initiatives, and mentorship, Kyla is dedicated to cultivating a sense of community while empowering residents in their own personal and professional growth.
Assistant Director of Housing Operations (she/her)
Maylene Santiago
Assistant Director of Community Standards
Alexa Lyons (she/her)
Alexa Lyons is the Resident Fellow for Hill House. Alexa supervises the Hill House RA staff and works with all residents on programming and student support. In Residential Life, Alexa also works on residential education and student conduct initiatives. Alexa holds a bachelor's degree in Educational Studies and Drama from Vassar College and a master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Boston College.
