Central Program Staff
Contact us pcs@uconn.edu for any questions.
Bobbi-Jo Wathen, PhD
Director
Bobbi-Jo Wathen, PhD, serves as Director of UConn’s Pre-College Summer Programs. She joins us from a long career in public education as a School Counseling Department Head and School Counselor working in title I schools. In her work in k-12 public education, she specialized in post-secondary transitions, 9th grade success, and creating access to rigorous coursework for ALL students. Dr. Wathen obtained her PhD at the University of Connecticut in Counselor Education with a specialization in Education Policy. She continues to serve as an adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut’s Counselor Education program. She has served The Sheff Foundation, NCWIT’s Counselors for Computing, and the Legal Defense Fund in the efforts to create equitable high-quality education available to ALL students.
Jessica Lynch, M.S.
Program Coordinator
Jessica Lynch serves as the Program Coordinator for UConn’s Pre-College Summer Program. Jessica holds a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies from Eastern Connecticut State University. She brings experience in higher education, with a focus on academic advising, student development, and college and career readiness. In addition to her advising roles, she also teaches courses in Public Speaking and College and Career Success, further reinforcing her commitment to early college awareness, access, and student empowerment. Jessica is dedicated to creating inclusive, supportive environments that encourage exploration, growth, and readiness for life beyond high school.
Yamileth Lopez-Ramos
Graduate Assistant
Yami is a Graduate Assistant for the Pre-College Summer Program and is currently enrolled in the Higher Education & Student Affairs master's program at the University of Connecticut. In her second year at PCS, she will lead program evaluations, build community relationships, and support additional program needs.
Briana Reid-Maloney
Graduate Assistant
Briana is a Graduate Assistant for the Pre-College Summer Program and is pursuing her MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs at the University of Connecticut. Briana recently completed her Bachelor's Degree in Theater and Anthropology at Purchase College and is originally from New York City. Briana is responsible for the recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision of the Summer Residential Staff.
Yara Medawar
Graduate Assistant
Yara is the Graduate Assistant of the Pre-College Summer Program, and is now pursuing a PhD in Environmental Engineering at the University of Connecticut. Yara supervises and organizes academic, leadership, and social student exploratory workshops and reviews and revises all policies and protocols. Prior to starting her doctoral studies, she completed a master's degree in Public Policy from UConn Hartford and a master's degree and bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering/Project Management at Notre Dame University, Lebanon.
Jenilee Valentin
Student Administrative Assistant
Jenilee is a student administrative assistant for the Pre-College Summer Program. She is currently enrolled at the University of Connecticut as an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Crime and Justice. Jenilee is responsible for background logistics, inventory organization, and support communication with participants and families.