UMass Boston

Caitlin Sullivan, Academic Advisor & Coordinator of CLA Beyond (she/her)

Caitlin has worked at UMass Boston for over ten years, joining the CLA First! team in 2022. Caitlin loves working as an academic advisor and especially loves building relationships with UMass Boston students. Caitlin majored in sociology as an undergraduate and later earned a master’s in international education. In addition to her advisor role (and role as mom to two elementary-aged children) Caitlin is currently pursuing a PhD in Higher Education here at UMass Boston. Caitlin enjoys spending time with family, being outside, reading, coffee, and seeing students thrive.

Estefany Portillo, Academic Advisor (she/her)

Estefany is a proud UMass Boston alum! She participated in the accelerated master's program, earning her bachelor's and master's in international relations in 2022. She was also part of the CLA First! Program during her time at UMass Boston both as a student and peer mentor. Estefany joined the CLA First! Team as an academic advisor in October of 2023. As a first-generation college student, she is grateful to be able to support students in their higher-ed journey. Outside of work Estefany enjoys spending time with family, photography, kickboxing, and eating ramen.

 John Maeng, Academic Advisor (he/him)

John is a first-generation college graduate and has over 10 years of experience tutoring and instructing math, and academic advising.

John earned his Bachelors degree in Music Education and his Masters degree in Adult & Organizational Development.  When John is not working, you will find him playing tennis or pickleball.  He also enjoys singing Disney songs.

Rachel Puopolo, Director, CLA First! and Early Support (she/her)

In her role as Director, Rachel oversees the learning communities within the College of Liberal Arts. Rachel has worked at the University since 2005 and first joined the College of Liberal Arts in 2011 as an Academic Advisor.

Rachel is a first-generation college student, and a proud Beacon Alum, having earned her MEd in School Counseling at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She earned a BA in Communication with a minor in Dance from the University of Maine. Rachel is passionate about student success and is honored to work with students from their first day at orientation through their graduation. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family, especially outdoors. Rachel is also a fan of live music and is a huge fan of the Boston Celtics.