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Meet the Team
Professional Staff
Emily Gerst
Director, Conflict Resolution & Education
Email: elgerst@wm.edu
Phone: (757) 221-3596
Office: Sadler 365
Graduate Assistant
Mary-Catherine Kain
Graduate Assistant, Conflict Resolution & Education
Email: amkain@wm.edu
Office: Sadler 394
Mary-Catherine is a recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University for Elementary Education, and a current School Psychology student in the William & Mary Graduate School of Education. Her experiences working in teaching, educational policy, and research fostered her passion for restorative practices and conflict resolution in educational settings. She is excited to apply and expand on these experiences as the Graduate Assistant for Conflict Resolution & Education.
Student Specialists
Student specialists are trained facilitators, coaches, and mediators who meet with students for consultation and coaching. They are available to meet with any William & Mary student.
Selah Watkins
Class of 2027
Major: History & Government
Why CRE? I joined CRE because I wanted to help my peers with their difficult moments and learn how to improve my own communication and conflict resolution skills to be a better service to my community. On campus, I’m also involved with Sharpe, Brown Table Talk, the NAACP, the Local Black Histories Project, and the Better Arguments Program. One thing conflict related I like to talk about is sibling conflict. As a middle child with three siblings, I think sibling dynamics are so interesting (and somewhat entertaining) and are some of the best training grounds for conflict resolution.
Liam Palumbo
Class of 2029
Major: International Relations
Why CRE? As a student specialist with Conflict Resolution & Education, I’m a part-time instructor, full-time learner, and I love that the relationship, communication, and connection tools we focus on are the kinds of skills that stick with you for life. Active listening is one of my strengths in conflict, and growing up with 4 younger siblings has made me familiar with household conflicts too. When I’m not actively handling conflicts with CRE, you can find me on campus at RUF campus ministry, trying to get to club jiu jitsu practices, or playing guitar in some outdoor corner of campus.
Vanessa Austin
Class of 2029
Major: International Relations
Why CRE? I joined CRE because I wanted to be more involved in the William & Mary community and help my peers. Communication and understanding cannot be understated when it comes to adjusting to a new environment like college. I love using my skills to create safe places and facilitate productive conversations. I am involved in the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and Barksdale Treble Chorus. I have learned that the most effective communication is not simply about talking, but listening without judgement. It’s important to create a space where people feel comfortable and have ample time to explain their perspective.
Ella Gelston
Class of 2029
Major: Psychology, with a minor in Hispanic Studies
Why CRE? I wanted to become a CRE Specialist because of my passion for connecting with people. On campus, I am involved with WM Symphony Orchestra, WM Wind Ensemble, Agape Christian Fellowship, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, and Kendo Club. A conflict-related topic that I enjoy talking about is personality types. I find it very helpful in conflict resolution to figure out the arguing parties' personality types (specifically MBTI) and then discuss how because of their personality, they could be seeing something a different way. This helps create an understanding between the two parties about why the other may have acted the way that they did (and vice versa) and further the conversation to an eventual resolution.
Paula Roa Rodriguez
Class of 2029
Major: Business Analytics & International Relations
Why CRE? I am excited to join CRE because I love maintaining friendships and I believe everyone has the right to be heard! I am involved with LASU, Club Volleyball, and the Sharpe Scholars Program. One piece of advice is to always take a deep breath and try to break any situation down.
Amaya Stickley
Class of 2029
Major: Psychology & Marketing
Why CRE? I’ve always been described as non-judgmental and level-headed in conflict, and I'm excited to put these traits to use as a CRE specialist. I hope to guide William & Mary toward a more compassionate, open, and student-centered community for everyone, starting with everyday conversations between people. I am happily a part of PLUS, WMSURE, Brown Table Talk, BSO, and Vox. One thing I like to talk about is how conflict often shows there is still care. From my own experiences with friend group or family tension, I’ve learned that disagreements usually come from people wanting to be understood, not from bad intentions.
Advisory Boards
The Undergraduate and Graduate Advisory Boards work with the director to understand conflict needs on campus, to develop programming and services to meet these needs, and to champion the office's work across campus.
Undergraduate Advisory Board
Debbie Ho, class of 2026
Veda Kalidindi, class of 2026
Marissa Burek, class of 2027
Madeleine Hess, class of 2027
Leah Schrum, class of 2027
Sofia Turkman, class of 2028
Sofia Voumvourakis, class of 2028
Anne Hensley Young, class of 2028
Graduate Advisory Board
Poojitha Kapireddy, MBA candidate, class of 2026
Mavis Soyeh, M. Ed candidate, class of 2026
Katie Morin, JD candidate, class of 2027
Interested in joining the board? Fill out our interest form.
