Our Advisors

While you will be assigned a specific psychology advisor, it’s possible that you may sometimes visit drop-in advising hours. In case you do, we thought you might like to learn a little more about all of our advisors.

  Sybil Streeter, Ph.D., Director

Dr. Streeter oversees the administrative aspects of the Advising Office, coordinates the Directed Reading, Undergraduate Teaching Assistance Experience, Directed Research and Honors programs for undergraduate majors, and is a faculty member in the psychology department. She earned a Bachelor of Philosophy, Psychology & Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Streeter has prior experience in private-sector research and consulting using an interdisciplinary approach that draws on such diverse fields as cognitive science, literary analysis, evolutionary and social psychology. In addition to teaching and directing the Advising Office, Dr. Streeter is focused on expanding experiential learning opportunities for psychology majors.

  Jennifer Stapel, M.Ed., Associate Director

Jennifer earned her B.A. in History and Sociology and an M.Ed. in Administration and Policy Studies with a focus in Social and Comparative Analysis in Education from the University of Pittsburgh.  Prior to joining the Psychology Department, Jennifer worked in the University of Pittsburgh Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Advising Center which serves first-year students and all undecided undergraduates.  As Associate Director, Jennifer assists the director with administrative aspects of the office and coordinates PSY 1900 Supervised Field Placement. In addition to regularly meeting with students, she also creates programs for undergraduates each term, maintains the website and database management, and is responsible for the Advising Office email and voicemail accounts.

  Beth Barthen Braunsdorf, M.A., Advisor

Beth earned her M.A. in Ed. and H.D. in Higher Education Administration from The George Washington University and her B.A. in English from Allegheny College. Prior to joining the Psychology Advising Office, she worked in both undergraduate and graduate admissions as well as graduate student services within the University of Pittsburgh.  As a part-time advisor, her primary responsibility is meeting with students.

  Amy Bittner, M.A., Advisor

Amy earned her M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University, and her B.S. in Business Administration from Duquesne University.  Prior to joining the Psychology Advising Office, she worked in academic advising and career development at Point Park University and Chatham University.  As a part-time advisor, her primary responsibility is meeting with students.

  Melanie McColey, MEd, Advisor

Melanie earned her Master of Education in School Counseling from William & Mary and her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining the Psychology Advising Office, she worked in the University of Pittsburgh Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Advising Center, as well as the Office of Student Records. Melanie also spent two years working in the UCLA School of Law Office of the Registrar. As a full-time advisor, her primary responsibility is meeting with students.