Meet the Financial Aid Staff
Beth Baker, M.S.
Director
Joined SJC: October, 2008
Beth is originally from western New York state, south of Buffalo, or as she puts it, “the sticks!” She now lives in Meriden with her husband and daughter.
Beth earned an A.S. at Three Rivers Community College, a B.S. at Sacred Heart University, and an M.S. at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. When starting out in the Financial Aid field, Beth was a non-traditional student participating in work study at her community college and raising her daughter. She eventually worked her way up, becoming a part of the CT Financial Aid Professional Association (CAPFAA) where she later served as VP in charge of training, Winter Conference Co-Chair, and President. In 2007, Beth received the P. Jerome Cunningham Award for distinguished service to the Financial Aid profession.
The aspect about SJC that Beth likes most is its sense of community. She feels lucky to have the opportunity to work on a campus where she can make a difference.
When asked to give the one piece of advice she thinks students should know about Financial Aid, she responded, “The financial aid process does not have to be difficult if you take the time to be informed, ask questions when you don’t understand, and read the information that is made available. At Saint Joseph College we welcome the opportunity to work with our students to assist in making the experience affordable.”
Rose M. Meyer, B.A.
Assistant Director
Joined SJC: 1996
Rose is originally from what she refers to as “the great state of Texas.” She now lives in Ellington with her husband, Rick and dog, Brooklyn.
Rose received an A.A. at Asnuntuck Community College and a B.A. here at Saint Joseph College, where she also received a Certificate in Spiritual Counseling. She has two daughters and one grand dog, Mookie. Rose loves to cook, clean, and take long walks around the SJC campus.
The part of SJC that Rose likes the most is the students. She explains, “I love to watch them grow from young girls to women. It delights me to know that after they walk across that stage they could be my nurse, teacher, lawyer, doctor, counselor, etc, etc, their possibilities are endless.”
In regards to the Financial Aid process, Rose’s advice is simple: Questions? Just ask!
Amie Aragones, M.S.
Assistant Director
Joined SJC: June, 2009
Amie is originally from southeastern CT. She received a B.S. in Psychology at Tulane University, completed non-degree Graduate coursework in Forensic Sciences and Sociology at the George Washington University and Tulane, and recently received an M.S. in Management here at Saint Joseph College.
Amie loves taking her niece and three nephews to museums whenever she has the chance. She loves to travel, and has recently been to England and Ireland. Every year she spends Thanksgiving in Chicago with friends. Amie recalls working in shelters for displaced Gulf Coast residents after Hurricane Katrina and considers it one of the most meaningful experiences of her life. She was a special police officer in Washington, DC and is a published co-author of a paper in the journal Deviant Behavior.
The aspect Amie likes most about SJC is its close-knit community which provides a supportive environment and atmosphere that nurtures and empowers women.
Amie encourages all students to understand and pay close attention to their Financial Aid because she describes the process as one of the first steps in taking responsibility for their education and future.
Krystle Keena, B.A.
Data Exchange & Technology Coordinator
Joined SJC: September, 2007
Krystle is from New Britain, CT and currently lives there with her family.
Krystle recently graduated as a part of the SJC class of 2010 earning a B.A. in English. She was a second year transfer student and worked for Student Financial Services as a work study student for three years while completing her degree.
The aspect of SJC that Krystle likes the most is its treatment of the students. She explains, “Both the faculty and staff are extremely friendly and accommodating. You really get the feeling that they are trying their best to help you reach your educational goals and are rooting for you the entire time you are here.”
Krystle encourages students to pay close attention to their financial aid. “This is one of the first major financial decisions a lot of students are making. Be an active part of the process so that you aren’t surprised or overwhelmed after graduation!”
Jennifer Dzierzawski
Administrative Assistant
Joined SJC: January, 2012
Jennifer is originally from southern California and has lived in many places across the U.S. including Louisiana, Virginia, North Carolina, Massachusetts and Kentucky. She currently resides in Enfield, CT. Jennifer is pursuing an Associate's degree at Asnuntuck Community College where she is a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
For seven years Jennifer worked at the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation where she held positions as both a customer service representative and a default fee specialist. Jennifer has also worked at Asnuntuck Community College as a work study student in the Financial Aid office. Jennifer is proud to have helped form the Enfield Dog Park Action Committee which after four years of hard work and dedication has recently opened the Enfield Dog Park.
Although she is a new member of the Financial Aid team, Jennifer has already noticed SJC's sense of community which she says is her favorite aspect of the College so far.
When it comes to the Financial Aid process, Jennifer's advice to students is to be sure to complete all requirements early so that there is time to follow-up with questions or concerns. She is always here to help!
How to Contact Us
You may contact Student Financial Services by phone at 860.231.5223 or 866.442.8752, by e-mail at financialaid@sjc.edu or by fax at 860.231.6702.
The office is located on the second floor of Mercy Hall. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The staff is happy to accommodate students with appointments outside of these hours when necessary.
