Monica Mensah, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Monica, a native Houstonian, graduated from Rice University with a B.A. in Philosophy and a B.A. in Sociology. She earned her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. As the Assistant Dean, Monica oversees student enrollment and records, course registration, scholarships and financial aid, bar preparation, student counseling and advising, study abroad programs, and student programming and events. In addition, she works strategically with a broad group of offices on the University of Houston campus. Prior to joining the Office of Student Affairs, Monica practiced as a civil rights and employment law attorney.
Erin Dickson, Director of Wellness
Erin attended the George Washington University, where she earned her B.A. in Psychology and played Division 1 water polo. She then earned her J.D. from University of San Diego. Erin practiced business litigation and energy law before returning to her hometown of Houston to work in higher education compliance. Erin served as the Director of Student Advisement (DSA) at the Law Center for 3 years before transitioning into the role of Director of Wellness. As the DSA, Erin oversaw advising and counseling services to students spanning academic policies, graduation requirements, emergencies and related academic support measures, and wellness advising and events. As the Director of Wellness, Erin will focus on the health and wellbeing of law students which includes individual appointments, small and large group events, and expanded programming promoting wholistic wellness. Erin is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work in Clinical Practice at UH.
Until the DSA position is filled, Dir. Dickson will fill in for student advising and counseling needs surrounding academic planning and advising, emergencies and academic support measures, and of course, wellbeing advising and programming.
Shahriar “Shah” Daram, Director of Registrar & Enrollment Services
Shah, a Houston resident for over ten years, holds a bachelor’s in political science and philosophy from the University of Houston Downtown. He furthered his education with an MBA focused on data analytics from SMU Cox School of Business. With a rich background in student affairs and enrollment services, Shah utilizes his data-driven approach to optimize student registration and enrollment processes at the Law Center. He is also closely involved in various activities in Office of Student Affairs (OSA), ensuring students have the support they need to succeed in law school.
Lisa Cohen, Director of Academic Success
Lisa, a native Houstonian, graduated from UH with a BA in Political Science with a minor concentration in Psychology. She earned her JD from UHLC. Lisa has taught as an adjunct for our Legal Analysis & Writing course for several years. She also taught as a professor of practice for our Street Law Program. As Director of Academic Success, Lisa will support law students in the successful completion of their law school journey. Her focus will be study skills, time management and organizational skills workshops, as well as one on one, direct student support and guidance. Lisa, in collaboration with our Academic Initiatives faculty and other UHLC leaders, will also work to design and implement a comprehensive program to assist students with preparing for and passing the bar exam. Lisa is glad to be “home” at UHLC!
Samantha Ary, Program Director
Samantha is currently responsible for overseeing disability services for the Law Center. Samantha received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Houston. Prior to joining the Law Center she worked for various departments on the UH main campus. She also served as an advisor and instructor at Texas Southern University.
Kristan Withers, Program Manager
As Program Manager, Kristan provides support to the Office of Student Affairs by performing administrative duties related to planning and coordinating programs for law students. Kristan is also the go to person for law student organizations and law journals and oversees orientation for all student leaders. Before joining the Law Center, Kristan worked as an Administrative Manager for a natural gas consulting firm.
Emelia Alvear, Assistant Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid
Emelia earned her B.A. in Consumer Finance from Ashford University. Having worked in both the private and public sectors of education, she holds years of expertise in the field as a financial aid administrator. Emelia has a mastery of the federal processing subject area having earned full credentialing from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Emelia takes an active role in serving students by encouraging financial literacy, providing financial aid counseling, and proactively helping students navigate the financial aid process.
Jennifer Aaron, Secretary II
As Secretary II, Jennifer provides support to the Office of Student Affairs by performing various administrative duties related to course advising and registration, exam administration, graduation, paying invoices and overall student-development. Before joining the Law Center staff, Jennifer worked several years as a General Office Clerk III at Vinson & Elkins LLP.
