Anna Maria College is thrilled to welcome Heather Ventresco as our new Director of Residential Life & Community Standards! With extensive experience in campus life and a global perspective gained through her travels, Heather is eager to bring fresh ideas to enhance the student experience. Her passion is to make Anna Maria College a warm, welcoming, and supportive home away from home for all students.
Heather began her career as a history and math teacher and then transitioned to working with Housing Families, Inc. in Malden where she managed therapeutic programs for families who were experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. She went back to school and earned a bachelor’s in international relations in Germany, and a master’s in international law from Italy. Her global studies gave her a deeper appreciation for the diverse perspectives of others.
Before finding her way to Anna Maria College, Heather worked as a director of residential life for Franklin Pierce University. Her favorite part of working in residential life is connecting with students and finding new ways to make their lives on campus more enjoyable.
“In addition to ensuring a safe, equitable living environment, I think a friendly face makes a big difference. Just to be seen and acknowledged as you move through your day can make you feel like you belong,” Heather said about making students feel at home on campus.
When she is not working on Anna Maria’s campus, you can find her hiking, baking, playing ukulele, or unwinding to episodes of “30 Rock” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” with her husband and their puppy, Viviana.
Heather has felt welcomed by the Anna Maria College community since the moment she set foot on campus, and is eager to get settled in and make a difference in the day-to-day lives of students. Be sure to drop by her office and say hi!
