Meet the Cowden staff  

Get to know your Residence Hall Director and Resident Assistants.

Residence Hall Director

Name: Shannon Heinritz
Phone: 928-523-3808
E-mail: shannon.heinritz@nau.edu 

Education: Masters of Education in Counseling/Student Affairs -Northern Arizona University
 

Cowden Resident Assistants

Name: Cruz Romero
Wing: 1st floor West; Rooms 110-132
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

Why I chose Northern Arizona University: I actually wanted to go to a small community college back home to continue playing football, but my high school football coach who was also my mentor forced me to look at the 3 in-state universities. I did not want to stay in Phoenix so ASU was out. I also did not want to go to a city that is highly similar to Phoenix so UA was also out. I chose NAU by default and I always feel that saying that is negative, because I absolutely love this place!

Why I'm excited to be an RA: Becoming a Resident Assistant has been my dream since my sophomore year of college. I made a commitment to myself that I would stay an extra year, 5 years total, and apply for the position. When I became a senior, I knew that I had to give it a shot so I applied in the Fall of 2011 and I received an alternate position! I am excited to be a RA because my dream is now a reality! I hope to learn from my residents and hopefully leave an impacting mark on them. I would not have this any other way! Cowden Hall Spring 2012!

Name: Jenny Beal
Wing: First floor, central – rooms 135-155
Major: Hotel & Restaurant Management with a minor in Business and a Certificate in Accounting
Hometown: Des Moines, IA

Why I chose Northern Arizona University: I chose Northern Arizona University because I love it here! The weather is awesome and the environment felt like home. Classes were great and after visiting I just felt like Flagstaff was where I was meant to be. 

Why I'm excited to be an RA: I am excited to be an RA in Cowden because Cowden is the best place ever! Troy is the coolest boss and the other staff could not be better. It is a very fun, outgoing, and welcoming environment and I am very excited to be a part of it!

Name: Irene Pallardy
Wing: First floor, east – rooms 158-181
Major: Elementary & Special Education
Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Why I chose Northern Arizona University: I chose Northern Arizona University for the great Elementary Education program they have, the beautiful setting of Flagstaff, and the welcoming, friendly, and lively student leaders that I interacted with during my visit to Northern Arizona University. I felt that there were so many ways to get involved on campus that catered to a diverse student body, and I knew that I would find my niche with so many opportunities available to me. The Honors Program ensured that I would be challenged academically, but not buried in school work, and I liked that there was not an apparent cutthroat competition regarding grades among the students.

Why I'm excited to be an RA: After living in Cowden for my freshman year, I know that it has a welcoming, comfortable, and academically nourishing atmosphere. I am excited to be an RA in Cowden because I want to help make my residents' freshman year as fun, rewarding, and amazing as mine was, and to show them all that Northern Arizona University has to offer them. I am excited to get to know each and every one of my residents, and to work alongside some of my brightest, funniest, and most dedicated peers as my fellow RAs.

Name: Adam R. Kehl
Wing: Second floor, west – rooms 211-233 and 286-290
Major: Undecided
Hometown: Blythe, California

Why I chose Northern Arizona University: I chose Northern Arizona University because of the community orientated city, the beautiful mountain scenery, the engineering program has what I am interested in, and my mom is an alumni.

Why I'm excited to be an RA: For the opportunities to help people! Plus, all of my co-workers are pretty amazing people and I can't wait to get to know everyone better.

Name: Franky Garcia
Wing: Second floor, central – rooms 201-210 and 234-256
Major: Biomedical
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Why I chose Northern Arizona University: Because of the beautiful campus, the great weather, and knowing that I'm going to the best school in Arizona.

Why I'm excited to be an RA: I love working with freshman and it will be a return to the best learning community on campus.

Name: Hannah Simpson
Wing: Second floor, east and south – rooms 258-285
Major: Advertising
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

Why I chose Northern Arizona University: I chose Northern Arizona University because it was the best school for me. I love the awesome weather, down to earth people, small community and great communications department. I also like to take advantage of being able to ride my bike easily all around town and take pictures throughout the seasons!

Why I'm excited to be an RA: I am excited to be a RA in Cowden this year and to get to know all of my residents and help give them a great start to their college experience!

Name: Cait Pustelak
Wing: Third floor, south and west – rooms 325-333 and 381-390
Major: Public Relations, with a minor in Communications
Hometown: Surprise, Arizona

Why I chose Northern Arizona University: I love the four seasons and the atmosphere of people.

Why I'm excited to be an RA: I get to meet new faces and help freshman transition into college. I am also excited to be working with the group in Cowden: we're going to rock!

Name: Kali Harmon
Wing: Third floor, north and west – rooms 301-323
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona

Why I chose Northern Arizona University: I chose Northern Arizona University because of the beautiful weather! I love being outdoors and Flagstaff is the perfect place for those outdoor enthusiasts.

Why I'm excited to be an RA: I love working in Cowden! The residents are one of a kind! Living and working in Cowden gives me a sense of pride! I especially enjoyed all of the programs that were put together of the residents, including dance parties, party with PD, and ice cream tower.

Name: Yana Downey
Wing: Third floor, east – rooms 358-380
Major: German and Elementary and Special Education with an emphasis in Science
Hometown: Castro Valley, California

Why I chose Northern Arizona University: Because Flagstaff is beautiful. Northern Arizona University has a great education program. The people here are more friendly and down to earth than any other campus I've been to. Flagstaff just feels like home.

Why I'm excited to be an RA: Not only am I super excited to be an RA, but I am so happy to be a part of the Cowden Learning Community. I can't wait to get to know all of my residents and help them adjust to their first year as a Lumberjack! I am so glad I am part of the Cowden family and can't wait to bond with all of my girls!