OACS Staff Profiles
Mark Dalhouse, Ph.D. | Director
Mark earned a Ph.D. in Recent American History at Miami University of Ohio. He is a Kennedy enthusiast, teaches classes at Vanderbilt focusing on civics and politics, and believes in the integration of academics with experiential learning through service. He is the Faculty Head of East House on the Commons and lives there with his wife, Mary Ellen, and twin boys (Teddy & Braden).
mark.t.dalhouse@vanderbilt.edu | 615-322-3127
Martha Dale, BA | Administrative Assistant
Martha has worked at Vanderbilt for over 20 years. During this time she was honored with employee of the year for her work with Vanderbilt Home Care Services. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University. Martha performs all administrative duties for OACS and she is the primary person for the vehicle loan program and room reservations. Martha has a son, Dwight, and enjoys playing tennis.
martha.l.dale@vanderbilt.edu | 615-343-7878
Shaiya Baer, MA| Assistant Director
Shaiya completed his masters in Education at American University. His goal at OACS is to promote service among students, but most importantly, to understand why service is important. Shaiya has a big family! Wife Charisse, daughter Elana, 2 year old daughter Izzy plus 3 dogs, 3 cats, a gerbil and a gecko named Morty! Shaiya loves conversations with students so drop by for a visit!
shaiya.baer@vanderbilt.edu | 615-343-2205
Lilly Massa-McKinley, MS | Assistant Director
Lilly earned her BA from Wake Forest University in Sociology and her master’s in Student Affairs Administration at Indiana University. She is passionate about social justice issues and loves to promote community engagement and experiential learning. Lilly recently started Vanderbilt’s Ed.D. program in Higher Education and when she is not studying she spends time with her dogs, Frida & Shelby, and partner, Ryan.
lilly.m.massa@vanderbilt.edu | 615-322-7859
Elizabeth Berruecos-Reed, MA| Program Coordinator
Ellie earned a BA from the Universidad de las Americas-Puebla and a Master’s degree in International Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution at the University of Notre Dame. She spent six months in Jerusalem working with a Palestinian NGO, conducting research, teaching Spanish and even salsa dancing. Ellie’s husband Dylan also works at Vanderbilt in Residence Life while she coordinates several global service opportunities at OACS.
eli.berruecos-reed@vanderbilt.edu | 615-343-2148
Valerie Lelek, BA| Graduate Assistant
Valerie received a BA from Huntingdon College and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership here at Vanderbilt. She has worked in volunteer coordination and community outreach for several nonprofit organizations. Valerie lives in Mount Juliet with her spouse Nate, dog Tessa, cat OJ “Kitty” Junior, and foster-dog Hank (called Mr. Hank because he is a guest). Valerie advises service organizations and assists with just about all OACS programs and events.
valerie.lelek@vanderbilt.edu | 615-343-8537
Anne Alesch, BA | Graduate Student Worker
Anne holds a BA in Religion and Honors Psychology from Simpson College and is currently working towards her Masters in Divinity at Vanderbilt. She is originally from Iowa where she worked extensively in service initiatives and as a volunteer at nursing homes, domestic abuse shelters, and environmental cleanups among others. This is her first year at Vandy and with OACS so feel free to come by and welcome her!
anne.r.alesch@vanderbilt.edu | 343-8537
Contact Us!
Active Citizenship & Service | Vanderbilt University
Box 6308, Station B | Nashville, TN 37235
615-343-7878