Contact Us/Staff

Jessica Gaskell
Director

Email: jrgaskell@ysu.edu | Phone: 330.941.7482 

Crystal Bannon
Assistant Director

Email: clbannon@ysu.edu | Phone: 330.941.1557

Crystal provides a personalized comprehensive advising experience for students exploring careers and majors at YSU. Having worked at Youngstown State University for 17 years, Crystal brings an expert level of advice in multiple areas. Crystal enjoys working with students exploring majors, helping at risk students succeed, long term academic planning, and teaching sections of YSU 1500 (Success Seminar). Crystal works to help ensure the success of first- and second-year students and exploratory majors in achieving their career goals. Crystal is also a certified Myers-Briggs (MBTI) and Strong Interest Inventory Practitioner.

She holds a Master of Arts degree in College Student Personnel (2006) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and Emerging Technology from Slippery Rock University (2004). Crystal has taught as a part-time faculty member for 17 years in the Department of Communications, specializing in Public Speaking. Crystal enjoys spending time with her family, watching her son play baseball and working out.

Sophie Hecht
Success Coordinator

Email: smhecht@ysu.edu | Phone: 330.941.7492 

Bio: "Hi! My name is Sophie Hecht and I am a Success Coordinator for First Year Student Services.

As the office “Coordinator of Fun”, I enjoy getting around campus and planning events for First Year Students! While in my office, you can find me jamming to Taylor Swift. As a Success Coordinator, I teach YSU 1500, assist with Orientation, and manage and create content for our social media pages.

I am excited to meet our incoming students and help them in their first year!"

Carrie Miller
Success Coordinator

Email: camiller03@ysu.edu | Phone: 330.941.7481

Bio: Hello! My name is Carrie Miller, and I serve as a Success Coordinator in First-Year Student Services at Youngstown State University. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology from Washington & Jefferson College and a Master of Science in Education in Counseling, with a concentration in College Counseling and Student Affairs, from YSU.
Since 2013, I’ve had the opportunity to work across several departments on campus, gaining a broad perspective on the student experience. In my current role, I support first-year students through holistic advising—helping them navigate everything from academic planning and time management to personal challenges and goal setting. I also teach the YSU 1500 Success Seminar course, where I guide students in developing essential skills like organization, study strategies, and self-advocacy.
Alongside our dedicated TEAM, I help lead initiatives that support the transition of first-year and transfer students, as well as their families. Through peer mentoring, campus-wide events, and tailored programming, we aim to build community and create a strong foundation for success—both in and out of the classroom. Our work is designed not only to support students in their first year, but to empower them all the way through graduation and beyond.

Frank Nolasco
Associate Director

Email: fjnolasco@ysu.edu | Phone: 330.941.2055

Bio: Hello! My name is Frank Nolasco, and I serve as the Associate Director for First Year Student Services at Youngstown State University. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Communication from YSU, and I’m currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Kent State University.
Since joining YSU in 2018, I’ve contributed to campus in various roles, including academic advisor, part-time faculty member, and success coordinator. In my current role, I lead the development and implementation of YSU 1500: Success Seminar, a course designed to support students as they transition into university life.
I’m passionate about helping first-year students find their sense of purpose and belonging on campus. My goal is to create meaningful learning experiences that encourage reflection and empower students to take ownership of their educational journey.

Oliver Roose
Graduate Assistant

Email: oproose@student.ysu.edu | Phone: 330.941.2131

Bio: Hello! My name is Oliver Roose, and I am a Graduate Assistant for First Year Student Services.

I am a graduate of YSU with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in business. I am currently enrolled in the graduate program pursuing my Master’s in College Counseling with a focus on Student Affairs. As a Graduate Assistant, I fill a wide variety of roles including teaching YSU 1500, assisting with Orientation, and helping Peer Leaders organize programs and events. I am passionate about helping students find their path so they have a successful academic journey from day one.

I am excited to meet our incoming Penguins and to help them learn and grow!