New Staff in the Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct

We have several new staff members who have joined the team in Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct:

Angela Nastase, J.D. (she/her/hers) has joined us as associate director and deputy Title IX director. Angela will ensure the university conducts prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into discrimination and Title IX complaints. Working closely with the director, she will manage the daily responsibilities associated with conducting investigations into incidents of sexual misconduct and discrimination involving students, faculty and staff. Angela will supervise a team of investigators, which includes two senior and two junior level investigators. In collaboration with the Title IX officer and outreach coordinator, she will receive, review and assess reports of sexual misconduct and discrimination.

Angela joins us after serving as Title IX coordinator at George Mason University and Marymount University. Angela was also deputy Title IX coordinator and investigator at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She has taught adult education and English language learner lessons for years in Omaha public schools and has experience in Title IX, EEO, ADA and civil rights administration. Angela has a J.D. from Creighton University School of Law and a bachelor of science in education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; she is working on a master’s degree in counseling in student affairs. You can contact Angela at anastase@umd.edu.

Kendall Horneman (she/her/hers) is joining us as a Title IX specialist. Kendall will manage the daily responsibilities associated with conducting investigations of alleged sexual misconduct working in close collaboration with OCRSM’s director, senior investigator, the Department of Public Safety and other stakeholders. When a complaint is filed and deemed appropriate for investigation, Kendall will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation. Kandall will also continuously identify and integrate best practices in the Title IX investigation arena into the campus knowledge base and practice. Lastly, Kendall may also assist with investigating other complaints that fall within the university’s Non-Discrimination Policy, assist with trainings, reporting, programming and outreach for the unit.

Kendall has a bachelor of arts degree in sociology with a minor in diversity studies and geography from Framingham State University. She also has a master of education degree in college student personnel administration from James Madison University. Kendall joins us after serving as Title IX intake coordinator at George Mason University. Kendall has university experience, including in various leadership roles in resident life. You can contact Kendall at khorn5@umd.edu.

Marah Taylor (she/her/hers) is joining us as an EEO specialist. Marah will be responsible for investigating complaints alleging discrimination on the bases of sex, harassment, and retaliation as defined by university policy using a team approach to address complaints. When a complaint is filed and deemed appropriate for investigation, Marah will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation. Additionally, Marah may work with the senior EEO investigator to resolve complaints through early resolution and voluntary agreement of the parties, when appropriate. Marah will also assist with trainings, programming and outreach for the unit.

Marah joins us after serving as EEO compliance officer/ADA and sexual harassment program coordinator at the Maryland Department of Human Services. In this role Marah managed the ADA and sexual harassment program. She also served as program management specialist here at the University of Maryland, where she was responsible for managing the graduate and doctoral level program information for over 10,000 students. Marah has a bachelor of science degree in computer networks and cybersecurity, a bachelor of arts degree in criminology/criminal justice and master of science degree in human resource management, all from the University of Maryland. You can contact Marah at mtayl@umd.edu.

Rosanne Stafiej J.D. (she/her/hers) is joining us as the senior EEO investigator. Rosanne will be responsible for leading independent and unbiased investigations of complaints of discrimination and harassment in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. Rosanne will manage the daily responsibilities associated with conducting the most complex and lengthy investigations involving multiple witnesses into EEO cases, and will work in close collaboration with other campus stakeholders. Rosanne will also assist with campus trainings, reporting, campus programming and outreach.

Rosanne has a bachelor of arts degree in international studies and a J.D. from Washington University School of Law. Rosanne joins us after serving as contract attorney at Potter & Murdock, P.C. She has extensive experience in conducting investigations of employment matters. She has key competency in EEO laws and regulations, FMLA, ADA, and ADEA. You can contact Rosanne at rstafiej@umd.edu.

Despina Thomas (she/her/hers) is our new graduate assistant. Despina will assist with training and sexual misconduct prevention and intervention strategies. Despina will serve as a liaison with the Title IX Advisory Board (TIXAB) under the direction of the student director of sexual misconduct prevention affiliated with the Student Government Association (SGA). Further, Despina will assist in advising the UMD One Love chapter.

Despina is a first-year MPH student in the Department of Behavioral and Community Health and she graduated from Washington College in May 2020 with a B.S in biology and psychology. Despina is a sister of Alpha Chi Omega. The organization’s philanthropy is domestic violence awareness and prevention; Despina served as her chapter’s vice president of philanthropy during her time as an undergraduate student, where she organized awareness campaigns and events and partnered with local and national organizations. Her interests and passions include domestic violence and sexual misconduct prevention and intervention, LGBTQ+ health and mental health. You can contact Despina at dathomas@umd.edu.

Please join us in welcoming these new members to our team!