Staff Directory

Undergraduate Staff

Violet Cott (they/them) is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Linguistics. Helping people find clothes that work for them is important to Violet, which is why they run the CSGD’s Clothing Transit program’s day-to-day operations. Violet is excited to be working at the Center to help provide resources for trans students and to contribute more to a community that is deeply important to them.

John Davis (he/him) is a fourth-year International Politics major with minors in French and English. He mainly studies current events related to foreign policy, war, and diplomacy. As a CSGD employee, he helps organize the Center’s programs and outreach to other organizations on campus. He is also a resident assistant for first year students, a member of No Refund Theatre, and the Penn State College Democrats. He is passionate about literature that amplifies queer voices and brings awareness to mental health issues. In his free time, John loves writing, reading, hiking, and singing.

Haleigh Hainsey (she/her/hers), is a Junior studying Geography and a concurrent minor in Climatology as well as Sexuality and Gender Studies.  Haleigh helps to plan and facilitate events with the Center’s Assistant Director and works toward making the center a safe and welcoming environment.

Katie Lorine (she/her/hers) is a second-year undergraduate student, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Design degree in Digital Art and Media Design with an emphasis on digital design and interactive media. She has been involved in multiple clubs related to her degree and is currently serving as the Historian officer for Digital Media Group (DMG). DMG works to build community and provide opportunities for professional development for artists who focus on digital work. At the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, Katie works on the marketing team, creating visual elements and graphics for print, web, and social media. Katie was involved with programs associated with LGBTQ+ causes throughout High School and is proud to continue that involvement during college. 

Celina Phillips (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year Psychology B.S. major with a minor in Sociology. She is originally from Montclair, NJ. As a CSGD employee, Celina is involved in planning events and programs, specifically those involving anti-racism in the LGBTQ+ community. Identifying as an asexual, black woman herself, promoting intersectionality, visibility, and awareness are passions she looks to bring to the CSGD and wider Penn State communities. Outside of the Center, Celina is a member of World in Conversation a global organization based in Penn State that seeks to foster public diplomacy. 

Rafaela Sampaio Pontes (she/her/hers) is a junior majoring in Public Relations, with minors in Journalism and Sports Studies. In addition, she is working toward a Sports Journalism certificate as a student of the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism. She is involved with various on campus activities, such as editor in chief for Her Campus at Penn State, social media coordinator for the Penn State Sports Business Conference, and a member of the Brazilian Student Association. Beyond working with CSGD as part of the Marketing team, she is a Game Day intern with Penn State Athletics. 

Percy Rose (he/him/his) is a fourth-year Digital Art and Media Design major. He is originally from Harrisburg, PA. As a CSGD employee, Percy helps manage the Center’s social media accounts and assists in advertising their events. Being a transgender individual himself, he is excited to support the resources the Center offers to trans and gender non-conforming students. Outside of the Center, he is a co-president of the Penn State Student Lion PRIDE.

Graduate Staff

Sophie Kandler (she/her/hers) is a PhD candidate in Continuing Learning and Adult Education, with a minor in women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, as well as a professional writer whose work has been published in international magazines and the New York Times. She is a Transgender Activist, speaker, and a former English teacher. Her award-winning blog "A Woman Called Sophie" continues after over a decade. Sophie has been living her Truth publicly for eight years. Sophie helps to facilitate the Center’s Safer People Safer Places Transgender Inclusion workshops, is a Peer educator, and Graduate Student support.