Coordinator, Peer Education Programs - Stacy Panitch

Ms. Panitch began her employment at the WRC in January, 2007. She directs the work of Unscripted, an interactive theater troupe that utilizes the model of Theater of the Oppressed to engage the campus community in dialogue about issues of oppression such as violence against women, racism, etc.  She received her Masters in Acting Pedagogy from the University of Alabama and a BFA in directing from Northern Kentucky University. Stacy has  worked as a professional actor across the country for the past ten years and has been seen in many recent productions at The University of Alabama.

Graduate Assistant- Melanie DeMaeyer

Ms. DeMaeyer began work at the WRC in August of 2008 as a graduate assistant. Melanie is the liaison between the WRC and the UA Department of Women’s Studies. She is the teaching assistant for the Women Involved in Learning and Leading (WILL) course and will also be involved in planning LUNAFEST and other events for Women’s History Month.  Melanie is also the coordinator for the Brown Bag Lunch Series. Melanie received a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies from Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, GA and has worked as a children’s advocate and volunteer administrator for a domestic violence shelter program in Atlanta, GA. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Women’s Studies (2010) at UA.

Graduate Assistant- Laura Medders

Laura began working with the WRC in August 2008 as a graduate assistant. She serves as the co-coordinator of YWLP, the volunteer coordinator, and assists with marketing materials. In addition to these responsibilities, Laura helps coordinate events for the WRC for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and African American Heritage Month.  Laura received a bachelor's degree in journalism in 2003, and she is currently pursuing a master's degree in social work. She serves as the student co-representative to Alabama's chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

Graduate Assistant- Jenny Suarez

Ms. Suarez began working at the WRC in August 2008. Jenny works primarily with the leadership programs, including the Young Women Leadership Program (YWLP) and Leading Edge. Jenny will be involved in planning various events for Women’s History month including Lunafest. Jenny recently received a Bachelor’s in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in School Psychology.

Victim Advocate- Kimberly Bowens

Ms. Bowens serves as Victim Advocate for the Women’s Resource Center. She provides advocacy services to members of the University community and serves in the on-call rotation, which responds to crises involving victims of interpersonal violence. Kimberly brings to the center experience in various areas, and has previously worked in the fields of domestic violence and sexual assault, social services, substance abuse, counseling arenas, and law enforcement. Kimberly earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Alabama, and a Master’s degree in Counseling/Psychology from The University of West Alabama.

Coordinator, Campus Violence Programs - Sharmeka Lewis

Ms. Lewis serves as Co-Chair of the Campus Violence Task Force. She provides advocacy and case management services to victims of interpersonal violence.  Sharmeka earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Stillman College in 2001, a Master’s of Arts in Health Studies from the University of Alabama in 2006, and also became a Certified Health Education Specialist (C.H.E.S.) within that same year.