In our alumni spotlight series, learn about Rosary Hill/Daemen graduates' most meaningful experiences from college, and how Rosary Hill/Daemen impacted their professional and personal paths after graduation.
Jay Samant '09
Dr. Jay Samant '09 graduated from Daemen with a deep passion for education and went on to pursue his masters at Binghamton University, and graduated with an M.S. in Special Education-Adolescence Education in 2011. He then moved to Virginia to serve as a Special Education and World Studies Teacher, and then as a District Leader in Special Education. During that time, he also completed his PhD in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership at The College of William and Mary.
Gregory Lowe '16, '18
Dr. Gregory Lowe graduated from Daemen in 2018 with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy and since then has excelled in the field. Recently relocating back to the Buffalo area from Greenville, South Carolina with fellow alum MacKenzie (Donahue) Lowe '17, he opened his own Physical Therapy practice called AWAKEN Performance Rehab. The facility is a modern-concept, high-tech, and professional physical therapy and performance clinic. Greg gives thanks to his professors at Daemen who encouraged and inspired him to achieve many of the advanced certifications he holds today.
Dr. Amy Trabert '17, '18
Dr. Amy Trabert received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work at Daemen. Amy excelled as a student-athlete, running cross country and track and field all four years at Daemen. She used this rigid schedule to push herself inside and outside the classroom, with support from the athletics department and her professors. Today, Amy is a Doctor of Social Work in Social Welfare and is the Director of Community Education, as well as a Psychotherapist, for Whole Wellness Counseling, LLC in Orchard Park, NY. Amy gives back to Daemen by serving on the Daemen University Social Work Board.
Kristen Marie (Polakiewicz) Hada '05
Kristen Marie (Polakiewicz) Hada graduated from Daemen with a love of elementary and special education. She was inspired to be a dual major after taking just one special education methods class with Dr. Bruce Shields. He still remains a mentor to Kristen who has now been in the field of education for 18 years. Kristen is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at D'Youville University for educational leadership and has recently completed an educational leadership program at SUNY Fredonia. She has been teaching at the Maryvale School District in Cheektowaga NY for over 5 years.