Residence Life Staff

Residence Life is located in Van Ness House on South Campus.

Our Staff

Dr. Mfon B. Nwabuoku 

Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life | mnwabuoku@lakeforest.edu

Dr. Mfon B. Nwabuoku leads the Residence Life team and collaborates with campus partners to advance the mission and vision of Residence Life. In her role, she works to create inclusive, equitable, and engaging living and learning environments that inspire and support both staff and students. She integrates restorative practices to strengthen community, foster accountability, and cultivate belonging across the residential system. With student success at the heart of her work, Dr. Nwabuoku also serves as a student support advisor and fosters innovative approaches to engagement and community-building across campus.

Katie Oomkes
Associate Director of Residential Education | koomkes@lakeforest.edu

Nora Maltz
Associate Director of Operations | nmaltz@lakeforest.edu

Denise Bossler |bossler@lakeforest.edu
Associate Director of Residence Life

Residence Directors

The Residence Directors supervise various halls and their Resident Assistants, the paraprofessional student staff who keep each residence hall’s community strong. Students are invited to meet with these staff members by coming to their office or scheduling an appointment. Each RD supervises two to three communities. The RDs are valuable resources for students and are responsible for mediating roommate conflicts, supporting student programs and organizations, strengthening community spirit, enforcing community standards, and being active members of the Lake Forest College community.

Tyler Bernat |tbernat@lakeforest.edu

Moore, McClure, Harlan and Blackstone Halls

What do you love about Lake Forest College?  

The student body. Seeing the community rally behind one another, challenge the status quo, and advocate for change is inspiring! 

How long have you been at Lake Forest College? 

I have been at Lake Forest College for just over 3 years. 

Fun Fact? 

I was an extra in an Adidas commercial with Derrick Rose back in 2011. 

Pet Fact? 

Coconut was given her name because her white and brindle fur coat closely resembles the colors of a coconut. 

Maurice Haney | mhaney@lakeforest.edu

Deerpath, Cleveland-Young, Lois Halls and Vail House

What do you love about Lake Forest College?  

I really enjoy seeing a diverse student population on campus. Many have shared various aspects regarding their backgrounds and their experience on campus. I also enjoy the nice views of nature represented on and around campus. I wish I could have experienced some of what the Lake Forest College Community offers when I was in undergrad in Central Illinois. I really enjoy seeing a diverse student population on campus. Many have shared various aspects regarding their backgrounds and their experience on campus. I also enjoy the nice views of nature represented on and around campus. I wish I could have experienced some of what the Lake Forest College Community offers when I was in undergrad in Central Illinois.

How long have you been at Lake Forest College? 

I just arrived at Lake Forest College. Everything is a bit new to me. However, I am enjoying my experience so far.

Fun Fact? 

I like to play the piano.

Shelby Birnnbaum | sbirnbaum@lakeforest.edu

Roberts and McClure Halls

What do you love about Lake Forest College?  

As an alumni of the college, LFC truly holds a special place in my heart. I think the part that makes this place so special is the people, from students to staff and faculty. I love being at a smaller college because you are able to build genuine connections and community. My favorite part is being able to walk around campus remembering all of the nice memories that I have in specific parts of campus from when I was a student to now being able to continue making new memories as a staff member. 

How long have you been at Lake Forest College? 

Although I'm new to the Residence Life department, I've been at the college for over a year now. During my time, I've worked in other student affair and admissions positions too!

Fun Fact? 

Fun fact about me is that I love going to concerts and I am the oldest of five siblings :) 

Pet Fact? 

Although I dont have any pets of my own, my mom and step dad own a dog and cat. And my dad and step mom run a non-for-profit animal rescue named The Moon Dog Farm. They've rescued dogs, guinea pigs, rabits and a pig named Elmer.  

Resident Assistants (RAs) foster an environment that is conducive to study and learning, promote personal growth and responsibility, and assist students in adjusting to the Lake Forest College community. The student staff provide peer-based counseling that is responsive to individual needs, coordinate educational and social programming, and uphold College policies. The professional staff also provide counseling and advising for residents as well as supervision for the residence hall staff.