Janna K. Behrens

Janna K. Behrens

Associate Dean/Director of Global Education Office

Akwaaba - Bienvenido - Bienvenue - Willkommen!  

As the Director of Global Education at Amherst College, I work with students, faculty and study away programs to identify and promote the programs that fit our curriculum and our students' academic and personal goals best. My career in international education began over fifteen years ago when I was a high school teacher in northern Ghana with the Peace Corps. Prior to my arrival at Amherst in 2007, I worked for the Peace Corps in Boston and with the study abroad office at Tufts University. I have a bachelor's degree from Syracuse University and a master's from Tufts University. I continue to expand my own interest in foreign cultures by studying languages, traveling and working with Amherst students who study all over the world.

Chelsi A. Colleton

Chelsi A. Colleton

Assistant Director of Global Education

(She/Her) As the Assistant Director of Global Education at Amherst College, I work with students to identify programs that meet our learning goals and best fit each student's academic and personal goals. Prior to joining the Amherst community in August 2019, I worked at Winthrop University in South Carolina, and NAFSA: The Association of International Educators in Washington, DC. As an undergradute, I spent a semester in Stellenbosch, South Africa and also participated in short-term programs to Ecuador and Brazil. I identify as a first generation college graduate and hold a B.A. in Hospitality and Event Management from Lasell College, as well as an EdM in Global Studies in Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I also completed the International Education Diversity & Inclusion Certificate Program from Diversity Abroad. If you’re interested in study abroad to a non-traditional location, or going abroad as a 1st-gen or queer student, let’s connect!  

Olivia Melendez-Lawren

Olivia Melendez-Lawren

Global Education Assistant

Converse Hall 202C

(She/Her) As the Assistant to the Office of Global Education, I oversee student, financial, and administrative processes and provide support to the Director and Assistant Director. I identify as an immigrant with a multicultural background and was raised in a multilingual household. I’ve had the privilege of traveling internationally from a young age and believe in the value of learning about different cultures and traditions. I earned a B.A. in International Relations with a double minor in French and Spanish. As a student, I spent a year studying away in Paris, followed by a summer studying in Barcelona. Prior to joining the college in January 2022, I lived in New York City where I worked in marketing and public relations for two different French companies. I’m excited to be supporting the Office of Global Education in its mission to promote study away programs.