Meet the Admissions Staff
SLU-Madrid's Office of Admissions staff works to ensure you receive the support you need during the application process. Your application reflects who you are, so we do more than read your materials — we get to know you and what you want to contribute to our campus community. Once you're admitted, we are your guides on your college journey.
Heidi Buffington
Director of Admissions
heidi.buffington@slu.edu
Ext. 206
I grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and studied abroad in Spain during my junior year at the College of Wooster. After graduating with degrees in biology and Spanish, I returned to Spain to pursue a Master of Arts in international studies. I began my career at SLU-Madrid in 2004 as the U.S. study abroad coordinator and have since served as an international admissions counselor and graduate admissions coordinator for students from the U.S. and Western Europe. I have been the director of admissions since 2016 and truly enjoy helping students experience life-changing international study experiences like I had.
Degrees
- B.A. in biology and Spanish, The College of Wooster, Ohio
- M.A. in international studies, Escuela Diplomática de Madrid, Spain
Alejandra Castellano
Admissions coordinator
General admissions and student visas
alejandra.castellano@slu.edu
Ext. 221
Born and raised in Spain, I have lived in the U.K., Malta and Italy. For 10 years, I worked in higher education in Scotland, specializing in admissions, student immigration and study abroad programs. Having recently returned to Madrid, I am passionate about helping students broaden their horizons and become global citizens. In my role at SLU-Madrid, I support the Office of Admissions by guiding students through every stage of the admissions process.
Degrees
- B.A. in art history (Honors), Universidad de Granada, Spain
- P.G.C.E., Universidad de Granada, Spain
- M.B.A. in sustainable travel, Abertay University, U.K. — in progress
Mónica Chiclana
Admissions counselor
Recruitment areas: International schools in Madrid; Southern Spain; Central and South
America
monica.chiclana@slu.edu
Ext. 210
I joined the SLU-Madrid admissions team in 2010, but I am also a graduate of both SLU-Madrid and the St. Louis campus. In addition to working with students from international high schools in Spain and students from Central and South America, I coordinate the alumni association.
Degrees
- B.S. in business administration and marketing, Saint Louis University, Missouri
- M.A. in communication and protocol, GADE Business School, Spain)
Caridad Dawson
Admissions counselor
Recruitment areas: International schools in Madrid; Southern Spain; Central and South
America
caridad.dawson@slu.edu
Ext. 210
I grew up between Spain and the United States and have always felt fortunate to represent both cultures throughout my personal and professional life. Before joining the SLU-Madrid admissions team, I worked at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business in Washington, D.C., supporting recruitment and admissions for the graduate and executive degree programs portfolio. Prior to that, I served as the senior recruiting manager at IE University in Madrid and as the director of student life and wellness at NYU Madrid. I enjoy bringing my experience in higher education and international engagement to SLU-Madrid and helping students explore transformative global opportunities.
Degrees
- Dual B.A. in anthropology and Spanish (cum laude), Sewanee, The University of the South, Tennessee
- M.A. in international education and cross-cultural counseling, New York University, New York
Fatima Encabo
Admissions communications strategist
fatima.encabo@slu.edu
Ext. 278
Born and raised in Madrid, I began my studies at SLU-Madrid before earning my bachelor's degree and M.B.A. from Syracuse University in the U.S. After more than a decade living and working in the United States, I returned to Madrid and continued my career in marketing communications, advertising and branding, which now spans more than 15 years.
Degrees
- B.S. in marketing (honors), Syracuse University, New York
- M.B.A. in marketing, Syracuse University, New York
Coleman File
CRM specialist
coleman.file@slu.edu
After graduating from the University of Kansas, I spent four years working in bilingual education programs in Madrid while earning a master's degree in international education from the University of Alcalá. These experiences led me to a career in higher education admissions, where I have spent the past 15 years in various roles at the University of Oregon and the University of Southern California. Most recently, I served as director of CRM applications for USC's Viterbi School of Engineering. My admissions background led naturally to my work implementing CRM tools for education, including student databases, enrollment analytics, prospect tracking and communications management. I enjoy continuing to develop the CRM to best serve our community at SLU-Madrid.
Degrees
- B.A. in philosophy, University of Kansas, Kansas
- Master's in international education, Universidad de Alcalá, Spain
Emir Parrotta
Study abroad counselor
emir.parrotta@slu.edu
Ext. 271
Originally from Washington, D.C., I have called Madrid home since 2012. After earning my B.A. in English literature from McGill University in Montreal, I moved to Madrid, where I taught English at various schools, including the British Council, and organized English teaching programs as CIEE's teach in Spain coordinator. I joined the admissions team at SLU-Madrid in July 2019 and am the point of contact for all study abroad students.
Degree
- B.A. in English literature, McGill University, Canada
Emily Pyle
Assistant director of Admissions — international enrollment
Recruitment areas: Western Europe; U.K.; Asia and Pacific; graduate programs
emily.pyle@slu.edu
Ext. 220
Schedule a Zoom Call With Me
I am a San Diego native. After completing my B.A. in history with a minor in English literature, I moved to Cádiz in 2012 to gain international experience and teach English. I joined the admissions staff in 2018 and work with students from Europe, the U.K., Asia and the Pacific, as well as coordinate admissions for our two graduate programs.
Degree
- B.A. in history, University of California, San Diego, California
Diego Rodríguez-Vila
Admissions counselor
Recruitment areas: Schools in Madrid; Northern Spain; Central and Eastern Europe
diego.rodriguezvila@slu.edu
Ext. 275
Schedule a Zoom Call With Me
I was born in Valladolid but moved to Madrid when I was nine. I have studied at six universities, including SLU, and have worked in college recruitment for Spanish and American universities for over 15 years.
Degrees
- B.A. in advertising, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado
- B.A. in audiovisual communication, Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, Spain
- M.B.A., ESADE, Spain
Victoria Taylor
Admissions assistant
victoriaandreina.taylor@slu.edu
Ext. 270
I am a Brooklyn, New York, native who moved to Spain in 2013. After earning my B.A. in English literature from Queens College in New York, I settled in Madrid, where I taught English in both public and private schools for several years. I joined the SLU-Madrid staff in 2023 as a student life staff assistant and transitioned to the admissions team in 2026.
Degrees
- B.A. in English literature, Queens College, New York
- M.A. in bilingual and multicultural education, Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Jimena Theus
Admissions counselor
Recruitment areas: Middle East and Africa
jimena.theus@slu.edu
Ext. 258
I grew up in Madrid and moved to Scotland to complete my undergraduate degree, spending six years living abroad. With more than two years of experience in international recruitment, I now work with students from the Middle East and Africa as part of the SLU-Madrid admissions team.
Degree
- B.A. in business management (honors), Abertay University, U.K.
U.S.-Based Admissions Staff
Melanie Kuster
Admissions counselor
Recruitment areas: United States
melanie.kuster@slu.edu
P: (+1) 314 977 1989
I am proudly from St. Louis, Missouri, and have been familiar with the Billiken way from a young age. I began my studies at Truman State University before transferring to the University of Central Missouri, where I earned my degree in educational studies. Studying abroad in Germany sparked my passion for international education, and I have since enjoyed working with international and domestic students as an admissions counselor. I love meeting students and families and sharing the life-changing opportunities that studying in Spain can offer.
Degree
B.A. in educational studies, University of Central Missouri, Missouri
Kate Pitman
Assistant director of enrollment — U.S. enrollment
Recruitment areas: United States
kate.pitman@slu.edu
P: (+1) 314 977 1989
I am a native St. Louisan, though the world has been my classroom after studying abroad twice. I earned my B.A. in history from James Madison University, where I spent a semester studying in London, and later earned an M.F.A. from the University of South Florida, including a study abroad experience in Paris. I am an avid traveler and have worked in international education for the last 20 years. These experiences pushed me to advocate for international education and the importance of leaving one's comfort zone! SLU-Madrid is a special place, providing an American education while being a student in the international and exciting city of Madrid!
Degrees
B.A. in history, James Madison University, Virginia
M.F.A., University of South Florida, Florida