Communications Volunteers
If you read The Anchor, have one of our backgrounds on your phone, or follow us on social media, you’ve likely seen the hard work of our volunteers who help tell the story of Alpha Sigma Tau and our members. Our communications volunteers share the spirit of our Sisterhood through powerful stories, creative designs, and captivating photography.
Staff Writers
Our talented team of Staff Writers brings readers moments of warmth, triumph, heartbreak, and everything in between through the written word. You can find their work in articles in our member magazine, The Anchor, and in stories featured on our website.
Cassie Cristea
Cassie Cristea (Gamma Theta 2013/Penn State Behrend) lives in Erie, Pennsylvania. She earned her bachelor’s in marketing and works as a Digital Media Specialist.
A former Chapter President, Cassie is a major coffee addict, blogger, and, as she puts it, quite possibly the world’s biggest Taylor Swift fan.
“I love getting the chance to connect with Sisters across the country and hear their different stories. Volunteering allows me the opportunity to give back and enrich future Sisters’ memberships!”
Ashley Hoogstraten Burk
Ashley Hoogstraten Burk (Beta Pi 2007/Eastern Illinois) earned her degree in corporate communication with minors in business and psychology.
After graduation, Ashley joined Alpha Sigma Tau’s staff as an Educational Consultant, and after her tenure concluded, she remained active by volunteering as an advisor.
Professionally, Ashley is a Content Manager at a global corporate real estate firm in Chicago. In her free time, Ashley manages her blog (@thefoodiesfithome) and spends time with her husband and dog at their home in New Lenox, Illinois.
“I love Alpha Sigma Tau and love creating content. Writing for The Anchor is a no brainer!”
Joanna Barrett
Joanna Barrett (Epsilon Epsilon 2007/JWU North Miami) is a Boston-based clinical mental health counselor, yoga instructor, and volunteer Staff Writer for Alpha Sigma Tau.
Joanna is a founding member of the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter and president of the Boston Alumnae Chapter. She is passionate about personal and professional development, holistic wellness, and mind-body modalities for healing.
She loves to write and blog, read memoirs and inspirational stories, spend time with loved ones, and travel.
“I can wholeheartedly say that my involvement with Alpha Sigma Tau National Sorority, both as an undergraduate and as an alumna, has shaped who I am today. AΣT showed me what it means to be a leader within the organization and has continued to show me the value of the sisterhood. I volunteer because I understand the importance of giving back to the organization that has given so much to me.”
Lindsay McDowall Davis
A resident of Georgia, Lindsay McDowall Davis (Gamma Mu 2010/WVU Tech) works as a Lead Engineer for the University of Dayton Research Institute.
A lifelong learner, Lindsay graduated with a Master of Engineering Management with specializations in systems engineering and design of experiments in August 2019.
In her free time, Lindsay enjoys running half marathons, being a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and participating in her Scottish heritage through Clan MacDougall.
“I volunteer for the Sorority in the hope that I can give back a fraction of what it has given to me!”
Cassandra Helmer
Cassandra Helmer (Alpha 2015/Eastern Michigan) lives and works in southeastern Michigan, a place she loves because of its proximity to her extended family and the Great Lakes.
Since graduating from Eastern Michigan University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Cassandra has enjoyed volunteering as a Staff Writer for The Anchor and getting to know other Sisters from her local alumnae chapter.
In her free time, she enjoys baking award-winning desserts and attending concerts in Detroit.
“I volunteer because my collegiate experience helped me gain the confidence to connect with others through my writing. I love my role as Staff Writer because I have the chance to create accessible and relatable content and encourage Sisters to share their stories.”
Samantha Rill
A resident of Chicago, Samantha Rill (Delta Delta 2012/UIC) is a teacher at an all-girls’ high school in the city.
Samantha graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in English, and during her time as a collegiate member, she served as the Publicity Chair and Greek Week Liaison. In addition to volunteering as a Staff Writer, Samantha has served the Sorority as a Chapter Advisory Board member and in other short-term capacities.
“I love volunteering with Alpha Sigma Tau because the Sorority has given me so much of my self that volunteering is the least I can do to repay the organization that has given me so much.”
Editors
Through proofreading, editing, and asking questions, our talented Editors work with Staff Writers to bring their articles from rough draft to final copy. You can see their work primarily in The Anchor and in most pieces written by Staff Writers.
Kate Sweeney, Editor
Kate Sweeney (Gamma Theta 2004/Penn State Behrend) earned her undergraduate degree in political science in 2006.
Kate has volunteered with Alpha Sigma Tau in various ways beyond her service as Editor. She previously served as a Recruitment Advisor and most recently on the Sorority Advisory Committee.
Before moving to New York City where she currently resides, Kate lived in New Jersey, Texas, and Hawaii. Professionally, Kate is a Senior Underwriter and holds many related certifications as well as a certificate in non-profit management.
Tara Walker Gross, Associate Editor
Tara (Zeta Tau 2003/Longwood University) has been volunteering as Associate Editor for The Anchor since 2017.
Tara resides in Greenville, SC, where she works in the continuing medical education field as well as running her own event planning company. In her free time, Tara enjoys writing novels and articles about pop culture.
Beverly Singel Molnar, Alumnae Editor
Bev Molnar (Delta 1981/IUP) a long-time Alpha Sigma Tau communications team volunteer. Professionally, she has served more than 25 years of her career in various communications roles at Penn State.
Her contributions to Alpha Sigma Tau extend far beyond her volunteer role. Bev is a well-connected alumna and keeps the AΣT spirit alive and well by bringing Sisters together in a variety of ways. Bev has planned Night to Reunite, is organizing a State College alumnae interest group, and is active in Delta Chapter alumnae reunions.
Designers
Our talented Designers volunteer their time and talents to create stunning layouts and illustrations that members enjoy across various platforms. You can see their work in your mailboxes, on our social media accounts, on our website, and in The Anchor.
Melissa Abriola
Melissa Abriola (Alpha Tau 2014/Edinboro) earned her BFA in Graphic and Interactive Design and now lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
As a collegiate member, she served as the Vice President of Growth and Director of Structured Recruitment. Melissa has volunteered as a Designer since 2018 and loves every moment of it.
Melissa’s work includes illustrations for The Anchor, the 2020 Convention logo, wallpapers, and Alpha Sigma Tau’s GIF stickers.
“I love being able to combine my two passions for graphic design and Alpha Sigma Tau while creating fun and exciting things for the Sisterhood!”
Elizabeth Dawson
Liz Dawson (Phi 2006/Southeastern Louisiana) earned her undergraduate degree in marketing and advertising in 2011. She has volunteered as a Designer with Alpha Sigma Tau since 2018 and professionally has held various roles in the marketing and design space.
During her time as a collegiate member, Liz contributed her talents to her chapter’s brand and presence on campus by serving as the Publicity Chair.
Liz’s work includes the layout for The Anchor (spring 2018-present), the 2018 Convention program booklet, and other various projects.
Photographers
If you’re a photographer by trade or by hobby, this could be you! We’re always seeking photographers to visit our collegiate chapters and host photoshoots. Click here to learn more and apply!
Are you a creative?
Blend your creative skills with your passion for our Sisterhood. Consider joining our volunteer team today!
