IELP Staff
The quality of the staff can make all the difference in creating a rewarding learning experience. This is especially true when you’re learning a foreign language.
Our staff and advisers have decades of combined experience and extensive training in working with international students like you. They'll make sure that you get the most out of your time studying at the UW.
See below to learn more about a few of the IELP staff members who are available to help answer your questions and make sure your needs are met.
Sandra Janusch
Associate Vice Provost, International & Academic Programs
Sandra Janusch, a California native, has lived internationally for most of her professional career, teaching and coordinating programs in China, Vietnam, Canada, the Netherlands, France and Indonesia. An expert teacher herself, she has trained teachers of English as a second/foreign language. Janusch came to the UW from the University of Montana, Missoula, where she was director of the English Language Institute. She earned her doctorate in education from the University of Calgary; her master’s of education in teaching English to speakers of other languages from Holy Names University; and a bachelor’s degree in theater arts from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Chris Thomas
Interim Director of International & English Language Programs
Chris received a master's of higher education leadership from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a master's of applied meteorology from Mississippi State University. He has nearly two decades of experience in international education. Chris previously lived and taught English in Gifu, Japan, and has held positions at a wide range of institutions. His experience spans topics such as study abroad, immigration and academic advising, orientation, student life, admissions and institutional partnerships. He is a past chair of the Association of Washington International Student Affairs and a past chair of the NAFSA Academy for International Education. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling (99 countries and counting), gardening, building things and spending time with family.
James Cody Evans
Academic Director/AEP Adviser
James has been a director in IELP since 2008. He switched from teaching to administration in 2005. Before coming to the University of Washington, James taught English at various colleges and schools in Japan. For much of that time he lived in Kochi, where he learned to surf. While he still goes surfing occasionally on the Washington coast, he misses the warm water of southwestern Japan. James has a master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from the University of Washington, and a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown College in Kentucky, where he majored in English and American Studies. His advice to students who want to improve their English is to read as much as possible. Read often. Read anything, preferably something you find interesting and enjoyable.
Cheryl Wheeler
Program Director
As a program director, Cheryl creates and oversees new customized international programs in a broad variety of content areas, including business, technology and environmental sustainability. Cheryl has a master's degree in international environmental studies from University of Oregon and a bachelor's degree in communication theory from McDaniel College. Previously, Cheryl worked in university-level study abroad programs in Chiang Mai, Thailand. She's been working at the UW since 2005. Cheryl enjoys international travel, spending time with family and pets, being outdoors and cooking.
Jen Patterson
International Student Adviser
Jen is originally from San Francisco but has lived in Seattle since 2007. She now considers both cities home. Although she’s found benefits to different places she’s lived, she loves being on a coast near the ocean! Jen received a bachelor's degree in sociology with an emphasis on not-for-profit management. She's taught English in China and has been privileged enough to visit several countries in Europe and Asia. She's worked with multicultural communities and international students for over 15 years in various settings. Outside of work, Jen likes to walk and be outside, write and receive cards, and spend time with family and friends.
Darya Anoshei
Admissions and Outreach Lead
Darya graduated with a degree in law from the University of Rome, “La Sapienza.” She's a seasoned professional who brings her experience in immigration law, ESL and precollege advising, student affairs operations and international admissions to her role. Darya is a polyglot and is fluent in Italian, English, Farsi, French and German. She's bicultural and enjoys learning new languages and cultures. When she's not at work, she loves cooking, baking and most of all playing with her little boy! She normally has lots of yummy goodies in the office for her colleagues and friends.
Kelsey Getz
Program Coordinator
Kelsey was born and raised in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle and received her bachelor's degree in mathematics, with a minor in African studies, here at the University of Washington. She had transformative life experiences during her several study abroad programs and while volunteering to help folks experiencing houselessness throughout Seattle. She has experience working in nonprofits, labor unions, finance, fundraising, operations and student services, and finds great joy in communicating across differences. When she's not busy drinking coffee and discussing racial, economic, gender and social justice issues, Kelsey likes to cuddle with her cats, sing in a choir and take walks around the beautiful parks and beaches of the Pacific Northwest.
Davis Gibson
International Student Adviser
Davis was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia before moving across the country to the Seattle area in 2021. He earned a master's degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and intercultural studies from Wheaton College in Chicago and taught English in Vietnam and Hong Kong during college. He's also traveled to other areas of the world, including Asia and Europe, and loves experiencing new cultures. When not at work, Davis enjoys playing and listening to music (he's learned five instruments and counting), as well as spending time with family and friends.