The Department of Student Affairs has you covered from beginning (Orientation) to end (Graduation), morning, noon, and night (Residence Life), in sickness and in health (Campus Health Nurse and Counseling Center). We make sure your English is up to snuff and you have the support you need to get the grades you want (Student Success). We are your first stop when you have needs, when things just aren’t working, when you have great ideas to get off the ground, when you want to get involved and have fun. These are the people that make it all happen:
Monica Coen Christensen, Ed.D.
Dean of Students
Dean Christensen took on the responsibilities of Dean of Students at Manhattan School of Music in January 2015 after having worked in higher education for over 25 years. In the early years of her career, she worked in positions of progressive responsibility in student affairs, including an 8 year period at Manhattan School of Music where she was Director of Student Life and then Associate Dean for Student Life. In the year 2000, she began teaching in the Higher & Postsecondary Education program at Teachers College, Columbia University. As a faculty member at Teachers College, she also eventually served as an academic advisor in the master’s program, advised advanced master’s student culminating papers, and supervised and doctoral dissertations. Dean Christensen has Master’s and Doctoral degrees from Teachers College, Columbia and a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College. She lives in Hamilton Heights with her husband and enjoys visiting her three children around the country. When she is not working hard on behalf of MSM’s students or on behalf of her family, she can be found reading, cooking, and gardening.
Jesse Goldberg
Director of Student Engagement
Jesse Goldberg is a passionate arts administrator based, collaborative pianist, and educator in NYC. In addition to her administrative role as the Director of Student Engagement at Manhattan School of Music, she actively performs with instrumentalists and vocalists in the New York area, and was described as a “superb partner” by Fanfare magazine. Prior to her time at Manhattan School of Music, which began in the Philanthropy office as the Director of Special Events and Donor Stewardship, Jesse worked in Alumni Affairs and in the Dean of Student Affairs Office at Bard College, and as the Assistant Director of Mannes Prep.
Ha Young Synn
Student Engagement Coordinator
Ha Young received her master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music and a bachelor’s degree at Syracuse University; both in vocal performance. She previously worked at MSM as a student worker in the Student Engagement Office; Marketing, Communications, and Alumni Affairs; and the Performance Library, as well as an Orientation Assistant in the summer of 2022 and a concert manager at Syracuse University. With her work experience at higher institutions, she has grown to enjoy making people smile with her helping hand.
As a passionate artist living in the city, Ha Young is thrilled to join and give back to the MSM community and is looking forward to learning and growing more with everyone here. She shared: “While it is important to build one’s passion, it is just as important to meet new people and make lasting connections outside of that comfort zone. You never know who you will meet and how they can help you.”
April Jenkins, MA
Assistant Dean and Director of Residence Life
April has worked professionally in Student Affairs for five amazing years, but she originally discovered her passion for supporting college students as a student leader at The College of New Jersey, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies with a minor in Marketing. Following that, she worked in the Residence Life department at Syracuse University before eventually attending Teachers College, Columbia University and earning her master’s degree in Higher and Post-Secondary Education. While in graduate school, she had the absolute pleasure of interning in the Student Engagement office at Manhattan School of Music. While here she loved connecting with students, learning about their passions for the arts, and discovering ways that she could help them build community on campus. She served as the Advisor for the Student Council and the Black Student Union. She loved being able to help build inclusion and celebrate MSM traditions. She has spent the past four years working at Seton Hall University where she served as a Residence Hall Director, Area Coordinator, and most recently as an Assistant Director of the Residence Life department. She enjoys assisting students through their college journey, developing student leaders, and helping to give students a home away from home.
Makila Kirchner, MM
Assistant Director of Residence Life
Makila has worked in Residence life for two years and originally found her care for shepherding music students throughout their unique journeys, while attending MSM as a student. Makila has earned her B.M. (‘18) and M.M. (‘21) in vocal performance and classical voice. While attending MSM as a student she discovered her talent to uplift overs and encourage communication skills in and out of the performance space. Makila is a Stan Sesser Award Career Award Recipient (‘21) and continues to perform around the city.
Vaughn Watson, MA TESOL
Director of Student Success
Vaughn Watson is the inaugural Director of Student Success at Manhattan School of Music. A seasoned English as a Second Language pedagogue and Disability Services professional, Vaughn started working at MSM six years ago as a faculty member of the school’s Summer English Studies program. There, he grew to love the school’s unique population of student musicians and transitioned to join the Student Affairs team. In addition to being a higher ed professional, Vaughn is a writer and performer.
Hannah DeBlock, MM
Director of ESL
Hannah DeBlock, an accomplished musician and academic leader with over a decade of experience at the Manhattan School of Music, specializes in the intersection of music and English language instruction. As Director of the ESL Department, she designs and oversees a dynamic program tailored to international students, equipping them with essential skills for success in the global music community. Hannah’s expertise spans curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and program administration, ensuring students receive comprehensive language education from foundational grammar to advanced literary analysis. Starting as an English Language Instructor, Hannah progressed to Assistant Director and eventually Director, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and excellence in education. She fosters a collaborative learning environment that prioritizes personalized attention and constructive feedback. Beyond her role, Hannah contributes to the New York community as a Private Voice Instructor at ArtSmart, promoting confidence and artistic expression among aspiring singers.
With a deep understanding of music, language, and cultural dynamics, Hannah DeBlock is dedicated to empowering musicians to excel on the international stage, bridging cultural divides through education and mentorship.
