Staff

Danni Johnson

Staff Member	Office of Marketing
Pronouns	She/Her/Hers
Education	Champlain College, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Connect Online	LinkedIn Personal Website
Home State	Pennsylvania
Fun Fact About Me	I'm writing a novel!
Contact	Remote

Biography

Danni is a creative writer, editor, and digital designer who graduated from Champlain College with a BFA in Creative Media as Summa Cum Laude. She was born in Honesdale Pennsylvania and grew up in a small town of 1800 people before moving to California with her husband Sam and two cats, Wonton and Nori.

Her journey in storytelling equipped her with a passion for crafting compelling and meaningful narratives worthy of remembering. She nurtured a keen understanding of the profound impact storytelling can have and is driven by a passion for creating stories that forge lasting connections and evoke emotions. While studying, Danni worked as a student worker for the Marketing Department at Champlain and the Miller Information Commons Library, and continued contracting for her alma mater after graduating before accepting a position as an Assistant Content Producer at Champlain. She specializes in CMS, web design, web administration, writing and editing, and digital content.

She enjoys crocheting, playing narrative-driven games, listening to music, and sipping the occasional hot cup of tea from her vast collection of teapots.

Distinctions & Awards

2022 Champlain College – “William J. Everts Jr. Wild and Outside Award”

2022 Champlain College – Division of Communication and Creative Media “Excel Award”

Publications & Abstracts

Darkfire Chronicles Podcast

Apples – 2019, Wingless Dreamer Poetry Anthology

Attack – 2021, Willard & Maple

Blackjack – 2021, Willard & Maple

Snowman – 2021, The Haunted Horrorstorian

Postage – 2021, The Haunted Horrorstorian

It’s Just an Actor – 2021, The Haunted Horrorstorian

 

 

What are your hobbies?

Reading & writing, listening to music, skiing, crocheting, playing video games, and 3D printing/painting.

Favorite Local Eateries

Dobra Tea, Gaku Ramen, and Three Needs on Church Street!

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Samantha Kassel

Staff Member	Office of Admissions
Pronouns	She/Her/Hers
Connect Online	LinkedIn
Home State	Vermont
Contact	Perry Hall Welcome Center

Biography

Sami joined Champlain College in the fall of 2022. She earned a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Boston University and spent many years traveling the world. A Vermont native, Sami has lived in Boston, Alaska, Hawaii, and San Diego, but is happy to be calling the Burlington area home once again. She enjoys spending her time skiing, hiking, reading, pet-sitting, and watching reality TV.

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

Skinny Pancake, Cucina Antica in Shelburne, Barrio Bakery

Favorite Champlain tradition:

Apple Picking

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Jennifer Kennelly

Staff Member	Office of Finance & Administration
Pronouns	She/Her/Hers
Contact	Miller Center at Lakeside

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Sage King

Staff Member	Information Systems
Pronouns	He/Him/His
Education	Champlain College, Bachelor of Science
Contact	Miller Center at Lakeside

Biography

Sage is a Burlington resident and Champlain College alum. He brings a multitude of experience with him to the Champlain team having worked in different fields from maintenance systems to microchip technology.

Sage enjoys sports and the outdoors and is also a part time firefighter for the City of Winooski.

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Lyle King

Staff Member	Information Systems
Pronouns	He/Him/His
Education	Champlain College, Bachelor of Science
Contact	Rowell Annex

Biography

As the manager of Media Services within the Information Systems department, Lyle works closely with his team and campus partners to identify and implement multimedia and presentation technology solutions for campus spaces, events, and academic programs. One of the most rewarding aspects of his role is working with the many talented and committed student employees within his team and helping to foster and celebrate their professional growth and success.

Lyle is an alumnus of Champlain College with a BS in Mass Communication and over twenty-five years of professional experience in audio/visual (AV) technology support. He earned his AVIXA CTS® and Extron AVA certifications in 2013, was awarded the college’s John Lavallee Innovation Award in 2021 as a member of the Pivot Team, and received the Elizabeth A. Durick Staff Service Award in 2024 in recognition of his positive impact on the college community.

Outside of work Lyle enjoys spending quality time with his family, and is an avid musician and photographer.

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Christian Konczal

Faculty Member	Creative Media Degree
Staff Member	Esports
Pronouns	He/Him/His
Education	Champlain College, Master of Arts; University of Vermont, Bachelor of Arts
Contact	Miller Center at Lakeside

Biography

Christian Konczal, Director of Esports at Champlain College, is a passionate advocate for the integration of technology and education. A proud alumnus, Christian received his MFA in Emergent Media from Champlain in 2017 and has been steadfastly committed to the development of collegiate esports ever since.

As a graduate student, Christian served as a project management fellow for BREAKAWAY, an internationally recognized project partnered with the UNFPA, UNiTE, and Grassroot Soccer. BREAKAWAY aims to educate youth about Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), promote gender equality, and inculcate respect, values that Christian carries forward in his current role.

Christian is a strong proponent of gender equity within esports, striving to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all players. He believes in the transformative potential of esports to bridge gender gaps and is proactive in his efforts to ensure this in practice.

After graduation, Christian honed his skills in the field, consulting for multiple collegiate esports programs across the country. He then launched a successful program at a D2 State University, wherein he established varsity esports teams, oversaw program operations, supervised student coaches and players, and integrated esports into the academic experience. His fundraising efforts during this period helped support scholarships and program expenses, further validating his dedication to esports in the educational sphere.

Upon returning to Champlain, Christian pioneered the college’s esports program, fostering strong varsity teams and empowering the existing esports club. His leadership, combined with his unwavering belief in student potential, brought Champlain its first Varsity championships in over 20 years within the first year of the varsity esports program’s inception.

Christian is a fervent believer in preparing students for life post-college. His approach to esports extends beyond gameplay to encompass professional development, ensuring his students are equipped with practical skills and a strong foundation for their future careers.

Beyond his collegiate commitments, Christian has a heart for philanthropy. Working with his students he has been instrumental in raising over $20,000 for the Extra Life charity throughout his career, demonstrating his commitment to broader societal issues.

Christian Konczal’s multifaceted contributions at Champlain College exemplify the blend of passion, dedication, and vision needed to drive growth and success in collegiate esports. His unwavering commitment to gender equity and student development ensures that Champlain College’s esports program prepares students not just for competitive gaming, but for the wider world that awaits them after graduation.

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Christine Koogle

Staff Member	Office of Student Engagement  Student Affairs, Diversity & Inclusion
Pronouns	She/Her/Hers
Connect Online	LinkedIn
Home State	Maryland
Contact	IDX Student Life Center

Biography

Christine’s love of events began in her hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. In search of an education she could carry anywhere, she headed north to Champlain College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Event Management. As a student, Christine immersed herself in campus life, taking on leadership roles as a Resident Advisor, Student Activity Programmer, Orientation Leader, and CHAMP President, among others.

After graduation, she remained in Vermont to manage a luxury event catering company, where she spent several years honing her craft in high-end event production. Christine has since returned to Champlain and the Student Engagement team, where she now leads the very programs and traditions she once took part in as a student—bringing her experience full circle.

When she’s not working alongside students, Christine can be found planning weddings for friends and family, kayaking Vermont’s lakes and rivers, or experimenting with a new recipe to share.

What are your hobbies?

Cooking and Baking, kayaking, planning parties!

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

I love to eat and drink! And, of course, explore. Top places to eat: Honey Road, Poco, May Day, The Tillerman, and Philo Ridge Farm

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Angelika Koukoulas

Staff Member	Hula Partners  Office of the President
Pronouns	She/Her/Hers
Connect Online	LinkedIn
Contact	Hula Lakeside (214) 686-1742 Email Me

Biography

Angela joined Champlain in June of 2023 as part of the innovative partnership between Champlain College and Hula (a co-working space on Lakeside Ave). In this role, Angela works with businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits to bolster their teams with Champlain talent. Angela helps students land internships, work on client facing projects, and generally get connected to the Burlington business community. Angela also supports the development of Burlington’s Innovation District by forging intentional connections between students, academics, and industry.

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Danielle L’Esperance

Staff Member	Office of Admissions
Pronouns	She/Her/Hers
Education	University of Vermont, Master of Education; University of Vermont, Master of Education; University of Vermont, Bachelor of Science; University of Vermont, Bachelor of Science in Education
Connect Online	LinkedIn
Home State	Vermont
Fun Fact About Me	After spending eight hours in the car with me, my uncle said to my dad "wow, Danielle is really smart." I hope you get that impression interacting with me, but in less time. Efficiency is key!
Contact	Perry Hall

Biography

Danielle has been with Champlain College since 2019. She has her M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Vermont (2012). Danielle also has extensive experience in the Hospitality industry. She loves her job because it combines her knowledge of events and hosting guests with her passion for Higher Education.

Danielle is a native Vermonter and a first-generation college student. During her personal time, she can be found meandering along nature trails with Levi, her small but mighty four-legged companion. She also enjoys Fantasy and Science Fiction novels, baking treats for family and colleagues, & traveling to new and exciting places.

What are your hobbies?

Baking, Hiking, Reading & Traveling

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

Summer outdoor concert series (Williston, South Hero, SoBu), Kountry Kart Deli, Folino’s, Cafe Dim Sum

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Benton Lane

Staff Member	Maker Program
Pronouns	He/Him/His
Connect Online	Personal Website LinkedIn
Home State	Vermont
Fun Fact About Me	I am (as of writing this) the only member of my immediate family to have traveled below the Equator!
Contact	Wick Hall

Biography

Ben is the Maker Program Coordinator for the Champlain College, facilitating access to the school’s Maker Space tools and materials in support of the college’s new academic model focused on experiential and interdisciplinary studies.

A ’26 graduate of Champlain College’s Game Design program, Ben loves working with colleagues and employees on novel solutions to tricky problems, and enjoying each day’s challenges. He lives in Williston with his wife Elizabeth and their cat, Daisy.

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Tony Langan

Staff Member	Study Abroad for Current Students
Pronouns	He/Him/His
Education	National University of Ireland Maynooth, Bachelor of Arts; University of Miami, Bachelor of Arts
Home State	Ireland
Fun Fact About Me	Tony has a two year old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel who can sometimes be seen with his head out of Tony's campervan on their way to the beach or forest!

Biography

Tony Langan grew up 1 hour north of Dublin in a small rural village called Dromiskin in County Louth. He received an International Bachelors degree in History and Economics from NUI Maynooth where he also studied abroad at the University of Miami, Florida. Tony continued his studies at the University of Mississippi where he studied Tourism and Recreation. He has worked in the field of Study Abroad since 2013 where he ran programs in England, Spain, South Africa and Ireland. He is also an accredited National Irish Tour guide and runs his own tour company seasonally. During the recent lockdown Tony completed a Post Graduate Certificate from Trinity College Dublin in Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship. Recently, he has completed the Lord Mayor Dublin’s certificate in Oral History and is currently taking a Family History course at Trinity College. Previous to his position as Assistant Director with Champlain College (and before COVID), Tony was the Student Life Manager here from 2018.

Tony is passionate about many things in life and they seem to change weekly. But the continuous passions are Study Abroad, Travel and Irish Culture. He loves to show students and tourists alike what Dublin and Ireland has to offer and watch as they slowly become locals in a new city. He also loves live music and a good pint of Guinness which, luckily, are very easy to find in Dublin!

Hobbies

Music, concerts, travelling and meeting new people!

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Erika Lea

Staff Member	Academic Coaching & Peer Tutoring  Office of Accessibility  Student Affairs, Diversity & Inclusion
Pronouns	She/Her/Hers
Education	Bank Street College of Education, Master of Science in Education; Wesleyan University, Bachelor of Arts; Columbia University, Master of Social Work
Home State	New Hampshire
Fun Fact About Me	I was charged by an elephant while studying abroad in Zimbabwe.
Contact	Miller Information Commons, Perry Hall

Biography

Erika’s career in social work has spanned supervising after-school programming for high school students, home visiting for vulnerable families, teaching parenting classes for incarcerated fathers, directing the counseling program at a boarding school, and now co-coordinating both the Champ 101 Program and The InSight Program’s wellbeing theme. She joined Champlain College in 2019 and enjoys the innovative and supportive community, including the many student leaders who are the “special sauce” of the work she gets to do. She enjoys spending time with her family, dogs, and chickens. She also serves on the Champlain Valley School District Board of Directors.

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Heidi Lebrun

Staff Member	Office of Alumni Relations  Office of Institutional Advancement  Office of Parent & Family Relations
Pronouns	She/Her/Hers
Education	Norwich University, Bachelor of Arts; Norwich University, Bachelor of Arts
Home State	New York
Fun Fact About Me	Passionate Hockey Mom
Contact	Miller Center at Lakeside

Biography

Heidi Lebrun proudly serves as the Director of Development and Strategic Engagement. With more than two decades of work in Higher Education and Advancement, Heidi brings a wealth of expertise to her role.

Throughout her tenure, Heidi has become synonymous with excellence in advancement work, embodying a passion for fostering meaningful connections within the Champlain community. As the Director of Development and Strategic Engagement, she holds the reins to the institution’s advancement communications, ensuring that every message resonates with authenticity and purpose.

Heidi’s commitment extends beyond crafting compelling narratives; she is also a key player in donor relations and stewardship activities. Her innate ability to cultivate lasting relationships has not only strengthened ties with supporters but has also fueled the college’s mission to empower students through transformative educational experiences.

What are your hobbies?

Cooking, Traveling, Gardening

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Joel Lenoir

Faculty Member	Champlain College Online
Staff Member	Information Systems
Pronouns	He/Him/His
Education	Lyndon State College, Bachelor of Science in Computer; Lyndon State College, Associate in Science
Contact	Miller Center at Lakeside

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Veronica Lewis

Staff Member	Office of Institutional Advancement
Pronouns	She/Her/Hers
Education	College of William and Mary, Bachelor of Arts
Connect Online	LinkedIn
Home State	Virginia
Fun Fact About Me	I used to be a gymnast and can still manage a back handspring!
Contact	Miller Center at Lakeside

Biography

Veronica holds degrees in psychology and anthropology from the College of William & Mary. She started at Champlain in 2012 in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and easily fell in love with this special place and the wonderful students. Veronica is a proud Champlain College Online graduate and received her MBA in 2016. She loves working in Advancement as it enables her to secure funding support for scholarships and all of the innovative projects that are happening on campus. She is the mother of two young boys and can often be found outside enjoying the Vermont wilderness.

What are your hobbies?

Is being a mother to two young boys a hobby? I love baking and cooking. I also enjoy most outdoor activities ranging from biking, hiking, swimming to skiing.

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

Honey Road on Church Street; Hiking around the Sugarbush & Warren Area with a visit to Mad Taco

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