We are proud to have a team of dedicated, passionate, all-female professionals working in support of the BAS program. Learn more about each member below.
Name: Krystal Dains
Title: Director, Bachelor of Applied Science
Hometown: Seymour, CT
I began my journey at Mason in 2014 as an academic advisor for IT majors in the Department of Applied Information Technology (now named the Department of Information Sciences and Technology). In 2015, my role expanded to include advising for BAS students. In 2016, I transitioned to BAS Academic Program Coordinator to fully dedicated my time to BAS students. In this role, I expanded MOUs to several community colleges and oversaw the development of several new concentrations. In 2021, I was officially hired as the BAS Director.
Prior to joining Mason, I worked at several colleges in Connecticut, Maryland, Ohio, and DC. I earned my BA in English from Eastern CT State University and my MS in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University. I also hold a graduate certificate in Women & Gender Studies which was earned here at Mason.
I am the only BAS staff member local to Mason, living in Prince William County with my husband, three sons, and cat. In our spare time my family explores local hiking trails, has heated Super Smash Bros tournaments, and attempts to remodel our 1975 mid-century modern home.
Name: Carmella Trippett-Blanks
Title: Academic Advisor, Bachelor of Applied Science
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
I am a part-time Academic Advisor in the Bachelor of Applied Science program at George Mason. I am a Philadelphia native and hold a BS in Marketing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a MPA from Keller Graduate School of Management. My advising philosophy focuses on a student-centered approach. I believe in building a rapport with students based on confidentiality and trust. In my own words, “Building a relationship with my students offers me the opportunity to understand them and assist them in the most effective way possible.”
Name: Allison Beck Winters
Title: Academic Advisor, Bachelor of Applied Science
Hometown: Asheboro, NC
I was drawn to this position at George Mason University because I have a true passion for working in the education field and fostering a sense of achievement. I look forward to working with students each day and being a resource for them as they pursue their academic and career goals. My passion has always been working with people and helping foster an environment of growth. Being able to work with students of varying degrees of development is a great use of my background and experiences, as I come from a social work background with my MSW from Mason.
I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with my BA in Sociology. Upon graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill, I lived in Africa for a while. During my time in Africa, I volunteered with an organization that traveled to a different location each week to encourage self-sustaining methods for agriculture and provide education resources. After I returned to the US, I moved to Virginia to receive my MSW from George Mason University! I now live in Asheboro, NC (where the world’s largest natural habitat zoo is!) with my husband, 3-year old daughter, and our 7-year old beagle, Mr. Bojangles!
I love to travel, run, do yoga, and spend time with our family!
Name: Julissa Bonds
Title: Student Support & Administrative Coordinator, Bachelor of Applied Science
Hometown: The Bronx, NY
My first experience working for higher education began in my hometown of The Bronx, NY. I took a temporary job as a clerical assistant for Albert Einstein’s College of Medicine. It only lasted three months but, in the end, I discovered how much I enjoyed student support and sought out similar positions. After getting married in 2011, my husband and I relocated to North Carolina. Before joining Mason, I worked for Central Piedmont Community College, UNC Charlotte, and Guilford College. My positions at these schools allowed me to continue providing administrative support to both students and faculty.
In 2019, I decided to switch gears and dive into the world of entrepreneurship by starting my own pet care business. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, things slowed down, but I used that time as an opportunity to audit my business and find ways to improve. At the end of 2022, I decided to rebrand and niche down to cat care which I absolutely love. Running a business has its challenges, but I’ve learned to be more resilient, determined, and creative to make it succeed.
I currently reside in Greensboro, NC with my husband and our crazy Korat, Momo. When I’m not cat sitting, I enjoy a quiet, slow-paced life.