Franceska Jones
MNO, Program Director

It is my pleasure to serve as the Director of TRIO Student Support Services at NDC! I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Ohio State University. John Carroll University awarded me a master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration in 2013. Currently, I am a doctoral candidate at Morgan State University studying Higher Education Leadership, with a focus on Community College Leadership. I am also an entrepreneur and local philanthropist. I am a native of Cleveland Heights. I have a wonderful husband Rudolph Jones, III, and I am the proud mother of Phoenix Jones. 

Marcel Dorsey, B.A.
Administrative Assistant

My passion for helping and pushing people to reach their potential has been the focus of my life. As a Librarian Assistant for the Cleveland Public Library, I helped people achieve diplomas, degrees, GEDs and set up businesses. I have worked as a Cleveland Metropolitan School District teacher, tutor, mentor and foster parent. Wherever there is an opportunity to help that’s my calling. I am a graduate of Cleveland schools, Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University, which gives me a solid background on what a student needs to navigate the system and reach their goal. A writer and filmmaker, I also recently had two films in the 2020 Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival.

Alexandra Chestnut
M.Ed., Advisor

I am excited to serve as the TRIO Support Services Advisor – Focused on Instruction. I am a first-generation college graduate. I understand how successful students become successful adults and am dedicated to helping support students throughout their academic endeavors. I graduated from Notre Dame College with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, and a minor in Management in 2017. Since then, I have worked as a higher education professional and have experience in enrollment management, student support services and the registrar’s department. I graduated with her Master of Education in Higher Education Administration with academic distinction in 2020 from Tiffin University and am working toward a second Master Degree in Business Administration at Notre Dame.

Medely Gardner
B.A., Advisor

I was born and raised in Boston, Mass. In 2008, I moved to Ohio after completing high school. I attended and graduated from Cuyahoga Community College with an Associate of Applied Business Degree in Business Human Resources. I continued my academic career at Notre Dame College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management in 2020. I am passionate about helping students achieve their greatest potential by earning degrees and creating opportunities for upward economic mobility. I have positively impacted students over my 10 years of service in higher education through mentorship and care. I serve as the Financial Aid & Career Advisor for TRIO Student Support Services to continue my work assisting first-generation students and students with disabilities in their pursuit of earning degrees. I also have an active personal life that includes working as a Notary Signing Agent for my own company. I receive tremendous pleasure from helping students and clients. In addition to my business ventures, I enjoy attending sporting events with my husband and two children.