Meet the Team

Brittany Allensworth

Director

Brittany is a first generation, Federal Pell Grant recipient, and alumna of Purdue University and Horizons Student Support Services. After graduating from Purdue University with a B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Supervision and a minor in Psychology, she went on to work in Corporate America as a Human Resources and Talent Acquisition professional for several years before making the decision to return to school. Brittany later graduated with an M.S. in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Indiana State University.

Brittany began her professional higher education career here at Purdue University and served as a College Success Advisor in University Undergraduate Academic Advising. In this role, she worked diligently on the MAAPS Study, an initiative of the University Innovation Alliance funded by a First in the World grant. Brittany used proactive and analytics-based advising to remove academic, personal, and financial barriers to the retention, persistence, and timely graduation of first generation and low-income students. Most recently, Brittany served in the role of Student Support Specialist in the Office of the Dean of Students where she provided support and interventions to students from diverse backgrounds, assessed unique needs, and issued referrals to appropriate campus and community resources.

As a Horizons alumna, Brittany wholeheartedly believes in the positive impact the program has on its students. Her interactions with Horizons staff as a student has fundamentally shaped the ways in which she shows up as a professional. Brittany aims to empower students to control their own narratives, celebrate the wins, grow through adversity, and never stop working to become the best versions of themselves.

Chélei Doud-Brooks

Program Coordinator

Chélei (Shay-lee) is a Texas native who earned her B.S. in Psychology and M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Tarleton State University. As an undergraduate student Chélei was a first-generation, Federal Pell Grant recipient, and Honors College student. She served in various roles within the social work and public education sectors prior to entering higher education.

As Chélei entered her master’s degree she discovered a passion for student affairs and decided to pursue higher education. She became a Graduate Assistant in the Lozano-Long Division of Global, Community, and First-Gen Initiatives. In this role, Chélei planned, promoted, and executed student-focused programs. These programs enriched students’ educational experience outside of the classroom and enhanced their civic engagement. As a Horizons Program Coordinator, Chélei aims to utilize her various experiences to leave a lasting impact on students by helping them navigate their journeys and preparing them to be the best they can be in their future pursuits.

Samantha Gunther

Senior Administrative Assistant

Samantha is a native of the Greater Lafayette Area and spent many summers attending camps and activities at Purdue. With her experience as a first-generation college student and Federal Pell Grant recipient, she understands the challenges faced by students in similar positions.

Her professional career includes various office management and training roles, honing her skills in problem-solving and leadership. Samantha is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment to help students thrive in their academic and personal endeavors.

Aniya Martin

Student Intern

Aniya Martin is currently a junior studying Web Programming & Design at Purdue. Alongside her position at Horizons, she is also a Peer Success Coach for the Academic Success Center, where she help students achieve their academic and personal goals. Aniya is also the marketing chair for UR Multicultural Connections and a student ambassador for Executive in Residence.

Aniya's journey with Horizons started during freshman year when she took the Horizons intro course. Her experience led her to want to become a peer mentor. After participating in Horizon’s accountability groups during her sophomore year, she wanted to continue to stay involved with Horizons and chose to apply for a Horizons internship.

In her role as intern, she will work with staff to improve engagement of Horizons student participants and provide support in the management of the program’s website and social media platforms.