Executive Board
President
Alyssa Machi
Hi! I’m Alyssa, and I’m the STEP@Pitt President! I’m a senior, double majoring in Public and Professional Writing & Communication Rhetoric. I am also Nicholas VII’s raiser! I have been a member of STEP@Pitt since my freshman year, in varying roles - previously as a sitter & the Mental Health Liaison (I created the Eboard role in the 21-22 school year) and now as a raiser & the President! STEP has absolutely been my favorite part of my college experience. Since first joining this club, I’ve learned so much about Canine Companions and the service dog community. I’m honored to continue my involvement in our club as president!
Vice President of Raisers
Kylie Hoffman
Hi! I’m Kylie and I am the Vice President of Raisers for STEP this year! I am a senior studying Psychology and Administration of Justice. I have been involved in STEP since my sophomore year, and raised Lexi IV. I have learned so much about STEP, Canine Companions, and puppy raising over the last few years. It has been such a rewarding and educational experience and I cannot wait to see what this next year holds!
Vice President of Sitters
Bianca Dunay
Hi! My name is Bianca and I’m the Outreach Officer for STEP@Pitt this year! I’m a senior on the pre-med track with Chemistry and Teacher Education minors and American Sign Language and Conceptual Foundations of Medicine certificates. I’m raised Canine Companions pup Larson IV. I became involved in STEP the first semester of my freshman year and absolutely loved it and Canine Companions. I’m so excited to still be involved with these organizations this year and look forward to what’s to come!
Business Manager
Maya Dunay
Hi! My name is Maya and I’m the Business Manager for STEP@Pitt. I am a Senior in the Emergency Medicine Program and the puppy raiser of Canine Companions pup Jagger V. I’ve been involved with STEP@Pitt since my freshman year and it’s easily been one of my favorite parts of my college experience. I’m looking forward to spreading Canine Companion’s mission here at Pitt and I can’t wait to see what’s to come in the future!
Outreach Officer
Emma Brown
Hi! My name is Emma and the Outreach Officer for STEP@PITT. I am a junior majoring in History with a minor in Modern Greek and Education. I have been a part of STEP@Pitt for the last 3 years and actually based my college decision off of seeing that there was a STEP program here! I am excited to serve as your Outreach Officer this year!
Fundraising and Events Officer
Katrina Rukusan
Hi! I’m Katrina and I’m the Fundraising and Events Officer for STEP@Pitt! I’m a junior, majoring in Psychology with certificates in Disability Studies and Children’s Literature. I first became involved with STEP@Pitt at the beginning of my freshman year, and STEP was actually one of the reason I came to Pitt. I have been a puppy sitter for the last two years and I am now puppy raiser to Twix II. STEP@Pitt has been an integral part of my college experience so far and I have learned so much about service dogs, Canine Companions, and the service dog community. I am so excited to become more involved with STEP@Pitt by serving as Fundraising and Events Officer this year!
Public Relations Officer
Sydney Wittmer
Hi! I'm Sydney and I am the Public Relations Officer. This will be my second year in this role and I could not be more excited. I am a Senior majoring in Emergency Medicine. I became involved with STEP during my freshman year. STEP has been such an integral part of my experience at Pitt, allowed me to meet amazing friends, and learn more about how beneficial service animals are to everyone. I am so excited to serve on the board again this year!
Secretary
Megan Hallihan
Hi! My name is Megan and the Secretary for STEP@PITT. I am a senior majoring in communication science and disorders with a minor in linguistics and a certificate in American Sign Language. Since joining STEP during my freshman year I have become a puppy raiser to an amazing pup named Tatum VI. I’m grateful for all the educational and volunteer opportunities STEP has provided and am excited for this upcoming academic year!
Wellness Officer
Miriam Layne
Hi! I’m Miriam and I’m the Wellness Officer for STEP@Pitt! I’m a junior majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry and Music as well as the puppy raiser of Camille V. I’ve been involved with STEP since freshman year and love all that its given me. Can’t wait to continue spreading Canine Companions’ mission and I’m looking forward to an amazing year with wonderful people and pups!