Lauren Gatto is the Assistant Director of First Year Experience and Peer Leadership Programs working within the Office of the Associate Vice Provost for Student and Academic Success. She earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Lamar University in Texas, her M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University, and her B.S. in Recreation Administration from California State University, Chico. She has worked in a variety of functional areas, including Housing, Advising, Student Life, Tutoring, Marketing, and Enrollment Management. In addition, Lauren worked in public relations in the Cayman Islands on a year-long work visa. She is also the co-chair of the UNLV Women's Council. Lauren enjoys facilitating training and believes in providing students with experiential learning opportunities that enhance their academic and personal development. Lauren's research interests include psychological safety, leader development and preparedness, and group development theory.