About Us
Our staff represents over 80 years of commitment to education and financial aid and features no fewer than three musicians. To help you get to know us a little better...
Riley Catlin is a Student Intern in Student Financial Services. He is a sophomore at Harvard College, concentrating in Economics. A proud Wisconsinite, Riley holds a strong affinity for dairy products, especially squeaky cheese curds, and isn't afraid to wear his Cheesehead hat wherever he goes. Outside of the office, Riley keeps busy with Mock Trial and Model Congress. To relax, he likes to hang out with friends, curl up with a good book, listen to music, and watch NBC's "The Office."
Susan Chin is the Financial Aid Officer for last names "A" through "K". She also coordinates outside funding and General University Restricted Scholarship nominations. Previously, Susan helped administer the HLS Low Income Protection Plan and the HLS Summer Funding Program. In twenty plus years at Harvard University she has held research positions at the School of Public Health and the Business School as well as administrative positions in Central Financial Administration at Holyoke Center and the Financial Office at the Law School. Susan earned a BA from Regis College and an MA from Boston College in economics.
Tony Curcio is the Associate Director of Student Financial Services. Tony returned to our office in January 2000 after working for two years in the financial aid office at Harvard Medical School. He has had an ongoing affiliation with the HLS Student Financial Services office since 1990 when he began working here as a work-study student. As Associate Director, Tony oversees the day to day operation of the JD Financial Aid Program. In particular, he is responsible for maintaining the quality and fairness of both the application and awarding processes. In addition, he has primary responsibility for reviewing and meeting the technological needs of the office, as well as for the continual development and enhancement of the JD Financial Aid website. He earned a BA in Economics from Harvard College and an MA in Education from Tufts, and enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, cross-country skiing and bicycling.
Meghan Frazier is the Student Financial Services Coordinator the for Low Income Protection Plan and Summer Funding. Meg joined HLS in February 2007 after working at Merrill Lynch. She graduated with a BA in mathematics from the College of the Holy Cross in May 2006. In the summer, Meg spends her weekends catering in Newport and taking long walks down Narragansett Beach.
Fran Hinnant is the Financial Aid Officer for last names "L" through "Z". She has worked with us for eighteen years. She is available for general counseling regarding need analysis and awarding. Fran earned her B.A. from Boston University in 1980 and is a music lover.
Ken Lafler is Director of Student Financial Services. He has worked at Harvard Law School since 1987 as a financial aid counselor, systems coordinator, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, and Director of LIPP and Summer Funding before becoming Director of Student Financial Services in 2004. A 1986 graduate of Williams College, he is also a musician and published songwriter. Besides music, he enjoys hiking and camping, skiing, movies, and pickup basketball.
Natasha Onken is Assistant Director for the Low Income Protection Plan and Summer Funding. She joined the Student Financial Services office in 2003 after working in financial aid and student employment at the University of Massachusetts – Boston for several years. In her free time, Natasha plays soccer, travels, and tries to hit as many local concerts as possible. Natasha earned her B.A. from Grinnell College.
Denise Ryan is our Assistant Director of Student Financial Services for Program Development and External Relations. Denise performs several roles: our resident expert in loans (counseling, processing, cash disbursements, financial planning), overseer of the Entrance and Exit Loan Interview Sessions, general need analysis and awarding officer, and Debt management coordinator. She has been working with us for sixteen years after logging five years in financial aid at Boston University as a work-study student. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music from Boston University in 1989 and completed her Masters degree in theology at the Harvard Divinity School in 2000. She is a dorm parent to 40 high school girls at a local prep school and is also a professional vocalist.
Ellen Tang is the Student Financial Services Coordinator, providing support for the overall functions of the Student Financial Services office. She focuses on administration of both the application tracking system and the financial clearance process for Registration, Pre-Registration and Graduation. Ellen joined HLS in November 2006. She graduated with an MBA in Marketing and Global Business from Clark University in May 2005. Currently she is an active member and volunteer with the Asian American Resource Workshop. Sporadically, she also dabbles into writing bad poetry themed around her Asian American heritage.
John Wilson is a Student Intern in our office. John began work at Student Financial Services in spring 2007. He is a sophomore economics concentrator who grew up on a cattle ranch in West Texas. In his spare time, John likes to listen to music, play Guitar Hero, and watch the Texas Longhorns. Hook ‘em!