Office of Military Services
The Military Services team provides support to military students and their families through collaboration, education, and advocacy. Our support extends into the following areas:
- Serve as advocates on military related issues for students and at the institutional level
- Act as a liaison between student and the VA to help students understand their military benefits as it relates to their education
- Certifies enrollment to the VA for students using their VA benefits
- Conducts Military Leave of Absence review
- Works with the different military agencies to maintain compliance
Office of Military Services Staff
Team Lead: Fatima Benkhadda
Fatima Benkhadda, Sr. Military Services Specialist, has been with Walden University since 2008. She is from a military family as her father and brother both served with a nephew currently serving. Fatima has international work experience working in North Africa and the Middle East and graduated with a legal studies degree. She speaks French, English, and Arabic and enjoy traveling, cooking, baking, and reading about world history. Fatima manages certifications, Tuition Assistance, and TEMPO program.
Military Processing Analyst II: Shari Gemmiti
Shari Gemmiti, Military Processing Analyst II, brings 15 years of experience in higher education, including 2.5 years with the organization and over six months dedicated to working with the VA department. She brings dedication and a strong work ethic to everything she does. Outside of work, she enjoys spending my free time with her wonderful husband and their lively crew of pets—three dogs and a cat—who keep life fun and full of surprises.
Manager, Military Services: Stephanie Dreher
Stephanie Dreher, Military Services Manager, has been with the organization since November 2009 servicing students in finance, academics, and quality assurance. She is from a military family as her father was in the US Army and both grandfathers have served. Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and watching Chicago sports teams.
Military Processing Analyst: Rochelle Moore
Rochelle Moore, Military Processing Analyst, has been with the organization for 1 year. She is a veteran spouse and also has a brother, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law who served. She is a student with a bachelor's degree in Sociology, a Master's degree in Criminal Justice, and a certificate in Online Teaching in Adult Learning. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, advocating for veterans, supporting autism awareness, and community service through her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta, Sorority, Inc.