Welcome Sharks!
In the ocean, the coral reef offers generations of sea life shelter and food, to support a healthy ocean.
At Simmons, the REEF Support Center acts as a similar support hub for undergraduate students. While we direct our online and graduate students to their specific academic programs for support, we welcome graduate and online students to utilize the REEF when additional resources are needed. REEF refers to Resilience, Efficacy, and Empowerment through Foundational support services.
Our Vision
We inspire our students, faculty and staff, and alumnx to be partners in a collective effort to connect student’s to foundational resources, dismantle systemic barriers in accessing support, and develop organizing skills for community advocacy and agency.
Our Mission
We will centralize student resources by offering foundational support specific to food access, housing access and off-campus living, emergency funding, as well as our Violence Prevention, Education, and Outreach program. We operate from a framework of collective liberation that is grounded in the belief that our community thrives most when all members have access to holistic resources. By fostering a culture of care and support, we disrupt the historical and present violence of white supremacy and provide an opportunity for connection, community building, and healing.
Get Connected
Knowing where to start when navigating supports at Simmons and in the greater Boston community can be challenging. That’s why we exist! Connect with us by emailing [email protected] to set up a 1 on 1 meeting with a Support Specialist! More information about the services we offer can be found by exploring the sub-tabs located on the left of our webpage.
Visit Us
Mondays-Fridays 8:30am-4:30pm
Welcome to the REEF Support Center. We are located in the MCB in the Commuter Student/ Dix Scholar Lounge (A-075 A and B). The REEF Support Center is a hub for any Simmons student to stop by. Meet peers, connect with a REEF team member, or enjoy some quiet time in this spacious study spot. Our cozy space allows students to relax, do homework, or chill out.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 617-521-3044
In the REEF Support Center, we offer students resources such as:
- Fridge
- Microwave
- Snacks
- Tea Kettle
- Tea/Hot Cocoa
- SAD Lamps
- Office Supplies (whole punch, stapler, pencil sharpener)
- Games and Puzzles for student use!
- Resources
The REEF Support Center also connects students to off-campus resources when needed. We recommend utilizing this Guide after visiting our exhausting the on campus resources listed on our website.
Meet The Team
Matoaka Kipp (She/They) is the inaugural Director of the REEF Support Center, a Simmons alum, and a big fan of bright-colored blazers. Matoaka brings a background in Macro Social Work (BSW from Simmons and MSW from the University of Michigan) and has a passion for community building through frameworks of community care and liberation. In her free time, Matoaka can be found in her garden plot, at the climbing gym, listening to Betty Who or Janelle Monae, and shopping at the Armenian grocery stores in Watertown, MA. Matoaka is honored to partner with students and staff to build up resources at Simmons, as well as facilitate connection and belonging. Check out their Top 10 playlist.
2025-2026 MSW Interns
Phoebe Zalenski (she/her) received her BA from the University of Arkansas in Psychology with a minor in Anthropology. She is now pursuing a Master of Social Work with a certificate in Trauma Practice. She believes that everyone is worthy of receiving care tailored to their specific needs.
She joins the REEF with a background in suicide and crisis intervention, resource connection, and psychology research. Phoebe is passionate about preventative care, client advocacy, and becoming a safe space for survivors of domestic violence!
In her spare time, Phoebe enjoys reading, watching TV, skiing, playing video games, crocheting, and being around friends and family.
Edward O’Brien (he/him) holds a BA degree from Middlebury College in Economics and French and an Ed.M from Boston University. He is currently pursuing a Master’s of Social Work at Simmons University. He joins the REEF Center with a background in education where his passion was elevating his students’ voices and experiences in the classroom. Edward believes strongly in liberation through connection, queer representation, and the power of community to help us heal and grow.
Outside of work, Edward loves writing, singing, listening to music, reading, and walking his dog.