Academic Support Staff

Michael Minutello, PhD
Director, Academic Support

Michael Minutello is the Academic Support Director for Tufts University School of Medicine. As director, he oversees academic support services for students in the school of medicine and is available to work with students individually to develop learning strategies that are effective for high volume learning environments and high stakes standardized exams. Dr. Minutello also works as part of the MD Office of Student Affairs team and manages the MD peer educator program.

Dr. Minutello earned a BA from the College of the Holy Cross, an MTS degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School, and a PhD in Higher Education from The Pennsylvania State University. Outside of work, he enjoys sending time with his family, going for hikes, and reading interesting non-fiction books.

Hazel Cheng, M.Ed.
Learning Specialist

Hazel provides academic support for students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs across three locations—Boston, Phoenix, and Seattle, as well as students in TUSM graduate programs. Prior to her role as a learning specialist at the Tufts School of Medicine (TUSM), she began her professional journey at Tufts University's Student Accessibility and Academic Resource Center (StAAR) in October 2021 and supported graduate students at the Fletcher School. Hazel also previously worked as an upper elementary and middle school special education teacher for students in Massachusetts and Illinois. 

Hazel’s home is Hong Kong, where she grew up before she immigrated to the U.S. Besides English, she is fully fluent in Cantonese and moderately fluent in Mandarin. Hazel earned a master’s degree in special education, with a focus on Severe Disabilities K-12 from Bridgewater State University. Outside of her professional life, she likes to spend time with her two young children, as well as her first-born fur baby, Mila, and explore fun activities that involve food too.

Brenna Jantzen
Learning Specialist

At TUSM, Brenna serves as the learning specialist for Maine Track students. She cares deeply about her students as individuals and is passionate about helping learners reach their academic goals. Brenna is available to meet with students remotely or at the Brighton campus of MaineHealth. 

Previously, she worked at Quinnipiac University as an academic specialist, coaching students on evidence-based learning strategies. Brenna also worked as a graduate academic counselor with undergraduate and graduate students at Wake Forest University. She graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in English from Mount Holyoke College and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Wake Forest University.

Outside of work, Brenna likes to read, bake bread, explore the Maine seacoast, and chase around her two toddlers. She lives with her family and large, friendly dog in Kittery, Maine.