The SAFE Office 

Janie Guerrero, MSW, Director

 Janie Guerrero holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas Women's University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She has worked in the fields of domestic and sexual violence for the past 12 years supporting survivors through her different roles as a Residential Mentor, Hotline Advocate, Hospital Accompaniment Advocate, and Bilingual Counselor at The Houston Area Women’s Center and in her current role as Director of SAFE here at Rice, providing supportive services to students and facilitating workshops and trainings in the community. Janie is the staff advisor to Graduate STRIVE and is passionate about discussing social justice issues and violence prevention. She enjoys thrifting, watching re-runs of her favorite shows, and spending time with her cats, Leo and Rose, and her dog, Georgia.

Savasia Sanguinetti, Associate Director

 Savasia Sanguinetti holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Psychology from Purchase College SUNY and is currently pursuing a Master in Social Work. She has worked in non-profit and community work in her hometown of New York City for the last 10 years, supporting school-aged children, their parents, and young adults to navigate the resources available to them. Savasia comes to Rice University with a passion for serving students, cultivating an environment for communal learning, and facilitating educational and fun programs through The Safe Office. She enjoys reading, dancing, and exploring all the great food Houston has to offer! 

Nadelyn Smith, BSPH, Resource Navigator

 Nadelyn Smith received a Bachelors of Science in Public Health and a focus in Sociology. She is in hopes to return to school for a Dual Masters in Public Health and Social Work. She has worked in the field for almost 2 years accompanying and advocating for those effected by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and child/elderly abuse in the Galveston County Area. She has recently moved to Rice University as a Resource Navigator in the desire to help and teach others about her passion of interpersonal violence awareness for the betterment of not only the University but the students beyond the hedges as well! She enjoys working out, reading, trying new things, and relaxing with her cat Kevin Purlone. 

Caroline Velez, BSPH, Resource Navigator

 Caroline Velez earned a Bachelor of Public Health with a focus on Health Education and a Master of Public Health from Sam Houston State University. She has two years of experience in health education and higher education, where she provided information and resources while also establishing health-related initiatives. She has worked with school-aged children to help them navigate and become independent. Caroline joins Rice University with a great desire to support students, encourage collaborative learning, and manage informative and helpful programming through The Safe Office. She is a native Texan who loves reading, anime, powerlifting, and is a huge nerd at heart!

If you would like to speak to someone in the office but are unsure of who to contact, please feel free to email safesupport@rice.edu.