Welcome to Laker Village Apartments! We are thrilled to have you join our community! LVA is home to some first-year students, returning students, transfer students, graduate students, student athletes, and the International House living-learning community. We offer 2- and 4-bedroom townhouse-style apartments, as well as a select few efficiency units. Let’s have a great year together, and don’t be afraid to say hi if you see us around – we are here for YOU!

Meet your fellow residents and your RA at your first floor meeting! The first floor meeting will be the evening of your scheduled move in. See your RA boards in your building for a specific date and time.

Resident Assistants (RAs) are sophomore-level or higher, undergraduate and graduate students who live on-campus. There is at least one RA on every floor of each living center. They contribute to a positive community living experience by serving as a campus resource for first-year students, and by coordinating social and academic activities for residents. RA staff members serve in the HRL duty rotation and are extensively trained in crisis management, facilities management, campus policies/student code of conduct, and student development.

Community Directors (LCDs) are professional staff members who have a Master's degree in student affairs. LCDs are live-in staff members and they assist in the daily operations of residential communities housing 200-700 residents. These operations include administrative duties, managing conduct, supervising an RA staff, and providing support to residential students. LCD staff members serve in the HRL duty rotation and have extensive experience in crisis management, facilities management, campus policies/student code of conduct, and student development.

Kyana Smith

Community Director

MS - Biomedical Science; Grand Valley State University (In Progress; 2025)

BS - Human Biology; Michigan State University

BA - English, Minor in Spanish; Michigan State University

Phone: (616) 331-0106

Pronouns: She/Her

I received my bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, where I also was a resident assistant for two years. I am now pursuing my master's degree at GVSU. I am passionate about being an advocate for historically underrepresented communities and look forward to developing a community where students can thrive and grow while pursing their academic studies. I am excited to learn and grow as a professional in housing and residence life.

[email protected]

Carter Bechtel

Mentor Resident Assistant 

Major: Biomedical Science 

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Carter is a 4th year BMS student who is planning on attending medical school after graduating. This is his third year as an RA and is excited to meet new residents this year! Carter stays busy participating in many clubs at GVSU and works at Mary Free Bed.

Autumn Horton

Mentor Resident Assistant 

Major: Marketing and Management

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Alyss Cardona

Mentor Resident Assistant 

Major: Business Management 

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Alyss is an international student from Honduras majoring in Business Management and minoring in Marketing! She is on her Junior year and second year working as an RA.

Jessica Gjolaj

Mentor Resident Assistant 

Major: Political Science and International Relations

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Jess is a senior double majoring in Political Science and International Relations. This is her third year as an RA, previously working in MVGVA and South Apartments. Throughout her time at Grand Valley, she's been involved in Student Senate, Pi Sigma Alpha, the Albanian American Student Association, and studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain last fall semester. A fun fact about Jess is that she speaks three languages.

Pragya Mehla

Mentor Resident Assistant 

Major: Biomedical Sciences

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Pragya Mehla is an international student and returning RA in Laker village community. She is a senior this year graduating in Biomedical sciences and minoring in Psychology. She enjoys Dancing and reading and making new friends and is very excited to meet all her new residents.

Amy Mohammad

First Year Resident Assistant 

Major: Allied Health Science 

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Amy Mohammad loves watching movies and exploring new places with friends, making the most of her downtime. Beyond her personal interests, she is actively involved at the 2020 Desk, Event Services, and the Office of Student Life, where she plays a key role in coordinating events and supporting student activities. Her diverse passions and dedication to her work reflect her enthusiasm for both personal enjoyment and community engagement

Caden Sauve

First Year Resident Assistant 

Major: Math and Statistics 

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Caden is a sophomore studying math and statistics. He does activities like swimming and playing videogames with friends, but he's always open to learning to new activities like raquetball. He also loves working with cars, and hopes to one day work at one of the big three automotive companies.

Will Schoendorf

Mentor Resident Assistant 

Major: Writing

Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs

Will is new to the Laker Village community and is a third year Resident Assistant. They are a fourth year writing major, digital studies minor. When they aren't working at the library or studying at The Borough, you can find them attending concerts, reading on the beach, or spending time with their friends and their beloved cat, Link.

Noah Seim

First Year Resident Assistant 

Major: International Relations and Music 

Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs

Noah Seim is a 2nd Year International Relations and Music Major. He is minoring in French and just came back from a study abroad program in France. If Noah could do one thing in life, it would be to sail cross a continent in a hot air balloon, replicating the exploits of Jules Verne. Outside of studying (and practicing piano), he likes to ride his bike, read, and spend time outside.