Meet the Team

Education

B.S. Theatre Education/Acting - Illinois State University
M.Ed. Learning and Behavior Specialist I - University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign

Professional Interests

Shana works to create communities of care where students feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. Her work focuses on ensuring services are accessible and transparent, fostering an environment where hard work is normalized, and emphasizing that seeking support is an integral part of owning your college experience.

Personal Interests

• Plant-based cooking
• Travel
• Motivation, habits and learning
• Kitchen dance parties and family dinner

While in College...

Shana was so convinced that she was only going to do one thing in life and, maybe, neglected the ability to see the long-term payoff of finding interest in various disciplines outside of theatre. Once she graduated, she found that multiple work experiences helped her see the cross-over between the transferable skills of theatre with the desire to help others learn skills to improve quality of life and opportunity for economic independence. From this experience, she always encourages students to think about developing a set of skills instead of developing an ability to do one type of job.

Shana also participated in communities of belonging her freshman year (and still talks to her close friend from that program 20 years later), co-founded a student group and built leadership skills with an on-campus job. From this she learned that finding people who will encourage you (both peers and staff/faculty) are huge contributors to increasing confidence and helping you see the next step forward.

Education

B.A. Religious Studies - Calumet College of St. Joseph
B.S. Psychology - Calumet College of St. Joseph
M.S.Ed. Higher Education Administration - University of Dayton

Professional Interests

Luke found his passion for higher education via Student Goverment when studying at Calumet College of St. Joseph. While at the University of Dayton, Luke fosters his professional interests in learning theory, student transitions, mentorship, assessment, comparing the land grant mission of public institutions to social justice missions of private institutions, and meme-ology.

Personal Interests

Luke enjoys grilling and smoking on his alley-found Weber kettle, exploring new areas, and playing board games with friends. He collects all things Luke Skywalker and will debate anyone on Star Wars controversies. His dog, Bison Matulewicz, a tricolor corgi with a name that fits his personality--not his size, keeps him busy and teaches him new things every day (like why all his socks have holes). Luke frequently volunteers with Science Olympiad Inc. after competing in tournaments from 3rd grade all the way through high school. Lastly, Luke makes incredible chili and is the reigning champion of the AAC Chili Cookoff.

While in College...

Knowing that graduate school was in his future, Luke lived at home while attending college. Luke found community through the St. Gasper's Honors Learning Community and the director, Prof. Kirk Robinson, has become a lifelong mentor. During his last two years, Luke was also elected as the Student Government President where his passion for university work formed. Luke always took a full course load to take as many classes as he could even if it was not part of his degree path (ceramics, painting, writing, and many other courses).

Education

B.A. English – Western Connecticut State University
M.A. English – Western Connecticut State University

Professional Interests

I am dedicated to making all students feel welcome so that they can develop into their best selves, both inside and outside of the classroom. My tutoring philosophy is grounded in the belief that every student possesses unique insights and potential, which can be fully realized through supportive and engaging student support practices. I am committed to addressing the vast needs and backgrounds of all students, ensuring that they feel valued and empowered to contribute their “voice” in our academic community.

Personal Interests

• All things Mark Twain
• Ice Hockey
• Concerts
• Books
• Animals

While in College...

My plans after secondary school were to be a professional ice hockey player, so when that did not come to fruition, I put all the years of effort that I had put into hockey into my academic pursuits. Ultimately, it took me longer than the traditional four to six years to finish my degrees; as such, I went from being a “traditional” student to a “non-traditional” student. I began at the University of Maryland and spent three years there before taking some time off and then returning to finish at Western Connecticut State University. Also, I am a first-generation student, so I felt I had something to prove to myself and my family. These perspectives (“traditional”, “non-traditional”, first generation) help me to empathize and understand an array of student perspectives. During my undergraduate and graduate studies, I worked as a writing consultant in the schools’ writing centers; as a result, I began to develop a professional interest in student support services and tutoring communities.

Education

B.A. English Literature - Mount Marty University
B.S. Military Science - University of South Dakota
M.S.Ed. Education and Curriculum - Kansas State University
Civil Affairs Qual Course - John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School

Professional Interests

Helping people achieve their goals through education and practical life experiences

Personal Interests

• Running (The goal is an Ultra-Marathon…I’m looking at you Western States 100!)
• Camping (sometimes just staring at a fire is good enough for me)
• Board Games
• Traveling the world and eating foods you can’t easily find!

While in College

While I was in college: In undergrad I refused to accept help, I hardly went to class, and I spent too much time socializing. In Grad school I learned to ask for help, I was given grace by my professors (when I asked for it), and I was pushed to be a better student and human being.

Education

B.S. Family Studies & Human Services – Kansas State University

Professional Interests

I am passionate about helping students recognize their strengths, navigate challenges, and develop strategies for success both in and out of the classroom. I enjoy creating supportive, empowering environments where students feel seen, encouraged, and capable of pursuing their goals and achieving great things. Guiding students through times of transition and moments of self-doubt is especially meaningful to me. I believe that with the right guidance and support, students can go beyond what they imagined possible and rise to meet their highest potential.

“We are all capable of more than we think.” - Mary Anne Radmacher

Personal Interests

I find joy in life’s simple pleasures such as spending time with family and friends, reading, listening to music, doing puzzles, and exploring a variety of crafts. I also enjoy taking walks in the rolling Flint Hills and capturing the quiet beauty of nature through photography. The outdoors is where I find my peace and renewal, whether I am hiking a new trail or pausing to take in the view of a spectacular Kansas sunset. I look forward to traveling more in the future to experience more of nature’s wonders and continue finding inspiration in the world around me.

While in College...

As a non-traditional student, I often battled imposter syndrome and questioned whether I truly belonged. Balancing school, work, and life responsibilities wasn’t always easy, but those experiences helped me build resilience and empathy for others navigating similar challenges. Looking back, I wish I had taken greater advantage of the resources and community available on campus, because no one has to do this journey alone. I encourage students to reach out, connect, and allow themselves to be supported. You belong here, and you are capable of more than you realize.

Education

B.S. Communication Studies - Kansas State University

Professional Interests

• Building relationships and community to help people succeed
• Connecting people to resources that will elevate and enhance their experiences

Personal Interests

• Cooking/baking
• Photography
• Fun shirts
• Outdoors
• Hanging out with friends and family

While in College...

Logan had some academic struggles that led to changing his major and being on academic warning multiple times, but ended up finding a healthy academic and social life balance that helped him graduate. He enjoyed going to as many athletic events as he could. Logan had an on-campus job that helped him realize what he wanted his career path to be and made a lot of campus community connections.

Education

B.S. Business Administration - National University of Asuncion, Paraguay

Professional Interests

"Having the opportunity to work, help and learn from the students it has been so rewarding. It’s a great feeling to be part of their college life, they recharge me."

Personal Interests

Ruth enjoys traveling to new places near and far, likes learning about different cultures and phrases from different languages. She and her husband also enjoy been part of different volunteer opportunities around the community. She loves expending time with family, friends and enjoys meeting new people.

While in College...

Ruth learned to be independent but wished she had someone to help her face the tests/classes she feared. She learned to network, study with classmates, and balance her college life with work. She had the opportunity to travel abroad and learned to love new cultures.