APEX Team

I have served as the Dean of Advising, Planning & Experiential Learning (APEX) since 2016. As Dean of APEX, I lead a staff of professional educators who partner with students to enhance their growth by providing opportunities to integrate academics with co-curricular experiences and career skills development.

I have been in higher education for 30 years, serving as a faculty member, associate academic dean, and director of First Year Experience before coming to Wooster. I earned my PhD in experimental psychology with a specialization in Cognition, from Kent State University.

I love my work at the College because of the amazing positivity, creativity, and dedication of the APEX staff. I am energized by the curiosity, and adventurous nature of Wooster students.

Outside of work, I enjoy time with my family, capturing the beauty of sunrises and sunsets with a camera in hand, and birding.

Strengths: Input, Intellection, Learner, Arranger, Maximizer

I am the Director of the Academic Resource Center and a proud First-Gen Student who found their passion in higher education and working with students as they achieve their educational goals and dreams.

I studied Theatre Management at Central College and earned my Master from American InterContinental University with a degree in Education and a specialization in Leadership of Educational Organizations. I recently also earned my Associate Certified Coaching credential from the International Coaching Federation.

When I am not supporting students, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, and traveling with my spouse.

What I like most about Wooster is the commitment of all staff and faculty to provide a unique educational experience for all students. Our mentored education reaches far beyond the classroom and allows students to develop, grow, explore, and create an exceptional college experience.

consistency | relator | context | harmony | learner

As the Pathways Program Coordinator, I get the privilege of meeting with students who are interested in exploring different ideas they have for their career. I’m an idea person, so I love hearing what students are interested in and helping them come up with possible ways to explore those interests. I also work to manage Pathways records with the Registrar’s Office and connect students with the faculty & staff on the Pathways teams.

In my role as the Peace Corps Prep Coordinator, I help students navigate the requirements of the program and discover ways to become involved with the Peace Corps if desired. Because the Global Impacts Pathway is closely aligned with Peace Corps Prep, I can offer a deeper level of assistance to that Pathway.

I love the way APEX offers students the chance to take what they’re learning in their classes and apply it to hands-on, practical experiences that prepare them for the professional world. I’m so grateful for the chance to be part of this work.

I come to the College of Wooster after 20 years in secondary education, focusing primarily on project-based learning and other experiential pedagogy, as well as students’ personal and professional communication skills. Taking my passion for experiential education and project-based learning into higher education through my work in APEX has been an exciting new direction in my career journey.

My BA is in Secondary Education (English and Psychology) from Cornerstone University. I have an MA in Teaching and Learning, Curriculum and Instruction from Nova Southeastern University and a Graduate Certificate in Outdoor Ministry and Leadership from Wheaton College.

After growing up in western Michigan and living in most of the Great Lakes states, as well as studying in Israel and teaching in Taiwan, I now live with my husband and three children here in Wooster.  I enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, ice skating, and hiking, as well as travel, reading, laughing, and having intriguing conversations.

Strengths: Connectedness, Belief, Learner, Restorative, Ideation

Hello! I am the Senior Associate Director of the Academic Resource Center (ARC) in APEX. I am a proud first-generation college student (Wooster alum!) and I know (first-hand) that college changes lives. I help students achieve their academic goals, become more comfortable in the classroom, and help them build their confidence as they figure out what’s next in their world.

I have a B.A. in Psychology from the College of Wooster and a M.S.Ed. in Higher Education from Purdue University. I am also a certified academic life coach and I love to integrate life coaching as I work with students to help them find their motivation and purpose.

I love Wooster for its commitment to individualized mentoring, support, and resources for students. When I’m not working, you’ll find me spending time with my family and friends around Wooster and Cleveland.

discipline | analytical | relator | consistency | individualization

As the Associate Director for English for Academic Purposes, I provide academic support for all students, with a special focus on supporting international students as they adjust to the U.S. college system and continue to improve their knowledge of English.  I support international students through one-on-one meetings, small group programs, and a semester-long course called English for Academic Purposes.  I also teach ARC Seminar which introduces students to academic skills they will use throughout their time at the College of Wooster.  I have a master’s degree in English from Indiana University (Bloomington) and a Master’s in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. I taught English for three years in Central Asia, which deepened my love for cultures around the world. I’ve taught both writing and English to multilingual speakers for many years at several U.S. colleges.  When I am not on campus, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, writing, creating, and exploring the nearby wetlands with my family, our dog, and my camera.

I love the College of Wooster’s commitment to student discovery – not only the discovery of knowledge within an academic field but also an individual student’s discovery of his/her own passion, strengths, and possibilities.

learner | ideation | intellection | input | responsibility

I am originally from the Cleveland area where I did my undergraduate degree at Baldwin Wallace University (then College). I arrived to Wooster in 2002 after completing my Masters Degree in Education at Ohio University.  I spent my first 16 years on campus in the Residence Life Office before moving over to APEX.  My husband, Scott, and I love to travel and have three daughters who keep us busy with their athletics.  I would love to help you with disability support, finding/becoming a peer tutor, or academic assistance.

responsibility | restorative | belief | arranger | adaptability

I am the Assistant Director of Academic Advising in APEX. Much of my time during the academic year is dedicated to working individually with students on academic planning, but I also work with my APEX colleagues on programs and initiatives to promote student retention and academic success. I train and supervise a group of 24 Peer Mentors, who are embedded in First Year Seminar classes and work through the academic year to support first year students. I am a member of the ARCH leadership team and am integrally involved in the training of the student ARCHers. I’ve been at the College of Wooster for 12 years.   I am currently co-chair of Staff Committee, an elected group that advocates for college staff and fosters communication with college administration, faculty, students, and the Board of Trustees.

input | arranger | connectedness | relator | intellection

I serve as the Associate Dean for Academic Advising, in the Academic Resource Center. I have been in this role since 2022, but I have been involved with APEX-related programs for several years before joining the APEX team. In my role in academic advising, I can help students with any aspect of academic planning, including consultation on immediate decisions about registration for courses; and longer-term educational planning (“four-year plan”), involving discussions of majors, minors or Pathways.  I also work with the ARCH program, helping new students start their academic journeys at Wooster; and regularly teach First-Year Seminar.

I am a faculty member in the Religious Studies Department. I teach a wide range of Religious Studies courses that contribute to the following programs: Museum and Archival Studies; South Asian Studies; East Asian Studies.

learner | context | relator | adaptability | restorative

I am the Testing & Administrative Coordinator for the Academic Resource Center. My responsibilities include assisting students who visit APEX, supporting the staff of the Academic Resource Center and facilitating testing accommodations for students.

I was previously employed at the College in the Human Resources department and returned to Wooster in 2023 in my current position. As a non-traditional college student, I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Family & Consumer Sciences from the University of Akron and completed master’s degree coursework through the university in the field of Child and Family Development.

One of the best parts about working in the Academic Resource Center at Wooster is establishing connections with students to help them be successful during their time here.

harmony | learner | consistency | discipline | responsibility

Originally from a small town “next door” to Wooster, Orrville, I was thrilled to come back to my home community in August 2015. I have spent 15+ years in higher education working in career planning, leadership education, and community engagement. My academic background includes a Bachelor in Business Administration from Kent State University and a Master of Arts in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University (BGSU). While at BGSU, I found my professional niche at small liberal arts institutions through various internship experiences.

I love The College of Wooster community because we uniquely and holistically prepare students for their short term and long term professional goals while simultaneously supporting their personal development. I am energized by working with college students and challenging them connect their academics and out-of-the-classroom experiences to their future goals in a caring, fun, and supportive environment.

I live here in Wooster with my husband, Jamie, and daughters McKenna and Finnley. I love fitness and teach various group exercise classes on-campus and in the community. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends exploring our vibrant community!

Strengths: Communication | Responsibility | Woo | Includer | Arranger

I am a proud graduate of The College of Wooster where I took advantage of the liberal arts curriculum to explore many areas of study including Communication Sciences and Disorders, Africana Studies, Sociology, and even a little time in the Dance Department. After Wooster I continued my education at The University of Akron where I completed a Master of Arts in Education, focusing on Higher Education Administration.  I’ve worked at Wooster for more than a decade and draw on my experience in the registrar’s office, alumni engagement and giving, and deep campus involvement to inform my work as Associate Director of Career Planning.

I’ve seen the many ways that a College of Wooster education prepares graduates for a successful launch into meaningful careers and future study, and I love helping students connect with resources at Wooster to explore, investigate, and prepare for what comes after graduation.

Outside of APEX, I enjoy attending campus and community events with my family and spending time at my sewing machine as I explore and learn about the intersection of quilting/textile art and social movements.

Strengths: Input | Communication | Learner | Woo | Ideation

After spending over a decade in the corporate world, I was thrilled to shift into a career dedicated to making an impact. As the Assistant Director of Career Planning, I help prepare students for “what’s next” after graduation. I work with College of Wooster alumni and employers to connect students with opportunities that integrate their academic, personal and professional goals.

I received a liberal arts education in marketing and communications from Walsh University. My love for mentorship and career services developed at my previous organization. I recruited college students for internships, built customized mentorship programs, and collaborated with area employers and higher education career offices.

I enjoy hiking and watching historical documentaries (or the Wheel of Fortune, where I aspire to be a contestant).

Strengths: Achiever |  Input | Strategic | Learner | Communication

I joined APEX in 2014 in the Global Engagement Office and now serve as the Health Professions Advisor in Career Planning. I help students plan their classes and offer advice on extracurricular activities and summer opportunities that will give them the necessary skills and experiences to succeed in the health professions. I also co-coordinate the Health Coach program with the Wooster Community Hospital.

I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and studied French and International Education at the University of Wisconsin – Madison where I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Before coming to Wooster, I spent about three years living and working in France with high school students who were learning English and with graduate students hoping to study abroad in the United States.

Having gone to a large public university where it was easy to feel anonymous and lost, I appreciate Wooster’s small campus environment. I value getting to know students personally, allowing me to be more thoughtful in our advising sessions.

Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling to new places and returning to old favorites, taking my dog on long walks, and relaxing with a good book.

Strengths: Empathy | Input | Intellection | Learner | Adaptability

I am an Administrative Coordinator in APEX, working primarily with the office of Career Planning. Some of the highlights of my current position include interacting with students, staff, and faculty through booking appointments, planning events, collecting data, and providing administrative support.

I have been employed at the College since 2005, and what I love most about Wooster is the strong sense of community across campus. I live in Wooster with my family and enjoy traveling as much as possible.

Strengths: Relator | Futuristic | Deliberative | Competition | Individualization.

Contact me about:

• APEX Fellowships
• Internships
• EL Credentialed Courses and Co-Curriculars
• Career Champions
• Riipen

Education:

• M.A., Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, TESOL
• B.A., Earlham College, International Studies

Experience:

• College of Wooster, 2009 – present; previous appointments include:
  • Assistant/Associate/Sr. Associate Director of Experiential Learning & Academic Advising
  • Director of the Lilly Project for Exploration of Vocation

• 20+ years training for manufacturing and Fortune 500 companies
• Six years studying, living and working in Japan

Professional Associations:

• Current Member – Society for Experiential Education (SEE), National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
• Past Member – NACADA, TESOL

Strengths:

• responsibility
• arranger
• developer
• relator
• learner

I have had the joy of working in a number of departments at the College since 2007. As of January 2023, I joined APEX and the Experiential Learning and Community Engagement team. My role is to strengthen the current partnerships between the College and the greater Wooster community – build new connections through AMRE projects, encouraging volunteerism, and local internships. I link students to community opportunities and hope to educate them on the importance and benefits of working and serving in your local community.

I have been in higher education for most of my professional career working in Admissions, Student Engagement, and Academic Affairs. I received a B.S. in Psychology from Bradley University and an M.A. in Educational Ministries from Wheaton College with an emphasis in Student Development.

I love working in Higher Education due to the tremendous growth of students I get to witness and be a part of during their four years. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to work with students from all over the world – it has educated me and expanded my worldview in more ways than I could ever express.

Outside of work I love spending time with friends and family, golfing, biking, cooking and travel.

Strengths: Positivity, Communication, Woo, Empathy and Arranger

As Director of the Global Engagement Office, I seek to provide students with opportunities to participate in compelling off-campus study experiences that are academically challenging, professionally relevant, and personally engaging. I also assist Wooster faculty members with designing and implementing our faculty-led (TREK) programs.

I have worked in international education for almost 30 years, first as an international student advisor, then in study abroad, and eventually serving as a Senior International Officer. Having earned my undergraduate degree in psychology at a liberal arts college (Colorado College), I enjoy working with Wooster students anxious to gain an understanding of the beliefs and perspectives held by others and acquire cross-cultural competencies. I lived and worked in Japan for three years and hold an M.A. in Asian Studies from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa.

I am passionate about my work because of how travel and working with people from around the world has transformed me. I love it when students tell me that their off-campus experience was a highlight of their time at The College of Wooster!

In my spare time I enjoy riding my bike, growing flowers, trying to knit, and learning to golf. My two wonderful sons live in the Pacific Northwest, and I visit them as often as possible.

Strengths: Positivity, Strategic, Learner, Activator, Achiever

I manage the Entrepreneurship program at the College.  This includes teaching a variety of Entrepreneurship courses, managing the Entrepreneurship Pathway, helping students create self-design majors related to entrepreneurship, and coordinating experiential learning and opportunities for students to engage with the entrepreneurship ecosystem of northeast Ohio and well beyond.

I have been at the College since 2012, arriving with previous experience in higher education, economic development, and industry.  I have worked in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, consulted with companies across a range of different industries from banking to manufacturing, am a Certified Economic Developer, started and ran a technology business incubator, and taught in a business school at a large university.

My favorite part of working at Wooster is teaching and advising students as they discover their interests and purse their education and skill development to prepare for their future.  Wooster has such a wide mix of students from all walks of life and all over the globe.  I get immense satisfaction out of watching their personal and professional development during their time at Wooster and after they graduate.  I believe that my work has deep meaning.

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time in my shop building furniture and a variety of items from both wood and steel.  My shop is my sanctuary and creative outlet.  I am also a voracious reader.  When the weather is nice, you may see me out hiking or on the golf course.

Strengths: Strategic, Achiever, Maximizer, Deliberative, Learner