I have been all over the place! I started in college with aspirations to be an

actor. I got a degree in Theater & Dance but realized quickly that is a difficult way to make a living. It wasn’t representative of the lifestyle I wanted. I was directionless and started working in retail and sales.  

I followed my wife to Colorado for her Master of Social Work. During her program, she said, “I don’t think this is for me, but I think you’d be really great at it.” I thanked her but wasn’t so sure. Five years later I applied to a counseling program at Indiana University Bloomington.  

I went into mental health work in 2014. I worked in community mental health for two different counties and then in private practice. I loved doing it. It was a very rewarding career. I was ten years in and all I could think about was how much I wanted to be done. My colleagues agreed I was burned out.  

Last December, I started exploring and found this role at Ferris State University (FSU) which was a match made in heaven. There were a lot of transferrable skills between this and being a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I am six months in, and this seems very promising. I have loved the experiences I have had and hope to do this for many years as well. Additionally, I was not eligible yet this year, but hopefully in the fall of next I will be teaching a first-year seminar course.  

What brings you joy outside of work?

I am a family-oriented person. Coming home to my wife and son and hearing “Daddy is home” is the best thing ever. I love building relationships. I am a people person and textbook extrovert.

I enjoy golf. I play video games. If I am feeling bored or restless, I clean the house until it sparkles.

Can you share about your session at the 2024 Annual Conference for those who weren’t able to attend?ell us about the grant you are working on.

It was called Motivational Interviewing for Academic Advisors. I had the idea while doing a presentation for optometry students at the School of Optometry. My wife works there and wanted them to get some information about mental health care.

The MIACADA Conference was later brought to my attention. One of my goals for my first year at FSU was to submit a proposal to do a presentation at a conference. I submitted, got accepted, and presented. It was well received. I’ve gotten three requests since then to present that same material. I hope to refine it as I learn more about being an advisor and make it even more helpful for people. 

What would you share with anyone considering presenting at a MIACADA for the first time?

Based on my experience, I would tell them absolutely do it. I was thrilled how excited everyone was to be there and how kind everyone was after the presentation. People even wished me luck right when I arrived at the conference. It was a great opportunity to dip my toe in the water and meet people who want to see me succeed. MIACADA is a great place for people who do not have a lot of experience yet doing that kind of thing.

What advice would you give to new advisors?

I would say based on my experiences at Ferris, it has been 90% of loving being here, but 10% frustration. Be patient with yourself.

As a team here at FSU we tell each other to be authentic. We are here because we love guiding and giving assistance. Everything else can be learned. I’m still learning policy and procedures and will continue to for some time.

Recognize that we are all here as advisors because we bring something unique to the table. We enjoy talking to students and helping them and everything else will fall into place. Focus on being of service to others.