Member Spotlight | May 2026

The MIACADA Member Spotlight showcases exceptional individuals who make a significant impact on the advising profession and our organization. Each feature highlights a member whose dedication and contributions inspire us all. Join us in celebrating their remarkable achievements and commitment to advising. Know someone who should be recognized? Let us know! Nominate them today!

Tell us a little about your professional journey. What has your career path looked like leading up to your current role?

I decided about 30 years ago to change career paths, and I could think of no other pathway that was more interesting to me than education. So, I forged ahead obtaining a teacher certification along with a master's degree in educational leadership.  It has been a long journey to the point with additional studies and information every step of the way. I taught for a number of years as a language arts teacher in high school. It was after my relocation to Phoenix, Arizona that I became interested in pursuing a career in higher education. Trial by fire defines how I became entrenched in higher education but not before working as an education specialist for a non - profit organization. It was in my non-profit role that I was able to see the importance of making stakeholder connections worthwhile for early college preparation for students. I learned the real importance of college success often started with an advocate, and support system to help navigate college life. It is with this in mind that I turned my attention to working in a higher education role as an academic advisor and success coach. I am currently working as a success coach; a role I have held for about three years. 

When you’re not advising, what are some activities, hobbies, or interests that bring you joy?

I enjoy traveling, Tai Chi, reading, bicycling and listening to music. I am a huge sports spectator, with football and tennis being my favorite sports to follow. 

Can you share more about the time you have spent at Wayne State? What has made it meaningful for you?

Every day I discover why my time at Wayne is special and meaningful. Helping students discover wins no matter the size makes it all worthwhile. I work with students on academic probation and that often comes with many outside factors impeding their success. Engaging with my students and helping them develop plans to address grades, for example helping utilize time management grids or strategies to approach an instructor,  are the moments that really make for meaningful experiences. Time spent helping students work through challenges by simply listening, providing resources and then providing the support with ongoing communication, make it worthwhile. 

Congratulations on receiving the 2026 MIACADA Outstanding Academic Advisor Award! What did it mean to you to receive this recognition?

The MIACADA award means so much to me. I think most importantly it validates the work I do on a daily basis to support students. Others around me see my day-to-day engagement and appreciate the time and effort of my output with students. It confirms that I am moving in the right direction with my approach and strategies to student success. 

What experiences or memories with MIACADA stand out the most to you?

The experience that stands out most is during lunch when I am able to meet other advisors, realizing we have more in common from school to school than we think. But the lunch that stands out took place at MSU last year. The guest speaker from MCAN was very dynamic, and I felt a call to action after her speech. 

What advice would you share with professionals who are just beginning their careers in academic advising?

If you are just starting out in this profession, you are going to love your role as an advisor. Stay open to new ideas and think outside the box. Students are not prescriptive, and each has a different set of challenges and experiences. Be willing to listen and rather than providing an instant solution, a completely normal reaction as advisors, provide guidance to the solution. The most important thing to remember, previous educational experiences (K-12, Community College, etc.) have shaped how they view college, make the interactions worthwhile in the short amount of time you have the attention of the student in your office.