Student Bios

JORDYN BAKER

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Wilmington, North Carolina

Undergraduate Institution: University of North Carolina – Wilmington

Residential Student

Assistant Residence Manager, University Housing

Reason you chose SAHE: “The reason I chose the SAHE program is because of my goals of becoming a Dean of Students or Chancellor one day. The SAHE program will be setting me up for the dream career I have in mind for myself. I also chose this program because it has been here for so long and is exactly what I was looking for.”

EMILY BARKER

Pronouns: she/her/ella

Hometown: Fort Collins, CO

Undergraduate Institution: University of Northern Colorado

Online Student 

Reason you chose SAHE: “I recently changed career paths from K-12 teaching to working as an Academic Advisor at a community college. While I am enjoying it immensely, I have realized that there is much yet to learn if I want to continue in the field of student affairs and higher education! Several of my colleagues are graduates of the SAHE program and highly recommended it, and I was encouraged by the fact that they have part-time, online options for people who work full time like me. I love that the professors are working in the fields that they are teaching us about and that the whole program is centered around the reflective, scholar-practitioner model. I look forward to learning alongside students from a wide variety of backgrounds, and to gaining insight from their perspectives and experiences along the way as well.”

Emily Barker

JOHN BATES

Pronouns: he/him/his

Hometown: Dayton, Ohio

Undergraduate Institution: The Ohio State University

Residential Student

Assistant Residence Director, University Housing

Reason you chose SAHE: “SAHE felt like the perfect program for me. Even at the start of the application process, I could tell that the SAHE program valued diversity, equity, and social justice as evidenced by the SAHE faculty, the course content, and the structure of the program. Coming here for interview days, there was a level of care demonstrated by the faculty and students for the interviewees that I think really separates the SAHE program from other student affairs programs. I distinctly remember faculty talking about the ethic of love and really connecting to that. Everything about SAHE felt unique. Also, it doesn’t hurt that Fort Collins is a beautiful area with nearby access to a lot of very cool spots to hike, amongst other outdoor activities.”

SUSAN BROWN

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown:Hartford, Wisconsin

Undergraduate Institution: Colorado State University

Online Student

Recruitment Coordinator, College of Agricultural Sciences

Reason you chose SAHE: “From interacting with SAHE program grads throughout my time at CSU as an undergraduate student, I was able to discover higher education as my dream career pathway. When I found out I could complete the SAHE program online while gaining work experience at CSU, it all clicked together for me! I love being able to learn about theories or best practices in one of my classes and relating what I’m learning directly to my work in my role at CSU. The support of instructors, advisors, and classmates has made the online SAHE program truly amazing!“

EDGAR CARRENO

Pronouns: he/him/his

Hometown: Wenatchee, Washington

Undergraduate Institution: Central Washington University

Online Student

Residence Hall Manager, Center for Global Scholars – International Education

Reason you chose SAHE: “The reason I chose the SAHE program at Colorado State University was because of the atmosphere, it being a larger school than my undergraduate institution, as well as the faculty and staff. The connections I have made even before the program began with fellow SAHE students and faculty have contributed to my success within the program and connection to SAHE. The focus on the scholar-practitioner model was another reason for choosing this program.”

MICHAEL CHAPMAN

Pronouns: he/him/his

Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri

Undergraduate Institution: Missouri State University

Residential Student

Graduate Assistant for Experiential Learning, Career Center; Chapter Graduate Advisor, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life; Advising and Outreach Intern; College of Liberal Arts.

Reason you chose SAHE: “Out of the programs I applied to and interviewed for, SAHE’s academic approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice felt the most genuine. I feel both challenged and celebrated here and I am super thankful I get to experience my graduate school journey at Colorado State!  Also the mountains are so beautiful and they make me happy! <3

HYDIE CHEUNG

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Hong Kong

Undergraduate Institution: University of California, San Diego

Online Student 

Reason you chose SAHE: “The wide aspects of topics within the SAHE program is not only highly valuable to student affairs professionals around the world, but also inspiring to us as higher education professionals. Aside from the interactive discussions with my peers, one of the best part of the program is to learn and grow from building your portfolio and establishing a close relationship with an adviser. It really opens up my world and reminds me why I want to continue working in this field.”

Andy COX

Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Undergraduate Institution: Kansas State University

Residential Student

Assistant Residence Director, University Housing

Reason you chose SAHE: “CSU’s SAHE was appealing to me because of the evidence of support for it’s students and it’s student outcome goals. It was, and still is, obvious to me that this program cares about it’s students on more than a purely academic level- I feel valued inside and outside of the classroom for my own experiences and identities and everything that I can offer as a person; and I am confident that, when I graduate, I will have developed professional and personal skills that will guide me through a successful student affairs career.“

CILISHA DAWSON

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Smithfield, North Carolina

Undergraduate Institution: University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Online Student

Elementary School Teacher,  Freedom Elementary School 

Reason you chose SAHE: “I chose SAHE because this program aligned with my goals of wanting to support students in higher education. Currently, as an elementary school teacher, I support students in helping them foster a love for learning, I want to continue to support students through their educational journey and through life in general. I am excited, after successfully completing this program, to connect with students on a different level of support and help them reach their career and educational goals.”

ALYSSA DEGALA

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: East Providence, Rhode Island

Undergraduate Institution: University of Rhode Island

Online Student

AP Psychology and Research Teacher, Nakornpayap International School

Reason you chose SAHE: “Although I’m just starting my program, choosing the SAHE program feels like the right choice already. What has drawn me to their program was their commitment of theory-to-practice teaching styles. They care about student’s personal growth by focusing on the skills needed to be career ready from graduation on. They are driven to make sure students, even in their online program learn through application with internships and assignments.”

NALLELY DOMINGUEZ HOLGUIN

Pronouns: she/her/ella

Hometown: Thornton, Colorado

Undergraduate Institution: University of Colorado Boulder

Residential Student

Assistant Residence Director, University Housing

Reason you chose SAHE: “During I-Days I was impressed with the faculty and staff, the passion for their work showed in the conversations I had with them. As I spent time with my potential cohort I was excited to continue to work with them and build connections. On top of having a good I-Days experience the values of the SAHE program align with mine and I love the emphasis on social justice and reflection. SAHE also offers an assistantship to get real world experience in the field while attending school. As a Latina coming into a PWI I knew SAHE would be a perfect place for me where I would feel supported and encouraged to grow.“

MEGHAN HADDY

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota

Undergraduate Institution: University of Northern Iowa

Residential  Student

Coordinator of Student Engagement, Adult Learner & Veteran Services

Reason you chose the SAHE Program: “After graduating from my undergrad, I worked in international education at the North American Office of the International Summer School at the University of Oslo for three years. There were some professional development opportunities but I wanted greater personal growth and development. Looking at grad schools, I knew I wanted to grow in my ability to support non-traditional and underrepresented students so both the SAHE program and working within ALVS gave me that opportunity. At I-days, the current students, faculty, and staff within the SAHE program, were genuine, caring, and honest. They also demonstrated that they actually followed some of the values set forth by the program. These two things drew me to the program even more..”

Meghan Haddy

CHELSEA HAPNER

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Zeeland, Michigan

Undergraduate Institution: Hope College

Online Student

Building Monitor, University of Maryland University College

What you’ve enjoyed most about the SAHE Program: “Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed the full SAHE journey!  I love the classes and topics, the online formatting, the professors, and the new connections and friendships being made!  The SAHE program is both challenging and rewarding.”

LILIANNE HERNANDEZ

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: San Diego, California

Undergraduate Institution: University of California, San Diego

Online Student

Residential Services Assistant – Housing, Dining, and Hospitality, University of California San Diego

Reason you chose SAHE: “When I started my program search I found out about the SAHE program and knew that was the one for me because of the of the course variety that could prepare you for many higher education areas and its high reputation. However, living in San Diego and never having moved states, made the SAHE program a far away dream. Luckily, I followed my boyfriend’s advise on looking into online programs and that is when I found out the SAHE program was also offered as an online option. The fact that the SAHE program was online made my dream feel more attainable than ever.”

LISA JANG

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Undergraduate Institution: University of California, San Diego

Residential Student

Assistant Residence Director, University Housing

Reason you chose SAHE: “I chose the SAHE program because it was one of the only programs I applied to that felt very genuine in their approach and intentions. One of the supervisors that I really enjoyed working with in my undergraduate years, who also helped me start on my path into a career in student affairs, was a SAHE graduate. I applied with good hopes and fell in love during I-Days as I got the chance to engage in conversation with current SAHE students and faculty members that made me really want to attend and learn here. I felt that this would be a space where I could truly grow as both an individual and as a student affairs professional.“

REANNA KLANSECK

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Kailua, Hawaii

Undergraduate Institution: Boise State University

Online Student

Battalion S1, U.S. Army

Reason you chose SAHE: “I discovered my passion for working with students in higher education as a Resident Assistant in college. Through this experience, I was blessed with the opportunity to support and challenge my residents, but I never had any of the knowledge behind it besides the basics that were taught in training. I had never heard of student development theories or campus ecology before, and I didn’t do any research or evaluations in the role. I chose the SAHE program to learn more and become more engaged with student affairs and student development. I believe that CSU’s online SAHE program is the only online program worth enrolling in. It is a rigorous academic program with practitioner faculty, practicums, in-depth curriculum, and countless opportunities.”

EMILY KILBURG

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Cuba City, Wisconsin

Undergraduate Institution: University of Wisconsin La Crosse

Online Student

Project Coordinator, University Marketing and Communications

Reason you chose SAHE: “In a former position I held in the finance world I had the opportunity to hire, train, and mentor our college interns. It was through that role that I discovered my passion for supporting students. I began exploring a career shift that would lead to more of this type of work. One of my former undergraduate mentors introduced me to the world of student affairs, and encouraged me to investigate it further. In the midst of all of this, I moved from Wisconsin to Colorado and started working at CSU’s main campus in a business admin capacity. When it came time to pursue my degree, I was already all in becoming a Ram. The community, servant leadership, education, and environment at CSU is second to none, online and in person.“

NATALIE LESTER

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Lived in Fort Collins for almost the last 10 years, so I feel this is my new hometown

Undergraduate Institution: Colorado State University

Residential Student

Senior Coordinator for the Reisher Scholars Program, Scholar Success Programs

Reason you chose SAHE: “I choose SAHE because I believe student affairs is about truly meeting students where they are at and having an impact on something bigger than myself. As a student affairs professional, I have dedicated my life and career to being the person I needed when I came to college. The legacy of mentorship is a ripple effect that starts with outstanding mentors as they lead the next generation. As a product of the legacy of mentorship, I look forward to passing on that which motivated me to go into student affairs. I choose SAHE because this program’s commitment in theory-to-practice will develop my knowledge and effectiveness to better support students’ success. Upon taking SAHE’s classes, as part of the Student Affairs graduate certificate, I have been taught foundational skills that will equip me with the strategies to implement them into my work. Resonating with the message that, “people will work in student affairs by instinct, and find they need a solid education,” I am empowered in this program to help me become a more well-rounded, competent, and equity-conscious student affairs practitioner.“

KURT LOESER

Pronouns: he/him/his

Hometown: Longmont, Colorado

Undergraduate Institution: University of Colorado – Boulder

Online Student

Materials Handler II, CSU Bookstore

Reason you chose SAHE: “Student support has been my principal duty at the CSU Bookstore, regardless of the time of year or current job responsibilities. While my role facilitating student success by providing all information pertaining to course materials across the universities many departments is a gratifying foundation, it is essentially limited to the first four weeks of a given semester. Obtaining a master’s degree in Student Affairs would expand the access I have in enacting positive change in students’ lives.“

AMBER MAZURANA

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Windsor, Colorado

Undergraduate Institution: Butler University

Expected Year of SAHE Graduation: 2022

Online Student

Senior Instructor, Colorado State University- School of Dance 

Reason you chose SAHE: “Amber has been teaching at CSU in the School of Dance for almost a decade. After a twenty-year career performing professionally and training dancers in pre-professional programs, she discovered a passion for working with students in higher education. Currently in her second year of the SAHE program, Amber continually strives to gain a deeper understanding of the important issues affecting her students and the field at large. As a student affairs scholar-practitioner, she aims to listen intentionally, challenge while providing support, guide choices, and facilitate holistic growth. As a mother, wife, friend, colleague, teacher and mentor, Amber hopes to share her passion for life, help others on their journeys and positively impact her community. The online SAHE program at CSU allows her to fulfil all these roles while giving her the flexibility to learn the essential skills needed to excel in higher education.”

HALEY MCAVENEY

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: New Milford, New Jersey

Undergraduate Institution: University of Delaware

Residential Student

Graduate Assistant, Off Campus Life; Chapter Graduate Advisor, Fraternity and Sorority Life

Reason you chose SAHE: “In my journey through searching for a Higher Education & Student Affairs program that felt right for me, I made a list of a few non-negotiables. The first – I wanted a program that centered social justice and advocacy. I wanted a program that had built-in experiential learning components. I wanted a program that was going to be academically challenging. SAHE checked all of those boxes and then some. After visiting campus, I knew the SAHE program was right for me – the faculty, students, and campus culture aligned exactly with the experience I wanted from a graduate program. I’ve also found that moving across the country has been a bonus to my growth as a student and professional!“

Janelle Mobley

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Undergraduate Institution: Colorado State University

Residential Student

Assistant Residence Director, University Housing

Reason you chose SAHE: “During my undergraduate studies, I gained valuable experiences that led me to pursue a career in student affairs. I personally benefited from the programming and research efforts within my major, which were designed to support first generation and students of color. This support helped me transition to university and ultimately led me to pursue working in higher education. I chose the SAHE program specifically because I enjoyed my time at CSU and wanted to challenge myself academically, personally, and professionally. During I-Days, I was impressed by the program’s culture and felt that its values were aligned with my own. I am confident that the SAHE program will prepare me to make a meaningful impact in the field of student affairs.“

Yulisa Muñoz Tena

Pronouns: she/her/ella

Hometown: Namiquipa, Chihuahua

Undergraduate Institution: Colorado State University

Residential Student

Bridge Scholars Graduate Assistant, Access Center

Reason you chose SAHE: “I am grateful to be a part of the SAHE program. The network of alumni and faculty the program has cultivated throughout the years definitely caught my attention. As I went through the application process, I was able to reach out to alumni that helped me prepare for graduate school. Once I-days rolled around and I met current students and faculty, I knew the program was my next step in life. The mentorship I have found within the faculty of the program has allowed me to continue dreaming of what the future holds for my professional career.“

JESSIE O’NEAL

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Fort Collins, CO

Undergraduate Institution: University of Maryland

Online Student

Graduate Admissions Counselor

Reason you chose SAHE: “I am always striving to be the best at what I do and I want to be somewhere where I’ll have the opportunity to develop my skills and work with people I can truly learn from. Some of the most innovative industry leaders work at Colorado State University and that’s a big reason why attending this institution really excites me! In my current role as Graduate Admissions Counselor for the College of Business at CSU, I have been able to work alongside faculty, staff, and students and love it. I find inspiration in the experiences, the relationships, and the knowledge I have gained. I appreciate being a part of a university culture and enjoy mentoring and motivating the people around me. The environment and culture of a college can be exciting and rewarding and I want to experience it, furnish it, and give that back to the students. I went to the University of Maryland and truly believe that my experience there, in a supportive, inclusive, and cultivating environment, helped me to learn and grow into the person I am now, and I would love to be able to provide that for others. In the future I not only want to ensure that student’s in higher education have an enriching experience that supports them in their diverse backgrounds, strengths, and values but I also want to create foundations in order to make sure that what they do experience is well thought out, supportive, and intentional.”

CARINA PALOMINO (OROZCO)

Pronouns: she/her/Carina’s

Hometown: Guerrero, Chihuahua, Mexico

Undergraduate Institution: Colorado State University

Residential Student

Assistant Resident Manager, University Housing

Reason you chose SAHE: “Throughout my undergraduate experience I learned the most outside of the classroom. I was highly involved with the alternative break community and mentorship programs. I found my love and passion for social justice, working with others, and supporting students’ success through these experiences. Thank to my mentors and support system, I learned that what I enjoyed the most during my undergrad career is a field of work, therefore I applied to SAHE.”

MAIJA LINH PHAM

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Clackamas, Oregon

Undergraduate Institution: Oregon State University – Honors College

Residential Student

Graduate Assistant, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life; SAHE Graduate Assistant, VPSA Office/School of Education; Chapter Graduate Advisor, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life

Reason you chose SAHE: “I chose the SAHE program due to the overwhelming support I received as an undergraduate student. When I asked what schools I should apply to, many of my mentors and supervisors spoke highly about the quality of education and experiences that the SAHE program and CSU provides. When it came to my interviews, SAHE /CSU students and faculty provided the most comfortable, engaging, and welcoming spaces out of all the schools I applied to.“

SIERRA PIERCE

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Glendale Heights, Illinois

Undergraduate Institution: Iowa State University

Residential Student

Counselor, Office of Financial Aid

Reason you chose SAHE: “I am incredibly passionate about the field of student affairs and the work we do to support students. As a first-generation biracial student, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support from mentors along the way. After applying to numerous graduate programs, CSU stood out amongst all others. It’s obvious from your very first interactions how caring the faculty is and how intentional the program is in shaping well-rounded, thoughtful professionals. SAHE promotes a deep sense of community while instilling social justice and care into all aspects of our work. Through the cohort model, applicable portfolio development, and professional on hands learning experiences through assistantships, this program is incredibly special.“

SARAHY QUINTANA TREJO

Pronouns: she/her/ella

Hometown: Greeley, Colorado

Undergraduate Institution: Colorado State University

Residential Student

Event and Program Graduate Assistant, Career Center; Chapter Graduate Advisor, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life

Reason you chose SAHE: “My undergraduate experience at CSU provided me with support, growth, and learning. I built connections I deeply value and I did not need to search far to find the graduate program for me.”

JENNIFER REINKE

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Undergraduate Institution: University of Minnesota

Online Student

Associate Professor, Human Development and Family Studies

Reason you chose SAHE: “I have been in academic affairs my entire career. The more I work with students in the classroom, the more I recognize how students’ lives outside the classroom play a critical role in their student experience. I chose CSU’s SAHE program to more deeply understand the holistic student. The flexibility the online program offers has allowed me to pursue my educational goals at a time and place that are conducive to my other work and life demands.”

CARLOS RUBIO REGALADO

Pronouns: he/him/his

Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma & Tamazula, Jalisco, Mexico

Undergraduate Institution: The University of Oklahoma

Residential Student

RamEvents Program Coordinator, Campus Activities

Reason you chose SAHE: “I chose the SAHE program because I wanted a new experience in an area where I am passionate about the work. During our interview weekend, I was amazed by how great my potential cohort members were and was impressed by the space that the faculty were creating for us. I particularly fancied the programs focus on self-reflection as a means to better establish your studies and work. Also, you can’t knock how beautiful those foothills look sometimes, and being close to the mountains is a huge plus for me! :)”

Isabel Whelan

Pronouns: she/they

Hometown: Warner Robins, Georgia

Undergraduate Institution: University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Residential Student

Assistant Residence Director, University Housing

Reason you chose SAHE: “When thinking about a graduate program I knew I wanted to be challenged academically, have opportunities for experiential learning, and most importantly feel a strong sense of community. SAHE I-days was my first interview weekend, and I knew then that it was where I needed to be. The sense of belonging and community that I felt was unmatched by any of the other programs I interviewed with. Having the support of the community around me has helped me immensely as I transitioned into grad school, my assistantship, and living in a new state. My assistantship and classes are engaging and pushing me to grow and I am excited to see how I develop as a professional throughout my time in this program.”

B WULLER

Pronouns: they/them/theirs

Hometown: Stillwater, Oklahoma

Undergraduate Institution: University of Oklahoma

Residential Student

Co-Curricular Leadership Development Graduate Assistant, Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement

Reason you chose SAHE: “I chose the SAHE program because I knew I would equally be both challenged and supported in my academic, professional, and personal life. This program provides enriching, collaborative courses and hands-on experience through assistantship positions. On a more personal note, the people in SAHE make me feel seen in my identity and have created an environment where it’s safe to explore more of who I am and how that shows up in my work. Coming to Fort Collins felt like coming home.”