Mentor Biographies Mentoring Program

[Pages:8]Mentor Biographies Mentoring Program

Karen Abboud

Instructor, Physical Therapist Assistant

I have been an instructor in the Clarkson College Physical Therapist Assistant

(PTA) program since August 2009 and a practicing clinician since 2005. I earned

a Bachelor's degree in General Studies from the University of Nebraska at

Omaha in 2002 and an Associate's degree in PTA from Clarkson College

in 2005. I will begin the Clarkson College Master's degree in Health Care

Administration program this fall. I serve as the PTA Caucus Representative

for Nebraska, and I have received certifications as a Certified Lymphedema

Therapist and Certified Clinical Instructor.

I want to participate in the Mentoring program because I love sharing my experiences with other students and want to help them through their journey here at Clarkson College.

My family consists of Jeremy, my wonderful husband of 11 years, and two children, Michael, 7, and Kaitlyn, 4. I enjoy spending time with my family, attending my kids' activities and--when time allows--I enjoy scrapbooking.

Kitty Cappellano

Success Center Manager, Student Center

I've worked in the Success Center at Clarkson College for nearly 11 years. I love meeting and getting to know new people. I think laughter is the best medicine. I like to work in the yard, spend time with family and friends, watch funny movies and sit by a pool.

Alina Cheffer

Admissions Coordinator

This is my fourth year participating in the Mentoring program. I really enjoy

the program because I like meeting and assisting students in any way I can.

Students should have someone to reach out or talk to in times of need, and

being part of the Mentoring program allows me to be one of those people.

It is important for students to have a strong support system as they progress

through their Clarkson College education, and the Mentoring program is a

good way to receive such support.

I enjoy being outside--whether that is at a Farmer's Market in town, at the pool or just taking a walk. I also like to volunteer at the Nebraska Humane Society, hang out with my cat and watch T.V.

Biographies of the Clarkson College Mentors

Joe Councill

Assistant Professor, Nursing

I have been a faculty member at Clarkson College for seven years, teaching in

the Baccalaureate Nursing program. The majority of my teaching experience

is in the areas of mental health nursing, nursing research and online education.

I enjoy teaching and interacting with students. I like to spend time with my

family, camp, ride bikes and read novels.

Jean Delfs

Administrative Assistant

I live in Council Bluffs, am married and have two adult children who are

experienced college students. Our son will graduate in spring 2012 from Sam

Houston State in Texas. Our daughter recently graduated from Iowa State this

past May. Summer is my favorite season, and I enjoy being outside, spending

time with friends, traveling and shopping.

I have been a mentor for each of the seven years I have been employed at Clarkson College. As a mentor and a mom, I use my good listening skills to get to know my mentee and help to answer any questions or concerns he or she may have.

Jena Dickinson

Project Manager, Center for Teaching Excellence

I am currently a Project Manager for Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) at Clarkson College. I am organized, outgoing, a good listener and like to be creative. In my spare time, I spend time with family and friends. I also enjoy reading, shopping, organizing and exercising. I also have a slight obsession for shoes and purses. I look forward to getting to know my mentees in the upcoming year.

Kelly J. Eaton

Instructor, Radiologic Technology & Medical Imaging

I wanted to get involved in the Mentoring program because I know what it is

like to be a student attending college for the first time. Whether fresh out of

high school or not, a new college student is full of anxiety, nervousness and

questions. I also know what it is like to work full-time, have a family at home

and make the difficult--yet rewarding--decision to go back to school.

I am an instructor in the Radiologic Technology and Medical Imaging programs at Clarkson College. I live in Omaha with my husband of almost nine years, Steve, and our sons: Crew is almost 4 years old, and Koenn is 6 months old. I love to go on walks, play with my children and listen to music.

2

Biographies of the Clarkson College Mentors

Sarah Flanagan

Instructor, General Education

In my second year as an instructor at Clarkson College, I am very excited to be

a mentor for incoming students! With a background in social work, getting to

know people and building supportive relationships is what comes naturally to

me. I look forward to working with students as they begin their journey here at

Clarkson College and offering my support to help them enjoy the experience

and be successful!

I am married and have two young daughters, Rory, 2, and Devin, 2 months. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, watching/playing sports, fishing and--when I'm lucky enough--sleeping in past 7 a.m.!

Margie Harris

Director, Student Financial Services

The Mentoring program enhances the connection employees have with students. I enjoy the opportunity to learn about students, answer their questions, address their concerns and share in their accomplishments.

Prior to joining Clarkson College in 2003, I worked at the University of Nebraska on both the Lincoln and Omaha campuses. I love the collegiate environment and cannot imagine working anywhere else.

I'm married, have one daughter in college, three step-children and five grandchildren. I've always loved dance and roller skating, both of which I used to teach. I have a secret passion for muscle cars--Camaros and Challengers. In my spare time I like to read, experiment with photography, make cards, garden and hang out with family and friends.

Michelle Heilig

Admissions Coordinator

I am involved in the Mentoring program because I really enjoy getting to know

students. I also want to act as a resource to help with the transition of receiving

an education at Clarkson College. My hobbies include scrapbooking, going to

movies, shopping, reading and traveling.

Beckie Humanik

Assistant to the Student Accounts Manager

I became involved in the Mentoring program because I feel it's important for a

student to talk with someone other than their peers. Whether school, home or

life in general is discussed, I'm always here to listen, give advice and hopefully

make a positive impact on a mentee's life.

In my spare time, I enjoy shopping, eating, cleaning, watching reality T.V., hanging out at the pool, getting together with friends and reading magazines.

3

Biographies of the Clarkson College Mentors

Mary Jo Jelinek

Instructor, Nursing

I enjoy the Mentoring program and have met wonderful people by being

a mentor. I am a strong student advocate, and I learn a great deal from my

students. College is a different and new experience, and I enjoy empowering

students to appreciate all they are capable of learning and doing for

themselves and others.

I am the mother of five and grandmother of seven. I read incessantly about health and nutrition. I may not look it, however, I love to exercise.

Linda Jensen

Associate Professor, Nursing

I have taught at Clarkson College for four years and am an Associate Professor

in the Graduate Nursing program. I previously lived in Kearney, Neb., and

taught in the College of Nursing at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Throughout my career, I have worked in many areas, including psychiatric,

obstetrics, med-surgical, ICU and community.

I love to spend time with my three grown children and six grandchildren, ages ranging from 4 to 13. I love to travel and have visited Japan, Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, France, Ireland and recently visited Hawaii on a family trip. I'm a high school sports fan, especially for the Bellevue East girls' basketball team, as my son coaches the team. I am also an active member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and currently serve on the Board of Directors.

Nicole Koborg

Librarian

I've been a librarian at Clarkson College for the past 11 years and have had many great experiences participating in the Mentoring program. I'm a good mentor because I have a lot of experience at Clarkson College and am very familiar with its Mission and Values.

Obviously, as a librarian, I enjoying reading. I also enjoy listening to music, watching reality T.V., playing Angry Birds and spending time with family and friends. Having just moved into a new house, I look forward to learning how to garden in the coming year.

Kay Kronholm

Counselor, Student Center

I enjoy working with students in a variety of ways. I've been a mentor before

in other programs and enjoy the one-on-one contact and support. My role

at Clarkson College lends itself to mentoring, and I'm looking forward to this

opportunity.

4

Biographies of the Clarkson College Mentors

Jane Langemeier

Assistant Professor, Nursing

I have been privileged to have many mentors in my life. These mentors gave

me inspiration, motivation and served as my role models. I only hope I may give

back to someone else what my mentors gave to me.

I am a nurse and have taught in the Undergraduate and Graduate Nursing programs at Clarkson College. I commute to Omaha from rural Nebraska, so I feel I have the best of both worlds. I enjoy being with my family, gardening and decorating. I also enjoy volunteering in my community. I love Nebraska football and try to attend their games whenever possible.

Chuck MacDonell

Director, Student Center

I enjoy being a mentor because it allows me to meet new students and assist them as they get adjusted to Clarkson College. I enjoy reading, camping and watching college football. I've worked at Clarkson College for 10 years and have enjoyed watching the institution grow. I hope you enjoy your college experince.

Sharon Mantz

Administrative Assistant

I'm involved in the Mentoring program because I like meeting new students

and helping them find resources and become familiar with the Clarkson College

campus. In my spare time, I like to take nature photos. I enjoy reading and am

a member of the Diversity Council Reading Club.

Sherry L. Martin

Administrative Assistant

Above all else, I enjoy reading. I also enjoy watching movies--mostly comedy

and romance--and sometimes I go bowling just for fun. I want to be a mentor

especially for a young, single mom because I had a mentor when I was a young,

single mom. She encouraged me, kept me focused and assured me, "There is

an end in sight." She was right!

Kassie McKenny

Assistant Professor, Nursing

I'm involved in the Mentoring program to give new students an edge up as they begin their education at Clarkson College. I also enjoy connecting with my mentees on a personal level.

I have been a nurse for 12 years and have taught at Clarkson College for eight years. I received my undergraduate degrees from the College of St. Mary and my M.S.N. from Clarkson College. I consider myself easy going, organized and creative. I live in Omaha with my husband and two young daughters who keep me busy. I enjoy reading fiction books, sewing and scrapbooking.

5

Biographies of the Clarkson College Mentors

Andreia Nebel Director & Associate Professor, Physical Therapist Assistant

By being a mentor, I have the opportunity to meet new people and help others in any way I can. I enjoy being able to offer advice when needed, provide resources and, most of all, be someone to talk to. I love to do triathlons, travel, camp, read mindless novels, and hang out with my family doing all of the above.

Denny Owens

Assistant Professor, General Education

I am involved in the Mentoring program because I believe it is essential for us to set the necessary goals to pursue our dreams. However, in order to accomplish those dreams, we require positive, supportive relationships with people who share our interests and will help us stay focused.

I am an Assistant Professor in General Education, and I teach courses for Clarkson College in Psychology, Sociology and Core II ? The History of Healing Arts. My clinical experience in adolescent psychology is in a variety of hospital and school settings. I have a passion for learning and teaching as a dynamic, interactive process. My wife and three sons are the center of my life and keep me grounded, energized and focused.

Renee Ruhkamp

Assistant Professor, Nursing

I became a mentor several years ago because I love seeing eager students

come to college and watching them succeed on graduation day. I look forward

to working with new students and helping in any way possible.

I am an Assistant Professor in the B.S.N. program and have been a nurse for 15 years, spending most of my career in cardiology. I received my Registered Nurse degree at Western Iowa Tech and later obtained my B.S.N. from Briar Cliff University. I have my Master's degree in Nursing Education from Clarkson College. I am currently working on my Doctorate in Education for health professions at College of Saint Mary. I have a beautiful 11-year-old daughter who keeps me very busy. I have two cats and love to garden.

6

Biographies of the Clarkson College Mentors

Pam Schwalb Assistant Director & Assistant Professor, Health Care Business Management I've been a member of the Health Care Business program faculty for five years. If you're a Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant or Radiologic Technology student, don't let that "business" thing throw you off. It's a necessary evil no matter what field you pursue!

My favorite part of my job is advising and mentoring students--yes, I enjoy it more than "boring" lectures on economics and finance! I hope you enjoy the part of your life-journey here at Clarkson College. I promise you'll never forget it! Good luck in your first year here and best of luck!

Misten Thompson

Financial Aid Counselor

I believe the Mentoring program is a great resource for students to have someone they can talk to, and I am happy to have the opportunity to be a mentor and help out in any way I can.

I am a Financial Aid Counselor at Clarkson College, and helping students is what I love about my job. I am a mother to two little boys. I take a lot of pictures and try to scrapbook when I have time.

Rita VanFleet

Alumni Coordinator

I am open, honest, somewhat outgoing and pretty relaxed in my views. I enjoy

interacting with all ages of people. I am a mother and grandmother. I graduated

from Clarkson College three times (Diploma, B.S.N., and M.S.N.). I love animals

and nature. Quilting, learning family history and scrapbooking are my hobbies. I

enjoy horseback riding, hockey and baseball. I love to travel and enjoy listening

to country music.

Larry J. Vinson

Director, Technology & Computer Services

I retired from the United States Air Force after more than 22 years of service and

have worked at Clarkson College for the past 19 years. I currently serve as the

Director of Technology and Computer Services. I enjoy assisting others and am

a good listener when someone needs help.

Reading, computer social networking, taking drives in the country, and playing with my dog are a few activities I enjoy in my spare time. I also enjoy being with friends and family, especially my grandchildren. I love historical trivia--especially trivia pertaining to the Civil War and our U.S. presidents.

7

Biographies of the Clarkson College Mentors

Amberly Wagner-Connolly Instructor, Nursing I am a full-time Nursing instructor, teaching public health in the B.S.N. program. In 2004, I earned my B.S.N and graduated this past spring with my M.S.N. degree from Clarkson College. Since 2004, I have worked as a staff nurse at The Nebraska Medical Center, focusing mainly in obstetrics. I love the nursing profession, and I can't imagine myself anywhere else but within the Clarkson College community!

I became involved in the Mentoring program because I know how important it is for students to develop positive relationships with others who have the same goals in life. As a student, I always enjoyed speaking to others who had chosen the same career path!

I am a busy mom of three young kids, and I enjoy spending time with them and my husband in my spare time.

Ken Zeiger

Admissions Coordinator

I am involved in the Mentoring program because I love making sure our

students have the best college experience possible by being there to answer

questions and getting to know our new students. It is a fun way for me to stay

involved and help students transition into their programs at Clarkson College.

I'm a positive, outgoing and social guy. I like to laugh and hang out with my friends. For fun, I go to a lot of concerts and enjoy the fun activities Omaha has to offer.

8

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download