Beaver College of Health Sciences

Program:  Social Work

Education: 

• M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Appalachian State University 
• B.A., Exercise Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Biography: Ginny joins the Office of Advising and Academic Support after 7 years of teaching in the Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education at AppState. After receiving her Master's degree from App in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Ginny worked for 3 years as a counselor at Watauga High School in Boone. Her favorite aspects of both jobs was the relationship-building with students, and supporting them as they reach important personal and academic milestones. Outside of work, Ginny enjoys all that the high country has to offer with her husband, three kids, and dog, Blue.

Appointments: Click here to make an appointment with Ginny. 

Education:

• M.Ed., Training and Development, N. C. State University
• B.S., Communication-Advertising, Minor-Sociology, Appalachian State University
• A.A., Wilkes Community College

Areas of interest: Student Success, Transfer Students, Underrepresented Student Populations

Biography: Lisa comes to the Office of Advising and Academic Support after serving as Program Assistant with App State Online at Appalachian State University for six years. She’s a native of the High Country, born and raised in Ashe County. She loves everything about the area, especially the people. She enjoys working with the student population in higher education and helping them achieve their educational goals. When she isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and kayaking the New River.

Program: Exercise Science

Education:

• M.A,  Higher Education Leadership, Appalachian State University

• B.A., English Literature, George Washington University

Areas of Interest: Academic Advising, Student Success, Disadvantaged and Underrepresented Students, Life and Career Planning

Biography: Jennifer or “JP”, as she prefers to be called, comes to Academic Advising with twelve years of experience at Appalachian State University. Prior to OAAS, she worked with the Career Development Center as the Assistant Director, Career Coach for Health Sciences, and Assistant Director in the Office of Financial Aid. She has over thirty years of leadership, human resources, training, and university experience. JP thrives on building strong relationships built on trust and credibility with the students, faculty, and staff she works with.  In her free time, JP likes to read, sail, and dig around in her multiple flower gardens.

Appointments: Click here to make an appointment with JP.

Program(s):  Nursing, Public Health, and RN-BSN

Education:

• M.S., Higher Education Administration, Texas A&M University
• B.S., Biomedical Sciences, Grand Valley State University

Areas of Interest:  Student Success, Mental Health, Belonging, Academic Advising, First Generation College Students, and Diversity

Biography:  Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Ebony comes to Appalachian State University with seven years of experience in higher education from Texas A&M University and Blinn College. Ebony has worked in areas such as financial aid, academic advising, college teaching, and program management. As a lifetime learner and former science student, Ebony understands the challenges that students may face during their pursuit of academic success. Thus, she is very passionate about making sure that she promotes mental health wellness to her students. Ebony enjoys reading, Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), shopping for deals, and spending time with her family.  

Education: 

• Certificate, Core Concepts in Public Health, University of North Carolina
• M.S., Biology, East Tennessee State University 
• B.S., Biology, East Tennessee State University 

 Areas of Interest:  Health Professions Advising, Student Success, Disadvantaged and Underrepresented Students, Health Policy, Access and Equity, and Leadership 

Biography:  Celeste worked at ETSU, Tusculum College, and Union College before arriving at Appalachian in 2007.  She is active in many professional associations; previously serving as HPANC and SAAHP President, on the NAAHP BOD, and as NAAHP 2018 National Meeting Co-chair.  She enjoys dance, pilates, travel, college sports, and being CeCe to her niece.

Appointments: Click here to make an appointment with Celeste.

Education:

• B.S., Psychology, Appalachian State University

Biography: Liz's love for Boone blossomed while she was a student at Appalachian State University and continued to grow during her postgraduate work experience within the local community. Liz is excited to now work for the university where she has the opportunity to support student success by advocating and honoring each student’s unique individual set of needs. Outside of work, Liz enjoys being in nature when the weather is nice, walking her dog, and finding fun new ways to stay active. She also loves exploring various artistic expressions, traveling to the beach, and spending time with her loved ones.

Program(s): Health Care Management and Exercise Science

Education:

• M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling and M.M.T. Music Therapy, Appalachian State University

• B.S., Psychology and B.M. Music Therapy, Appalachian State University

Areas of Interest: Academic Advising, Student Success, Disadvantaged and Underrepresented Students, Life and Career Planning, and Creativity

Biography: Carole joins the Office of Advising and Academic Support after five years with TRIO Student Support Services at Appalachian State University. Carole received her Bachelor's degrees in Music Therapy and Psychology with a minor in Women's Studies in 2005. Following her internship in Minnesota, she worked as a music therapist in Arizona and North Carolina before returning to Appalachian for her graduate work. In 2012, Carole graduated with her Master's degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Music Therapy with a graduate certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy. As a two-time alumnus of Appalachian, Carole is proud to be a member of the Boone-erang club and finds ways to enjoy this beautiful area every day. She enjoys running, gardening, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Appointments: Click here to make an appointment with Carole.

Education: 

• M.A., Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education, Ball State University
• B.A., English, Ball State University

Areas of Interest: Academic Advising, Career Readiness, Collaborative Learning, Retention, Second Year Students, Study Strategies

Biography: In her 20+ year career Jessica has devoted herself to student success through a myriad of roles, programs, workshops, classes and individual relationships.  She enjoys reading, walking, listening to music and hula-hooping, although not all at the same time.  She also loves spending time with her family and friends, exploring art and enjoying a good meal.

Biography: Hera has been employed at Appalachian State University for 16 years, and served eight years as a Student Services Specialist in the Registrar's Office before joining the Records team here in 2015. She finds fostering student success most gratifying and has a soft spot for high-risk students. Hera’s outside interests include music, hiking, cooking, digging in the dirt on her farm, and spending time with her family.   

Program(s): Recreation Management, Health & Physical Education, and Exercise Science

Education: 

• M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Appalachian State University
• B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies, Appalachian State University

Areas of Interest: Academic Advising, Student Success, Career Exploration, Resource Referrals, Transfer Student Transition and Wellness

Biography: Callie has worked in the NC Community College system as Academic Advisor, Career Counselor, and Personal Counselor. She has experience working in residential camping and facilitating expressive arts groups. Callie enjoys playing music, cycling, and gardening with her husband and dog. 

Appointments: Click here to schedule an appointment with Callie.

Education: 

• B.S., Sociology, Appalachian State University

Biography: Joelle comes to the Office of Advising and Academic Support after three years in Campus Dining as the Student Employment Coordinator at Appalachian State University. Her favorite part about working for the university is the opportunity to work alongside and form relationships with such amazing students. She also has professional interests in educational access, social justice, sustainability and nonprofit management.  When she's not at work, Joelle likes to experiment with arts and crafts, see live music, try new foods, and travel. 

Education: 

• ThM, Candler School of Theology, Emory University
• MDiv, Candler School of Theology, Emory University
• B.A., Religion, Women's and Gender Studies, Furman University 

Areas of Interest: Health Professions Advising, Life and Career Discernment, Educational Access, Diversity, Social Justice, Curriculum Development, Well-Being in Higher Education

Biography: Before advising pre-health students, Sarah worked as a chaplain on multidisciplinary healthcare teams, serving hospital patients in metropolitan and rural settings. Working with behavioral health patients reinforced Sarah’s value of well-being for university students. Sarah has also worked as a university instructor and has written for non-profit institutions in Georgia and Tennessee. In every situation, Sarah is happy to lend a listening ear. She loves empowering students to reach their goals and become leaders. She is a member of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) and the Southern Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (SAAHP).  Sarah’s joys include family time, friendships, baking from scratch, exploring the High Country, evening walks, and finding new spots to enjoy coffee and tea lattes.

Appointments: Click here to make an appointment with Sarah.

Education:

• M.A., Higher Education, Appalachian State University

• B.FA., Drawing and Painting, University of Georgia

Areas of Interest: Student Success, First Generation College Students, Transfer Students, International Education, Diversity, Social Justice.

Biography: Catherine has been serving students in the Beaver College of Health Sciences since 2012.  She completed her MA in Higher Education in May 2018, further developing her interests in advising and student support. Catherine is also a Transfer Mentor at ASU and a certified mediator for the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources.  As a staff member at ASU, she enjoys connecting with international students and visitors and volunteering with AppKIDS.  Catherine balances work with practicing yoga, running, travelling, and enjoying time with her son.

Appointment: Click here to schedule an appointment with Catherine.

Program(s): Communication Sciences and Disorders and Nutrition

Education:

• M.A. Student Affairs Administration, Appalachian State University
• B.S. Recreation Management, Appalachian State University

Areas of Interest: Advising, Access, Student Success, Diversity, Retention, Life and Career Planning, & Sense of Belonging 

Biography: Originally from Conover, N.C, Jenny fell in love with the High Country while pursuing her bachelor's degree. Throughout her undergraduate career, she had a variety of employment opportunities, including jobs in California and Alaska.  As a result of her various experiences, she realized that her true calling is working with students, a feeling that was reinforced during her graduate assistantship in the Career Exploration Office. As a member of the Beaver College of Health Sciences, Jenny loves building relationships with her students and colleagues.  She also has a passion for student success and helping students to develop a sense of belonging on a college campus. In her free time, Jenny loves to spend time with her husband, and their Bernese Mountain Dog, River.  She is devoted to her fitness routine, which she claims keeps her sound both in body and mind.  She also loves to travel, see live music, get outdoors, and visit National Parks.    

Appointment: Click here to schedule an appointment with Jenny.