Scott PeskaScott Peska has a keen knowledge of the NIU campus community and his strong, collaborative relationships built via his role in Orientation & First-Year Experience provided him to lead the Office of Support and Advocacy staff and appropriately support the community it serves. Likewise, Scott's research interest in the area of student transition certainly takes on a new meaning in light of our tragedy and will inform his work in a powerful way.
Sheryl FryeSheryl Frye served in the NIU Counseling and Student Development Center for 2 years prior to joining the Office of Support & Advocacy. Her clinical experiences include individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, couples counseling, Dialectical Behavior therapy, play therapy, drama therapy, recreational therapy and crisis intervention. Ms Frye’s clinical areas of interest include PTSD, mind/body health, anxiety and depression. She enjoys helping students identify and achieve their academic and personal goals through the counseling process.
Megan Gerken Megan Gerken comes to the Office of Support & Advocacy from Student Involvement and Leadership Development where she served as a graduate assistant while completing her Master's Degree in Adult and Higher Education. Megan's experience with programming will be useful as she plans events for students and families in this very specific population. She is excited to begin her professional career in student affairs at NIU.
Kim Lamansky Kim Lamansky comes to us after several years in the private sector working in an office environment. She is positive her skills in office support will be greatly used and appreciated. She has a strong background in giving presentations to large groups and is sure this can benefit the OSA in some capacity. Greeting students and having the opportunity to interact with them is truly the high point of her day.
Colette Maher Colette Maher joined the Academic Advising Center staff in June 2007 after serving as a counselor in the CHANCE Program for over 7 years. She enjoys teaching UNIV 101 each fall. Prior to coming to Northern Illinois University, she has worked as a youth therapist for both a community mental health agency and a residential facility.
Sergeant Jeanne Meyer Sergeant Jeanne Meyer comes to the Office of Support & Advocacy from her full-time position at the NIU police department. At the police department she is the Sergeant in the Office of Emergency Management and Planning. She has a background as an advocate, having come to NIU after working for the local Rape Crisis Center as the Program Director and Advocate. She has a passion for justice and has spent her career working on behalf of victims.
Lissete Aguirre Lissete Aguirre is a first year graduate student in the Counseling program with an emphasis in School Counseling. She recently graduated from NIU with a bachelor's degree in Sociology. She is very excited to start working with everyone in the OSA community. A little about Lissete is that she enjoys going to the movies, working out, dancing, and of course shopping! Before starting her graduate assistantship position she was very involved within the NIU community.She has held several positions on campus such as peer instructor for UNIV 101, Community Advisor in Stevenson, and President of the Multi Cultural Greek Council. All of these experiences provided her with great opportunities and insight, which she hopes to share with you all. She hopes to be able to assist and help wherever necessary to make this a great school year!
Dino Martinez Dino Martinez is one of the newest members of the Office of Support and Advocacy team. Recently, he served as the Assistant Director for Student Activities at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He has also worked at Central Michigan University, Eastern Illinois University, Kutztown University (PA) and Miami University in the areas of residence life, fraternity and sorority life, and leadership development. Dino is excited to join the OSA team and is looking forward in using his skills and experiences with our students and families.