Hello from the Student Services Team!
We are a team of Success Coaches who are happy to advocate, assist, and support you during your academic journey. As a student, you are managing multiple responsibilities. Our aim is to serve as a One Stop Shop for all of your questions, concerns, and feedback. It is our mission to help out as you navigate through your program and work to ensure that you have a positive educational experience during your time with us. Click on each image below to learn more about who we are and why we love what we do! You can reach us at 1-877-895-3276 or by emailing datascience@uwex.edu.
Michael Paul
Veronica Eriksson
Julie Pitel
Jessica Ramirez Torres
Blake Bishop
Robin Schwenn
Kaia Stofflet
Samantha Pick
Olivia Crevier
Kirstin Bowns
Michael Paul
Student Success Coach
Data Science
Information Technology Management
As a college student, I relied heavily on the guidance I received from advisers and other personnel around campus. I noticed how much my experience in school was enhanced from the outstanding support I received. I chose a career in Student Affairs because I wanted to be a part of a highly collaborative setting to assist online students improve their connectedness to their campus and its resources. As an active listener and proactive coach, I hope to make an impact on students’ well-being and ability to succeed.
There’s nothing more satisfying than helping a student make connections and succeed. I really enjoy getting to know students on an individual basis and empowering them to seek out the resources they need for a positive educational journey. There’s always bound to be bumps in the road, but it’s extremely gratifying to help someone smooth them out and learn from the experience.
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, minor in English – Technical Communication
- Over ten years of higher education experience
- Been a part of the Student Affairs staff at UW-Extension since 2013
I worked as a projectionist while in college and briefly considered a career in film/cinema. I loved working with film on a daily basis, but decided that my appreciation for the field was enough for me and moved on. As genuine filmstrip is replaced by digital platforms, perhaps I can get involved with it again in a “vintage” capacity some day!
Veronica Eriksson
Student Success Coach
UW College Courses Online
I truly believe that education can transform people for the better and enhance their entire quality of life. Working in Student Affairs gives me a fantastic opportunity to support individuals on their journey and help them staying motivated and focused on their goals.
Those moments when you feel that you made a difference in a student’s life through the service you provide.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Working Life Science/HRM from Karlstad University in Sweden, University of Queensland in Australia, and Bethany College in Kansas, USA. I completed my M.B.A. in May 2018 from North Park University in Chicago, with a master’s certificate in Human Resources Management. I have experience of working with both domestic and international, traditional and non-traditional students.
I was born and raised in the cold North of Sweden, where my family, many of my friends and my little Chihuahua lives. I enjoy things like traveling, spending time with friends and family, and watch soccer in my free time.
Julie Pitel
Student Success Coach
UW College Courses Online
I truly believe that college can be the best years of your life! I chose a career in student affairs with the hope to “pay forward” the outstanding assistance I received as a student. I hope to provide students with resources and guidance to achieve success.
The best part of being a Student Success Coach is that the position allows me to get to know each individual student, working alongside them to brainstorm strategies, overcome challenges and celebrate accomplishments.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Master of Education in Student Affairs Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in Support Services for Online Students. I have been working higher education since 2010, and I have worked with UW Extended Campus since 2016.
I am the proud owner of a one-eyed dog named Scout who crashes into things and dislikes unfamiliar stairs due to her poor depth perception. We like going on adventures, whether it is discovering new local parks and trails or taking long road trips!
Jessica Ramirez Torres
Student Success Coach
Independent Learning
During my undergraduate studies I knew I always wanted to be in higher education but I was not sure what direction I wanted to go in. The opportunity to work in student affairs came up and I have been working with students ever since.
Ten years experience in Student Services
Bachelors of Science in English and Minor in Women’s Studies
Masters of Arts in Education Curriculum and Instruction
I spend a lot of time with my family. I love animals. I have a Chihuahua (Oompa) and two cats (Mittens & Honey). My favorite music is Reggaeton and I love to go dancing.
Blake Bishop
Student Success Coach
Applied Biotechnology
Information Technology Management
The power of education is immeasurable. I love learning and I love assisting other people learn. That combination lead me to my career in student affairs. Adult learners typically have a vastly different experience than their “straight-out-of-high-school” peers. It gives me pleasure assisting learners of any age on their educational journey. As with any journey, the goal of a degree rarely is straightforward or easy. I enjoy guiding students during their tumultuous times, and celebrating with them when they’ve overcome their obstacles.
I consider myself a very gregarious person. Learning about how students got to this point in their educational journey, where they’re going, and how I can assist them are a few points of why I love my job.
After earning my Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communications from Bemidji State University in northern Minnesota, I Moved to Seattle, WA. That’s where I got my start in student affairs, serving as an admissions advisor for two years. I loved it so much that I knew I wanted to make a career of it. Thus, I moved back to my home state of Wisconsin to earn a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from UW Madison. After serving as an advisor at UW Madison’s Law School for a couple years, I accepted a position as an Academic Success Coach with the UW Flexible Option. I’ve been with Flex for over 4 years now. It’s awesome being able to be both an Academic Success Coach with UW Flexible Option and a Student Success Coach with the Student Services team.
My wife and I have two young sons who have tons of energy. We love spending time at our family cabin in northern Wisconsin, taking road trips, and spending as much time as possible outside. I’m an Eagle Scout. I enjoy watching the Packers, embarrassing myself on the golf course, reading, and being active with my church community.
Robin Schwenn
Student Success Coach
Health Information Management and Technology
Sustainable Management
My college years were some of the best years of my life, but it did come with many different challenges. From balancing school and work (juggling 4 different jobs at one time) to getting through some pretty tough courses, with a little trial and error, I was able to find strategies to move forward and reach my goals successfully. I enjoy working with students to help them find solutions that work for their unique situations and learning styles.
Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from UW La Crosse
Master of Science in School Counseling from UW Whitewater
I have worked in the Student Services field since 2007.
In the summer, my husband and I go to our camper in Rio, Wisconsin almost every weekend. So my favorite Saturdays are spent at the camper, waking up and sitting out on the deck with a caffeinated beverage and enjoying the sights and sounds of the outdoors. In the afternoon, spending time with family and friends hanging out by the pool, or at the beach, or playing yard games at our site. Then to top it all off, sitting around a campfire at night with our friends and fellow campers, telling ridiculous stories and laughing until our stomachs hurt.
Kaia Stofflet
Student Success Coach
Health and Wellness Management
I strongly believe that all people should be entitled to an education, especially since I truly love learning myself! Student services professionals were essential to me during school and gave me such a meaningful experience. I in turn want to make a difference in empowering people to realize their potential!
Bachelor of Arts degree in English, minor in Theatre Arts from Edgewood College
Serving students at UW Extended Campus since 2014
My global feminist lit course was one of my most thought-provoking courses. I also gained great experience in my acting courses, and lastly, choir was a lot of fun!
I’m a singer-songwriter and pianist, so I spend tons of time performing, writing and recording! I’m also very active in the local theatre community. Other than the arts, I love to walk outside, socialize, and spend time with my cat, Bronte.
Samantha Pick
Student Success Coach
Independent Learning
As a first generation college student, education has always been important to me. I have always wanted to be in a career where I was able to make a difference and I believe working in Student Affairs has allowed me to help students make a difference in their lives.
Bachelors of Arts in Social Work and a Minor in Human Services
Masters of Science in Education; emphasis on Higher Education
Five years of experience in Student Services
I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my two dogs (Maya & Hazel). I spend a lot of my free time crafting and working on DIY projects.
Olivia Crevier
Student Success Coach
Cybersecurty
Health Information Management and Technology
I absolutely loved my time in higher education and I want to create the same wonderful experience I had for other students. Two of my biggest passions in life are learning and helping others, so a career in student affairs was a natural fit. I find it extremely rewarding to truly make a difference in someone’s life.
Bachelors of Arts in Psychology with a Dance minor and Human Services emphasis
Attended graduate school for School Counseling
Over four years of experience in Student Services
Certified Personal Trainer and Health/Wellness Coach
I love spending time with my family, friends, and my African Grey parrot named Sam. In my free time, you can find me taking a Pilates class, reading a book, or listening to a true crime podcast. I also love Harry Potter and own three wands!
Kirstin Bowns
Student Success Coach
Applied Computing
Healthcare Administration
I consider myself a life-long learner and believe in the power of education to create opportunities. I have always felt passionate about leaving the world better than I found it. I chose to work within higher education to help others achieve success so in turn they can better their lives, their families’ lives, the lives within their communities, and even create global change.
The students! It is such an amazing experience working with students one-on-one and helping them accomplish their goals. Everyone’s story is unique and it is an honor getting to be a small part of someone’s journey through higher education.
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Student Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Criminology. I have been working in student affairs since 2010. I have held positions in residence life, student success and recovery, and multicultural affairs. I joined the UW Extension team in 2017.
I have three black cats and a Jack Russell at home that keep me very entertained! I am a hockey enthusiast and a San Jose Sharks fan. I also enjoy camping as frequently as possible, b-rated horror movies, and iced lattes.