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Susan Andersen
Academic Advisor
(970) 378.3642
susan.andersen@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Career Pathway
Health Careers
Educational/Professional Background
Susan holds a Doctor of Education in curriculum and instruction and a Master of Arts
in communication from the University of Central Florida, a Master of Fine Arts in
creative writing from Naropa University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from St.
Joseph's University. Susan has spent her career in higher education, serving in faculty,
student services and academic support roles in Colorado (Aims Community College and
Colorado Mountain College), Florida (University of Central Florida and Valencia College),
and the Republic of Lithuania as a Fulbright Scholar (Lithuanian University of Educational
Sciences and Klaipeda University). Joining the Academic Advising team is a perfect
fit for Susan. She is eager to share with Aims students her knowledge of the programs
and resources available to help them achieve their goals and dreams.
Personal Philosophy on Advising
Personal Philosophy of Advising: I see every student as a success story in progress.
With proper support and advising, I believe all students are capable of achieving impressive levels of
skill mastery, personal growth, and intellectual maturity. Yet each student comes
to embody these outcomes differently. Effective advising -- like effective teaching -- starts with understanding each student’s unique challenges and strengths, and proceeds with frequent check-ins and communication. The most meaningful changes students experience on the path to a degree or certificate are largely self-activated and self-realized, especially when they connect with resources and seek the company of other learners.
Sarah Cameron
Academic Advisor
(970) 378-3634
sarah.cameron@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Career Pathways
Arts, Communication, Criminal Justice AA
Educational/Professional Background
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in English: Creative Writing from the University of
St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. While in school, she completed a research project
on contemporary cinema through the McNair Scholars TRiO Program. She later served
two terms with AmeriCorps VISTA, developing family and community engagement programs
in Montana and Minnesota. Prior to Aims, Sarah spent five years working with a local
TRiO program where she prepared low-income and first-generation middle and high school
students for college. She is currently working towards her Master of Arts in Genre
Fiction through Western Colorado University.
Personal Philosophy of Advising
“Take seriously the experience of others.” My high school philosophy teacher left
this phrase on the whiteboard every day of senior year, and it has stuck with me ever
since. I acknowledge that my students come from incredibly varied walks of life and
came to Aims with the common purpose of furthering their education. I am here to meet
them where they are at and support them toward reaching their goals, whatever that
may be.
Monie Davis
Academic Advisor
(970) 378-3577
monie.davis@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Career Pathways
Agriculture, Natural Resources, Energy, Business, Marketing, Public Administration, Information
Technology, STEM
Educational/Professional Background
Monie received both her bachelor's and master's degrees in Education at the University
of Nebraska-Kearney. Her professional career includes teaching Adapted Physical Education
K-12; adjunct faculty at Wichita State University and the University of Phoenix (both
online and ground classes). While at the University of Phoenix, Augusta Georgia Campus,
Monie served as an Academic Counselor and Academic Counselor Manager. She also served
as the campus Disability Services Advisor and a faculty mentor. Education is at the
root of who Monie is and she is thrilled to be a part of the Aims educational community.
Personal Philosophy of Advising
As a lifelong learner and career educator, I value the educational process and the
opportunities education provides. I believe the role of education in a student’s life
should be holistic – incorporating learning in all facets of the student’s personal,
professional and academic lives. As an advisor, my goal is to partner with each student
to maximize their efforts in pursuit of their goals; thus, I only consider myself successful
when my students are successful.
Margaret Dempsey
Academic Advisor
(970) 339-6492
margaret.dempsey@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Career Pathways
Agriculture, Natural Resources, Energy, Business, Marketing, Public Administration, Information Technology, STEM
Educational/Professional Background
Margaret, an Illinois native, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education
from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. After three years of teaching the
language arts to 7th- and 8th-grade junior high school students, she moved from Illinois to Colorado and, eventually,
became employed at Aims. The bulk of her career here has been in student recruiting,
but she is now part of the academic advising team. The students, staff and faculty
who make up Aims are what she loves most!
Personal Philosophy on Advising
I believe that higher education has a culture. And within that culture lies the sub-culture of Aims. Each of these cultures is replete with customs,
policies and procedures, along with a general “feel.” I believe that my role is to
welcome each student to the culture of higher education and at Aims specifically.
I also act as a guide and mentor as each student traverses these new worlds. While
my advisees are learning about and adapting to these cultures, I will travel alongside
them as a companion on their journeys of self-discovery and personal growth.
Sarah Ener
Academic Advisor
(970) 378-3676
sarah.ener@aims.edu
PSI Building
Windsor Campus
Career Pathways
Automotive, Criminal Justice AAS, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Science, Public Safety
Educational/Professional Background
Sarah graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Interested in
writing and the arts, she later completed a master’s in Humanities with an emphasis
in Professional Writing at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Prior to coming to
Academic Advising in 2018, she worked for a number of years in admissions, enrollment
and student systems work.
Personal Philosophy of Advising
Advising is a partnership, starting with thought about one's self and career as applied
in academics and college learning. I know that education can have a significant impact on
supporting a better life and a stronger community. Therefore, I value the opportunity
to broaden students’ horizons and work with them through advising sessions through-out their
college commitment.
Rick Hoines-Brumback
Academic Advisor
(303) 718-5328
rick.hb@aims.edu
Prairie Building
Fort Lupton Campus
Career Pathways
Agriculture, Welding, All majors (entire degree/certificate may not be available on this campus)
Educational/Professional Background
Rick holds a Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership and
a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, both from the University of Northern
Colorado. He worked in Housing & Dining Services for a decade before transitioning
into Academic Affairs. Prior to coming to joining the team Aims, Rick worked in International
Education for twelve years serving as the students connection to campus and the United
States. Rick is excited about the opportunity to help students enrich their lives
through education.
Personal Philosophy of Advising
Give a student a fish and they will eat for a day. Teach a student to fish and they
will eat for a lifetime. As an educator, I believe my role is to motivate, inspire, and encourage students
in learning and growing in independence.
Hayley Hull
Academic Advisor, Senior
(970) 339-6455
hayley.hull@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Career Pathway
Arts, Communication, Criminal Justice AA
Educational/Professional Background
Originally from New Mexico, Hayley holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science
from the University of Northern Colorado. While working full time for the UNC Dean
of Humanities and Social Sciences and later as an Admissions Counselor and Events
Coordinator, she completed a Master’s degree in Communication from UNC. Although she
has experience working in the corporate world, Hayley discovered that higher education
is where she belongs. Most recently holding the position of Alumni Coordinator at
Aims, Hayley is thrilled to be working directly with students and giving them the
support they need to be successful.
Personal Philosophy on Advising
I have found that often the simplest remark can make a world of difference to someone
who needed to hear it. I view advising as opening doors that the students must choose
to go through. I’m here to support students in finding their own way and help them
succeed in whatever that means for them. If I can help students see things from a
different perspective that broadens their possibilities and opens their eyes to something
within them, I’ve succeeded.
Claire Kopp
Academic Advisor, Senior
(970) 339-6609
h.claire.kopp@aims.edu
PSI Building
Windsor Campus
Career Pathways
Automotive, Criminal Justice AAS, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Science, Public Safety
Educational/Professional Background
Claire holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Anthropology from Colorado State
University. She is currently enrolled in a doctorate program in Higher Education Leadership. Claire
started in higher education as an Anthropology instructor but moved into advising
in 2008 and decided to make it her full-time professional career when moving to Aims
in 2013.
Personal Philosophy on Advising
I consider myself a coach and a mentor. I believe that students are their own best
advisor and my role is to help them navigate their educational path, develop a plan
which fits their goals, and to support them on their educational journey.
Olivia Marks
Academic Advisor
(970) 573-7396
olivia.marks@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Career Pathways
Agriculture, Natural Resources, Energy, Business, Marketing, Public Administration, Information
Technology, STEM
Educational/Professional Background
Olivia holds a dual bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Spanish from Colorado
State University. Her work-study job as a Kindergarten tutor and volunteer-work as
an ESL conversation partner sparked a passion for education. After college, she cultivated
a love of customer service and local business management at a local retail tea shop.
Before joining the Aims team, she served as a pre-collegiate advisor at Jefferson
and Greeley West High Schools through the Greeley GEAR UP program. Olivia is grateful
for the opportunity to work in partnership with our inspiring students and staff.
Personal Philosophy on Advising
I strive to build welcoming, collaborative, supportive, and empowering connections
between students, Aims, and our greater community.
Rosalba Martinez-Sharp
Academic Advisor
(970) 339-6280
rosalba.martinez-sharp@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Career Pathway
Health Careers
Educational/Professional Background
Rosalba holds her master’s degree in Educational (K-12 Counseling) from the University
of Phoenix. She started her career working with the TRiO programs in advising, where
she learned her love for the education world which took her into the K-12 public school
system, both brick-n-mortar and online working at building the educational foundation
for students. Now, she has the opportunity to take it to the next level with students.
Personal Philosophy on Advising
“To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.” – Dr.
Seuss. I take this to mean that I should make every moment count with my students,
as you never know what part of advising a person may take from.
Tom Miller
Academic Advisor, Senior
(970) 339-6567
thomas.miller@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Career Pathways
Agriculture, Natural Resources, Energy, Business, Marketing, Public Administration, Information Technology, STEM
Educational/Professional Background
Tom holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Western Michigan University
and a bachelor’s degree in History & Political Science from Butler University (Indianapolis,
IN). He has enjoyed a dual career, working first in public sector positions and then
serving in executive roles in the non-profit world. Teaching part-time throughout
most of these administrative years, Tom opted to teach full-time (business management,
finance, and economics) for universities in MI and FL, which included advising students
with their career aspirations. Tom is now fully focused on student advising.
Personal Philosophy on Advising
“An excellent advisor does for students’ entire education what the excellent teacher
does for a course; helps them order the pieces, put them together to make a coherent
whole, so that the student experiences the curriculum not as a checklist of discrete,
isolate pieces but instead as a unity, a composition of interrelated parts with multiple
connections and relationships” (Marc Lowenstein, 2006).
Nereida Perdigon, Ph.D.
Academic Advisor
(970) 339-3561
nereida.perdigon@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Career Pathway
Arts, Communication, Criminal Justice AA
Educational/Professional Background
Nereida is from Caracas, Venezuela and arrived to the United States 20 years ago.
She holds a doctoral degree in Education and Human Resource Studies, master’s degree
in Languages, Literature, and Cultures and Women Studies from Colorado State University,
and bachelor’s in Spanish and Business from University of Iowa. Her research focuses on the experiences of Latinas during their first year in higher education. Nereida has
experience working with first-generation and low-income students, classism and oppression,
lack of role models, academic preparation, and Latina educational experiences. Nereida
has over 10 years experience teaching Spanish, Culture and ESL classes at large universities
and community colleges in traditional face-to-face classrooms as well as online. Nereida
has received outstanding graduate student and favorite faculty awards, as well as
a nomination for best teacher. Nereida is excited to transition to her role in Academic
Advising so that she can continue working with students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Personal Philosophy on Advising
Nereida recognizes that each student is unique and deserves an opportunity to succeed.
As an advisor, Nereida strives to connect with students at an individual level, being
sure to take their background, culture and experiences into account when building
an educational path. Compassion is at the center of Nereida’s philosophy so that students
feel welcome to express their needs. Nereida always says to her students “si se puede”
(yes you can)!
Kellie Richardson
Academic Advisor, Senior
(970) 339-6570
kellie.richardson@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Career Pathway
Health Careers
Educational/Professional Background
Kellie attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and received her bachelor's
degree in Environmental, Populational and Organismic Biology. Afterwards, she worked
for the Colorado Division of Wildlife collecting data on endangered fish species in
Colorado's river systems. She also attended Colorado State University and received
her master's degree in Education and Human Resource Studies with an emphasis in Educational
Leadership. While working on her master's, she also obtained a license to teach science
at the secondary level. Shortly after graduation, she began working with at-risk populations
of students in a local school district. The position opened many other doors, which
eventually led her to Aims!
Personal Philosophy on Advising
I believe I need to always be dependable, reliable and as accessible of a resource
as possible for students.
Kara Roberts
Academic Advisor
(970) 378-3659
kara.roberts@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Career Pathways
Education, Hospitality, Human Services, Technical Sciences, Skilled Trades
Educational/Professional Background
Kara received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Spanish
and International Trade and Relations. After spending a semester in Argentina and
a year teaching in Costa Rica, she later went on to get a Master of Arts in Teaching
from the School for International Training in Vermont. Kara began her teaching career
in secondary Spanish and ESL and held these positions for nearly two decades. She
has taught in traditional brick and mortar schools as well as online and blended learning
programs.
Personal Philosophy on Advising
I believe the purpose of advising is to encourage and support students as they transition
into college by providing clear expectations, access to support services and a friendly
smile. I hope to empower students to think critically and to take responsibility for
their learning. One aspect that I value most about working with students is helping
them set and achieve goals that affirm who they are and see the spark of excitement
when they reach a goal.
Azanet Rodriguez
Academic Advisor
(970) 378-3503
azanet.rodriguez@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Career Pathway
Health Careers
Educational/Professional Background
Azanet graduated from Aims Community College in 2014 and transferred to UNC, where
she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Human Services. Her professional background includes 16
years in Health Care. Azanet’s experience in higher education includes being an Ambassador
and as the Intensive Learning Support Coordinator/TRiO Student Support Services at
Aims.
Personal Philosophy on Advising
I strongly believe that my success is due to the investments others poured into my
life. I am honored to be part of an institution that believes and acts upon their
purpose, mission and vision of building a stronger community by providing knowledge
and advancing the quality of life of students. College can be for everyone, including
those who are willing to work hard and those who are willing to go against all odds.
Jamie Viefhaus-Zak
Academic Advisor
(970) 339-3660
jamie.viefhaus-zak@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Career Pathways
Arts, Communication, Criminal Justice AA
Educational/Professional Background
Born and raised in Weld County, Jamie holds an Associate of Science Degree from Colorado
Mountain College, Alpine Campus (Steamboat Springs), a Bachelor of Science in Human
Rehabilitative Services and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership & Policy
Studies both from the University of Northern Colorado. Jamie started on her professional
path in higher education as an undergraduate working in a variety of departments at
Colorado Mountain College and UNC. Upon completion of her degrees she worked at UNC
and Aims. Then, life happened and took her down a different path as a Child/Adult
Protection Worker in a small rural mountain town for 17+ years. After her hiatus from
higher education, she came back to Aims in October 2018 as the Call Center Specialist
in Admissions Counseling and Recruitment and now is excited to be back in a role she
loves as an Academic Advisor.
Personal Philosophy on Advising
The best thing I can do is listen and meet students where they are at in their journey.
It’s okay not to know what you want to be when you grow up and it’s also okay to change
your mind along the way. Life isn’t just about the destination but also about the
journey and I am grateful, thankful and blessed that I can play a role in our students’
journeys.
Sera Winchel
Academic Advisor, Senior
(970) 339-6602
sera.winchel@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Career Pathways
Education, Hospitality, Human Service, Technical Sciences, Skilled Trades, Welding
Educational/Professional Background
Sera graduated Aims with an associates degree in 2010 and graduated the University
of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2012. She has worked
at Aims for over 10 years, and has been advising for over 7 of those. While she carries the
title of RN and has her license to practice nursing, she fell in love with higher
education while working at Aims. She feels blessed to have been given such an opportunity
to work here. She loves getting to know and work alongside students while helping
them achieve their academic goals.
Personal Philosophy on Advising
I see advising as a balance between offering students guidance and structure, while
encouraging them, trusting them and working alongside them to help them reach their
academic goals. Having been a student both here at Aims and at a university, I have
experienced the difference that advisors can make toward students' academic success.
Ottley Wright
Academic Advisor
(970) 378-3635
ottley.wright@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Career Pathways
Aviation, Education, Hospitality, Human Services, Technical Sciences, Skilled Trades
Educational/Professional Background
Ottley holds a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from Brigham Young
University-Hawaii Campus. He taught health and physical education and coached for
three years at his alma mater Church College of Western Samoa where he is originally
from. He holds a master’s degree in Physical Education from the University of Northern
Colorado. While he was working towards his doctoral degree, he worked as the women’s
assistant volleyball coach at UNC and taught as an adjunct instructor at Colorado
State University.
He taught five years as an assistant professor at Chadron State College in the Health,
Physical Education and Recreation Department and coached men’s and women’s club rugby
teams. During summer time, he worked in the advising lab and fell in love with advising
so he accepted the position and worked eight years as the Academic Advisor for Extended
Campus.
Personal Philosophy on Advising
I believe academic advising is more than recommending and enrolling students into
classes, but preparing them to become lifelong learners and influence for good in
their communities.
Lesli Bicknell
Assistant Director
(970) 339-6364
lesli.bicknell@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Educational/Professional Background
Lesli holds a master’s degree in Education from Colorado State University and an undergrad
degree in Economics with a business concentration, also from CSU. She has worked at
large universities and small community colleges, and she has worked in a variety of
Student Services roles including Residence Life, Student Activities, teaching, Academic
Advising and Career Services.
Personal Philosophy on Advising
I love encouraging students to find and pursue their dreams through education. I believe
an education is the greatest gift a person can receive and a life-long endeavor.
"Education is a companion which no misfortune can depress, no crime can destroy, no
enemy can alienate, no despot can enslave. At home a friend, abroad an introduction,
in solitude a solace, and in society an ornament. It chastens vice, it guides virtue,
it gives, at once, grace and government to genius. Without it, what is man? A splendid
slave, a reasoning savage".
~ Joseph Addison, 1672-1719, English essayist [The Spectator, 1711]
Audra Trnovec, Ed.D.
Director
(970) 339-6336
audra.trnovec@aims.edu
College Center
Greeley Campus
Educational/Professional Background
Dr. Audra Trnovec holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of Mississippi
and a Masters in Higher Education from Iowa State University. Her professional career
includes over 25 years of experience in both student services and academic affairs.
She has administered student career programs, advised and coached undeclared and adult
students, directed outdoor adventure programs, coordinated student leadership programs,
facilitated corporate team building, and served in various leadership roles in national
and international professional organizations. As an adjunct instructor at various
institutions, she has also instructed in the areas of education, recreation management,
and student success.