Mentoring Program
Students at Clarkson College can smoothly transition into college life by participating in our Mentoring program.
As a participant of the program, we pair you with a mentor suitable to meet your needs in areas where you may need support. Our mentors are qualified faculty and staff who can offer classroom guidance, personal direction and assistance in a vast number of areas in between.
Mentors fulfill a number of roles, such as knowledgeable soundboard, coaches, supporters, career-building resources, relationship drivers, teachers and confidants.
Whether it’s familiarizing yourself with the campus and community, discussing job market realities or helping you prepare for a final exam, your mentor will work with you to reach a successful outcome.
A Typical Session
Your one-on-one mentoring sessions are tailored to your individual needs. The subject matter discussed is only as casual or in-depth as you prefer it to be. The length and frequency of sessions is also decided upon between you and your mentor.
How to Participate
Participation in the program is voluntary, and can begin at any time during your first year. To sign up, fill out this form. For more general information contact Jen Wilson at 402.552.2681 or wilsonjennifer@clarksoncollege.edu.
Meet Our Mentors
Daniel Aksamit, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
The transition to a new college always creates a certain degree of anxiety. I enjoy mentoring because I can help ease that anxiety and support people on their academic journey.
About me
I am an assistant professor in the General Education department. I teach courses including Statistics, American Poverty and Health Care, and American Social Movements. I hold a M.A. and Ph.D. in History and I am working my a second Master's in Statistics. This is my sixth year at Clarkson College. I love working in the warm, friendly environment of the College. My wife Amanda and I have been married for ten years and we have two fun-loving children, Colin (4) and Ellie (1). In my free time I enjoy exercising, cooking, gardening, reading, and traveling.
Siti Arshad-Snyder
Health Care Business Assistant Professor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
I always welcome the opportunity to develop faculty-student relationship outside of my courses and be an ally to students by providing guidance and support on issues that may be a barrier to the students' academic progress. Student success gives me one of the greatest personal and professional gratification!
About me
I have been in higher education for 16 years - 10 of those years at Clarkson College - and have enjoyed my role as an educator as well as a mentor for my students. As an instructor, I encourage students to strive for excellence and be successful, even when success seems unattainable. I love working with students - both online and face-to-face - to share practices that could enhance their learning experience and outcomes.
Jessica Dugger, M.S.N., APRN-NP
Nursing Instructor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
Mentoring is a great way to help alleviate some anxiety related to the transition to college. I enjoy the enthusiasm of incoming students, so eager to learn and start their new adventures. I think mentoring is a great way for students to start their Clarkson College experience.
About me
My undergraduate years were spent at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR (Go Razorbacks). I just recently received my MSN from Clarkson College. The majority of my nursing experience is in critical care nursing and education. I have 2 children who are my pride and joy. My spare time is spent working casually as a nurse practitioner, volunteering for underprivileged populations, cooking, and crafting.
Andrew Dungan
Adjunct Instructor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
We all need a mentor! One of the reasons I am where I am is because of strong mentorship. I love to help students who want to be leaders and realize that they need help along the way. I believe firmly that Clarkson College students are special and deserve to have knowledgeable, experienced people at their back.
About me
I am a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and a personal/organizational development consultant. I work with organizations to ensure that they are working as "humanly" as possible. I hold a doctorate in leadership from Creighton University and teach Clinical Leadership & Practice Integration for Clarkson. I've been married for 15 years and have an 18 month-old named Beckett.
Kelly Eaton, B.S., RT(R)(CIIP)
RT & MI Assistant Professor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
I enjoy being a mentor because I know how intimidating it can be to start classes at a new college and feeling overwhelmed. I truly enjoy working with people and helping out in any way that I can!
About me
I have been with Clarkson College since 2009. I have worked in the clinical setting and transitioned into the world of education, with my current position at the college. I honestly love where my career has taken me and I have learned so much throughout my journey. In my spare time, I love to go fishing, shopping, traveling, attempting "Pinterest" ideas and attending my three (busy) boy's sporting events, with my husband.
Valerine Frederick, M.S.N., R.N.
Nursing Instructor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
I am involved in the mentoring program because I believe that having a good foundation when you first enter higher education is important to the overall success of the student. Being involved with nursing students at the freshman and sophomore levels is very rewarding and offers me some insight into the hurdles students feel are the hardest to maneuver. I am hoping to be a good resource for new students so they have less hurdles to jump and can focus more on their academic experience!
About me
I have been a nurse for over 10 years with a variety of experience. I have 2 children who keep me active and very busy! We enjoy taking advantage of the fun things our city has to offer us such as the zoo, museums and other special events found locally.
Kate Fuller, M.S.N.
Nursing Assistant Professor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
I enjoy being a mentor because I like to cultivate relationships. I feel that students can be more successful if they have a strong support system while in school and I feel that mentorship is a path to start building that support.
About me
I am a mom to 2 busy young girls, a nurse, an educator and a lover of carbs. I have been a nurse for almost 15 years. I have worked at Clarkson College for 8 years in the undergraduate nursing program. I am a Clarkson College alumni and I am proud to be a part of a college that is developing exceptional healthcare providers. I love music, singing loudly, cooking, and traveling. I could spend hours watching people decorate cookies and cakes on social media.
Stasha K. (Katie) Fulton, M.S., RT (R)(VI)
Assistant Professor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
I love working with students outside of the classroom to support their success. I am a proud Clarkson graduate and want to do all that I can to help our students succeed!
About me
I am married and have one young son. We love to travel and be outside!
Carolina Gomez
Testing Center Coordinator
Why I enjoy being a mentor
I have been employed at the college for almost 2 years now and I have seen the stress of them during midterms and finals. I would like to be there to calm them down as I myself am a student so I understand the stress of tests and studying.
About me
I am a FT mom and FT student. I also play soccer and try to stay fit on my time off. I like to see the bright side of things. You can be having the hardest day ever but at the end of the day, there is always something to be grateful for. While you might have had a bad day at work at least you still have a job meanwhile someone else lost their job or home.
Caitlin Hebrew, D.P.T.
PTA Instructor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
I love being a mentor because it allows me to form meaningful relationships with future healthcare professionals and to assist with any transitions that these students might have prior to entering the busy world of health care! Sharing my love for our profession and getting to see students who genuinely want to care for others refreshes my outlook on life and brings me great joy!
About me
I received my Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Nebraska and went on to achieve my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Kansas Medical Center in 2008. I have been a practicing clinician for over 10 years with most of my experience in outpatient orthopedics and geriatric settings. I joined the Physical Therapist Assistant program as an Instructor in 2016 and have been loving every minute since. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, running and exercise and TRAVELING!
Mary Jo Jelinek, M.S.N, R.N.
Nursing Instructor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
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.
About me
I am the mother of five and grandmother of seven. Do not let the gray hair fool you;
I have a zest for living. I believe part of my job
is comic relief. A smile-and better still laughter-lightens the emotional load and lowers the blood pressure. I read incessantly about health and nutrition. I may not look it, however, I love to exercise.
Janine Johnson, EdD, MSN, RN
Nursing Associate Professor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
I enjoy being a mentor because it gives me a chance to connect with students in a way outside the classroom. I remember how important mentors were to me when I was in both undergraduate and graduate school. Mentors can provide you with assistance in ways that are not always easy to obtain. My goal as a mentor is to allow a student to be authentic in their experience and help them navigate the system. A mentor has insight often gained through experience that someone new to a system might have difficulty understanding. I enjoy helping students navigate a system that might seem overwhelming or challenging.
About me
I initially graduated with my BSN from Grand View College (now University) in 1992. I have worked in many areas of nursing including family practice, pediatrics, adult med-surg, OB, and critical access. I became an educator somewhat by "accident" when the local community college was seeking a clinical instructor. I enjoyed the role of educator and was able to pursue it as my full-time career. I have taught peds, OB, adult-med surg, leadership, EBP, and dosage calculation. I graduated with my MSN in nursing education in 2006 and more recently completed my EdD in Clarkson's Health Care Leadership program. I am interested in the needs of students from diverse backgrounds, researching their needs, and advocating for policies and practices that support their success.
On a personal level, I live in a rural area. My kids are grown and I am enjoying my new role as grandma. My husband and I enjoy gardening, camping, bicycling, and other outdoor activities during the warmer months.
Andrea Kwiatkowski
Admissions Counselor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
As a Clarkson College graduate myself, being a mentor would allow me to relate to and support students navigating a similar college experience. I vividly remember my first day at Clarkson College almost 10 years ago and can still recall my anxious excitement. After working in a variety of health care settings, I feel my experience could help support students through the college adventure as well as planning for life after graduation. Being a cheerleader in someone's success story is something I find most fulfilling!
About me
I graduated from Clarkson College in 2012 with my Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging. After graduation I worked in a variety of health care settings for 7 years including a specialized pain clinic, two trauma hospitals, and a surgical center. Up until October 2019 I worked at Nebraska Medicine as a staff technologist and clinical coordinator. I had the opportunity to mentor Clarkson College and University of Nebraska Medicine Radiography students. It was here I found my passion for helping set students up for success! My wife and I live just down the street from Clarkson College. We currently enjoy spending time with our two very spoiled dogs, but that will soon change this June when we welcome our new baby boy!
I'm a huge fan of Nebraska football, even when it's painful and am a 100% devoted Packer's fan!
Julie Lawlor, M.S.N., R.N.
Nursing Assistant Professor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
I love being a nurse and I love teaching. I returned to school as an older student so I understand the pressures of family, work, school , and life! Meeting students and forming relationships with them is incredibly rewarding. This profession has given me so much I would love to help support students fulfill their dreams of being a nurse.
About me
I am originally from California but grew up for the most part in New York. I have worked at Nebraska Medicine for 25 years. I spent my staff nursing career on a med/surg trauma unit which was very exciting and really hard! I also worked as a home health nurse and I loved that too. I am married with 3 grown kids with my youngest in law school in Minneapolis. Very fun to visit as it is a foodie city and lots of outdoor activities. I love all animals. You won't find me sitting still long ( unless I am watching Bravo). I bike, run, hike, take yoga classes, and recently tried bouldering (yikes scary). I'm outspoken when I need to be but also a great listener.
Nancy McMahon, M.S.N., APRN-CNS
Nursing Associate Professor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
I have enjoyed mentoring students for many years. It is very rewarding to see students pursue their dreams and attain their goals. Being part of the mentoring team allows me to interact with a diverse group of students and to help them be successful. I love to see the transformation and professional growth of students as they progress through their academic programs.
About me
I am an Omaha native and attended UNMC for my undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees. I am a pediatric nurse and love working with children. I am married with a preschool aged child at home. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling abroad, scuba diving, and quilting.
Dr. Neka Miller,Ph.D.
Coordinator, Quality Assurance/Institutional
Why I enjoy being a mentor
I have always had mentors through out my educational career and they have helped to make the the professional I am today. I want to pay it forward and help students set goals for themselves and work to wards achieving them.
About me
I was born in the Caribbean and grew up in New York City. I attended SUNY- University at Buffalo where I earned my degrees in Biochemical Pharmacology (BS), Psychology (BA), Minor in Medical Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics - specializing in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (PhD). I have enjoyed a career transition from basic research to higher education. I am a trained/published scientist in the fields of oncology and neuroscience. For the past 5 years I have worked at Clarkson College in the capacity of Coordinator, Quality Assurance/Institutional Effectiveness. I have been an Adjunct Faculty in the Doctor of Health Care Education and Leadership program (assisting doctoral students with the scientific inquiry process in their dissertation proposal) since 2017. I have participated in the Mentoring Program since I began working at Clarkson College and have had mentees in several programs.
I enjoy spending time with family, friends and loved ones; always working to create memories. Remember, "You can't take it with you". I enjoy Mensa puzzles, movies, music and travelling, anything that challenges the mind. I look forward to welcoming more students to mentor.
Megan O'Leary
Alumni and Advancement Coordinator
Why I enjoy being a mentor
Being a mentor allows me to form meaningful relationships with current students and help them achieve their goal of graduation. Having a supportive mentor can make a world of difference in a student’s life.
About me
I started as an Admissions Counselor at Clarkson College in July of 2018 and transitioned into Alumni and Advancement in 2022. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Master of Science in Organizational Management, both from Chadron State College. My favorite part of working in higher education is creating relationships with students and helping them achieve their long-term goals! In my free time I enjoy running, golfing, listening to a good podcast and binge watching any true crime series on Netflix.
Rachel Pfeifer, M.S.W., B.A.
Assistant Professor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
College is such an amazing and powerful time of transition, but it's not often easy. I would love the opportunity to be a guide, mentor, and advocate for a student. Getting to know students personally is one of the best parts of my job, and this would give me a purposeful chance to do that on a higher level.
About me
I attained my Master's degree in Social Work in 2007, and am currently in the Clarkson College Health Care Education & Leadership Doctoral program. Before coming to Clarkson College, I worked as both a hospice medical social worker and bereavement coordinator for almost 6 years. I teach in the General Education and Community Health departments. I have three amazing daughters. They are a busy and lively trio that keep me on my feet. We enjoy attending cheer competitions, piano recitals and ice-skating lessons in our spare time (kidding, although that is how most of our free time is spent). What we love doing in our real free time is mountain climbing (we love Colorado), seeing movies, and spending time with family.
Sherri Porter, EdD, MSN, RN
Associate Professor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
I enjoy working with students as they progress through their education here at Clarkson College. Having graduated recently, I can relate to the issues students face with balancing school and work. I am also a caregiver which has its own set of challenges. Sometimes, students need someone to listen to them and offer support and encouragement. I enjoy getting to know students on a personal level and be there for them.
About me
I have been teaching in the undergraduate nursing program since 2006. I graduated from Clarkson College with my BSN, MSN, and most recently my EdD degrees. I have a grown daughter who lives in Connecticut. I love to travel, read, and bake in my free time.
Renee Ruhkamp, Ed.D., M.S.N., R.N., C.N.E
Professor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
I have served as a mentor for several years now and enjoy seeing students come in to college eager to start the next chapter of their life. I enjoy working with students of all levels and strive to be a positive role model and provide the encouragement everyone needs as they come into college.
About me
I am a current faculty member in the Graduate Nursing program and the EdD program. I have been a nurse since 1996 and started at Clarkson College in 2005. I received my MSN from Clarkson College in 2009 and an EdD from College of Saint Mary in 2015. I have one daughter who is currently in college. In my spare time I love to read, binge watch Netflix, garden, and spend time with family.
Nicole Shives, M.S., B.A.
Associate Professor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
I enjoy having one-on-one interactions with students and would like the opportunity to play a role in someone's college experience. I love what I do and look forward to bringing my enthusiasm to mentoring.
About me
I currently teach Anatomy lecture and lab, and Physiology labs. I have a Master's degree in Athletic Training, from the University of Northern Iowa, and another Master's degree in Biology, with an emphasis in Anatomy and Physiology, from the University of Nebraska. In my spare time I enjoy reading, shopping, and spending time with my husband and two children.
Dr. Jacquie Stanzel
Undergraduate Nursing Instructor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
I think it's important to connect with students outside of the classroom setting. The transition to collegiate level courses and expectations can be overwhelming. Mentoring offers the me chance to provide support to students on several levels in order to help them find balance between classes, work, and personal life.
About me
I have been a nurse for 24 years with experience in cardiac, ICU, and emergency room. I have worked at Clarkson for almost 5 years. I earned my MSN in nursing education in 2015 and my DNP in 2019. I love teaching and patient care and continue to practice as an NP in an Urgent Care as needed.
Cheryl Walburn, M.S.N., R.N.
Instructor
Why I enjoy being a mentor
Mentoring gives students someone they can reach out to for support and help. I want to assist students to succeed in their academic journey.
About me
I am an instructor in the General Education Department and have been teaching online at Clarkson College since 2009. I hold a B.S.N. from UNMC College of Nursing and a M.S.N. from Clarkson College. I love to travel, play piano and organ, exercise, and spend time with family.