Alumni Information and Updates
Alums, thank you for sharing your latest news! The Counselor Education Department strives to build lifelong relationships. As alumni, you are the core of our department. By sharing information, both personally and professionally, you stay connected to students, faculty, and other alumni, and it gives you the opportunity to network, and provide helpful information to students currently enrolled in our department. You might say that it is one way of informal mentoring! We're proud of our graduates and especially would like to learn of all who have continued their professional studies through their doctorate. Please share your current activities, both personal and work-related. We would love to hear from all of you! Please print and mail the completed Alumni Update form to the Counselor Education Department, 3561 60th Street, Moline, IL 61265. If you would like your email address to be on the alumni section of the Counselor Education Department webpage, please email Diane Heisner, administrative assistant, at DI-Heisner@wiu.edu. This would enable you to email each other.
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The following is a summary of the responses received:
Jana L. (Manchester) Allemeier 1999, resides in East Moline, and is self-employed with Family Foundation of Iowa, Inc. as a therapist/counselor. This is a Christian Counseling Agency.
Pamela Allen 2002,married Rod Helms on September 17, 2004. She currently resides in Macomb, Illinois where she works as a therapist at North Central Behavioral Health Systems.
Farah (Heald) Anderson,2003, resides in East Moline, and is employed by Rock Island High School as a school counselor. She welcomed a baby girl, Sophia Elizabeth Anderson, on 04-03-05.
Charles A. (Clark) Baker-Clark,1985, has been appointed to a three-year term as Department Chair of an undergraduate program in hospitality and tourism management at Grand Valley State University.
Stephanie Baxter, 1999, currently resides in Davenport, Iowa. She is employed at Davenport Community Schools - Williams as an Intermediate Counselor.
Stacy (Dahl) Belski, 2001, lives in Tiskilwa. She is employed with Mendota Community Hospital in Mendota, as a Coordinator of Social Services. Stacy shares, "We will be moving to LaSalle in 2005. I am expecting our second child in July of 2005. Ethan is now 3 years old.
JoAnn Bloomberg,1990, is Past-President of West Central Illinois Professional Counselor Association (WCICPA), and counsels at the WIU University Counseling Center, Macomb, Illinois.
Burt E. Bolt, 2002, is an employee assistance counselor at the Genesis Employee Assistance Program in Davenport, Iowa. He loves the way his WIU education comes together in sessions, be it individual couples or family counseling. In addition to working with clients, the EAP position also provides him with an industrial psychology component.
Lori Bray, 2004, is employed with Young House Family Services in Burlington as Program Director and currently resides in Burlington.
Sue (Temby) Butler,1979, is currently working as a counselor in Community High School District #128 - Vernon Hills High School in Illinois. She and her husband live in Mundelein, Illinois with their two sons. Sue and her husband both have their real estate licenses and work for Koenig & Strey GMAC in Libertyville as "The Butler Team". Sue shares, "My people skills and counseling training help tremendously in the highly emotional business of helping clients buy and sell real estate."
Anita (Meyer)Callahan, 1987, lives in Quincy, Illinois. She is employed by CUSD #1, Payson Seymour Schools in Payson, Illinois as a school counselor. Anita shares, "I am using a website called careercruising.com to do interest inventory and to create a portfolio! Great website."
Keith Joseph Cavanagh,1993, currently resides in Bettendorf, Iowa. He is employed by Pleasant Valley Community Schools as a K-6 school counselor.
Sarah (Dunsford)Charlton,2003, is working as a counselor specializing in drug and alcohol prevention and education in several high schools and is thoroughly enjoying working with students. Recently, she and her husband, Ben, a chiropractor, moved to Seattle, Washington.
Jackie Craig, 1997, has been working on a senior management team at a Minneapolis based non-profit employment services agency. Jackie was married to her husband James in October 2001.
Barb Cutkomp,1996, lives in Ainsworth, Iowa. She is currently Director of Social Services at Washington County Hospital and Clinics in Washington, Iowa.
Marsha J. Dace,1991, is living in Roseville. She is employed with Great River Mental Health Center Associates in West Burlington, IA. Marsha shares, "I am one class away from completing my school counseling certificate. I now hold licenses in Illinois and Iowa."
Warren Dew, 1961 and 1963, currently lives in Lee’s Summit, Missouri with his wife, Shirley. They have two children, Darin and Debra. Warren is a commercial sales representative in Missouri and Iowa for Fitness Showcase, where he helps people with physical fitness, strength and endurance training, and exercise equipment.
Pat Dineen, 1969, is now a broker/training coordinator living in New Jersey. He and his wife, Justine, own ERA Dineen Realty and have a son, Patrick. Pat shares, “Counseling education from WIU has helped me throughout my life. As a teacher, coach, counselor and now as a real estate professional, listening to the needs of others (using Rogerian Techniques) has enabled me to work with them to accomplish the goals of my clients.”
Jacey (Nelson)Downing, 2001, accepted the position of Assistant Director of Counseling at Florida Atlantic University. She and her family have relocated to Jupiter, Florida.
Glen A. Ensinger,1999,lives in Farmington, Illinois and works as a therapist at North Central Behavioral Health Systems in Canton, Illinois. Glen shares, "I continue to work at The University of Illinois at Chicago in Peoria for the HIV-AIDS Clinic doing substance abuse and mental health therapy. I now have 5 grandchildren and 2 sons attending Western Illinois University."
Amy (Peake)Feely,2001, is a school-based counselor/clinical therapist at the Gannon Center in Clinton, Iowa. She is now a licensed mental health counselor (IA). Amy was married in August, 2004.
Ann M. Fisher, 1999, lives in Bettendorf, and is employed by the Child and Family Psychology Center in Moline. Ann shares, "I'm in private practice. I have my LCPC in Illinois and LMHC in Iowa. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults, and presenting workshops and facilitating groups. The WIU Counselor Education Department prepared me well."
Mike Gallo, 2000, shares, "Since working as a government employee as an adult mental health therapist in Cranbrook, British Columbia, I had decided to move onto completing my doctorate in clinical psychology. I am currently finishing up my first year in clinical psychology and I really like the courses I am taking. I find that my Masters at WIU was an excellent base for learning more. My doctoral experience is also a lot easier to deal with. I currently live in the suburbs of Seattle, WA in Bremerton, WA. I am also attending Toastmasters and I am 2 speeches away from attaining my Silver Speaking award. I workout at the YMCA most days and I am really liking the weather here and all the greenery of the Olympic mountains. I am also a member of a local wilderness club and I am looking forward to going on hikes once my schooling eases up here. I attend school 10 months of the year with two months “vacation”. If anyone would like to reach me, my email address is: michael.gallo@sympatico.ca. I look forward to hearing from you!"
Angela Glassburn,2003, resides in Tampico, and is employed by Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD #3 as a middle school/elementary school counselor. Angela shares, "I am married with three wonderful children: Addison - 7, Peyton - 4 and Makenzie - 2. I love my job as a school counselor and look forward to each new challenge."
Cynthia Green, 1999, lives in Moline. She is employed as an AAIEEO Officer at Black Hawk College/Southpark Psychology in Moline. Cynthia shares, "I started a new job in December 2004 as an AAIEEO Officer, and I am currently doing an internship at Southpark Psychology towards my LCPC."
Matthew Hantz, 2004, resides in Bettendorf, Iowa. Matt works as a counselor in the Davenport Community School District.
Amber Heffner-Cale,2003, 2003, lives in Edwards, and works as a school counselor in the Dunlap School District #323. Amber shares, "We recently had a new addition to our family, Jarred Heffner Cale, who was born October 21, 2004. He was welcomed home by big sister Alex and big brother Lance. I am enjoying my second year as the 6th and 7th grade counselor at Dunlap Middle School."
Sharon Heinze,1989, currently resides in Milan with her husband, Ken, and is employed with the Muscatine Community School District as a school counselor. Since 1992, Sharon has been a school counselor for grades 6, 7, and 8 at Central Middle School. She belongs to the ICA Chapter 9 regional in Iowa and will be a session presenter at the regional conference in April 2005, at the AEA in Bettendorf.
Stephanie (Parker) Henyan, 1996, is employed as a site supervisor of foster care at Catholic Charities in Galesburg. She resides in Cordova. Stephanie received her LCPC in October 2004.
Lori Hodge,1998, lives in Baxter, MN, and is an 8th/9th grade counselor at the Brainerd Franklin Jr. High. Lori shares, "My 5 years of counseling back in the land of 10,000 lakes has been great. I have two boys - ages 3 and 5 that keep me as busy as my 450 8th graders. What a joy to work with youth!"
Joanne Hooper,1995, worked for 5 years at a community mental health center prior to taking a new position working with college students at WIU - University Counseling Center.
Holly Hudson,1997, is in her seventh year as an elementary counselor working with students in kindergarten through 8th grade in the Camp Point School system. She resides in Golden, Illinois.
Leah Hyde,1987, currently resides in Rock Island, Illinois and is employed at the Rock Island Arsenal as an employee assistance specialist. Leah shares, "17 years since graduation - hard to believe! I obtained my ideal job 2 years after graduation. Without my degree, I would not have qualified. As of today, I've worked 15 years in the Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Employee Assistance Program at the Rock Island Arsenal. One of the highlights is the student practicum/internship program and working with the students of WIU. The students always energize us and we learn from them, too!"
Victoria Jobe-Crosby, 2000, resides in Macomb, Illinois and works for Western Illinois University as a counselor in the Alcohol/Drug Center at the Macomb campus.
Julia Johnson, 1992, is a therapist living in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota. In March 2003, Julia started an internet company for the blind and visually impaired. Through her website, www.eyes2eyes.com, visitors can receive information on personal, medical, employment, safety, and blindness issues. On her site, people can find support, friendship and personal counseling services that are offered via the telephone.
Becka Jones, 1998, lives in Muscatine, and has been a counselor at Jefferson School in the Muscatine School District for 9 years.
Deb Kaul,1997, resides in LeClaire, and is employed with Davenport Schools as a counselor. Deb shares, "I am a school counselor at Kimberly Center East in Davenport. KCE is an alternative high school. I have been there 5 years and thoroughly enjoy the work. My position involves a lot of energy and variety working with at-risk students."
Amy Lair,2003, resides in Macomb, and is employed by Bushnell-Prairie City High School. Amy shares, "My husband Bill graduated from WIU in December 2004 and is now working for Caterpillar in East Peoria. We hope to relocate our residence to the Canton area soon. If Bill's new job doesn't go as planned, he may consider graduate work at NIU - thus, I may consider doctoral work! We'll keep you posted! No children yet, still just Max the Cat, who doesn't realize he's not a real child!"
Kerry (Garrett)Lapp, 2002, lives in Carthage, Illinois. She is currently working as a counselor in Macomb, Illinois at the McDonough District Hospital - Behavioral Health Services.
Sharon (Walker) Lindahl,1979, resides in Prophetstown, IL. She is now retired from serving as a counselor at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD.
Ann Logan, 1985, is employed by LaHarpe schools as counselor. She resides in Colchester.
Michelle (Martin) Lukavsky, 2001, is currently working as a counselor for 6th through 12th grade students at Columbus Community in Columbus Junction, Iowa. This is a challenging job, because in K-12, they have a 75% poverty rate and an almost 60% minority rate. Michelle shares, "We currently have 2 counselors in the K-12 district for 1000+ kids, but we have been able to show through our developmental guidance program the need to reach more kids and are going to hire another counselor in our district." Michelle has three children; Tanner (1), Brady (3), and Bailey (5).
Diane Martenson, 2003, lives in Bettendorf, Iowa. She is employed with Bettendorf Schools as a coordinator of in-school suspension. She also works at the Salvation Army in Bettendorf, Iowa. The Salvation Army opened a new rehabilitation center in April, 2004 with expanded facilities and programs to serve 100 men.
Rick Martenson,1996, lives in Bettendorf, Iowa. He is currently employed as a therapist with the Psychology Health Group in Davenport, Iowa.
Grace Ann Mims, PhD.,1987, was promoted to full professor at the University of South Dakota in spring 2003. She has been actively involved in the counseling profession as President of the South Dakota Counseling Association, the South Dakota Mental Health Counselors Association, the South Dakota Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, and the North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. Her primary teaching emphasis is in clinical training, group, and family counseling. She has published in these areas as well as diversity training and violence prevention. She is married to Matthew J. Mims and has a son, Griffin.
Maureen Moeller,1997, works at the Davenport Community School District's Alternative High School, counseling pregnant and parenting high school students. She resides in LeClaire, Iowa.
Kate Murphy, 1995, lives in Lewistown, IL, and is employed as a school counselor by West Central Illinois Special Education Cooperative (New Horizons School). Kate shares, "The Counselor Education Department not only trained me for my current career, but sent the man of my dreams to my worksite. Dr. Rawlins gave Mark Skiles my name as a possible practicum/internship supervisor. As it turned out, the site didn't work and Mark ended up asking me out. It's been a wonderful year with hopefully many more to come. Also, my youngest son started W.I.U. this year. Empty nesting!"
Rhonda (Johnson) Nelson,1988, lives and works in Galesburg, Illinois. Rhonda is employed at Bridgeway as a coordinator.
Julie(Mulholland) Newman, 1999, married her husband, Chris, in September, 2002. They currently reside in Moline, Illinois. Julie works in the Davenport Schools as a Counselor-Intermediate.
JoAnn O'Rourke,2000, is employed as a therapist by Transitions of Western Illinois located in Quincy, and currently resides in Quincy.
Quincy Paden, 2003, writes, "Currently I am pursing my Ed.D at NIU with a special interest in Human Sexuality and LGBT studies. I felt that I was well prepared at WIU to face the rigors of doctoral work. Please let all WIU students know that they will benefit greatly after graduation and into their professional lives because of the training that they are receiving now. I still love working out, fishing, and playing basketball in my spare time."
Aristotle Telly Papanikolaou, 2000, resides in East Moline, and is program director for Arrowhead Ranch in Coal Valley. Telly married Tomoko Nakane in Japan, and they have a son, Alexander Takumi.
Kim Pate,2003, resides in Virginia, Illinois and is employed at Cass County Mental Health Agency in Beardstown, Illinois as a mental health therapist. Kim shares, "In March of 2004, I competed in the 3rd annual Ms. Wheelchair Illinois pageant in Chicago and won the title. Unlike most pageants, this had nothing to do with the outer appearance of women. Women that use a wheelchair are judged on their accomplishments since the onset of their disability, their self-perception, and their ability to speak about disability related issues. Since becoming Ms. Wheelchair Illinois 2004, I have had the opportunity to travel throughout Illinois for speaking engagements, parade appearances, and other events. It has been an amazing experience!" Thank you for sharing, Kim, and congratulations on this honor!
Vicki Phillips,1999, is employed at Schuyler C.U.S.D #1 - Rushville High School in Rushville, Illinois as a school counselor.
Susan Potthast,2004, lives in Aledo. She is employed as a counselor with Family Foundations in Bettendorf.
Angie Raymond,2000, went right into the JD program at Loyola University after graduation from WIU. She shares, "I have graduated from the JD program (passed the NY Bar) and completed an LLM at the University of London by using my counseling skills in international commercial arbitration. I have just started my PhD (London) and will be teaching in the near future - once again drawing on the many skills I was taught at Western." Angie's email address is: ahraymon@loyno.edu.
Arlene Rhinehart, 1963, is living in Kirkwood, Illinois, and is retired.
Janice K. Rockwell,1994, lives in Macomb, and is employed by V.I.T. CUSD #2 in Table Grove. Janice shares, "I'm in my 9th year at VIT as jr/sr high counselor. I sponsor the high school SWAT team (students with advocacy training) who do prevention activities for 7-12. I run a 7th grade girl's group, “Listening to Youth,” working on self esteem and goal setting issues. I teach a 9-week career exploration class to 9th/10th graders as the anchor of my 7-12 career program."
Theresa Schelin-White, 1998, has been working as an at-risk teacher and counselor with North Scott Schools.
Shelby (Courbat) Schmidt,2002, married her husband, Paul, in September 2003 and they reside in Davenport, Iowa. She is a guidance counselor at Bettendorf High School since August, 2002.
Terri F. Shafer,2000, began her career as a WIU Counseling Center intern and later worked at North Behavioral Health Systems as an addictions/mental health therapist. She is now working at Spoon River College as Supervisor in the Havana Center. She recently passed the LCPC exam and joined the ICA.
Bernadette A. Shaner, 1997, resides in Neponset, and is employed with Ahearn & Associates Medical Center/Carl Sandburg College in Kewanee. Bernadette shares, "My job is unique. I am a nurse with a BSN and a MSEd from WIU. I work in a doctor's office as a nurse educator/counselor. The doctor states he knows of no other office in our area that has a nurse counselor.”
Kay A. Shaver, 2002, is a school counselor at Warren School District #222.
Janette Shinavier, 2003, currently lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan with her husband and two children, Brendan and Ashley. She has been the school counselor at Lincoln High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan, since 2004.
Judy Smithson - Hilkin, 1995, lives and works in Burlington, Illinois. Judy is one year from retiring as a middle school counselor at Oak Street Middle School. She also substitutes for a local mental health counselor and teaches "Children in the Middle". This is a four hour court mandated class for parents getting a divorce.
Melissa (Dykes)Spriggs, 1998, and her husband Todd have a new addition to their family! Margaret "Maggie" Kay Spriggs was born on September 7. Maggie weighed 6 pounds 11 1/2 ounces at birth and was 19 inches long. Congratulations!
Beth Stephens, 2001, currently resides in Bowen, Illinois. She has worked as an outpatient counselor at Brown County Mental Health in Mt. Sterling, Illinois for three years and passed the LCPC exam in April 2004.
Toni R. Tollerud, PhD., 1984, resides in DeKalb, Illinois. She received the Counselor Educator of the Year Award from the Illinois Counselor Educators and Supervisors Association. She was also awarded full professor in spring 2004 in the Adult and Higher Education department at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois.
Tara Troester, 2004, is currently employed as Student Services Director at Eastland High School in Lanark, Illinois. She has a two year old daughter and lives in Freeport, Illinois.
Marcia Unwin, 2001, writes to share that she is counseling individuals at the Arc and really enjoys it. Marcia has also volunteered as a Disaster Mental Health Technician. She was a part of the Red Cross's efforts during the 9 -11 World Trade Center disaster. Additionally, Marcia is available for individuals locally to assist with personal trauma. She is currently facilitating "Families in Waiting" support groups at the Arsenal.
Donna (Hildebrand) Veile, 2002, lives in Fowler, Illinois. She currently works as a school counselor in the Community Unit School District #3 in Camp Point, Illinois.
Anna Viscioni-Ross, 2004, resides in Coal Valley, and is employed by Bettendorf School District as a school counselor in Jefferson Elementary School.
Mary Walker, 2001, is a school based counselor/clinical therapist at The Gannon Center for Community Mental Health in Clinton, Iowa. She received LMHC designation in December of 2003.
Shiow-Huey Wang, 1984, has written to her former professor and advisor, Dr. Bea Wehrly, who was kind enough to share her update with us. Shiow-Huey has recently passed the Taiwan liscensure exam. This is the first year that Taiwan has had counseling licensure in their country.
Mary Christine Ward, 1996, (Marriage & Family in 1999), lives in Geneseo, Illinois. Mary shares, "I am a middle school counselor at Geneseo. I enjoy my job. We present many counseling curriculum programs throughout the year. We also present a counseling program called "Leaf Camp" that involves all teachers and students. I also work after school hours as a private therapist."
Craig Waterstreet, 1992, resides in Macomb, Illinois and is employed with Counseling Perspectives also in Macomb.
Janice Carolyn Watts, 2004, resides in Rock Island. She is employed as youth advocate in the Rock Island-Milan School District #41.
Cindy Weaver, 1996, is employed as a high school counselor in Erie High School.
Marilyn Weydert, 2000, lives in Orion, and is employed by Alternatives for the Older Adult in Moline. Marilyn shares, "I'm working as a caregiver counselor, and I have support groups for caregivers in Geneseo and Kewanee. I provide individual counseling for caregivers in Henry and Rock Island counties. The work is challenging, rewarding, and inspiring.”
Haley Wikoff,2003, lives in Davenport, Iowa. She is currently employed as a full-time counselor at Bettendorf Community School District - Mark Twain Elementary School in Bettendorf, Iowa.
Cathy Wunderlich,1994, resides in Port Byron and is employed as a school counselor with the East Moline School District #37. Wunderlich completed requirements as a Registered Play Therapist in 2001. She was recognized as Trauma and Loss Consultant of the Year by the Institute for Trauma and Loss, Detroit, MI, where she was a school specialist and consultant. Wunderlich is a certified teacher of "Nurtured Heart," a program for parents and teachers of intense children, and vice president of Trauma and Loss Consultants, Inc.
Foundation's Online Giving Form:
Below you will find a link to the Foundation's Online Giving form which can be used to make a contribution to various Western Illinois University departments and scholarships, including the Counselor Education Department. This link will take you to the "Gift Agreement Form" where you can choose the Counselor Education Department as your designated contribution recipient. Thank you for this consideration.