Who We Are, What We Do

Hi there! My name is Kate Tisch and I am the Director of Advising.  I have been at Alverno since 1994 (wow!) and enjoy working in this amazing learning community.  My undergraduate degree is from UW-Madison in Exercise Physiology.  I also have a Master’s degree in Academic Advising from Kansas State University.  I am married and have 2 kids — my daughter lives and works in NYC and my son is a senior in high school but will soon be entering college.  In my free time I play volleyball, golf, travel, read, watch HGTV, and attend Badger and Packer games.  I also love gardening and look forward to my daily dose of “dirt & flower therapy” in our non-winter seasons. I encourage students to make the most of their education by engaging in their areas of interest but also by exploring new ideas and taking some risks.  I loved my college experience and want my advisees to feel the same about their time here at Alverno!

Hi! And welcome to Advising!  My name is Kishia Ross and I am the Assistant Director of Advising.  I served in the Academic Advising office for thirteen years as the Administrative Assistant.  During this time, I earned my bachelor’s degree from Alverno and graduated in 2006.  My major of study was Community Leadership and Development. As both a student and an employee, Alverno instilled in me that education is a life-long endeavor, which is why I chose to pursue my Master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration.  I graduated from Concordia University in 2013.  Shortly after graduation, I accepted a position at Concordia as a Student Services Advisor where I served for three years.  This career path has come full circle and now I am back “home.”  The best part of my job is the student interactions, so please feel free to connect with me often.  As education is one of my values, I often say “it is an awesome day when you have learned something new!” I look forward to meeting each and every one of you.

Hello and welcome to Advising! My name is Pryscilla Balladares and I am an Academic Advisor. I have my undergraduate degree in Political Science with a Concentration in Law from the University of Wisconsin- Parkside. Currently, I am a graduate student at Alverno studying in the Community Psychology program. Outside of the college, I am a creative artist, with my focus in creative writing and collage art. I am also the Creative Director of a Milwaukee inspired t-shirt brand that my husband and I own. When I’m not working on creative projects, I like to binge watch good shows on Netflix with my two doggies, and I am an active member of the alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. What I like about working at Alverno is that I get to be part of a community of movers and shakers. I look forward to assisting students in any way that I can. Let’s connect soon!

Welcome! My name is Jen Gunderson and I’m an academic advisor here at Alverno, ready to assist students in pursuing their educational dreams and goals. Before becoming an advisor, I worked in a psychology clinic and accessibility office at two different universities, providing therapy, accommodations, counseling, and resources to students. I also spent many years as a student myself, studying English and Psychology and earning a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. After so many years of study, I definitely feel at home on a college campus (and I’d love for you to feel the same about Alverno). When I’m not on campus, you might find me reading, spending time in nature, or hanging out with my family. I’m a big proponent of hard work and enthusiastic learning – but also balancing your academic load with at least some fun, creative, or relaxing pursuits. I can’t wait to get to know you and see which of the awesome learning opportunities you’ll engage with on our campus.

Welcome to Alverno and to Advising! My name is Marie Schoeppach and I’m an advisor. Being a college student is a unique time in a person’s life. It’s full of opportunities to learn and grow both in and out of the classroom.  That was my experience while earning my B.S. in Communication Studies at UW-La Crosse and my M. Ed. in College Student Affairs at the University of South Florida.  It is my hope that your time at Alverno will be full of experiences that allow you to grow in many new and diverse ways. In my role as an advisor, I hope to help you find and reach your potential.  My favorite quote can also be good advice for anyone in their college journey:  “Don’t confuse your life and your work, the second is only part of the first.” – unknown

Hello and welcome to Advising! My name is Sarah Fandel and I am a Promise Scholar Advisor.  I am interested in understanding education as a transformational process so I studied and earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education and Writing Intensive English and my Master of Education degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Marquette University. I also love to learn through trying new things, reading good books, and spending time in conversation with others.  College is an amazing time to explore who you are and the impact you want to leave on the world. My goal in advising is to help you make authentic decisions based upon your beliefs, values, and experiences so you can successfully reach your goals. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Welcome to Alverno!  My name is Martha Johnson and I am the Promise Scholar Advisor in the Academic Advising Department.  I earned a B.S. degree in Health Education from U.W.- Madison and a M.S. degree in Educational Rehabilitation Counseling from U.W. – Milwaukee.  Your college years mirror life by introducing you to greater responsibilities, multiple opportunities, diverse ways to explore who you are and who you want to become.  Most importantly, your time in college allows you the time to fully explore what unique gifts you bring to your career and community.  I love working with students to encourage them to maximize their own inner resources, find their own voice and pursue a career path that honors their interests and strengths.  My favorite quote is from Ralph W. Emerson: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

Hi there! My name is Chelsey Knuth and I am the Office Coordinator here in Advising. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, where I fell in love with the college experience and sought a career path that would support others during their time in school. I was first able to accomplish this goal in an administrative role that supported primary education students. Now, I am excited to apply and expand upon those skills as a resource for adult learners here at Alverno! I strongly believe in the power of communication to make a difference in your college experience and am here to respond to your questions and concerns as best I can.

Hello and welcome! My name is Karen Romantini. Working with Alverno students has been so inspirational that I got back to school myself and became a proud Alverno graduate at age 64.  My specialty as the Advising Relations Specialist is working with former students who are returning for their degree, so I’m always happy to share my story of it never being too late to make goals and dreams come true.  In addition to serving students through my work in the Advising office, I also enjoy teaching a Wellness class on Mindful Movement.  Outside of Alverno, my passions include teaching English as a Second Language to refugees, hiking with my husband and our joyful dog, and deepening my work as a fiber artist (with inspiration from my artist son, musician daughter, as well as the amazing faculty and students of Alverno).  Hoping to have the opportunity to learn about your sources and expressions of inspiration as well!

Hello! My name is Ronda Hall and I provide administrative support in the Advising office. Being a college student should give you the opportunity to explore possibilities – academic topics that interest you, ways to express your creativity, athletic activities, engaging conversations, joyful happenings, situations to expand your perspective – and be part of a supportive campus community. Some of the possibilities I enjoy include working toward my first triathlon, book group conversations, and spending time with my daughter. I look forward to meeting you as you explore your possibilities at Alverno. Let me know how I can help!