Academic Advising Staff
Meet the Academic Advising Staff
Academic Advisors:
Hi there! My name is Kate Tisch and I am the Director of Advising. I have been at Alverno since 1994 and enjoy working in this unique learning community. My undergraduate degree from UW-Madison is in Exercise Physiology. I also have a Master’s degree in Academic Advising from Kansas State University. I am married and have 2 kids—one in college in NYC and one in middle school. In my free time I play volleyball, golf, travel, read, watch HGTV and attend Badger & Packer games. I encourage students to make the most of their education by focusing on 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!
Contact Kate TischEmail – kate.tisch@alverno.edu
Phone – (414) 382-6036
Hello! My name is Beth Monhollen (technically, Dorothy Elizabeth, but I’ve been called Beth since the day I was born.)
I am the Assistant Director of Advising. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Alverno
in 1997. I majored in English and minored in Spanish and Theater, because those were
the things I loved. I’ve had quite a few different jobs in the time since I graduated,
but I’ve happily worked at Alverno since 2003. I’m one of the luckiest, happiest people
that I know, partly because I love my work! I have a Master’s degree in Student Personnel
Administration (essentially, college student development, so that I can do what I
do, only better.) And, I continue to act for local theater companies and practice
my language skills whenever I can. I love to learn and to explore and I love to help
others to do the same. One of the most important things I learned in my undergraduate
years was to be open to new experiences and new people, to take unfamiliar classes
even if I didn’t “need” them. My hope for your college years is that you will do the same.
Contact Beth Monhollen:
Email – beth.monhollen@alverno.edu
Phone – (414) 382-6348
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
Email – marie.schoeppach@alverno.edu
Phone – (414) 382-6034
Hi! And welcome to Advising! My name is Kishia Ross and I am an Advisor. 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 choose to pursue my Master’s degree in Student Personnel
Administration. I graduated from Concordia University in 2013. Shortly after graduation
I accepted a position 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 stop by or call 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!
Email – kishia.ross@alverno.edu
Phone – (414) 382-6042
Welcome to 
Alverno College!! My name is Danielle Castro and I am an Academic Advisor and 2006 graduate of Alverno College. I earned my Bachelor’s
Degree in Psychology with supports in Adult Education and Elective Studies, and then
went on to earn my Master’s Degree in Community Counseling and Post-Master’s Certificate
in School Counseling from Mount Mary University. I am a mom to two beautiful little
girls, and in my free time I enjoy kayaking with my husband and kids, as well as discovering
new bike trails and enjoying all that life has to offer! I began working in higher
education in 2009 and I am thrilled to be back at Alverno College as an Academic Advisor.
My favorite part of being an Advisor is getting to hear about your dreams and career
goals as you start this exciting journey, and then helping you to reach these. I look
forward to celebrating the many successes that each of you will have and I encourage
you to stop in any time you have a question. Remember to make the most of these exciting
years, and know that nothing is impossible!
Email – danielle.castro@alverno.edu
Phone – (414) 382-6032
Promise Scholar Advisors:
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.”
Email – martha.johnson@alverno.edu
Phone – (414) 382-6033
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!
Email – sarah.fandel@alverno.edu
Phone – (414) 382-6398
Administrative Assistants:
Hello, my name is Kelly Griffith and I am one of the Office Manager in the Advising Office. I am a 2011 graduate of
Alverno, where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Professional Communication.
I was born and raised in Milwaukee and I love everything about the city! I’m a big
Wisconsin sports fan, especially the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, College
football and basketball. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Being
back at Alverno and the Advising Office is wonderful! I enjoy being a part of this
tight-knit community. Stop by the Advising Office and I will be happy to direct you
to the correct Advisor, answer any questions that you may have or just stop in to
say hello.
Contact Kelly Griffith:
Email – kelly.griffith@alverno.edu
Phone – (414) 382-6029
Hi, I am Karen Romantini and I am one of the Administrative Assistants in the Advising Office. What a pleasure
it is to offer my administrative support to Alverno’s Advising Team! The eclectic
background that brought me here contains the common thread of community building,
vibrant education, and celebration of diversity; so it feels like a great fit to be
working here. My life outside the office revolves around hiking with my dogs, tutoring
students learning English as a Second Language, and enjoying the artistic endeavors
of my creative family (art…music…food…lucky me!). That family is glad to have me working
in the inspirational environment of Alverno where I am sure to discover new talents
of my own!
Contact Karen Romantini:
Email – karen.romantini@alverno.edu
Phone – (414) 382-6030
Academic Advising >