Our Team
Melissa Holman (she/her/hers)
Director
Connectedness, Restorative, Activator, Communication, Individualization
What I do at WMU:
I make sure students have what they need to develop, discover, and thrive during their time at WMU. Through working with a wonderful team who provides services to students through a number of grants and programs, I support student's holistic success.
Why I love working here:
I love seeing students win!
My alma mater, degrees, and certifications:
- Ferris State University, communication with a concentration in multicultural relations in the United States
- Western Michigan University, educational leadership: higher education student affairs
- Certifications: Gallup CliftonStrengths, life coaching with guidelines that follow the International Federation of Coaches protocol
When I'm not at work, you'll find me...
Hanging out with friends. I love movies. I love laughing.
A few things about me:
I'm left handed. :) I love having natural hair. Summer is my favorite season.
Ephraim Bahre (he/him/his)
Graduate Assistant, Kalamazoo Promise Scholars Program
Input, Learner, Adaptability, Positivity, Achiever
What I do at WMU:
I am the graduate assistant of the Kalamazoo Promise Scholars Program.
Why I love working here:
I get to lead by serving others.
Why favorite thing about living in Kalamazoo or Southwest Michigan:
It is a welcoming town.
My alma mater, degrees, and certifications:
B.S. in psychology and economics, magna cum laude, from WMU, MBA in progress.
When I'm not at work, you'll find me...
Having a solitude moment or meeting with family.
A few things about me:
I am highly interested in continuous improvement.
Ashley Bravo (she/her/hers)
Associate Director, Director of CAMP
Empathy, Relator, Developer, Learner, Responsibility
What I do at WMU:
At WMU, I ensure that students are well-prepared academically and personally to build a strong foundation for themselves. I do this by connecting students to resources on campus and serving as an advocate for them when they are unsure how to navigate all that comes with transitioning into university life. I also help students set goals for themselves as leaders and professionals. In addition, I prepare reports and monitor student retention and persistence towards degree attainment. I am here for students to know that they have someone who understands their challenges and that they are not alone at the university. I am here to help eliminate any barriers that may stand in the way of graduation.
Why I love working here:
I love working here because I know what I do makes a difference in the lives of the students. Oftentimes students see higher education as something far from their reach, but I love knowing that what I do helps them get an education and makes their time here a little bit easier because they have someone to turn to when in need.
My favorite thing about living in Kalamazoo or Southwest Michigan:
My favorite thing about living in Kalamazoo is that there are a lot of things to do and many places are open late. I also like that Kalamazoo has options in the surrounding areas, such as the beach. It also reminds me of my hometown in Illinois, so I feel at home.
My alma mater, degrees, and certifications:
My alma mater is Western Michigan University. Here I earned a bachelor's degree in science and majored in biomedical sciences with a minor in chemistry. I am currently working on obtaining my Master of Public Health.
When I'm not at work, you'll find me...
At the gym, outside, at a cafe/bookstore or the library working on homework, or at the beach/pool with a good book.
A few things about me:
I am Mexican-American and my family is from Michoacan, Mexico. I enjoy watching movies and crafting! I have been to Mexico, Ireland, and Portugal.
Dr. Vun Doubblestein 邱文欣 (she/her/hers)
Associate Director, Director of Mentoring for Success Program
Input, Connectedness, Intellection, Learner, Relator
What I do at WMU:
I oversee a state grant-funded peer mentoring program in Multicultural Affairs for Students. As the director of the Mentoring for Success Program, I develop, plan, and implement programs and services for students in our target populations. I also recruit, select, train, and supervise a staff that includes program assistants, budget analyst, academic mentors, office assistants, and graduate interns. In addition to my role as program director, I manage our department's websites and social media accounts. I am the advisor of the Asian Pacific American Student Association at WMU, and have been since 2007, when it was known as the Asian Pacific Islander Network and later Asian Pacific Student Association.
Why I love working here:
The small but tight-knit Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) student population on campus. My student employees.
My favorite thing about living in Kalamazoo or Southwest Michigan:
Kalamazoo gives off small-town vibes but is close enough to big cities like Chicago and Detroit when you're looking for more things to do. There is a small but growing list of local restaurants here with vegan options.
My alma mater, degrees, and certifications:
I am a three-time WMU graduate! I earned the following degrees from WMU:
- Ph.D. in educational leadership: higher education
- M.A. in counselor education: administration of college student affairs
- B.A. in communication, cum laude
When I'm not at work, you'll find me...
At home, spending time alone to recharge.
My community connections:
I serve on the board of directors of the Kalamazoo Chinese Academy (KCA), a local nonprofit educational organization that provides Chinese language and cultural experiences to youth from all cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds in the greater Kalamazoo area. I am also a team member of KCA's STARTALK federal grant program funded by the National Security Agency and administered by the National Foreign Language Center. I was part of the planning committee for the Kalamazoo Public Library's (KPL) Reading Together initiative.
A few things about me:
I am an introvert and I do not enjoy crowds, but I do love traveling and connecting with people on my own terms. I am vegan for the animals. I love reading, particularly legal thrillers and books about the Asian American experience. I enjoy music in any language, from any era, and in any genre or style. If you stumble upon my playlist, you might be very confused. I speak conversational Chinese (Cantonese, Hakka, and Mandarin) but am only semi-literate in written Chinese. I also speak rudimentary Malay. I am a first-generation college student and a first-generation immigrant. I am a walking encyclopedia of random facts but am not good at playing trivia.
Dr. Denisha Griffey (she/her/hers)
Associate Director, Martin Luther King Jr. Student Scholars Academy
Relator, Responsibility, Learner, Achiever, Arranger
What I do at WMU:
As the director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Scholars Academy, I am responsible for the comprehensive oversight and implementation of the MLK Scholars Academy regarding the program's mission, vision, goals, and objectives. I work with students to create a supportive and inclusive environment on campus that supports the academic experience of those who participate in the MLK Jr. Academy to increase their retention and graduation rates. I develop, plan, and implement cultural programs and activities for all four tiers of the academy throughout the academic year. I provide leadership, train, and supervise a team of MLK Academy Leaders who serve as mentors for the MLK Academy Scholars. I manage the program budget and prepare financial reports to ensure budgetary accountability within the department. In addition to my role as the director, I provide program evaluations for community organizations.
Why I love working here:
I love connecting with students and being the support system they need as they navigate through their college experience. Exposing the students to the different cultural aspects of the entire campus community is a plus.
My favorite thing about living in Kalamazoo or Southwest Michigan:
I love living in Southwest Michigan because of its proximity to Lake Michigan. Water is my happy place, where I can decompress and clear my thoughts.
My alma mater, degrees, and certifications:
- Ph.D. in interdisciplinary studies: geosciences and education – Western Michigan University
- M.S. in chemistry – Tennessee State University
- B.A. in chemistry pre-med, minor biology – The University Tennessee at Chattanooga
When I'm not at work, you'll find me...
Traveling! Enjoying “ME TIME”
My community connections:
I am a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. I serve on a local non-profit’s program advisory board, which seeks to minimize youth contact with the criminal justice system by providing an “exit ramp” for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. I also mentor students at my undergraduate institution.
A few things about me:
I love to travel, especially if the trip involves water. I love music, especially R&B and old-school hip-hop. I even play three musical instruments. I can binge an entire Netflix series in a day!
Jordan Johnson (he/him/his)
Navigation Specialist
Strategic, Restorative, Responsibility, Developer, Connectedness
What I do at WMU:
I ensure that students are provided resources to assist them in navigating their educational and social career at WMU. By collaborating with various departments and organizations on campus, I am able to connect students with appropriate services and tools to help them achieve goals.
Why I love working here:
WMU provides such a welcoming environment and being able to work here allows me to pour the same love I received back into the students and employees.
My favorite thing about living in Kalamazoo or Southwest Michigan:
I love the small-town sense of community.
My alma mater, degrees, and certifications:
B.A, M.A., and Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) all from WMU.
When I'm not at work, you'll find me...
At the farmers market. I am a local business owner and have a booth at the local market.
My community connections:
Boy's and Girls Club, Big Brother Big Sisters
A few things about me:
I am from Detroit, Michigan, and moved to Kalamazoo in 2012 to attend WMU, where I received my B.A. in interpersonal communications and M.A. in communications. I love R&B music a lot. I am also very much into anime (my favorite is Naruto).
Alexi Anise Kocefas (she/her/hers)
Administrative Assistant
Relator, Futuristic, Discipline, Strategic, Responsibility
What I do at WMU:
I am the administrative assistant for Multicultural Affairs for Students and CAMP.
Why I love working here:
I enjoy working in a space that pours into and encourages the steps I am taking towards my future. MAS and CAMP is the place to be!.
My favorite thing about living in Kalamazoo or Southwest Michigan:
I enjoy Kalamazoo for how small it is; it allows for great focus and determination as I work on laying the foundation for my future.
My alma mater, degrees, and certifications:
I am currently a WMU student with a double major in strategic communications: diversity & Inclusion and nonprofit.
When I'm not at work, you'll find me...
...at the gym!
A few things about me:
- I am very big in my faith.
- I enjoy going to the gym, I work with an out of state coach from Tulsa, Okla.
- I am working on starting my own non-profit for the youth.
Alexander Long (he/him/his)
Graduate Assistant, Community Mentoring Program
Input, Adaptability, Arranger, Intellection, Maximizer
What I do at WMU:
Graduate student pursuing a Master of Public Administration. Currently a graduate assistant in the office of Multicultural Affairs for Students coordinating for the Community Mentoring Program.
Why I love working here:
The welcoming atmosphere within our office and on campus is something I greatly enjoy about working here. Being able to work hands-on with students of color is fulfilling and provides a sense of purpose.
My favorite thing about living in Kalamazoo or Southwest Michigan:
The beautiful experience of all four seasons and the vibrancy of the city.
My alma mater, degrees, and certifications:
Bachelor of Arts in public health
When I'm not at work, you'll find me...
Working on music, connecting with friends, or cooking a new dish.
My community connections:
Young Black Male Support Network, Enrollment Management, Edison Neighborhood Association, Black Arts and Cultural Center
A few things about me:
Born and raised in Detroit. My passions are music, people, and health. I love to draw and create art.
Noemi Mendez (she/her/hers)
Navigation Specialist
Communication, Futuristic, Achiever, Positivity, Woo
What I do at WMU:
I am a navigation specialist, and I support our Latinx students on campus by providing them with a variety of services and support in order to be successful.
Why I love working here:
I am passionate about helping others and I love WMU! This is a great place to be because of the endless opportunities for growth. I am excited to see the fruits of the support we pour into students.
My favorite thing about living in Kalamazoo or Southwest Michigan:
I'm a total foodie so I love that Kalamazoo has so many options of different foods and local restaurants to try. I also love being close to Lake Michigan. My favorite thing to do is watch sunsets on the lake.
My alma mater, degrees, and certifications:
I graduated from Western Michigan University with my Bachelor of Social Work, Summa Cum Laude.
When I'm not at work, you'll find me...
Spending time with my family, watching movies, and trying new recipes.
A few things about me:
- I am a member of Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. Xi Chapter.
- My favorite color is purple.
- I know how to play the piano and trumpet.
- I love all types of music, but I especially love oldies! Anything from 50s to 80s is my jam.
Natéya Moore (she/her/hers)
Associate Director, Director of Kalamazoo Promise Scholars Program
Empathy, Futuristic, Strategic, Intellection, Adaptability
What I do at WMU:
I'm the director of the Kalamazoo Promise Scholars Program and I support Kalamazoo Promise students at WMU. I ensure connection to resources and assist in providing an enriching college experience through a variety of activities, services, and opportunities on campus and in the community.
Why I love working here:
I value education and I love seeing students accomplish their goal of earning a degree.
My favorite thing about living in Kalamazoo or Southwest Michigan:
You get to experience all four seasons.
My alma mater, degrees, and certifications:
- M.A. in counselor education: college counseling from WMU
- B.S. in human services from Baker College
- Associate in Science and Arts (ASA) from Muskegon Community College
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths coach
When I'm not at work, you'll find me...
...at a concert, the movies, or taking a random class for fun.
A few things about me:
I love learning different languages. I've studied Spanish, French, Japanese, and American Sign Language via classroom instruction, and many more on language learning apps. I also love music! There is something that I like in almost all genres of music (old and new school). So let me know what music you're currently listening to. You just may help me discover my new favorite song!
Lisbeth Morales (she/her/hers)
Recruiter, CAMP
Restorative, Responsibility, Developer, Intellection, Achiever
What I do at WMU:
At WMU I serve as a recruiter for CAMP seeking future WMU Broncos who have a seasonal and/or migrant background.
Why I love working here:
I love seeing students convert their challenges into motivation to reach their goals! I love being a part of a supporting team that is making an impact that will help shape the students' lives even after graduation.
My favorite thing about living in Kalamazoo or Southwest Michigan:
...is its diversity and opportunities to succeed! I'm born and raised from Kalamazoo (KC alum!) and still feel like I'm discovering something new! My favorite place to explore in the city is downtown but you'll also catch me exploring its parks. :)
My alma mater, degrees, and certifications:
I'm a proud WMU alumnae with a bachelor's degree in science with a concentration in occupational therapy and a master's degree in occupational therapy.
When I'm not at work, you'll find me...
...baking, reading, shopping or simply catching a break relaxing.
A few things about me:
I am a first-generation Latina graduate. My zodiac sign is Virgo.
Dr. Mark Orbe (he/him/his)
Faculty Liaison, Kalamazoo Promise
Achiever, Strategic, Learner, Connectedness, Input
What I do at WMU:
Currently, I hold three positions simultaneously at WMU: professor of communication and diversity in the School of Communication, faculty fellow in the Office of Institutional Equity, and faculty lead for Kalamazoo Promise scholars in Multicultural Affairs for Students. Within these contexts (which I would like to think align together seamlessly), I teach, engage in various research and writing projects, and diligently serve others through different organizations, committees, initiatives, and community events.
Why I love working here:
I love working at WMU because it provides infinite possibilities to work together with amazing people - students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni - in a community where we can teach and learn, challenge and be challenged, and inspire and be inspired.
My favorite thing about living in Kalamazoo or Southwest Michigan:
I am a East Coast native and Kalamazoo has been home for my family and me for the past 25+ years. My favorite thing about living in Southwest Michigan is the huge community support for young people, education, and cultural diversity.
My alma mater, degrees, and certifications:
- Ph.D., Ohio University (intercultural communication)
- M.A., University of Connecticut (higher educational leadership)
- B.S., Ohio University (organizational communication)
When I'm not at work, you'll find me...
...You won't! I'm typically on the go, constantly motion, and when I'm not I'm hibernating at home out of reach.
My community connections:
On campus, I serve as faculty advisor for the Eta Epsilon chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc; the Beta Rho chapter of Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc.; and the Kalamazoo Promise scholars of WMU. In the larger Kalamazoo community, I'm connected to multiple cultural, educational, political and civic-minded groups of people.
A few things about me:
I am a first person in my family to graduate from high school and go to college; I'm a marathon runner; I've never had a cup of coffee; I've been in all 50 US states and 5 continents.
Hannah Powless (he/him/his)
Program Coordinator, Mentoring for Success
Learner, Intellection, Input, Context, Discipline
What I do at WMU:
I serve as a program coordinator in the Mentoring for Success Program. I work with student employees to help deliver mentoring and tutoring to students in our target populations. I also work extensively on our grant reporting documentation.
Why I love working here:
The people you meet are so kind and welcoming. Each program is important and that gives real meaning and weight to the work.
My favorite thing about living in Kalamazoo or Southwest Michigan:
I love the Kalamazoo Public Library! Moving here from a small town made me star stuck for the resources that a large library system can offer. I try to visit every weekend.
My alma mater, degrees, and certifications:
My alma mater is Western Michigan University! I have my B.A. in gender and women’s studies and communication studies.
When I'm not at work, you'll find me...
At summer camp! I am a lifelong camper at a youth summer camp in Van Buren County where I now serve as the assistant director.
A few things about me:
I am a very big reader with a special interest in middle grade youth literature. My honor’s thesis for undergrad included completing a manuscript of a contemporary middle grade novel. When I’m not reading or writing, I enjoy spending time building complicated Lego sets or crocheting while watching the same three shows on repeat. I love listening to live choral and instrumental music and I have been a member of many bands and choirs throughout the years.
Tim Smolenski (he/him/his)
Navigation Specialist
Positivity, Includer, Woo, Developer, Empathy
What I do at WMU:
I am an advocate for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) and Native American students and connect them with services and programs throughout WMU.
Why I love working here:
The opportunity to be a difference maker and make an impact on a student's life.
My favorite thing about living in Kalamazoo or Southwest Michigan:
So. Many. Activities! I am an outdoor enthusiast and I love that we have parks, trails, nature centers, lakes, rivers, campgrounds, disc golf courses, a fish hatchery, and even a zoo to name a few! And let's not forget about Lake Michigan!
My alma mater, degrees, and certifications:
My alma mater is Western Michigan University. I earned a bachelor's degree in arts and majored in sociology with a minor in marketing.
When I'm not at work, you'll find me...
Spending time with my family.
A few things about me:
I am a Korean adoptee. I am an extrovert who gets my energy from being around others. I love playing disc golf, making maple syrup in the springtime and playing music. I also love playing hockey and try to use GIFs as much as possible. I once appeared on a Wendy's restaurant coupon and have won over 20 prizes from calling into radio stations, one of which includes a personalized platinum record!
Kendall Walker (he/him/his)
Financial Wellbeing and Outreach Specialist, Kalamazoo Promise
Harmony, Communication, Includer, Analytical, Connectedness
What I do at WMU:
I engage with current and future Kalamazoo Promise students and inform them of rudimentary financial wellbeing information. I also process/implement Kalamazoo Promise awards for continuing and new Kalamazoo Promise scholars planning to attend Western.
Why I love working here:
I enjoy working with students as well as learning new processes and collaborating with my colleagues on a variety of events.
My favorite thing about living in Kalamazoo or Southwest Michigan:
Spring Valley Park on the east side of Kalamazoo. I could walk through there for hours just relaxing and pondering. I also love the quaint scene of downtown and the Kalamazoo Public Library. I've had a lot of growth, maturity, and memories here in my city.
My alma mater, degrees, and certifications:
Associate degree from Lake Michigan College
When I'm not at work, you'll find me...
At home probably playing Final Fantasy VII for the 100th time, spending time with my godfather, or out for coffee with friends.
A few things about me:
- My fav TV show is Gilmore Girls.
- My fav Music Artist is Lianne LaHavas.
- I enjoy knitting.
- I enjoy conversing in Portuguese or Spanish.
- Me and Lauryn Hill have the same birthday.
