KVCC Advocacy program is a mentoring partnership between students and advocates. Advocates are responsible for providing one-on-one support to help improve students' academic performance, attitude toward school, and engage students to the community of KVCC.

Whether you are an 18-year-old high school graduate, a returning student or someone who has been away from the educational environment for years, your Advocate is your personal mentor and guide through the complexities of the college environment. You will be given straight answers, efficient and timely information and all the support needed in order to help manage your way competently and efficiently through the college experience.

Students who join the Advocacy program are provided support to assure a balance between their personal and educational life. For more information on how to become a member of the Student Success Center please contact 269-488-4040. Office location click here.

Success Advocate Coordinator:
LaJoyce Brooks, MBA

Meet the Success Advocates:
Ray Andres, BBA
Diana Haggerty, BA
Jacob Johnson, BA
Isabela Robinson, BA
Shelia Ruper, A.D.
Ebba Spyke, BA
Amy Triemstra, BA
Catherine West, BS

Other Links:

LaJoyce Brooks, MBA
Success Advocate Coordinator
lbrooks@kvcc.edu
I’m a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan; I’ve lived here the majority of my life, moving from Missouri when I was 7 years old. My husband and I enjoy this part of the country and have no real desire to leave Michigan, although we’re discussing a second home somewhere warm to escape the Michigan winters.
My professional career in higher education began at Davenport University over 11 years ago, where my role as an Academic Advisor in Battle Creek, Mi helped me realize what I wanted to do with the rest of my life; develop and implement processes that keep students engaged to the community of college, and equip students with the tools to be successful. Continuing in Student Services my role and responsibilities varied from Financial Aid Specialist to Assistant Director of Admissions. Upon completing my graduate degree, Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management, I began classroom instruction for the School of Business of Davenport University, and currently for the Arts and Science Division of Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC). I’ve also worked as a strategic consultant aiding non-profit organizations with strategic planning, and organizational change. I am a firm believer that learning requires active participation! Therefore, I encourage you all to channel your energy toward taking greater social and academic risks in the classroom so that your contributions have a dynamic impact on the college experience.
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Ray Andres, BBA
Success Advocate
randres@kvcc.edu I was born in the Great North Country of Traverse City, Michigan where the lakes are blue, the wooded countryside is beautiful and the winters are snowy and cold. I met my wife in Saline, Michigan and we raised five children. There are now 11 grandchildren with the 12th on the way. KVCC was my first college where I earned my AAS degree in Computer Science. I later received a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, with a major in Computer Information Systems from Western Michigan University. I graduated ‘Magna Cum Laude’ and continued my studies toward a Master Degree in Educational Leadership. As life goes for all of us, I had a wide range of work experiences starting with McDonald’s, being a printer, retail tire salesman and store manager, retail stereo salesman and mall store manager, computer programmer and Director of Technology Service in the K-12 education system for over 23 years. I have retired but decided to help the next generation of students achieve their goals. Things that keep me going: Family, grandchildren, friends, traveling, remodeling, landscaping, playing games, watching movies and just having fun. It would be a privilege for me to help you achieve your dreams and goals at KVCC. Stop in and say “HI”.
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Diana Haggerty, BA
Success Advocate
dhaggerty@kvcc.edu
I graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2007 with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology.  I took the long route to a bachelor’s degree, and attended Oakland University, Lansing Community College, The George Washington University and the Ann Arbor Institute of Massage Therapy before finishing at EMU.  I worked as a Supplemental Instruction Leader at Eastern, which encouraged a collaborative learning environment and taught me to work with many types of students.  I have a diverse educational background and I love the collegiate atmosphere, and I am excited to be a part of the Student Success Center team. In addition to my work as a Success Advocate, I am a massage therapist at a local hospital.  I have two cats and enjoy bike riding, horseback riding, yoga, weight lifting and reading.
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Jacob Johnson, BA
Success Advocate
jjohnson@kvcc.edu
Howdy! My name is Jacob Johnson, a native of Cleveland, Ohio. I am excited about working with the students of KVCC! I believe education benefits us in a number of ways, mainly in helping people develop their gifts and talents for future success. As someone once said, "If you can dream it, you can achieve it" which is why Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss is my second favorite book! I am a 2001 graduate of the College of Wooster (OH)and an avid fan of The Ohio State University "GO BUCKS!" I have a BA in Political Science and I'm currently pursuing a Master of Divinity. At COW I was a seven time all conference athelete while holding two school records in Track. I also played basketball for two seasons. I've been blessed with the opportunity to coach basketball, football, and track at both the collegiate and high school levels. I also serve in various capacities in ministry on the local, state, and national levels. Hope to see you soon. And remember, dream BIG!
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Isabela Robinson, BA
Success Advocate
irobinson@kvcc.edu
I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but I'm indeed a World citizen. I have lived in England, Argentina and of course US. My background experience in customer service is very extensive and has started when I was only 11 years old. I came from an entrepreneur family my parents had a travel agency and my God mother a school; I got involved in both businesses. In the travel agency I was a Junior Tour guide and at the school an English teacher. My degree is in International Business at Universidade Estacio de Sa - Rio de Janeiro. On 2001 I joined an International College program at Disney World for about 4 months and came back to the company few years later in 2005 as Guest Relations and V.I.P. Tour Guide, basically Disney is my crib where most of my professional references come from but I also worked with Guest services in the InterContinental Hotel Rio and Windsor Barra. I speak fluent Portuguese, English and Spanish, have communication skills in French and can understand some Italian.
I recently fell in love with the Student Success Center and Advocate role, the idea of being able to help you, KVCC success student, to overcome academic challenges and find your own Best path it is amazing!  
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Shelia Rupert, A.D.
Success Advocate
srupert@kvcc.edu
I love the seasons in Michigan! Although, not a native Michigander, I have been teaching at KVCC for over six years. I started instructing classes in the Wellness and Physical Eduction department. Then, added exercise classes for the employee Wellness Program, followed by Personal Training and conducting wellness workshops. Our Employee Wellness Program was nationally recognized by the CDC, voting us in the top ten for Michigan Worksite Wellness Programs.
I was born in Maryland, ten miles outside of Washington, D.C., moved to New York for middle school, then Texas for high school and college, while working in the banking and mortgage industry. After a short time with American Airlines, I met my soul mate, settled down and started a family. Following the birth of our son in Austin, we moved to Michigan to be close to the in-laws. Settling down in Portage by the lake, we had our daughter. A few years later, my hobby job of exercise turned into much more. I became an A.C.E. (American Council on Exercise), Nationally Certified Personal Trainer; Pilates', YogaFit and Group Fitness instructor. I was formerly Fitness Director of the Portage YMCA and also an instructor for Lifetime/Enhance Fitness classes at the Portage Senior Center. With a passion for providing knowledge in the health education field for over twelve years, I have been featured several times in the Gazette on the benefits of Pilates.
My desire to help people attain their objectives is a great fit as a Student Success Advocate. I look forward to meeting and assisting you on your path of lifetime goals and achievements.  
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Ebba Spyke, BA
Success Advocate
espyke@kvcc.edu
I am originally from Okemos, Michigan (Just outside of Lansing). I graduated from Michigan State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. I was raised in a college atmosphere and have always advocated personal growth through learning and higher education. My mother is a retired Professor of Fine Art and my father worked for thirty years in the Computer Center at Michigan State University. Prior to becoming an Advocate at KVCC, I worked for Lansing Community College and Michigan State University. I am inspired by meeting people from different walks of life and there is no better place for this than at a Community College. I believe that success is possible for every student here at KVCC, and I am excited to help equip you with the tools necessary to achieve your dreams. “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about CREATING YOURSELF!” –Unknown.
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Amy Triemstra, BA
Success Advocate
atriemstra@kvcc.edu
Attending college was a great experience for me. I loved the learning environment, the activities, and the opportunities earning my degree gave me. I graduated from Albion College with a Bachelors degree in Secondary Education and History and with a minor in Political Science. From college I went on to work in the non profit sector and taught in an Alternative Education program until the birth of my first child. After staying home with my children for a period of time I accepted a position as a success advocate at KVCC. This role allows me to share my love of learning with students and help ensure their success and enjoyment of their experience at KVCC.
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Catherine West, BS
Success Advocate
cwest@kvcc.edu
Hello, my name is Catherine West. I am a native of Kalamazoo and attended my schooling from grade one through college within our community. Besides enjoying helping in our community, another one of my strengths is dedication to education. I put myself through college at both Western Michigan University (WMU) and Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC), and received a Bachelors of Psychology degree with honors from WMU. My outside interests include painting, writing, building furniture and taking care of my daughter and husband. Having dedication to education makes my position as a Student Advocate at Kalamazoo Valley not just a job but a passion. The work we do in the Student Success Center is an invaluable service that is designed for true success and helping students attain their educational goals. I look forward to meeting you in the future! This is a saying that has helped push me through getting to where I want to go: “If you don’t make a decision a decision will be made for you.” Choose passion. Choose education. Choose integrity.
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