Diane Finch
Background Information My name is Diane Finch and I’m the new Career Liaison with the Career Jump Start program for Southwest Michigan.
Chris Augustine Background Information I graduated from Colorado Christian University with a degree in pastoral ministries and served for 25 years as an associate pastor of students. My graduate degree is from WMU in the area of Counselor Education and Counselor Psychology. In addition to my work at Kalamazoo Valley, I also work as a Licensed Professional Counselor for Desert Streams Christian Counseling specializing in working with marriage, adolescence, depression, and anxiety. Special Interest For the past 30 years, I have worked with students, helping them to navigate through the difficult years leading to adult independence. It is a privilege to walk alongside people as they struggle through the tough issues in life. My goal is to help students be successful in their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health and to identify and pursue their own passions, dreams, and careers.
Lois Brinson Ropes Background Information As the Internship Advisor for more than 16 years, I have enjoyed working closely with students to help them find meaningful experiences where classroom knowledge is applied to a work environment. I also coordinate the Apprenticeship Program, working directly with employers to assist their apprentices in completing courses related to a specific trade. I spent much of my working career with financial institutions where I held a variety of positions. After receiving my Masters in Educational Leadership from WMU, I came to Kalamazoo Valley. This has been my most rewarding job because of my passion for student success. Special Interest After meeting with students to understand their strengths, skills, and goals, I refer them to employers or non-profit organizations to develop a valuable experience for both the student and the internship sponsor. I am available to students and organizations to discuss the process.
Jenny Buysse Background Information My Bachelor of Arts degree is from Xavier University. In 2001, I completed my Master of Arts from Western Michigan University in Counseling in Higher Education. I am a National Certified Counselor (N.C.C.), a Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.), and Global Career Development Facilitator (G.C.D.F.). I began working at Kalamazoo Valley as a Career and Employment Counselor in 2001. My counseling experience is in career and academic counseling in higher education. Prior to coming to Valley, I worked at Western Michigan University's Student Support Program assisting first-generation students with career development, academic advising and freshmen orientation. Special Interest My passion is to work with both traditional and non-traditional aged students struggling with academic and career concerns. It is a true joy helping students assess their interests, values, skills and personal attributes in choosing a career. I am available to assist students with career transitions, exploring options, and developing action plans toward their achievable goals. My counseling objective is to help students reach their fullest potential in life. I believe each student brings his or her own unique gifts, experiences and backgrounds to the educational environment and the world of work. These are the qualities that help shape students' educational aspirations and career goals.
John Chapman Background Information I grew up in Detroit and graduated from Cooley High School. After graduating from Western Michigan University with a degree in English and a teaching certificate, I joined VISTA. I worked on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana as a community organizer. I helped start a tribally owned newspaper and printing operation. I later earned a doctorate in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University. I have worked as a counseling social worker in vocational rehabilitation and spent thirty years as a career counselor at the Van Buren Technology Center. I have been an adjunct professor for two departments at WMU since 1985. My wife and I have two adult sons. Personal interests include backpacking and playing the guitar. Special Interest First and foremost, I’m a listener. I help students explore strong and consistent interests and abilities using a combination of interview techniques and test results. By comparing their interests to a variety of career and educational options, students are able to make tentative decisions. With decisions made, they can develop plans to implement their choices. The entire process requires close coordination with other faculty and staff at Kalamazoo Valley.
Karen Steeno van Staveren Background Information I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Alma College. Upon graduation I worked in a number of places, including Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. My passion for education and desire to help others led me to Western Michigan University and a Masters in Counseling in Higher Education. I then went to Ferris State University as an Educational and Career Counseling Intern and was hooked on helping students discover a career path that fits their interests, personality and values. Special Interest I have a wonderful family of four and enjoy being active with them. I love to travel, read, watch movies and shop. I have been a Green Bay Packer fan since birth. The greatest place I lived was Macerata, Italy for a semester abroad. My favorite vacation was to the Grand Canyon and I highly recommend hiking it. I love guiding students through the process of self-discovery and illuminating various strategies to aid in career planning. I am truly blessed to be a part of the lives of Kalamazoo Valley students.
Joyce Tamer Background Information I received both my Bachelor of Science degree (Psychology-Major, Social Studies-Minor) and Master of Art degree (specializing in Agency Counseling) from Western Michigan University. Special Interest My philosophy is that education is the best gift you can give yourself. Once completed, it is yours forever to use and build upon to attain your personal goals. Because each student and each situation is unique, I prefer to tailor each session to the student’s needs. To provide the most effective experience, I use the beginning of the session to gather information that will provide a basis for choosing the counseling path for each student.
Janeé Steele Background Information In 2010, I graduated with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Western Michigan University. Prior to that, I earned a master’s degree in Educational Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, all from Southern Illinois University. I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Michigan. Special Interest I enjoy helping people to discover their purpose and learn more about who they are as individuals. I believe that participation in higher education is a great way for people to learn more about both themselves and the world. My passion lies in helping students to make the most of their higher education experience so that they can graduate and have success in their careers and personal lives. About My Work at KVCC I am available to assist with all career and student employment needs, including career decision making, resume critiquing, mock interviews, career information, and job shadow information. |
