Meet the Crouse Center Staff
The Crouse Center for Academic Advising primarily serves undergraduate students on the Aurora campus. Advisors work with students to help them make the transition to college life and prepare for successful futures.
If you are a current Aurora campus student looking to make an appointment, please call 630-844-6870 or request an appointment online. Email inquiries can be directed to advise@aurora.edu or your assigned advisor.
If you are an online student, please reach out to onlineadvising@aurora.edu or 888-688-1147 to be connected with an online advisor.
Kendra Trudo
Director of Academic Advising
Phone: 630-844-5413
Email: ktrudo@aurora.edu
Education: BS, Fitness and Health Promotion, Aurora University
MSE, University of Dayton
Personal Advising Philosophy: I just want students to feel heard and leave knowing all their options, even if I throw out way too many! My goal is to make sure they feel good about their choices and know I’m all in with them.
Favorite Part of Advising: Students keep me grounded and show me every day how amazing they are. There’s nothing better than when we click, and they feel comfortable enough to share their story with me.
Advice for New Students: Go all in, even when it’s tough. You’ll be amazed at how much you grow, and trust me, crossing that stage will be worth it.
Why AU: I’ve been right where you are – taking those classes, staying in those dorms, and finding my people here. This place gave me friendships I’ll always keep, and I want today’s students to feel that same connection.
Sarah Alag
Graduate Academic Advisor
Phone: 630-844-3696
Email: salag@aurora.edu
Text: 630-454-0490
Education: BA, Psychology, Northern Illinois University
MS, Human Services/Counseling, National Louis University
Majors I Advise: I am still in training!
Personal Advising Philosophy: I like to meet students where they are with regards to their educational journey. Every student is different and will have needs unique to them and their experiences. Helping each student figure out what options are available so they can make informed choices and decisions is incredibly important and I want them to feel confident in the decisions made.
Favorite Part of Advising: Getting to know each student! I feel incredibly lucky that I get to be a part of their educational story and I love learning about them as a person and watching them achieve their goals.
Advice for New Students: Don't be afraid to ask for help and support when you need it. It is rare that a student crosses the stage not having some form of assistance along the way. There are many people on campus that want to see you reach your goals, so seek them out early and often!
Why AU? Aurora University is a very welcoming and inclusive community. Supporting students is a top priority and everyone genuinely wants to see you succeed.
Ann Benjamin
Graduate Academic Advisor
Phone: 630-844-5471
Email: abenjamin@aurora.edu
Text: 630-454-1293
Education: BA, Communication Studies, University of Iowa
MLD, Higher Education Leadership, North Central College
Personal Advising Philosophy: Be approachable and empower students to navigate complex academic systems with clarity and confidence. I understand that graduate and adult students are whole individuals balancing many life circumstances. My goal is to create equitable and flexible processes that lead to personal and professional growth for students.
Favorite Part of Advising: I love helping students reach their educational goals by seeing them become alumni. I like to help students break complicated processes into manageable steps and make sure they feel confident every step of the way.
Advice for New Students: Be an advocate for yourself—ask for what you need, share your ideas, and use the resources on campus to make this the best possible experience for yourself.
Favorite thing about AU: I love the collaboration between students, faculty, and staff, to make the AU experience the best possible for all involved.
Laura Carlson
Graduate Academic Advisor
Phone: 630-947-8931
Email: lcarlson@aurora.edu
Text: 630-448-9147
Education: BA, Print and Multimedia Journalism, Lewis University
Majors I Advise: Master’s of Social Work (on-campus), Doctorate of Social Work (on-campus), Doctorate of Education, DSEE, LBS1, ESL, MACI, MARI, MAE, APEP and MAET
Personal Advising Philosophy: I believe effective advising creates clarity, confidence, and connection throughout a student’s academic journey. My number one goal is to ensure students feel comfortable and confident in understanding their program requirements and semester schedules from start to finish, allowing them to focus on the heart of their education.
Favorite Part of Advising: My favorite part of advising is building trusting relationships with students and creating a space where they feel supported, heard, and comfortable asking questions. By fostering connection through guidance and encouragement, I find it deeply fulfilling to support students as they grow academically and professionally, and as leaders who make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Advice for New Students: Pursuing higher education is no small feat. Be kind to yourself and extend the same patience, encouragement, and grace to yourself that you would offer to a fellow student.
Favorite thing about AU: My favorite thing about Aurora University is the genuine care for employees that is evident across the entire institution. From the President to the Deans and Directors, and throughout our staff and faculty, there is a strong culture of support, respect, and collaboration. That sense of camaraderie is deeply felt, and it inspires the passion we bring to our work each day as we empower students to become catalysts for societal advancement.
Bri Dominguez
Academic Advisor
Phone: 630-844-3847
Email: bdominguez@aurora.edu
Text: 630-748-7690
Education: BS, Communication Disorders and Sciences, Eastern Illinois University
Majors I Advise: Healthcare Administration, Nursing (last names H-Q), and Pre-Nursing (last names H-Q)
Personal Advising Philosophy: My goal is to create a welcoming space where students feel comfortable sharing their experiences and ambitions. I hope to help students build confidence, find balance, and make meaningful connections that support their growth both in and out of the classroom. I’m here to help you accomplish your goals academically, professionally, and personally!
Favorite Part of Advising: My favorite part of advising is observing students’ self-discovery as they navigate college, deepen their understanding of themselves, and develop confidence in their academic goals.
Advice for New Students: Jump right in to the college experience! There are so many people and resources ready to support you - professors, advisors, student organizations, and more! The more you reach out and participate, the more rewarding your college experience will be.
Why AU or Favorite thing about AU: Aurora University is the right choice for students who value a supportive community and strong resources. AU will provide you with everything you need to grow, belong, and achieve your goals.
Téa Gibson
Academic Advisor
Phone: 630-844-7879
Email: tgibson@aurora.edu
Text: 630-557-8811
Education: BA, General Studies, Western Illinois University
MS, College Student Affairs, Eastern Illinois University
Majors I Advise: Nursing (last names R-Z), Parks and Recreation, Pre-Nursing (last names R-Z), and Therapeutic Recreation
Personal Advising Philosophy: I take a holistic approach to advising, taking time to get to know each student’s goals and aspirations so I can help guide them toward success in a way that aligns with their dreams. It’s rewarding to tailor my support to fit each student’s unique needs and help them on their academic journey.
Favorite Part of Advising: My favorite part of advising is supporting students as they navigate college life. College is not easy and takes a lot of work and being able to assist students in overcoming their barriers and reaching their full potential is very fulfilling for me.
Advice for New Students: Take full advantage of campus resources like the Academic Support Center, Counseling, and Campus Life to help you thrive both academically and personally. Embrace a growth mindset—challenges are opportunities to learn, so stay open to new experiences and push yourself to grow. You've got this!
Favorite thing about AU: One of my favorite things about working at this AU is seeing how the campus community comes together—whether it’s through campus events, collaborative opportunities, or the wealth of resources available to students. It is truly rewarding to watch students connect with each other and grow, knowing they have a strong network here at AU to help them succeed.
Annie Hodal
Lead Academic Advisor
Phone: 630-844-5472
Email: ahodal@aurora.edu
Text: 630-557-8582
Education: BA, Communication Studies, Northern Illinois University
MA, Communication, Rhetoric and Public Communication, Northern Illinois University
Majors I Advise: Business Administration (last names A-L), Communication, Graphic Design, and Marketing (last names A-L)
Personal Advising Philosophy: I believe in the power of community, learning, and resources. I encourage students to join community events, get excited about learning, and engage with helpful resources.
Favorite Part of Advising: I love hearing about dreams and goals and finding ways to help students achieve them.
Advice for New Students: Starting something new can be overwhelming and difficult, but it can also bring so much joy. A little bit of courage goes a long way!
Why AU: AU is a welcoming campus filled with so many wonderful people who are passionate about finding new and more comprehensive ways to support student success.
Michelle Hoehn
Lead Academic Advisor
Phone: 630-844-5220
Email: mhoehn@aurora.edu
Text: 630-494-8581
Education: BA, German Education, Bradley University
MA, Organizational Leadership, Lewis University
Majors I Advise: Actuarial Science, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, Mathematics, Sport Management (last names M-Z)
Personal Advising Philosophy: There is no "one size fits all" in advising. By taking the time to understand each student's background, strengths, and goals, I can guide them in making informed decisions about their academic and professional paths.
Favorite Part of Advising: It is so rewarding to see students achieve their goals, especially when I know they have worked hard and overcome challenges to get there.
Advice for New Students: Get involved on campus through clubs and events. Building connections on campus, both inside and outside of class, is an important part of student success!
Favorite thing about AU: It's great to be part of such a supportive and inclusive community!
Rachael Judson
Academic Advisor
Phone: 630-844-5226
Email: rjudson@aurora.edu
Text: 331-343-5959
Education: BS, Parks and Recreation Administration, Illinois State University
MS, Higher Education, Walden University
Majors I Advise: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, and Social Work (last names M-Z)
Personal Advising Philosophy: I focus on partnering with students as they navigate all the different aspects of high education by helping make sure that each student feels supported as they explore their academic and career aspirations.
Favorite Part of Advising: I love helping students figure out their next step; whether that is the classes they want to take, the career they want to go into or the goal they want to set for themselves for the semester.
Advice for New Students: Get to know your professors and other students in your classes - and remember that you can always stop by the advising office!
Favorite thing about AU: Students always share how they feel the sense of community at AU - I love that students feel like they belong.
Luke Kerber
Assistant Director of Academic Advising for Student Success Initiatives
Phone: 630-844-5619
Email: lkerber@aurora.edu
Text: 630-557-8988
Education: BA, History, North Central College
MBA, Aurora University
Majors I Advise: Physical Education and Social Work (last names A-L)
Personal Advising Philosophy: My advising philosophy is centered on fostering a supportive, student-centered approach that encourages self-advocacy and personal growth. I aim to guide students in making informed academic and career decisions, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive both during college and in their future endeavors.
Favorite Part of Advising: Celebrating the "aha!" moments, when students realize their potential and start to feel excited about their future – it's like being part of their lightbulb moment!
Advice for New Students: Remember that life is a journey with many paths and fork-in-the-road moments—it's okay to change your mind and take detours along the way. Explore, take risks, and have fun with the process, knowing that every experience helps shape your future, even if it doesn’t follow a straight line!
Favorite thing about AU: The people! Everyone wants you to succeed. We foster collaboration and communication.
Morgan Lamberton
Academic Advisor
Phone: 630-844-4912
Email: mlamberton@aurora.edu
Text: 331-316-7712
Education: BSW, Ball State University
MA, Student Affairs Administration, Ball State University
Majors I Advise: Accounting, Finance, and Marketing (last names M-Z)
Favorite Part of Advising: I love watching students discover new things about themselves and in turn make a difference in the world.
Advice for New Students: Don't be afraid to get involved and build community!
Why AU: I chose AU because of our authentic commitment to student success and wellness. I'm so excited to be a part of a team that makes a lasting impact in the lives of students!
Kerby Mickelson
Assistant Director of Academic Advising for Administrative Services
Phone: 630-844-5139
Email: kmickelson@aurora.edu
Text: 630-748-7247
Education: BA, Elementary Education, Aurora University
MLD, Higher Education Leadership, North Central College
Majors I Advise: Exercise Science and Exercise Science/Pre-Athletic Training
Personal Advising Philosophy: I like to work backwards from your career goal to ensure that you are getting the academic plan you need to be most successful after AU.
Favorite Part of Advising: I really like putting the academic puzzle together with my students, it gives me joy when I get to work closely with students on a regular basis to make AU work best for them. I always tell students to come see me often, that’s why I am here!
Advice for New Students: My advice would be to do everything at least once! Join the clubs, go to the campus and sporting events, eat on campus, embrace the college experience while you can, there are so many cool things you can do during this time of your life– don't miss out on it!
Why AU: I’m proud to be an AU alum! When I was visiting campuses, AU stood out instantly—there was a feeling of warmth and community that made it feel like home. That sense of belonging has only grown over the years, and it’s part of why I came back as an employee. I still get that feeling when I walk around campus, especially on a sunny day in the quad, my favorite spot on campus.
Haley Pessina-Butler
Academic Advisor
Phone: 630-844-5298
Email: hpessina@aurora.edu
Text: 630-895-8829
Education: BA, Criminal Justice, Aurora University
MS, Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University
Majors I Advise: Criminal Justice and Psychology (last names A-L)
Personal Advising Philosophy: I believe in teaching students the skills and providing them with the tools necessary to navigate this particular part of their life’s journey. The goal is not for students to just figure everything out for themselves, but rather learn what they are capable of handling and learn when they need to ask for help.
Favorite Part of Advising: My favorite part of advising is seeing students get excited about things they are learning about or doing in their classes, or within other areas on campus. When students are excited about their education, they are much more likely to be successful.
Advice for New Students: Get involved on campus. There is so much learning that goes on outside of the classroom that is just as beneficial to you as what you learn inside the classroom.
Favorite thing about AU: My favorite thing about AU is its commitment to life-long learning. Faculty, staff, students, and even community members are encouraged and provided with opportunities to continue to grow and learn each and every day.
Kiran Raza
Academic Advisor
Phone: 630-844-3860
Email: kraza@aurora.edu
Text: 630-349-6183
Education: BA, History, Northern Illinois University
Majors I Advise: Biology, Chemistry, Human-Animal Studies, and Sport Management (last names A-L)
Personal Advising Philosophy: My advising philosophy is grounded in empathy, understanding, and partnership. I believe every student comes to AU with a unique story and I enjoy walking alongside them as they grow academically and personally. I also do my best to connect students with resources and help them feel confident in their decisions. Together, we explore options, navigate challenges, and build a roadmap for success both on campus and beyond.
Favorite Part of Advising: My favorite part of advising is getting to know students on a personal level and learning about the motivation behind their career goals. I find it deeply rewarding to support students in achieving their aspirations and to play a role in their educational journey.
Advice for New Students: Be kind to yourself and enjoy the journey! Starting at a new school can feel overwhelming at times, but remember to take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and make the most of this exciting chapter in your life!
Favorite thing about AU: What I love most about AU is how much everyone cares about our students’ success. The school truly goes the extra mile to provide resources and create an environment where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to reach their goals.
Samantha Sarff
Assistant Director for Graduate Academic Advising
Phone: 630-844-3859
Email: ssarff@aurora.edu
Text: 630-415-1347
Education: BA, Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Central Florida
MS, Athletic Administration, Nova Southeastern University
Personal Advising Philosophy: Advising is a partnership and our goal is to work alongside students to help them navigate their academic journey and set them up for future career and life success.
Favorite Part of Advising: Seeing our students graduate excited for their next step in their careers!
Advice for New Students: Be proud of yourself for taking on the challenge of earning a graduate degree, ask questions, and remember you have a whole support system here to help!
Why AU? Aurora is truly a student-centered university focused on the success and engagement of every student and it is evident in every interaction on campus.
Will Schuneman
Academic Advisor
Phone: 630-844-5143
Email: wschuneman@aurora.edu
Text: 630-423-3635
Education: BA, Interdisciplinary Studies of Business and Philosophy, Dominican University
MBA, Aurora University
Majors I Advise: English, Environmental Studies, History, Political Science and Public Policy, Psychology (last names M-Z), Secondary Education, and Spanish
Personal Advising Philosophy: My advising philosophy is focused on mentorship and building strong relationships with students. I believe that advising is not just about helping students select courses or navigate their academic journey—it’s about guiding them in their personal and professional development.
Favorite Part of Advising: My favorite part of advising is seeing students grow and succeed. Whether it's helping a student through a tough semester or celebrating their accomplishments when they graduate, the opportunity to be part of their journey is deeply fulfilling.
Advice for New Students: Embrace the journey and be open to new experiences. College is a time of exploration, both academically and personally, so don’t be afraid to try new things. It’s also important to seek help when you need it. Whether it’s academic support, career guidance, or emotional well-being, you don’t have to navigate everything alone.
Favorite thing about AU: AU stands out because of its commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive, and community-oriented environment for students. It’s a place where students are not just a number, but individuals with unique potential and aspirations.
Connor Schwer
Academic Advisor
Phone: 630-844-3838
Email: cschwer@aurora.edu
Text: 630-454-1427
Education: BS, Business Administration, Troy University
Majors I Advise: Nursing (last names A-G) and Pre-Nursing (last names A-G)
Personal Advising Philosophy: My advising philosophy is rooted in recognizing each student’s unique background and providing the individualized support they need to thrive. I see my role as both a guide and an advocate, helping students grow throughout their educational journey and beyond. I strive to be a trusted resource for all aspects of their development, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed.
Favorite Part of Advising: My favorite part of advising is seeing students reach their full potential and watching them grow not only as learners, but as confident professionals ready to enter the workforce.
Advice for New Students: Build Relationships. Connect with advisors, faculty, and peers—you never know what opportunities and support those connections may bring.
Favorite thing about AU: Even though I’ve only been at Aurora University for a short time, my favorite part so far has been the warm and welcoming community. It is exciting to see how dedicated everyone is to student success, and I already feel energized by the supportive environment here.
Alissa Struck
Assistant Director of Academic Advising for Operations and Training
Phone: 630-844-5146
Email: astruck@aurora.edu
Text: 630-748-8996
Education: BA, Human Resource Management, Lewis University
BS, Business Administration, Lewis University
MBA, Lewis University
Majors I Advise: Business Administration (last names M-Z), Music, Sociology, and Theatre
Personal Advising Philosophy: Advising is a two-sided conversation. It's collaborative and about working together to determine the best solution and best path for each individual.
Favorite Part of Advising: Watching my students grow and thrive during their time at AU. Seeing them transform from being anxious and apprehensive, to seeing the joy and accomplishment they feel as they walk across the stage at commencement as a college graduate.
Advice for New Students: It's okay to be nervous! It means you care - about your education and your future.
Favorite thing about AU: The sense of community. There is always a helping hand willing to assist you and see you succeed - don't be afraid to ask!
Antonio Torres
Graduate Academic Advisor
Phone: 630-844-3691
Email: ajtorres@aurora.edu
Text: 847-558-7372
Education: BA, Political Science: International Politics, Northern Illinois University
Majors I Advise: I am still in training!
Personal Advising Philosophy: Every student has their own story; get to know your students' strengths and barriers while striving for academic success - getting to understand this context helps advisors become more well-rounded, diligent, and empathetic to student needs!
Favorite Part of Advising: Being able to be a part of someone's educational story is my favorite part about advising. I enjoy working with students to ensure they are on track to graduate and that they have left their legacy within the AU community.
Advice for New Students: I would highly encourage new students to implement time-management skills in their school and personal lives; college, both full- and part-time is a commitment, so being able to successfully navigate educational and personal responsibilities will make the college experience more enjoyable and reflect well into your post-graduation ambitions.
Favorite thing about AU: My favorite thing about AU is how welcoming faculty, staff, and students are with one another; the inclusivity is felt everywhere you go when working with folks from different walks of life!
Victoria (Tori) Zamora
Graduate Academic Advisor
Phone: 630-844-3867
Email: vzamora@aurora.edu
Text: 630-478-9023
Education: BS, Event Planning and Tourism, Western Illinois University
MS, Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, Western Illinois University
Majors I Advise: I am still in training!
Personal Advising Philosophy: My advising philosophy is grounded in a strength based, student-centered approach. I believe that each student brings unique experiences, responsibilities, and goals to their graduate journey, and my role is to help them navigate academic requirements while also supporting their broader personal and professional development. I strive to create a supportive and collaborative environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, exploring options, and building confidence in their decisions. Graduate education can be complex, especially for working professionals and those managing family and personal responsibilities, and I am committed to helping students find clear, manageable pathways that support their success.
Favorite Part of Advising: My favorite part of advising is helping students gain clarity and confidence in their direction. Many graduate students are balancing school with work, family, and other responsibilities, and being able to support them in finding structure and achievable next steps is incredibly rewarding. I especially enjoy those moments when students begin to see new possibilities for themselves, whether that is advancing in their current field, changing career paths, or pursuing opportunities they had not initially considered.
Advice for New Students: Give yourself time to adjust and remember that it is okay to ask for help. Graduate school is a significant commitment and balancing it with other responsibilities can feel overwhelming at times. Stay organized, communicate regularly with your advisor and instructors, and take advantage of available resources. Most importantly, be realistic about your time and goals, and do not hesitate to adjust your plan when needed. Progress looks different for everyone, and consistency matters more than perfection.
Why AU? Aurora University stands out for its commitment to student centered learning and its support of diverse student populations, including adult learners and working professionals. The university’s focus on accessibility, flexibility, and real-world application aligns closely with my own professional values. I am especially drawn to Aurora University’s holistic approach to education, one that recognizes students as whole individuals with academic, professional, and personal responsibilities. This perspective is essential in graduate education, where many students are balancing multiple roles. I value being part of an institution that not only supports academic success but also prioritizes overall well-being, personal growth, and long-term career development.