Position at WSC: Financial Aid Associate
Time in position: Since July 2016 

Fast Facts:
Hometown: Casper, Wyoming
Favorite Restaurant in Williston: Doc Holidays
Favorite Book: Harry Potter
Favorite Music: 90's Alternative
Favorite Movie: Rocky
Family: married for 8 years, 1 dog, Mia, 6 years old
Go-to Karaoke Song: 'Sweet Caroline,' by Neil Diamond  
Education: Natrona County High School, 2001 University of Nebraska - Kearney, Bachelors of Business Marketing, 2005 Casper College, Associates in Fire Science, 2008  

q. What drew you to Williston and the college?
a. My husband got a job here as a machinist - his father is also a machinist in the area - so we moved up here and I was looking for jobs in education. I saw an opening in enrollment services and decided to apply, but didn't get it. I knew I wanted to work for the college though, so when I saw an opening for my current position, I decided to go for it.  

q. Where did you work before your current position?
a. While we lived in Casper, I worked in an early childhood learning center connected to the college there. I was a receptionist and bookkeeper for three years. I loved working with the preschool teachers and the students.  

q. Why student affairs? What drew you to this field?
a. I just liked being able to talk to students and parents and help them with financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and financial aid in general can seem scary and I wanted to help people find what they need and make the process easier.  

q. Could you tell me about a time when you were able to help a student with something?
a. I had a student who was considered homeless come in looking for financial aid. They didn't have a lot of the information that they needed, so I spoke with their guidance counselor and we were able to complete the FAFSA without that information. It meant a lot to me to be able to help that student realize that they qualified for federal aid and could still attend college.  

q. What were your first impressions of Williston?
a. I was a little nervous at first because I'd heard stories about the people who came up for the boom and some of the crime in the area, but I never got that feeling.  It really felt like a strong community and was very inviting.  I was able to participate in the volleyball adult sport league through the ARC and look forward to getting involved more.  

q. What are your favorite things to do around Williston?
a. I love going to rummage sale. I get coffee in the morning and then go around to a couple and just see what's out there. Being close to nature is also fantastic. My husband and I love the grassland and the national and state parks.  

q. What is one thing you'd change about Williston and why?
a. When we lived in Casper, there was this great dog park by the river and we could take our dog down there without a leash and she could run around with all the other dogs and play in the water. I wish we had something like that here.  

q. What is something new going on in your life?
a. My husband and I are buying a house here and I'm excited to move out of apartments. It's just a simple place, and I'm happy it will be ours soon.  

q. What are some interesting facts about you that people might not know?
a. I'm in the University of Nebraska - Kearney volleyball hall of fame. I used to be a wildland firefighter on a hand crew in Spearfish, South Dakota, which is how I met my husband.  

q. What are some of your hobbies or interests?
a. In my free time, I like to hike, play volleyball, camp, and attempt to ski and wakeboard. I also enjoy spending time with my family and baking.  

q. Who would play you in a movie?
a. I'd like it to be somebody funny. I think Melissa McCarthy, maybe, but only if she acted a little less extreme than she usually does.