Breeann Mann has advised, coached, mentored and supported students at GVSU for over 10 years. She believes the college experience goes beyond the classroom and is committed to connecting students with faculty, peers and experiences on campus and in the community. Breeann is alumnus from Central Michigan University, where she earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, studied abroad, became an executive board member of her sorority and squeezed in multiple jobs in the hospitality industry to pay for it all! Her college experience introduced a passion for mentoring others on their career and educational journey.

When away from campus, Breeann spends time with her husband, son, daughter, friends and family. She loves to travel, read, exercise and enjoy West Michigan Beaches!

Strengths: Relator, Ideation, Self-assurance, Intellection, Strategic

Advising Areas: Social Work, Birth-K Education

Email: [email protected]

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Originally from the Lansing, MI area, Tom attended GVSU and graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education-coaching and a master’s degree in adult and higher education. His experiences at GVSU as a student included working as an adjunct instructor for the Movement Science Department and as a tutor in the Laker Academic Center, where he also served as an intern for the Life Skills Program. He also spent time volunteering through the Athletes Who Care program and participating with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Tom has been working in advising at GVSU since 2010.  During this time, he has enjoyed volunteering with the GVSU Charter Schools Summer Enrichment Program College Prep Week and also as a reading tutor through the United Way Schools of Hope Program.  He has previous work experience with the Upward Bound Program at Central Michigan University as well as the Upward Bound Program at Michigan State University, where he also worked in the Student-Athlete Support Services Office.

Strengths: Relator, Deliberative, Responsibilities, Developer, Analytic

Advising Areas: Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies

Email: [email protected]

Click to Schedule an Appointment with Tom

Trenton is native to Kalamazoo and relocated to Grand Rapids in 2013 to attend GVSU. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management and a master’s in college student affairs leadership. As an undergrad at GVSU he participated in intramural sports, a brother of AKPsi business fraternity, served as a resident assistant and tutored for Grand Rapids Public Schools.  He started his higher education professional career as a graduate assistant in the LAKER Academic Success Center advising students-athletes and coordinating freshman life skills programs. Since then, he has gained experience in mentoring student social justice groups, advising military students and facilitating study skills courses. He is passionate about helping students recognize their potential and discover their educational interests. In his free time, he loves to cycle, try new restaurants in GR and spend time with family/friends.

Strengths: Self-assurance, Analytical, Arranger, Individualization, Relator

Advising Areas:
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Public, Nonprofit and Health Administration

Email: [email protected]

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Originally from the metro Detroit area, Laura is a graduate of Grand Valley’s College Student Affairs Leadership Program. While at GV, she was a graduate assistant in the LAKER Academic Success Center where she advised student-athletes and coordinated the tutoring program. She also has professional experience in admissions and enrollment, academic advising, and career coaching. Prior to her time at Grand Valley, Laura earned her bachelor’s degree in New Media Studies and Communication from Alma College. While at Alma, she participated on the competitive Cheer and STUNT team and earned two national championship titles.

You may find Laura exploring all the food and coffee shops that downtown Grand Rapids has to offer! She also spends her free time assistant coaching the cheerleading team at Grandville High School.

Strengths: Empathy, Communication, Activator, Positivity, Harmony

Advising Area: Social Work

Email: [email protected]

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Melanie is no stranger to GVSU, having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature and a master’s in education degree, specializing in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). She has worked in student mentorship for over 10 years, and has developed a passion for reaching students on an individual level by building connections through conversation, collaboration, and curiosity. Through her work in writing centers and libraries in higher education, she has been able to support students in a variety of ways and is excited about discovering what new innovative solutions students are looking for now.  

Outside of her work in higher education, Melanie is also a professional musician and graphic recorder. In her free time, she loves writing, watching movies/tv, and spending time with her friends and family. 

Strengths: Intellection, Individualization, Achiever, Relator, Input

Advising Areas: Resources, Support and Retention Specialist

Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Science in Music and Psychology from Central Michigan University in May of 2020 and is now pursing her M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Leadership here at Grand Valley. While at CMU, Elizabeth was a part of the Honors Program and worked as the Coordinator of Social Events on the Honors Program Board. After graduating, Elizabeth served as a college adviser at Coleman and Meridian High Schools through the Michigan College Access Network, affirming her goals to work in higher education.

Elizabeth enjoys reading, rock climbing, and spending time with her friends and her cat, Luna. 

Strengths: Harmony, Empathy, Discipline, Individualization, Restorative

Advising Areas: Criminal Justice, Social Work

Email: [email protected]

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Coming from Ghana, Obed is an Alumnus of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR). While at UENR, he was a Teaching and Research Assistant with the Department of Entrepreneurship and Business sciences where he taught introductory undergraduate courses, collaborated on research projects, advised students, and coordinated career development programs for high school and college students. He also has professional experience in Student leadership, academic advising, and career coaching. While at UENR, during his undergraduate, he participated in innovative idea competitions, engaged in student leadership, and served in several leadership portfolios including being the president of a student group and collaborating with the Students Representative Council (SRC) to make an impact among students.

You may find Obed keeping fit, staying healthy, and exercising! He also spends his free time reading, researching, advising, coaching, and looking for opportunities to make an impact. 

Advising Area: Hospitality Tourism Management

Email: [email protected]

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Originally from Arlington Heights, Illinois, Nicole graduated GVSU with a Bachelor of Arts in German Teaching and Applied Linguistics in April of 2022. She is now pursuing her M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Leadership at GVSU. While in undergrad here, Nicole was involved in her sorority Alpha Sigma Tau, and worked 3 different on-campus jobs. This past summer she worked as an orientation leader, helping to advise incoming freshman, which sparked her interest in higher education and academic advising! In her free time, she loves to golf, hang out with her friends, try all the restaurants Grand Rapids has to offer, and cuddle her cat, Artie.

Advising Area: Criminal Justice

Email: [email protected]

Click to Schedule an Appointment with Nicole

Betsy (Wenk) Wessels is returning to GVSU after retiring from a 30-year career in Law Enforcement. Betsy has worked at GVSU as a police officer for the GVSU Department of Public Safety for the last 13 years. She started her career at The City of Kentwood where she served over 17 years in various assignments as a field training officer, narcotics detective and D.A.R.E. (Drug Awareness Resistance Education) community officer.

While working at GVSU, Betsy continued with her education and earned her Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies Leadership management. She participated in the Adult Cohort Program that is supported by the College of Interdisciplinary Studies.

In her free time, Betsy enjoys family time, boating, and hanging out with her basset hound, Harley!

Strengths: Empathy, Individualization, Relator, Restorative, Arranger

Email: [email protected]