2024-2025 Battle Creek Scholars Program Staff and Students 

Estefany Paniagua-Pardo, M.Ed.

Assistant Director

(616) 331-7621

[email protected]

Estefany Paniagua-Pardo obtained her Masters of Education degree with an emphasis in College Student Affairs Leadership from Grand Valley State University. Prior to obtaining her graduate degree, she received her Associate’s degree from Northwestern Michigan College and her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Grand Valley State University's Frederik Meijer Honors College.

Before working for the Battle Creek Scholars Program, Estefany served underrepresented student populations through her work at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities in Washington D.C. and TRIO Student Support Services. Her career aspirations consist of providing services, support, and opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds within higher education. Estefany is enthusiastic about holistically serving and supporting GVSU/Battle Creek students along their journey to graduation from GVSU.

Charlotte Balkus, M.Ed.

Career Navigator

(616) 331-7622

[email protected]

Charlotte Balkus earned her Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree with a focus on college student affairs leadership from GVSU, solidifying her status as a Laker for a Lifetime. She previously achieved her bachelor's degree in psychology with double minors in youth and society and human behavior and social services from Michigan State University.

Prior to joining the Battle Creek Scholars Program, Charlotte served as the Program Advisor in GVSU's TRIO Student Support Services (SSS Classic) Program. Being a fellow first-generation college student, she is deeply passionate about assisting first-generation/low-income college students in navigating their higher education journey and addressing their unique needs. Charlotte aspires to continue her career in higher education while advocating for increased educational access and fostering new opportunities for all.

Ana Estrella, CTRS

Graduate Assistant

616-331-7625

[email protected]

Ana Estrella is a dedicated graduate student in Grand Valley State University’s combined Master of Science in Occupational Science and post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy program. A proud Laker, Ana is dedicated to utilizing her education to advocate for equity in healthcare and education, particularly for underserved populations.

Prior to serving as the graduate assistant for the Battle Creek Scholars Program she has worked as a recreational therapist supporting refugees and immigrant youth through culturally competent programming and community-based interventions. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Ana leverages her bilingual abilities to build trust, foster inclusivity, and break down language barriers in supporting others. Working closely with diverse communities has inspired her passion for creating inclusive, client-centered occupational therapy practices. She aspires to become both a practicing occupational therapist and a professor, continuing her mission to expand access, representation, and opportunity in the field.

Rachel Lappano

Graduate Assistant

Rachel is a passionate graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at Grand Valley State University. She is committed to creating more accessible and equitable spaces for individuals of all ability types—particularly in medical settings and the communities they live in. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Cultural/Global Studies from Central Michigan University. 

Before beginning her graduate studies, Rachel collaborated with professors and a local Indigenous tribe to develop research examining the cultural genocide of Indigenous peoples through the lack of educational standards in public schools. She also has extensive experience working with individuals with diverse abilities, specifically in educational settings. Working closely with these communities has deepened her passion for fostering inclusion, accessibility, and equity in all environments. Upon completion of her masters program, Rachel plans to pursue a career in policy social work, advocating for systemic change to improve how individuals and communities navigate evolving spaces.