Susan Colon

Position: Speech Lab Director; Affiliate Professor, COM

Education: 

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Communication and Psychology - Western Michigan University
Master of Arts (M.A.) Communication – University of Kentucky
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Health Communication – University of Kentucky

About Susan: Susan brings several years of higher education teaching and leadership experience to the GV Speech Lab and to the School of Communications. She previously taught communication courses at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University, and Wilbur Wright College-City Colleges of Chicago. She has deep respect for peer leadership and peer coaching and is always curious about what students are investigating for their class projects and co-curricular activities. With regard to speechcrafting, Susan believes that with a good structure and a skill for writing “for the ear” speakers can deliver a powerful message in just 5-6 minutes. Outside of GV, Susan enjoys live music and theater performances, visual arts, interior design, cooking, and outdoor exploration. 

Alyse Cross

Position: Student Director

Major: Master of Public Administration (MPA) with an emphasis in policy and advocacy

Education: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication Studies and Writing; Certificate in Intercultural Communication - Grand Valley State University

About Alyse: Alyse is a creative individual with a passion for communication and connection. With an undergraduate degree in Communication Studies, a minor in Writing, and a certificate in Intercultural Communication, she enjoys helping individuals find their voice, especially in the early stages of presentation preparation. When she's not teaching cocktail classes at New Holland or helping others with public speaking techniques at the Speech Lab, you can find her crocheting, enjoying live music, cooking up new recipes, and exploring different cultures through travel.

Dallas Mathews

Position: Assistant Student Director 

Major: Dual enrolled in a combined degree: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Integrative Studies (Communication Studies and Nonprofit Administration) with a certificate in Leadership; Master's in Higher Education

About Dallas: A fourth-year undergraduate student, Dallas is passionate about helping students thrive in higher education. With plans to work as an academic advisor and eventually pursue a role as a Dean, she is dedicated to fostering academic success and leadership development. Outside of her studies and consulting at the Speech Lab, she loves to spend her time cooking and baking, volunteering, shopping, traveling, and embracing the outdoors whenever the weather is warm. A proud Michigander, Dallas has a deep appreciation for the Great Lakes, Faygo, Vernors, casseroles, and the iconic phrase "Ope."

Emma Phillips

Position: Consultant

Major: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Advertising and Public Relations

About Emma: Emma is a Junior majoring in Advertising and Public Relations, where she gets to channel her creativity into crafting compelling ad campaigns for her classes. In the Speech Lab, she’s always ready to help with a friendly smile. Emma is the office’s go-to joke-teller, always bringing the best laughs. She also keeps the Speech Lab candy jar stocked with the best treats for everyone to enjoy! Outside of work, she can be found trying out new local cafés, playing The Sims, scrolling on her iPad, or spending time with her adorable cat named Toast! 

Katie Redmond

Position: Consultant 

Major: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication Studies 

Minor: Theatre

About Katie: Katie is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Theatre at GVSU. She also has a passion for film. At the Speech Lab, she enjoys working with her peers to help them prepare speeches and become more comfortable with public speaking and conversation. When she's not busy with classes, work, or acting, you can find her watching scary movies, taking short walks on the beach, thrifting, collecting rocks from outside, or spending time with friends and family.

Keira Sandman

Position: Consultant 

Major: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Advertising and Public Relations 

Minor: Spanish

About Keira: Keira is an undergraduate student currently pursuing a degree in Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Spanish. She is committed to providing support and empowering all the students that she gets to work with, and the Speech Lab provides an outlet for her to do so. Over the summer, she works as a summer camp counselor, where she continues to provide support for school-aged children. In her free time, she loves to spend time with family, especially her sisters (she's a quadruplet!), her best friend, and her kitten, Isola. She also enjoys thrifting, reading, traveling, listening to music, learning about art, and anything medieval.

Elaina Organek

Position: Consultant 

Major: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication Studies

Minor: Theater

About Elaina: Elaina is a junior studying Communications with a minor in Theatre. At the Speech Lab, they enjoy helping students find confidence in their voices. While being passionate about collaboration and encouragement, they strive to make the lab a positive and affirming space for growth. Outside of work, classes, and the stage, you can find them deep in true crime podcasts, YouTube rabbit holes, relaxing with word searches, and playing Animal Jam!

Emily Schroeder

Position: Consultant 

Major: Double major Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Broadcast Journalism and French

About Emily: Emily is a creative and outgoing junior who thrives on meeting new people. With a love for storytelling and performance, she enjoys bringing characters to life through voice acting and hopes to turn her hobby into a career one day. When she’s not behind the mic, studying, or consulting at the Speech Lab, you can find her swing dancing in downtown Grand Rapids, singing jazz with PAC, or playing video games. Always seeking new adventures, she will be spending her entire junior year studying abroad in France. Fun fact: She has never owned a pet!

Dru Porter

Position: Training Consultant 

Major: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication Sciences and Disorders

About Dru: Dru is a freshman studying Communication Sciences and Disorders with plans to become a Speech-Language Pathologist and to work with individuals across all demographics in supporting their speech and language abilities. At the Speech Lab, she enjoys connecting with peers and helping them build confidence in public speaking, conversation skills, and overall communication effectiveness. Dru values creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where students feel comfortable practicing and growing. Outside of the Speech Lab, she finds joy in sunbathing, baking, hanging out with friends, and shopping.

Gabby Browning

Position: Training Consultant 

Major: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science

Minor: Business

About Gabby: Gabby is an Exercise Science major with a Business minor at Grand Valley State University. At the Speech Lab, she loves helping students overcome nerves, build confidence, and feel fully prepared to speak in front of a crowd, while also growing her own skills and making connections across campus. Outside the lab, Gabby is always seeking new experiences. Whether it’s traveling to a new city, trying out a new hobby, exploring the outdoors, or spending time with friends. She loves learning, meeting new people, and diving into anything that sparks curiosity and excitement.