Gabe Peña

Having collaborated with TRIO for almost 10 years, I am extremely excited to begin my time as the Director for the TRIO SSS Classic program. As a first-generation college student at the University of Michigan, I was equally excited and nervous about the experiences that awaited me. This is why I am so grateful to serve the students in the SSS Classic program and help them to not only overcome barriers, but to expand and exceed their academic and personal limits.

I received my BA in Sociology from the University of Michigan and my M.Ed from Grand Valley State University.  Before moving into this position, I spent 5 years as a Success Coach in the Student Academic Success Center and 2 years as a professional advisor here at GVSU. I am a voracious football fan and you can usually catch me at a local high school football game on Fridays, cheering on GVSU on Saturdays, and watching the Miami Dolphins on Sundays in the fall.

Click here to schedule an appointment with me: 

 https://gvsu.campus.eab.com/pal/V6EEfhLY4n

Alexis Baskin

Alexis is a new addition to the TRIO SSS Classic team. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she has 4 sisters and attended Grand Rapids Prep Academy. She graduated from Grand Valley with a Bachelor's in Social work and a Minor in Sociology and is a TRIO Classic Alumni. She is super happy to be working back at her Alumna and excited to be a part of the change

She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. She is a high school track/basketball coach and worked for GRPS for 5 years. She is a peer mentor in her community. She is super excited to come be a part of the TRIO Classic team but most importantly coming back to her community to make a change. She is a passionate person and loves what  she does which is help people find their place in life. 

Click here to schedule an appointment with me:

https://gvsu.campus.eab.com/pal/mxmeAM3kWp

Charlotte Balkus

Greetings, my name is Charlotte Balkus. As a fellow First-Generation College Student, I am excited to serve you as your program advisor. I grew up in the Lansing area of Michigan and completed my undergraduate degree at Michigan State University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Most recently I obtained my master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in College Student Affairs Leadership (CSAL) officially making me a Laker for a Lifetime!  

I am passionate about helping First-Generation/Low-Income college students navigate their journey of higher education and supporting their needs. It’s so important to recognize and celebrate the achievements and challenges faced by First-Generation College Students. Working for TRIO Student Support Services is the perfect opportunity to give back and advocate for change in higher education.    

In my free time I enjoy drinking coffee, going to concerts, and being a cool aunt to a bunch of fur babies.   

Click here to schedule an appointment with me:

https://gvsu.campus.eab.com/pal/xn_t_ozAsJ

Tyler Dorsey

 I’m a really excited to work with everyone this upcoming semester. I’m really looking forward to instilling change and support into students that come and interact with our office.

I love to see improvement in others and I’m always pushing for it. Mostly though I’m excited to make more connections with faculty and students overall.

Dasani Gorrelle

My name is Dasani Gorrelle, I am first generation college graduate that was born and raised in Charleston, SC . Recently, I graduated Savannah State University where I obtained my Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering Degree. I currently a first year graduate student at GVSU pursuing my Masters of Mechanical Engineering.

I am most excited to meet new faces at GVSU and experience all that this school has to offer with me being new here. But I am most excited to be a part of the Trio Classic SSS team to connect with the everyone and be a resource throughout their college journey!