STUDENT AFFAIRS 22 ANNUAL REPORT Ms. Ashley Geist, part-time staff counselor, attended the 2024 South Dakota Suicide Prevention Conference in Sioux Falls, SD in August, the Family Violence Prevention Conference in Aberdeen in October of 2024 and the Critical Incident Stress Management Training in April of 2025 at the Aberdeen Police Department. She is currently enrolled in dialectical behavioral therapy as well as a somatic trauma therapy certification course. She completed a Somatic Movement Training course in September, featuring mindbody interventions designed to calm the nervous system and release stored trauma from the physical body through gentle movement and breathing exercises. Ashley also attended the 2024 South Dakota Counseling Association professional conference and attended again in May 2025, this year’s conference features a day dedicated to response to and prevention of eating disorders and disordered eating. In October of 2024, Ashley presented with a colleague at the Counselor Connections Conference on the campus of SDSU, which provided continuing education for SD School Counselors. Ashley’s presentation focused on self-care and stress management for working professionals in School Counseling. Lastly, Ashley is currently earning her LPC-MH counseling license which is anticipated to be completed in the fall 2025. Ms. Alison M. Kuch, director of new student and engagement programs, serves on the Experiential Learning Committee (ELC), the Higher Learning Commission Comprehensive Evaluation Team, the Athletic Committee, search committee for exercise science faculty and advises the Student Government Association. She also co-advises the Student Homecoming Committee and Campus Activities Board with CarLee Mechels, the coordinator for student activities and intramurals. In November of 2024, Alison attended the NODA Annual Conference and in April 2025, she attended the Higher Learning Commission Conference as part of her continued professional development. Alison taught PE350: Exercise Physiology and Lab in the spring 2025 semester. This past year, she renewed certifications in Narcan, ALICE and First Aid & CPR. She marked five years of service to the State of South Dakota and was the lead on Key Result 203, Partnering with Enrollment Management and Academic Affairs, expand and improve New Student Orientation (spring) to support a growing spring class of new first-time, transfer and reentry students. Additionally, along with support of Student Affairs, the team reintroduced the Campus Recreation and Intramurals program, increasing student engagement and campus involvement. Ms. Cassandra M. Maillet, assistant director of student accessibility services, joined the team in February 2025. Prior to this role, she served as the research coordinator for Northern’s first TRIO Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program. Cassandra also has three years of experience as a clinical mental health therapist, which has deepened her understanding of student needs and support services. As the research coordinator, Cassandra played a key role in developing a comprehensive 12-month curriculum designed to support students in their personal and professional development and prepare them for graduate studies. Cassandra completed two TRIO Absolute Trainings: Budget Management and Statutory/Regulatory Requirements in Philadelphia, PA, and Student Financial Aid, Admissions Policies and Procedures and Financial/ Economic Literacy via Zoom. She also served on two search committees for the Director of Counseling and Health Services, and the coordinator for student activities and intramurals. In her current role, Cassandra is focused on increasing disability awareness through training and programming for students, faculty, and staff. She is also working to enhance the efficiency of ACCESS Northern by implementing secure methods for transferring exam materials between instructors and accessibility staff, as well as optimizing the appointment scheduling system to improve student access to services. Ms. CarLee S. Mechels, coordinator for student activities and intramurals, is responsible for overseeing a range of student engagement activities. She is CPR, First Aid and Mental Health First Aid certified and supervises three student workers. CarLee manages the Intramural Sports program, which includes overseeing Intramural Basketball with 11 teams and over 130 participants, as well as Intramural Volleyball with 16 teams and more than 130 participants. In addition to these leagues, CarLee coordinates single-day tournaments and opportunities for student engagement and wellness. She also serves as coadvisor to Homecoming and the Campus Activities Board (CAB), providing support for the planning and execution of major campus events and activities. Additionally, CarLee works at APEX Events at Northern State University, helping with the setup and operation of various events on campus. Ms. Jerilyn K. Mielke, student affairs program assistant, celebrated her 32nd year on campus supporting the Division of Student Affairs. Because of her extensive knowledge in testing best practices, Jerilyn was asked to sit in on interviews to hire a new testing coordinator last summer. She continues to train and supervise the front desk workers and in November had the opportunity to attend Narcan training. Jerilyn was flattered to be chosen as a guest of honor at coronation by one of our homecoming candidates. She is very involved in the communication program of Student Affairs and has heavily supported the creation of the 2025-30 Student Affairs Strategic Plan. Jerilyn continues to participate in Senior Staff, Student Affairs All Staff and Student Affairs Council meetings. When not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandson Landon. Ms. Melanie K. Neiber, senior secretary for residence life and student engagement programs, is in her 10th year working at Northern. She was one of the recipients of the Team Award announced at the 2024-2025 Annual Northern Professional highlights, continued…
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