STUDENT AFFAIRS 23 ANNUAL REPORT Professional highlights, continued… State University Performance Awards. Ms. Neiber is a native of Aberdeen, and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School. Mr. Eric M. Paul, campus police officer, completed his second year at Northern State University and his 16th year with the Aberdeen Police Department (APD). Officer Paul is a current member of the Fraternal Order of Police and a member of the APD Peer Support Team. He is a certified instructor for firearms, tactical medical, less lethal, chemical munitions, flash sound diversionary devices, DUI, ALICE and rescue task force. Officer Paul is a current member of the APD Special Response Team. At Northern, he provided several ALICE (active shooter) trainings to include both classroom learning and hands on scenario learning. Officer Paul attended the annual National Night Out, which is a nationwide event which promotes community-building along with public service partnerships. Officer Paul is a member of the Northern CARES team. In March, Officer Paul was trained on NaBITA Behavioral Intervention Team Standards and Best Practices, which aids in being a member of the CARES team. While at Northern, Officer Paul attends campus events and activities and makes connections within the campus community. Mr. Marty L. Sabolo, director of residence life and dining services, will be entering his 11th year at Northern State University. Sabolo serves as co-chair of the Wolf Pack Welcome Committee, and serves on the Northern CARES Team, First Year Seminar Committee and Northern’s HLC Committee on Compliance. He and his team have accomplished 5 Key Results this year from the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025) including adding outdoor electrical access on the campus green, updating signage inside and outside of the Student Center, ensuring that the Northern Welcome Desk is staffed whenever the Wolves Den is open, creating an effective contract promotions program and launching a new Culinary Council. Sabolo is serving his second two-year term as President of the Aberdeen Housing Authority, and he is currently serving as chair of the Avera Hospital Patient Advisory Board. Sabolo also serves as a founding board member of a new non-profit corporation, HousingPlus, Inc., that assesses the needs of the low income and homeless population and assists with funding sources to support permanent housing solutions. Ms. Christina B. Shilman, staff counselor, continued to see students for individual counseling and in the classroom where she presented on various topics to promote student wellness. Christina is deeply committed to her own professional growth. This year she completed an Interactive Journaling training to be able to provide Level III Insight training to students. She has completed a variety of trainings, most recently on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Counselors & Marriage and Family Therapists. Christina has been instrumental in fostering a supportive campus environment, providing QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training to over 500 students, faculty and staff. In addition, she and the team have rebranded Counseling Services to enhance visibility and encourage students to seek the help they may need. Christina was involved in several programs on campus to promote wellness and destigmatizing help seeking behaviors. Christina continues to take the lead for Brain Break, which takes place twice a year during finals week. Brain Break provides space in the student center for students to take a moment and destress. She has gotten a lot of positive feedback from students, and it continues to grow each year since the first Brain Break in the fall 2022. Christina also takes the lead on organizing an annual Mental Wellness Week, which is in its 4th year. It continues to grow in participation from students, faculty and staff as well as many community members volunteering their time to promote wellness on campus. Ms. Emily Waldon, residential education coordinator, is a December 2024 elementary education graduate from the University of Northern Iowa. Waldon is the recipient of the Drake Martin Gold Star award, the highest achievement for a student staff member at UNI. Learn more about Waldon in Staff Transitions on page 6. Ms. Kelly Weismantel, director of counseling and health services, leads the charge in promoting mental health and wellness at Northern. She oversees a dedicated team of mental health professionals in Counseling Services and Prevention Services. She also collaborates with Avera Health to manage Student Health Services. Kelly is deeply committed to her own professional growth, having recently completed advanced training in Counselor Supervision and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and an approved supervisor with the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Counselors & Marriage and Family Therapists, currently working toward DBT certification. Kelly and her team have been instrumental in fostering a supportive campus environment, providing QPR training to over 500 students, faculty and staff. In addition, they’ve rebranded Counseling Services to enhance visibility and encourage students to seek the help they need. On campus, Kelly is an active member of Staff Council and co-advises the student-run Pheasants Forever Chapter at NSU. Off campus, she is a passionate community leader, involved in organizations like Pheasants Forever, the Aberdeen Elks Lodge and currently serving as the 20242025 president of the Aberdeen Driftbusters Snowmobile Club. With a keen eye, you may spot Kelly on outdoor media platforms like Meateaters and The Flush, where she joins her husband, Casey, in showcasing the Aberdeen region.
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