Speakers
Keynote Speaker
Kim Linduska
Dr. Linduska is a native Iowan, and has spent her entire career in higher education. She worked at Des Moines Ara Community College for more than 30 years in a variety of roles, the last 20 as the Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost. After retiring from DMACC, Linduska spent 2 years at Iowa State, working across the university to identify strategies to increase enrollment and retention. In 2020, Linduska because the interim provost at Buena Vista University and served in that role for 2 years. She currently serves at the director of the Iowa Private Transfer Collaborative, a group of 19 Iowa colleges and universities dedicated to supporting the recruitment and enrollment of transfer students. Dr. Linduska has served as a consultant to the Higher Learning Commission for 25 years, and provides consulting serves to a variety of organizations that support higher education. Linduska received her master’s and PhD from Iowa State University, and she and her husband are proud Cyclone supporters.
Breakout Speakers
Kristi Baldwin
Session Title: Setting Sail for Peak Productivity
Kristi Baldwin is the educational technology resource specialist in the Professional Development unit. Together with Kristi Elmore, she has been delving into the growth and implementation of generative AI tools since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022.
Anindita Das
Session Title: Nurturing Resilience: Self-Care as the Foundation of Social and Emotional Learning for Staff and Educators
Dr. Anindita Das is the Community Engagement Strategist for the College of Design at Iowa State University (ISU). She spearheads K-12 outreach and engagement programs, emphasizing professional capacity building and fostering competence among students, staff, and faculty. Her work includes evaluating student retention strategies, guiding organizational development, and promoting collaboration on critical initiatives that engage both internal and external stakeholders.
Dr. Das has previously held prominent roles such as Diversity and Inclusion Professional Development Specialist with Iowa 4-H Youth Development, Refugee Specialist with Community Extension, and the foundational coordinator of the Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa. She has also served as a Lecturer with Great Plains IDEA at ISU, Teaching Faculty at Kansas State University, and a post-doctoral research associate at the University of Virginia. Her academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas Tech University, where her research explored the influence of social contexts and relationships on identity development in historically marginalized communities.
With expertise in youth development, inclusive leadership, social capital, community engagement, mentoring, youth-adult partnerships, facilitation, social justice, and capacity building, Dr. Das has consistently worked to empower children, youth, families, and communities. Her impactful programs and initiatives aim to foster resilience, belonging, access, and opportunities.
In addition to her strategic role at ISU, Dr. Das holds leadership positions at state and national levels, advocating for refugee and immigrant education, belonging, and advancing access and equity-focused initiatives. Her extensive experience reflects a commitment to creating access, opportunities, and transformative educational environments.
Danielle Day
Session Title: Self-Care in Challenging Times
Danielle Day is a Human Sciences Specialist in Family Wellbeing with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. She has a dual B.A. in Business and Family and Consumer Sciences from Chadron State College in Chadron, NE, and an M.A. in Human Services Counseling: Crisis Response and Trauma with Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Danielle has additional training and extensive experience leading mental health, relationship, parenting, well-being, caregiving, and child development training for a variety of audiences across the lifespan within extension. Danielle is currently coordinating the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach mental health programs across the state.
Kristi Elmore
Session Title: Setting Sail for Peak Productivity
Kristi Elmore is the web content manager for ISU Extension and Outreach in the Extension Information Technology unit. Together with Kristi Baldwin, she has been delving into the growth and implementation of generative AI tools since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022.
Sara Everson
Session Title: Beginner’s Excel Basics for Everyday Use
Sara Everson is the Secretary/Treasurer for the Professional & Scientific Council at Iowa State University. She graduated from Iowa State University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Since 2012, she has been a dedicated member of the Iowa State University Department of Public Safety, initially serving as a Parking Enforcement Officer and currently as a Parking Customer Relations Coordinator III. In her role, Sara focuses on enhancing customer experiences and managing parking operations effectively. Her leadership and commitment to service reflect her passion for fostering a positive environment at Iowa State University.
Sarah Freestone
Session Title: Navigating the Seas of Data: Advanced Techniques
Sarah Freestone, M.Ed, FAAC, is a Senior Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Iowa State University where she leads the verification, data, and compliance teams. She previously served as Director of Financial Aid at Grand View University and Southwestern Community College in Iowa. Sarah earned a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Iowa State University and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in art and psychology, as well as an associate’s degree in liberal arts rom Des Moines Area Community College.
Sarah is currently serving as the president of the Iowa Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (IASFAA) and as a member of the program and professional development committees. She is also a member of the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA) where she sits on the professional development and conference program local arrangements committees. She holds a Certified Financial Aid Administrator designation from the National Student Financial Aid Administrators Association (NASFAA) and holds 11 NASFAA credentials.
Alexa Groff
Session Title: Empowering Tomorrow: Harnessing AI for Innovation and Leadership in a Changing World
Alexa Groff is the Iowa 4-H STEM Education Specialist and Director of the State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa. A passionate advocate for integrating Artificial Intelligence into youth education, Alexa leads initiatives to make AI accessible and impactful for students and educators. She is actively involved in advancing AI education, serving on the ISUEO AI working group and co-chairing the National 4-H AI working group. As the creator of Iowa 4-H’s STEM in Motion program, Alexa combines hands-on learning with real-world applications to inspire youth to explore STEM careers. Her innovative work bridges the gap between emerging technologies and education, equipping the next generation with the skills and curiosity to thrive in an AI-driven future.
Elizabeth Helmick
Session Title: Charting Trauma-Informed Futures Together
Elizabeth Helmick has been a part of the Iowa State University community since August 2020, bringing a diverse background in academic support and instructional technology. With experience as an English instructor, student program coordinator, and now as an instructional technologist, Elizabeth has worked closely with students, faculty, and staff across various roles. As a graduate student, she focused on trauma and resilience frameworks in literature, a focus she continues to integrate into her work. Elizabeth recently designed and launched the Academic Success Navigator program at the Dean of Student’s Academic Success Center, offering personalized 1-on-1 consultations for students navigating academic and personal challenges. She is committed to trauma-informed pedagogy, grounded in radical empathy and flexibility, and strives to create supportive, resilient learning environments for all members of the campus community.
Kody Henke
Session Title: “Acknowledging the Emotion”: Maintaining Humanity in a Digital World
Kody Henke (he/him/his) has been working at Iowa State University for the past 10 years within a few different roles and offices on campus. Currently, Kody serves as an Assistant Director in the Office of Student Assistance. Within his role, Kody provides assistance to students experiencing difficulties or crisis situations to ensure they have the opportunity to achieve their academic and personal goals. Kody works in collaboration with a number of campus departments as well as community providers who work directly with students experiencing significant challenges including mental health concerns, sexual misconduct, personal concerns, or academic challenges. In addition to his work within the Office of Student Assistance, Kody is a QPR Facilitator providing suicide prevention training to faculty, staff, and students here at Iowa State University.
Joel Hochstein
Session Title: Driving Innovation: How Your Ideas Advance ISU’s Strategic Aspirations
Joel Hochstein has worked at Iowa State University for 13 years and currently serves as the Testing Center Manager at the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT). Since 2022, he has led projects to enhance accessibility and streamline operations, including renovations and collaborating with campus partners to improve the testing center experience for students and faculty.
Tammy Jacobs
Session Title: Self-Care in Challenging Times
Tammy Jacobs manages the Iowa Concern Hotline and AnswerLine. In addition to her years of experience managing the hotlines and providing individual stress counseling through the hotlines, she also is a Mental Health First Aid instructor and provides these educational classes across the state. Tammy is also part of several mental health and behavioral health program initiatives happening in Iowa and throughout the North Central Region with the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.
Susie Johnson
Session Title: Tools & Resources for Handling Difficult Conversations
Susie Johnson believes life is all about relationships and experiences. She enjoys travel, music, and connection. As risk management director at ISU, she says her colleagues are the best part of her job. Susie completed her undergraduate in secondary education at University of Northern Iowa and has an M.S. from Michigan State University in management, strategy, and leadership. She is active on the University Risk Management and Insurance Association (URMIA) board of directors and believes in the power and importance of professional development for everyone. At her Ames home, she enjoys time with her husband, 3 children, and sweet but clingy dog.
Leah Kain
Session Title: Charting Trauma-Informed Futures Together
I have served as the assistant director for Hixson Opportunity Awards since June 2023. In this role I teach a first-year seminar course and leadership development courses with other Hixson staff members. We work to help students in their transition to higher education and to build leadership skills with peer mentors for the Hixson program. I hold a B.A. in Biology Education and a M.S.E. in Teacher Effectiveness and Professional Development. In the past, I was a public high school teacher and have always been devoted to continuing my own education to become a more effective instructor. Learning more about trauma-informed work has created meaningful opportunities for me to continue improving my practice and help all students succeed.
Taylor Lelonek
Session Title: “Together We Thrive: Celebrating the Impact of Student Employment at Iowa State!”
Program Specialist-America Reads/America Counts & Student Employee Recognition
Vanessa Lockey
Session Title: “Together We Thrive: Celebrating the Impact of Student Employment at Iowa State!”
Program Specialist- Off Campus Work Study & On Campus Work Study
Kim McDonough
Session Title: Driving Innovation: How Your Ideas Advance ISU’s Strategic Aspirations
Kim McDonough is the strategic initiatives project specialist for the Office of the President at Iowa State University. In this role, she supports the implementation of strategic initiatives as part of the 2022-31 strategic plan. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s in journalism and mass communication and a doctoral degree in education from Iowa State.
Mary McGraw
Session Title: Captain of Change: Guiding Your Crew through Uncharted Waters
Mary McGraw is an certified change manager and HR professional with over 10 years of experience in human resources. She is currently a Workforce Project Manager at the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University, where she is dedicated to helping Iowa businesses prosper and grow. Mary partners with organizations to enhance their workforce capabilities and develop strategic HR solutions. Her expertise lies in collaborating with HR professionals and business leaders to build engaged, resilient workforces that drive organizational success.
Susan McNicholl
Session Title: Unsubscribe from Stress: Mastering Email (Without Losing Your Mind)
Susan is a communications specialist in the Office for the Vice President for Research. She’s also currently a graduate student in strategic communications at the University of Iowa.
Corinna Most
Session Title: Charting Trauma-Informed Futures Together
I am broadly interested in the origins, evolution, and development of social cognition, and my approach is interdisciplinary, combining theories and methods from anthropology, developmental and comparative psychology, and cognitive sciences. Ultimately, my research provides insights into how our social nature, one of the defining traits of our species and indeed our order, arises both phylogenetically and ontogenetically. I am the co-Director of the Uaso Ngiro Baboon Project (UNBP), in Kenya, where I study the development of social competence in wild olive baboons (Papio anubis) and the long-term effects of ecological changes on the baboons’ behavior and reproductive parameters. I also oversee student research on the primates housed at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines. I teach Animal Behavior (BIOL3540), Primate Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution (ANTHR3170), Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (BIOL3510), and Exploring Possibilities in the Life Sciences (BIOL1130). As Coordinator for the ISU Learning Community “Sky is the Limit”, I combine research with practice in investigating effective strategies for mentoring and teaching first- and second-year students with broad interests in the Life Sciences.
Kellie Olson
Session Title: From Overwhelm to Organized: Effective Email Management Strategies
Kellie Olson is an Iowa State alum and started her career with Engineering Career Services right after graduation. She has now been with the team for over 11 years in various roles. In her current role as Director, she has the opportunity to lead a great team focused on advising students, building relationships with potential employers, collecting data, and hosting premier networking events. Kellie is passionate about incorporating organization into both her professional and personal life. In 2023, she started a business (Keep it Organized, LLC) to help others become more organized in their physical spaces, email accounts, budgets, and anywhere else disorder pops up.
Kelsey Polaski
Session Title: Enhancing Efficiency with Workday Worksheets
Kelsey Polaski is a skilled member of the IT Services Reporting and Analytics team, known for her expertise in collaborating with campus users to develop custom reporting and analytic solutions. With a strong background in maintaining and providing system support for essential software such as Workday HR/Finance and Power BI, Kelsey ensures seamless operations and enhanced user experiences. She is also actively involved in the deployment of Workday Student and Receivables, playing a crucial role in updating legacy campus systems. Kelsey’s dedication to improving operational efficiency and her ability to deliver insightful analytics make her a valuable asset to any team. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences as a presenter at this conference.
Mitch Recker
Session Title: “Together We Thrive: Celebrating the Impact of Student Employment at Iowa State!”
Program Specialist-URA & Off Campus Work Study
Stacy Renfro
Session Title: Driving Innovation: How Your Ideas Advance ISU’s Strategic Aspirations
Stacy Renfro is the Associate Director at the Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence at Iowa State University and works on special projects within the Office of the Vice President for Research. She holds an MBA from Northwest Missouri State University.
Nicole Salo
Session Title: Charting Trauma-Informed Futures Together
Nicole Salo is an accomplished educator and communication specialist with extensive experience in teaching and curriculum development. She holds a Master of Arts in communication studies from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Education in adult education from the University of Minnesota. She is currently an Associate Teaching Professor at Iowa State University. Her teaching portfolio includes courses in public speaking, business communication, gender communication, and listening skills. Nicole contributes to professional development, academic service, and curriculum innovation and has accolades for excellence in teaching. She has multiple publications and conference presentations in communication studies, emphasizing topics like diversity, ethics, and social narratives. She is certified in mental health first aid and trained in suicide prevention. Nicole is also recognized for her mentorship, dedication to inclusive education, and creating a safe, supportive learning environment.
Jennifer Schroeder
Session Title: Charting the Course: Creating a Culture of Meaningful Interactions
Jennifer Schroeder is the Team Supervisor of specialists that support LAS for Finance Service Delivery and current President-Elect of P&S Council. Jennifer has been at ISU for 18 years, spending time in Financial Aid, Accounts Receivable, and Finance Service Delivery. She has been officially supervising teams for 10 years while working at ISU. Jennifer has a degree in Finance from UNI and a master’s in family financial planning from Kansas State University.
Nicole Scott
Session Title: Driving Innovation: How Your Ideas Advance ISU’s Strategic Aspirations
Nicole Scott is a research project manager within the Office of the Vice President for Research. She holds a B.S. from Iowa State University, a Master’s degree from Roehampton University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.
Andrew Severin
Session Title: Level-up your prompting; Simplify your life
Andrew Severin leads the Genome Informatics Facility at Iowa State University and concurrently serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology. A seasoned expert in bioinformatics, Andrew specializes in decoding the complexities of big data, transforming big datasets into meaningful, actionable insights. His passion for education shines through in his creation of detailed online tutorials, simplifying bioinformatic analyses and guiding users through poorly documented software. Andrew’s latest challenge involves unraveling the potential of ChatGPT, another under-documented tool, and turning his discoveries into accessible educational resources. Outside of his professional pursuits, he channels his creativity into writing fantasy and science fiction. In his downtime, Andrew enjoys exploring the great outdoors through hiking and stays active with a love for water polo.
Megan Spiehs
Session Title: “Together We Thrive: Celebrating the Impact of Student Employment at Iowa State!”
Program Specialist-Student Job Board & America Reads/America Counts
Michelle Thompson
Session Title: Navigating Safely: Lessons from the Lab Bench
Michelle Thompson is an Assistant Director of Environmental Health and Safety at Iowa State University. After completing her bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics, she graduated from Iowa State University with a Ph.D. in Chemistry, focusing on semiconductor nanoparticle synthesis. She currently serves as the Chemical Hygiene Officer and Laboratory Safety Manager for ISU. Michelle enjoys creating and leading trainings, utilizing data and metrics, and believes wholeheartedly in building relationships – connecting with campus researchers to promote proactive collaboration in pursuit of enhanced laboratory safety.
Erin Todey
Session Title: Charting Trauma-Informed Futures Together
Erin Todey (she/her) is the Assistant Director of the McNair Scholars Program at Iowa State University. She earned her BA in French & International Studies and her MA in Applied Linguistics. Erin has taught a range of composition, linguistics, and academic writing courses in different domestic and international higher education contexts. Her research interests center on how discourse analysis methodologies can be meaningfully used in teaching academic writing, especially to support historically marginalized (e.g., first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented) students writing high-stakes, self-promotional genres, such as the statement of purpose for graduate school. Erin also collaborates with the Liberal Arts in Prison Program at Grinnell College to work as a writing tutor and instructor in the Iowa Correctional Institute for Women in Mitchellville, Iowa.
Rebecca Wells
Session Title: Charting Trauma-Informed Futures Together
Rebecca Wells is the Student Life Archivist in Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA). She leads SCUA’s efforts to document and preserve a more robust and inclusive record of student life at Iowa State University. In her role, she connects with students and alumni, empowering them to take an active role in preserving their impact at Iowa State. She also provides instruction and curates exhibitions for student life and university history materials in the collections. She holds her MSIS, specializing in archival and preservation administration, from the University of Texas at Austin and a graduate certificate in library management from the University of North Texas.