Chelsie Hawkinson, the College of Education’s faculty fellow for student success and engagement, sat down with the college’s CSUN Representative Melvin Taylor to record a conversation about why student involvement matters. It’s a 12-minute listen with great advice for students of all ages and stages of their higher education journeys. Rather read? Here’s the transcript.
Undergraduate and graduate students to join Rebel Educators: Make It Make Sense, a virtual, student-centered conversation where you can respond to what you heard, share your own experience, and help shape what comes next. The online session will be on Wednesday, Apr. 22 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
In this conversation, you will have the opportunity to:
React to the conversation and share your perspective
Speak up about what you would like to see from student organizations
Learn about current active student organizations in the College of Education
Help shape future opportunities, leadership roles, and engagement efforts
Your input will directly inform planning for Fall 2026-Spring 2027.
Whether you are already involved or just starting to explore, your perspective is important. You do not need to have everything figured out to participate.
If you are interested, please register to attend and receive the Zoom Link.
What led you to pursue a degree in human services?
I knew I wanted to work in a helping field, but didn’t yet know what shape that would take. Being nominated as a peer counselor in high school had given me an early taste of informal counseling, and the human services program aligned with my values and offered concrete tools for making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
What advice do you have for current UNLV students?
Tell your professors what you actually want – not just the polished version. When I met with Dr. Larry Ashley about my first internship and my interest in deeper community involvement, he told me about an internship working directly with him where I got to experience a bit of everything our field had to offer. It was such a valuable experience.
What’s something people should know about you?
My husband and I are committed animal people and gamers. We share our home with three dogs – Jackson, Toby, and Sif – and three chickens named Beakachu (Beak for short), Stardew, and Leia.
Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!
We are pleased to share that Dr. Sterling Saddler has been approved as the incoming chair of Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services (CSH) effective July 1, 2025.
Dr. Saddler brings a distinguished leadership, scholarship, and service record to this role. He currently serves as associate chair for CSH. In this role, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to advance academic programs, support faculty development, and foster student success. Prior to this role, he served as dean and assistant to the president at Western Illinois University as well as a department chair at UNLV (during his previous employment).
We want to thank the outgoing CSH Department Chair, Dr. Chris Wood, for his extensive service to CSH. Under his leadership, the department has increased its number of doctoral programs, earned three accreditations (CACREP, APA, and NASP, and grown enrollment and national recognition for CSH’s academic programs.
On December 4, the College of Education welcomed educators, policymakers and community leaders to the Fourth Annual Summit on Nevada Education to discuss the successes and challenges in education in our state. More importantly, attendees, speakers and panelists unpacked where we all need to come together in order to better focus our efforts to usher in the next era of education in Nevada.
Watch a video recap of the day below.
Morning Keynote Address by Clark County School District Superintendent, Jesús Jara
Joining Southern Nevada as CCSD’s leader in June 2018, Dr. Jara discussed his findings from the listening tour he conducted during his first months as Superintendent, spoke about Clark County’s unique local landscape, and emphasized the District’s mission to effectively educating ALL students.
Keynote Address by Andrew J. Rotherham, Co-Founder & Partner, Bellwether Education Partners, and “Fireside Chat” with College of Education Dean Kim K. Metcalf
Having worked in varying roles as an education expert and consultant, Andrew Rotherham unpacks the national landscape of education and the biggest threats facing our nation. Then, he and Dean Metcalf sit down for a Q&A to discuss the role of research in bettering education, the responsibility of colleges of education, and the opportunity for state legislatures to make big impacts in a time of stagnant federal reforms.
Innovation in the New Era: Project CULTURED
UNLV College of Education Doctoral Candidates Sarah V. McCarthy, Katelyn Zirkus, Doctoral Graduate Kathy Ewoldt, and Project CULTURED C0-Investigator and Moderator Joseph Morgan are researchers aiming to translate cutting-edge research into practice in ways that are beneficial and meaningful to educators and students in the classroom. Hear from them about their experience as Project CULTURED scholars and how they worked with local educators and schools to make contributions that help students and teachers in real classrooms.
Policy Issues in Education
With the 2019 Nevada Legislative Session quickly approaching, College of Education faculty and staff preview some of the most pressing issues facing the state, including: the teacher workforce, teacher leadership, Autism in early childhood education, supporting high-quality early childhood education, identifying children with disabilities, school safety, and more.
Panelists: Matt Borek, Ph.D., Director of Educator Preparation, Recruitment & Field Placement Danica G. Hays, Ph.D., Executive Associate Dean & Professor Cori More, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Lois Paretti, Ed.M., Field Experience Coordinator Jenna Weglarz-Ward, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Sam Song, Ph.D., Associate Professor Moderator: Todd Mason, Director of Government Affairs, Wynn Resorts Limited
A Conversation with Legislative Education Committee Representatives, Assemblywoman Brittney Miller (D-5) and State Senator Joyce Woodhouse (D-5)
Highlighting what is sure to be a productive year, Panel Moderator & College of Education Assistant Professor Brad Marianno discusses Nevada Education Committee Members priorities and focus for the upcoming legislative session.
Nevada Partners Panel: Leading into the New Era
Community stakeholders discuss where our state is headed we should set our sights to build a strong Nevada for generations to come.
Panelists: Jeremy Aguero, Principal Analyst, Applied Analysis Jan Jones Blackhurst, Executive Vice President of Public Policy & Corporate Responsibility, Caesars Entertainment Jesús Jara, Ed.D., Superintendent, Clark County School District Richard Knoeppel, 2019 Nevada Teacher of the Year Lisa Morris-Hibbler, Director, Department of Youth Development and Social Innovation, City of Las Vegas Sean Parker, Executive Director, Teach For America Las Vegas Valley Moderator: Terri Janison, President and Chief Executive Officer, Grant A Gift Autism Foundation
Current Role: School Counselor at Clark County School District
Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue a degree in education/human services?
Born in Las Vegas, UNLV was a realistic choice for me. I decided to go into human services specifically because I’m a natural helper and want to do more in the community.
Going to UNLV was the best choice. It gave me the best experience, and it encouraged me to think outside the box.
How did your experience at UNLV help you find your first position after graduation?
It provided me with real-life scenarios; through my internship opportunities offered by UNLV, I was able to land a full-time job in juvenile justice, which led me to do treatment-level foster care. I later became a recruiter for the foster care system.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were a student?
Student advising awareness is the best and biggest thing, as well as helping students explore their degree and knowing what avenues that degree offers.
Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!
In honor of her dedication to the field of mental health counseling and her outstanding contributions to her community, Diana Pedraza Harrison, ‘20 B.A. Psychology, ‘22 M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, was the clear choice for the Counselor Education Program’s inaugural Alum of the Year award. With multiple nominations from colleagues like Nicole Espinosa, Diana is an “exemplar of collaboration and radical compassion.”
In her undergraduate years, Diana developed her leadership skills as the president of UNLV’s chapter of the International Honor Society in Psychology and as a board member of the Omega Alpha chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, an international honor society for counseling students, educators, and professionals.
Her commitment to serving underserved communities is evident in her work as a bilingual (Spanish-speaking) clinical professional providing services that focus on radical healing and trauma-informed care. Diana’s impact extends beyond the clinics she works in. She has been an advocate for unhoused youth through HELP of Southern Nevada for more than 12 years. If that weren’t enough to keep her busy, she also currently serves as a program specialist for ReInventing Integrated Student Supports in Educational Environments (RISsEe Program).
Since graduating, Diana has founded The Promise LV, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing relationship-centered care to unhoused individuals in Las Vegas. Diana and her team disperse essential items, offer access to clean water, and provide support with identity restoration, employment, and housing. All this is rooted in her person-centered approach to advocacy for marginalized communities.
Diana’s tireless dedication to fostering positive change and her steadfast commitment to the well-being of others make her a truly deserving recipient of this honor. As her former faculty advisor, Katherine Feather, emphasized, “Diana is what we all should strive to be as counselors, and as human beings.”
About the Award
The UNLV Counselor Education Alum of the Year award recognizes graduates of the Master of Education – School Counseling or Master of Science – Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The award is given to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated a history of outstanding service to the field, program, UNLV, and/or the community in which they reside. Celebrating alumni is paramount as they continue contributing significantly to the community after their education. In addition, their achievements serve as a source of inspiration for the present and future generations.
We are thrilled to announce Michelle Zochowski-Tullio as the recipient of the 2024 School Psychology Alum of the Year award. Michelle’s outstanding contributions to the field of psychology, her unwavering dedication to education and the UNLV community make her an exemplary choice for this honor.
Michelle is a Rebel through and through. She completed her double major B.A. in psychology and criminal justice ‘14, followed by a M.S. in educational psychology ‘15. She has been steadfast in her academic pursuits at UNLV, also earning her Ph.D. in 2020 from the College of Education.
Throughout her academic career, Michelle distinguished herself as a dedicated scholar and clinician. She served as an intern, practicum student, and postdoctoral fellow at the UNLV Medicine Ackerman Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Solutions and the UNLV Partnership for Research, Assessment, Counseling, Therapy, and Innovative Clinical Education (PRACTICE).
In 2022, Michelle returned to UNLV as a part-time instructor, sharing her wealth of knowledge and clinical experience with the next generation of school psychologists. According to her peers, “her previous experience as a graduate teaching assistant now helps her as an instructor for assessment courses.”
Michelle currently serves as the clinical director at Ellie Mental Health of Las Vegas, where she continues to make an impact on the lives of her clients. As a licensed psychologist, specializing in autism assessment, Michelle further extends her impact to accommodate the unique needs of neurodiverse populations within special education and broader school systems.
Katherine Lee, Michelle’s colleague at UNLV, nominated her for this esteemed award, “Michelle has been an invaluable addition to our training program since she is an excellent clinician.” Despite her recent graduation from the program, Michelle’s commitment to College of Education students is unwavering, as she is also serving as a visiting professor and supervisor.
We congratulate Michelle on this well-deserved award and thank her for her ongoing commitment to the field of school psychology.
About the Award
The UNLV School Psychology Alumni of the Year award recognizes graduates of the school psychology program (Ed.S. or Ph.D.). The award is given to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated a history of outstanding service to the field, program, UNLV, and/or the community in which they reside. Celebrating alumni is paramount as they continue contributing significantly to the community after their education. In addition, their achievements serve as a source of inspiration for the present and future generations.
Current Role: Family Service Specialist – State of Nevada, Division of Welfare and Supportive Services
Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue a degree in Human Services?
I’m a Las Vegas native and a first-generation college student. I attended college because I wanted to show my siblings that going and graduating was possible. I enrolled as a music major but shifted to human services because I wanted to help people and feel more involved, which aligned with my passion for being a therapist and wanting to help others with their problems.
What were you involved with at UNLV? What was your proudest moment?
I was involved with various clubs, such as Omega Delta Phi, and took part in community service events. I also participated in the UNLV Latino Youth Leadership Conference, where they introduced higher education to students.
What is your current position, and how did UNLV prepare you for your career?
I work for the State of Nevada as a Family Service Specialist, helping others with government programs such as SNAP, TANF, and serving as a welfare officer. UNLV provided an applicable curriculum such as counseling experience and reading and analyzing important policy information.
What advice would you give to current students at UNLV?
Take a bet on yourself and view your education as a long-term investment in your future.
Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!
On April 28, 2023, the UNLV School Psychology program honored Dr. Keri Altig as the inaugural School Psychology Alumna of the Year.
With a remarkable record of service spanning over 13 years, Dr. Altig is a psychological services coordinator for the Clark County School District. Having completed her undergraduate studies at UNLV, she earned her Ed.S. and Ph.D. in special education.* While embarking on her current role, Dr. Altig has taught for the school psychology program in the Department of Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services and continues coordinating and leading seminars for students at UNLV.
Dr. Altig’s exceptional leadership qualities and expertise has earned her widespread admiration from local school psychologists.“She is well-known by all local school psychologists, is highly respected for her leadership and expertise, and has given back to UNLV year after year,” says associate professor Dr. Katherine Lee, who nominated her.
She actively participates in giving back to UNLV and ensures that students receive the highest level of training. She is a valuable link between CCSD and UNLV’s school psychology program, connecting trainees with site-based supervisors for field experience practice and internships. In addition, she has taught for the program and continues coordinating and leading seminars for students at UNLV.
Dr. Altig’s unwavering dedication to the field is evident in her outstanding service, making her a true inspiration for anyone seeking to make a difference. Dr. Lee explains, “We are so grateful for her dedication, her wisdom, and her heart, as she fosters and supports the growth of all our students, the CCSD-UNLV relationship, and the field’s reputation.”
About the Award
The UNLV School Psychology Alumni of the Year award recognizes graduates of the school psychology program (Ed.S. or Ph.D.). The award is given to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated a history of outstanding service to the field, program, UNLV, and/or the community in which they reside. Celebrating alumni is paramount as they continue contributing significantly to the community after their education. In addition, their achievements serve as a source of inspiration for the present and future generations.
*At the time, school psychology was an area of focus within the special education doctoral program.
Alejandro Zamaro and Julia Quirim had nothing big planned for their summers. Rather than sitting around in the Las Vegas heat, the rising Bonanza High School seniors found a better (and cooler) use of their time. Knowing that college application season was right around the corner, they didn’t hesitate to get ahead with the help of UNLV’s Youth Rebel Start Academy (YRSA).
More than Summer School
YRSA summer sessions in partnership with Bonanza’s Advanced Placement (AP) Summer Seminar offered eager students the chance to participate in a unique dual-enrollment program. Designed to prepare students for college and workforce readiness, the three-week intensive program encourages students to take charge of their academic achievement, explore career possibilities, and develop transferable skills.
Leaning into the desire to cultivate student leadership, the Summer Seminar at Bonanza is uniquely free of traditional rules like tardies and the dreaded bell schedule. “I think the biggest goal is to get students to be intrinsically motivated, hold themselves accountable, and set high expectations for themselves.” says Dan Bressler, program lead and teacher focusing on the philosophy component of the seminar. Joined by fellow educators Derrick Minor, Andrew Sherer, Sarah Truster, and Douglas Slothower, their team brought dynamic lessons on music, history, art and literature to life for their students.
From finding one’s voice to becoming a student leader
Personal growth is a hallmark of the bridge program between Bonanza and YRSA. Julia was a quiet student who used the opportunity to find her voice. “The thought of taking courses over the summer might sound daunting and it’s going to take a lot of perseverance, but in the end, you gain something so much greater than you originally started with.” Teachers watched as she quickly evolved into a student leader in her groups and presentations. She became someone her peers turned to when they wanted to do exemplary work.
Bonanza teachers Carson Richards facilitated CED 117: Interpersonal Skills in Human Relationships while Anne Twomey led LDE 201: Introduction to Leadership courses. Not only were students provided with a taste of college-level academics but they were also offered valuable insights into personal development and leadership. Alejandro and Julia found themselves immersed in discussions that pushed them to think critically about their futures. Lessons went beyond traditional academics, offering a chance to explore self-awareness, financial responsibility, and students’ roles in the world around them.
For Alejandro, CED 117 was eye-opening. The course emphasized self-care, recognizing personal biases, and building meaningful relationships—topics that weren’t just theoretical but relevant to everyday life. “It gave me a real idea of what to expect in college,” Alejandro shared. “The lessons have influenced my career choices, making me more mindful of the financial implications of my decisions and lifestyle aspirations which have helped me set realistic goals,” he added.
Julia found the self-directed learning environment to be a breath of fresh air. “Rebel Start has helped me explore different post-secondary careers through the independence given to us from our teachers,” she explained. The skills she developed have given her a renewed sense of confidence and ways to express herself. “My highlight was a project where I had to shoot a video that represented my identity because it gave me the opportunity to take the time to learn something new about myself,” she reflected.
A summer well spent
The dedication of the educators at Bonanza to facilitate courses not typically available to their highschoolers over the summer have made preparation for college level courses and rigor approachable. “I just felt free in the learning environment.” Alejandro remarked. “I had the chance to confidently express my knowledge, pair and share with others, and be creative in my responses to lesson prompts.”
All in all, it was a summer well spent for everyone involved at Bonanza and all other participating high school campuses across the valley, including Chaparral, Desert Pines, Valley and Western High School. As the College of Education remains committed to engaging students beyond the traditional classroom, the Youth Rebel Start Academy will continue to be a launchpad for success.
