Our people
A page within Student Support Services
Director
- Director Student Support Services
- 2132 Centennial Hall
- lfannin@uwlax.edu
- 608.785.8538
- Advising Manager
- 2131 Centennial Hall
- dgeiger@uwlax.edu
- 608.785.8537
Specialty areas:
Interpersonal and group communication, conflict management, grant writing, strategic planning, and precollege through first year student success.
- Academic Advisor
- 2135 Centennial Hall
- rbeahm@uwlax.edu
- 608.785.8530
Specialty areas:
Providing holistic advising for first-generation students, students with disabilities, and income eligible students. Secondary focus in Career advising and Career readiness, Eagle Advantage, and financial literacy.
- Academic Advisor
- 2136 Centennial Hall
- mhenning@uwlax.edu
- 608.785.8536
Specialty areas:
Provide academic, career, financial, and personal advising to 140+ First Generation students, income eligible students, and disabled students.
Oversee 5-7 Peer Mentors for the First! Scholars Program, a LLC for 25 first year First Generation students in Laux Hall.
- Math Specialist
- 2131 Centennial Hall
- tbateman@uwlax.edu
- 608.785.8535
Specialty areas:
- Student Services Specialist / Writing Specialist
- Centennial Hall
- mmullin@uwlax.edu
Specialty areas:
Support students in all aspects of the writing process: brainstorming, editing, APA, MLA, resumes, cover letters, personal statements, applications, and short responses. Coordinate Fostering Success for Independent Scholars (FSIS).
Student Staff

Thomas Hall
Peer Mentor | ESS Sport Management & Business Admin
I am a third-year student majoring in Sports Management and minoring in Theatre and Business Administration. I enjoy meeting new students and supporting them as they transition to college life. I love watching and playing sports, mainly soccer and pickleball.

Lily Hernandez
Peer Mentor | Front Desk I Communications / Public Advocacy
Hi, I am Lily, and I am a sophomore. I enjoy hanging out with friends, doing my nails, listening to music and cooking. I currently am the secretary for HOPE (Hmong Organization Promoting Education) and exposure coordinator for PERIOD@UWL and like going to other MSO events/meetings. I appreciate the resources provided by SSS which set me up for success and want to be able to help others succeed.

Amanda Keil
Peer Mentor | Front Desk I Communications & Psychology
Hello, my name is Amanda, and I am in my fourth-year here at UWL. I’m majoring in communications with a minor is psychology, and in my free time, I like to read, play piano, and hang out with friends. I think SSS has a great atmosphere with a great support system, and I'm excited to meet new people this year!

Drew Vlasak
Peer Mentor I Art/Digital Media and Design
Hello there, my name is Drew, and I am a third year here at UWL. I am an Art major, with a minor in Digital Media and Design. In my free time I play video games, make art, and listen to music. I also enjoy helping students help find their creative side outside of homework.

Sarah Spies
Front Desk | Accountancy
In my free time I like to go on walks in the Myrick Park Marsh, read, or do stuff with my friends. I love the song "Line Without a Hook," by Ricky Montgomery, and my favorite color is lavender. I enjoy working at SSS because it allows me to balance work and school really well.

Gavin Stebbins
Front Desk | Biology
I enjoy playing video games, studying history (primarily automotive history), watching Doctor Who, and cruising around in my car!
My favorite thing about working in SSS is getting the opportunity to meet with and help people, as well as form connections with this close-knit community.

Vivian Alvarez
Front Desk I Psychology
Hi! I'm Vivian, and I am a first-year psychology major with a minor in Child Youth Studies. In my free time, I love reading, watching shows and movies, and shopping. My favorite thing about SSS is the welcoming atmosphere the second you walk in.

Joel Fernando
Front Desk I Finance
Hello, I am a second year here at UWL. I am currently majoring in finance. In my free time, I like to hang out with friends, go to the gym, or just scroll through social media. I enjoy working at the front desk because of the friendly and chill environment.

Josh Burnes
Front Desk I Professional Communication
Welcome to SSS! My name is Josh, and I am a senior and joined SSS my freshman year as a first-generation student. Though most days it looks as if I am holding a poker face, I am a curious human who won't bite much. If there is one thing I love most about SSS, it is that you will get help here no matter the issue. The more that you come, the more you realize the opportunities you have available (EVEN SCHOLARSHIP MONEY)!

Lila Calder
Front Desk I Undecided
I really enjoy being outdoors and participating in activities that are beneficial to my overall health. I also enjoy school and do my best to stay active within clubs etc.

Blare Wood
Peer Tutor | Math & Business
My name is Blare, and I am from McFarland, Wisconsin. I am majoring in Finance and Management. I like to be active and spend time outdoors. I chose to tutor for SSS because I think it's important to help others when you have the opportunity.

Liam Hall
Peer Tutor I Business
Hello, my name is Liam Hall, and I am a senior here at UWL. I’m majoring in business analytics and minoring in information systems. I like to lift weights, run, play basketball, and make music. I enjoy working at SSS because it enables me to balance my work and school responsibilities.

Ethan Wateski
Peer Tutor I Math
I am a third year Computer Science student who tutors math here in SSS. In my free time, I like to run and do all sorts of activities outside. I currently work as a software developer at Trane Technologies here and La Crosse and hope to spend more time with the company after graduating.

Matthias Murphy
Peer Tutor I Science & Math
I am a senior majoring in biochemistry and chemistry. I like to spend my free time outdoors hunting, fishing, or hiking. I also like going to the REC, especially the rock wall. I am excited to be a peer tutor for SSS to help people understand and solve their questions in math and science.

Mason Walter
Peer Tutor I Science
Hey, my name is Mason Walter, and I'm from Madison, WI. I am a science tutor! In my free time, I do cardiology research with Mayo Clinic, go hiking, and spend time with my friends. I tutor at SSS because I want to help encourage people to persevere when it's tough and to support them on this educational journey.

Easton Carlin
Peer Tutor I Science
College can be a scary experience for anyone, especially those who don’t have any familial experience about it. I know that I felt that way when I first came to UWL; however, with the support of my advisors, who have experience helping first-generation students like me, I immediately felt accepted and welcomed into the community here. I am so excited to join SSS’s team as a tutor and help foster success in other first-gen students! In my free time, I love to read, do Pilates, take long walks listening to music, and spend time with my family.