Meet our Advisors and Staff
Academic Advising Center Leadership
Bio
Jason joined the Academic Advising Center team in March 2015. He received his BA in Communication from Humboldt State University and his MA degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University.
advisor story 
Bio
Julia joined the AAC team in 2012. She is an alumna of the University of Utah with undergraduate studies in Mass Communication and Leadership Studies. She also earned her Master’s degree in Information Systems from the U. Julia is passionate about working with first year students, exploring students, and underrepresented students. She finds joy in the classroom and can often be found teaching UGS 1050: Major Exploration. In her free time, Julia enjoys gardening, renovating her home, spending time with her two black cats, and sewing.
Academic Advising Center Full Time Advisors
Stephanie Begaye
Academic Advising Coordinator
Assistant Director of
Major Exploration Program
Bio
Stephanie joined the Academic Advising Center in July 2015 as part of the Major Exploration Program team. She graduated from the U in 2010, double majoring in Psychology and Behavioral Science & Health.
Bio
Heather enjoys advising students and helping them reach their academic goals. She graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. degree in Human Development and a M. Ed degree in School Counseling.
Bio
Zach grew up in Utah and graduated from the U in 2019 with a double major in Linguistics and International Studies. After 4 years of teaching English as a second language, he’s back at the U! Zach joined PreProfessional Advising in Fall 2023. When he's not advising PreHealth students, he enjoys singing with the Utah Chamber Artists, gardening with native plants, and going camping with his dogs, Loki and Thor.
Bio
Ashley joined the AAC team in January 2020 after 5 years in International and Area Studies. As an undergraduate, she double majored in English and History before continuing on to earn a Master’s degree in History at the U. Having been a first-gen student, Ashley is passionate about working with students during orientation in finding their place at the U and in identifying the possibilities that come through learning.
Steve Hadley
Assistant Director
Director of Advisor Education and Professional Development
Bio
Steve is originally from Hurricane, Utah and has worked in the AAC for over 15 years. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Sociology from Utah State University.
Bio
Hannah joined the AAC team in June 2022. Originally from Oklahoma, she double majored in Spanish & Psychology as an undergrad at Hendrix College and went on to earn an M.Ed. from the University of Texas at Austin. Hannah is passionate about supporting students in building community in college. Outside of work, she is an avid podcast listener who is always on the hunt for the next great dog park to explore with her partner and their pup!
Quentin Hodges
Academic Advising Coordinator
Assistant Director of PreProfessional Advising
Bio
Quentin is a proud alum of the University of Utah. He graduated in 2011 with a degree in Exercise Physiology (now called Kinesiology). Quentin obtained his Masters of Education degree from Clemson University in South Carolina. After moving back to Utah in 2019, he has been an academic advisor on campus dedicated to helping students as they navigate their academics. Additionally, Quentin is fanatical about movies, musical theater and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Bio
Alessandra was born and raised in Salt Lake City and is a U alum twice over. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies in 2017 and her Master’s degree in Education, Culture, and Society in 2019 before joining Preprofessional Advising in May 2021. As a first generation Latina, she is passionate and committed to helping students navigate higher education. She is a new mom and loves spending time with her family. An avid cook and baker, she loves to decorate cakes and is a huge foodie.
Bio
Emily hails from the Grand Canyon state. She is a photographer, artist, and freelance writer for KSL.com and Deseret News. She loves cats, and traveling – but not traveling with cats. Emily enjoys connecting students to opportunities.
Nichole Hutchins
Academic Advising Coordinator
Assistant Director of Major Exploration Program
Bio
Nichole completed her B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management in NC in 2012 and her M.A. in Education and Human Development in D.C. in 2020. Nichole is passionate about helping students discover their unique paths. Prior to advising, she spent a number of years working internationally in Thailand, Ecuador, Mexico, Germany, and Jordan. In her free time, Nichole enjoys rock climbing and art in all of its forms.
Bio
Amanda is a Utah native who graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Utah with a double major in Psychology and Communication. She began her career in mental healthcare and found opportunities within the field to help youth get their education back on track after experiencing mental health challenges. Amanda wanted to find a way to combine her passion for mental health advocacy with her interests in education, and landed in the Academic Advising Center as an Academic Standards Advisor helping students get back on track after academic challenges.
Bio
Jon is originally from the Washington D.C. area but moved to Japan after completing his undergraduate program in Communications. He has since earned MA degrees in TESOL/Applied Linguistics and Sports Administration. Jon strives to help students achieve their full potential and have tremendously positive experiences at the U. Outside of higher education, Jon has served as a basketball official for 20 years and enjoys traveling.
Shelley Nicholson
Assistant Director
Director of PreProfessional Advising
Bio
College is hard! Shelley's role as Director of PPA is to help students navigate the complexities of how to be a competitive applicant for professional health programs, and also simply just how to be a successful college student. She currently teaches two courses, UGS 1020: Intro to PreMed/PrePA and UGS 1021: Applying to Med School.
Bio
Annie joined the AAC in June 2022 after serving as an academic advisor and career coach at the University of Kansas. There she earned a BSE in Elementary Education and her MA in Organizational Communication. Annie's favorite part of her work is helping students connect their values and passions to majors and careers. Outside of work, you'll find her trying new foods and spending time with her partner and two cats.
Bio
Shelby graduated from The University of Nevada, Reno with her B.S and M.S in Human Development and Family Studies. During graduate school, she became a Certified Family Life Educator and is passionate about helping individuals achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. In her free time, she likes to travel, watch movies, and decorate sugar cookies.
Bio
Madison is from the Midwest and recently moved to Utah with her husband and their dog, Fig, for new adventures in the mountains. Madison studied at Joliet Junior College in Illinois and received an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts, as well as an Associate Degree in Culinary Management. She is currently working on her Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Management. In her free time she likes to read, listen to podcasts, and spend time with her family exploring.
Madeline Rencher
Academic Advising Coordinator
Assistant Director of Orientation and Outreach
Bio
Madeline graduated from the U with an Honors B.S. degrees in Psychology & Health, Society & Policy, & a B.S. in International Studies with Minors in Leadership Studies & Health. She graduated in 2018 with her Master’s Degree in International Relations from Royal Holloway, University of London.
Bio
Rosie is originally from Virginia and completed her B.A. in English before heading west for graduate study, earning Master’s degrees in Communication from the University of Colorado-Denver and the University of Utah, respectively. Rosie loves helping students articulate their values and interests and how those intersect with major and career paths. An avid soccer fan, you can probably find her at the next Real Salt Lake home game.
Amy Urbanek
Senior Advisor
Assistant Director of PreProfessional Advising
Bio
Amy joined her alma mater as an advisor in 11 years after earning her BS degree in Psychology from the University of Utah. She also has a Master of Counseling degree from Arizona State University. Amy enjoys the outdoors, reading, music, and trying to train her senior rescue dog. While he is pretty set in his ways, you can, in fact, teach an old dog new tricks.
April Vrtis-Curran
Academic Advising Coordinator
Assistant Director of Orientation and Outreach
Bio
April began her time at the U as an Undecided Advisor for the College of Engineering in 2016. In 2022, she joined the Academic Advising Center. April hails from the Midwest where she obtained her B.A. in Psychology and Master’s in Leadership in Higher Education from North Central College. She is a bit of a homebody and enjoys spending time with her husband, dog, cat and kid.
Academic Advising Center Advising Ambassadors
Bio
Emily joined AAC in 2023 as the student Advising Ambassador. Having just completed her first year at the U, Emily is majoring in Theatre with an emphasis in acting! She is a member of the Honors College and a graduate of West High School here in Salt Lake City. For her entire first semester at the U, Emily did was undecided on her major. She took UGS 1050: Major Exploration, a class that helps point you in the direction of interests you might like or dislike. This class encouraged her to make her passion for art into her major, and now helps students who are exploring just like was and still is. In her free time, Emily loves to play soccer, weight lift, and watch her favorite shows. If you see Emily around campus it might be her identical twin sister so if she is hesitant to wave that's why!
What is an Advising Ambassador?
Bridge Advisors & College Liaisons
Bio
Hannah is an academic advisor in the School of Business. She grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. She attended the University of Utah for her undergraduate and graduate degrees, receiving Bachelor’s degrees in Anthropology and Writing & Rhetoric Studies, and a Master’s degree in Education, Culture, and Society. During her Master’s degree, Hannah studied systemic social issues in education, and this drives her passion for student advising. In her free time, Hannah enjoys reading, gardening, embroidery, doing puzzles, and hanging out with her cat named Goose.
Bio
Lauren is originally from Southern California where she worked in higher education before moving to Utah in 2018. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of La Verne and her Masters of Science in Academic Advising from Kansas State. As a first generation Latina she is passionate about helping students achieve college success. Her personal motto is “Si, Se Puede!”.
Olivia Calvillo
Bridge Advisor
Advisor, College of Social and Behavioral Science
Bio
Olivia began her career at the U as an undergraduate advisor for Civil Engineering in 2019 before moving to the Department of Economics as Lead Advisor in 2022. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Olivia obtained a B.S in Psychology and M.Ed in College Student Services Administration at the Oregon State University. In her free time, Olivia loves to participate in various athletic competitions and races, take long walks with her dog, and read!
Shawn Carlyle
Bridge Advisor
Advisor, College of Social and Behavioral Science
Bio
Shawn was born in Pocatello, Idaho, but grew up in a number of towns including Silver Spring, MD; and Denver, CO., before moving to Salt Lake City in 1985 to attend the University of Utah. While at the "U", Shawn received a BA in HIstory, BS in Anthropology, and finally completed his PhD in biological anthropology in 2003. Shawn has been advising for the Department of Anthropology for just over five years, and also teaches classes for the Departments of Anthropology at both the University of Utah and Weber State University.
Bio
Lexi is an academic advisor in the Price College of Engineering Dean’s Office. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UVU and an M.Ed in Education, Culture, and Society at the U of U. Lexi also earned a M.Ed from Southern Methodist University with an emphasis in Gifted & Talented Education. She is passionate about education and helping students achieve their goals! In her free time, you can find Lexi hanging out with her husband and dog, making new recipes, or binging the latest reality TV show.
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Bio
Andrew is a bridge advisor in the College of Fine Arts. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, and Doctorate in English. The first one was from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. The other two were from the University of Oregon.
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Abby is bridge advisor from the Price College of Engineering Dean’s Office. She earned her B.A. in English from the University of Utah in 2023. Abby enjoys all things higher education and loves advising students. When she isn’t working you can find Abby playing with her dogs and a street cat named Mae, watching TV, or playing video games.
Bio
Sara is an advisor in the College of Education, and she enjoys working with students to help them be successful in reaching their academic goals. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Utah Valley University. She enjoys reading books and eating chocolate.
Bio
Jenn is a bridge advisor in the College of Fine Arts. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Anthropology in 2012 and her Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration in 2014, both from the State University of New York, Buffalo State.
Bio
Sonia was raised in Sparks, Nevada where she worked in study abroad, advising underrepresented students and helping them prepare for their programs, before joining CSBS in 2021. She is a first-generation graduate and earned her B.A. in Hispanic Studies and Psychology from Dartmouth College. Her favorite part of advising is encouraging students to step out of their comfort zone and watching them grow more confident in their experiences and skills.
Bio
Karleton returned to the University of Utah and joined the Honors College in the Summer of 2019. After completing his undergraduate degree in English at Weber State University, he worked as an academic advisor here at the U in the Dept. of History. During that time, he completed a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy. He is currently a doctoral candidate at Ohio State University and will finish in Summer of 2022. Karleton works with all honors students but is the Honors College liaison to the Academic Advising Center, College of Humanities, College of Science, and the College of Education.
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Justin has been advising in the College of Humanities since November of 2016 & has loved every minute of it. Originally from Audubon, Minnesota, Justin relocated to Utah at the end of 2015 to chase his love of mountains and all of the adventures they provide.
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Maddi has been advising in the College of Social and Behavioral Science since August 2018. She majored in Psychology & Human Development & Family Studies at the University of Utah. When Maddi isn’t working or doing homework for her graduate program, she enjoys spending time with her husband & twin boys, listening to true crime podcasts, chilling with her cats, or painting her nails.
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Dan joined the David Eccles School of Business Advising team in 2020. He received a B.A. in writing from Columbia College Chicago, a MFA in creative writing from Southern Illinois University, and a PhD in English from The University of Cincinnati. Before pivoting to advising, he was a faculty member teaching writing at Rollins College in Orlando. Some of Dan's favorite hobbies include: reading, cooking, and spending time outside with his wife and dog. As a writer, Dan is always excited to talk about what you're reading or watching. He looks forward to working with you.
Bio
Bree is from Indiana originally, but has lived in Indiana, California, and Utah. She moved to Salt Lake City in 2016 and has been working at the U ever since, first at the LGBT Resource Center and then as a Biology Advisor, which she has been doing for one year. She has her Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Indiana University, and is passionate about making sure students know how to take advantage of all of the resources that college has to offer.
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Whitney was born and raised in Northern Utah and received her B.S. in Interpersonal and Family Communication from Weber State University. She is currently a Pre-Medical Laboratory Science Academic Advisor and wants to be a support to students in their educational pursuits. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, going to Disneyland and watching Friends on replay with her friends and family.
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Brenda moved from Minnesota to Utah in 2014. She is the academic advisor for the Department of Metallurgical Engineering & the Department of Materials Science & Engineering. She enjoys working with students that are pursuing degrees & careers in the STEM fields. Brenda treasures her faith, family, friends & the beautiful mountains of Utah.
Academic Advising Center Admin Team
Bio
David has been with the Academic Advising Center since March 1996. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in French (plus a Secretarial Certificate) from the University of Utah and attended the University of Washington for one year.
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Cassidy is earning her associates in social work from SLCC, hoping to transfer to the University of Utah next fall to continue with my bachelor's and master's degree. I enjoy helping people, and giving them a voice.
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Leslie is from Los Angeles and has recently moved to Utah to join AAC. In 2021, she received an Associate’s degree in General Studies with an Emphasis in Social Behavior & Self- Development from Rio Hondo College. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Chicana/o/x & Latina/o/x Studies from California State University at Long Beach in May of 2023. She plans to obtain her Master's degree in Social Work. She loves to go to Starbucks, listen to music, and is a huge fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bio
Noah is an incoming freshman at the University of Utah. He is a West High School graduate who loves family, friends, food, and occasionally the outdoors.