Glen Oaks Community Colleges has welcomed six new staff hires in the Student Services department over the past few months.
Ayla Wilder joins the college as director of housing operations and residential life. Wilder is from the University of Indianapolis where she has served as a residence hall director and the assistant director of residence life over the past seven years. She has experience as a lead Title IX investigator, an instructor for a new student experience course, and she has served as an advisor to a Black Student Union. Experience in these areas will be beneficial to the campus and residence hall. Wilder has a bachelor’s in human communications, a master’s in strategic leadership and design, and a master’s in professional studies in human resources, all from the University of Indianapolis.
Michael Elliott is the new assistant director of residential life. Elliott is a Glen Oaks alumnus who also coaches the Viking men’s basketball team. He most recently worked as a high school basketball coach and teacher. Elliott has an associate from Glen Oaks, and a bachelor’s in arts humanities from Indiana University – Purdue University, Indianapolis.
Sara Kohler has joined Glen Oaks as director of admissions. Kohler comes from Mid Michigan College where she worked with the college’s Education Talent Search Program. She also coordinated the Verizon Innovative Learning Program and planned and implemented STEM summer camps. Kohler serves as the current Phi Theta Kappa Region Alumni Association advisor. She has a master’s degree in communications, marketing, and public relations, a bachelor’s degree in technical and professional communications, and an associate degree in liberal studies.
Danielle Easterday has joined Glen Oaks as an admission representative. She is a Glen Oaks alumna with an associate degree in business and a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University in advertising and public relations. She previously worked as an account manager at Workforce Strategies, Inc.
Claudia Pahls has joined the college as a part-time dual enrollment coordinator. Pahls has a master’s in English and secondary education, and a bachelor’s in education from Ball State University. Pahls retired from Sturgis Public Schools after 41 years of services. She taught English and Spanish for many years and helped direct numerous plays and musicals before branching out into career preparation.
Amber Gerth has joined the college as disability and support services advisor. A GOCC alumna, Gerth received both her master’s and bachelor’s in social work from Spring Arbor University, an associate in general studies and an early childhood education associate from Glen Oak. She will provide disability support services to GOCC students. Gerth previously was employed with St. Joseph County Community Health where she worked as a child therapist and adult case manager.