TIU Psychology Alumni News

Dan Aleckson (2003) has been accepted in the Master's program in Counseling Psychology at Bethel College in Minneapolis.

Melissa Altman  is working in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit at St. Therese Hospital in Waukegan.

Jenny Baldwin (1998) is a Benefit Representative at Hewitt Associates, working on the Chrysler Corporation account.

Lisa (Sudhoff) Basile (2001) is currently a stay-at-home mom of two wonderful children, Jade (born 10/01) and Jake (born 3/03).  She is also a step-mother to a wonderful pre-teen, Joey (born 6/91). Together with her husband, Joe, they are starting a church in Lombard. where Joe is the senior pastor.  They are currently meeting at Madison Elementary School in Lombard Sunday evenings at 6pm. Easter Sunday they will begin holding their services in the mornings at 11am. They invite you to check them out!  They'd love to see you!  2-1-04

Kara Beem (2004) I am an admissions counselor for the traditional undergraduate program here at good old TIU. I am living with two friends and enjoy being involved in the worship team and different bible studies at Lakeland Evangelical Free Church in Gurnee, IL. 5-13-05.

Carl (Blom) and Marcella (Willis) Blom Willis (1997) have moved to Sheboygan, Wisconsin and are continuing their careers in corporate America. They are enjoying their two dogs and their son, Alec Nathaniel  08/17/04

Rachel (Ward) Bryant (1997) is currently working at State Farm Insurance in the IT/Systems department in Bloomington, Illinois. She specifically works on Enterprise Capacity Planning.  After graduating from TIU in 1997, she accepted a job with Hewitt Associates, married Carl Bryant (1997) in August 2000, and moved to Normal, Illinois. 

Erika Bompiani (2002) with Brian, is moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, where Brian will be working toward his Ph.D. in Biblical and Near-Eastern History and Archaeology. Erika wants to continue working toward a M.A. degree in Occupational Therapy. 4-27-04

Yoko (Horiuchi) Bradford (1996) is currently studying to be a Real Estate Broker. She married her husband, Reginald, in November, 2001. They now have a beautiful 16 month old daughter, and they attend New Beginnings Church in Chicago. 5-12-04

John (Jay) A. Budzynski (1987) is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Loves Park, Illinois.  He received his M.A. in Counseling Psychology from TEDS.  He and his wife, Laura, have two children. 4-7-04 

Jackie Busch  (1997) is now working full-time at the Outreach Community Center in Carol Stream with at-risk junior-high and high-school students as a after-school Classroom Teacher and Teen Leadership Coordinator.    

Marlon Clark (1997) is employed as a senior juvenile counselor at Lake County Juvenile Detention Center. He indicates that he has had an exciting experience reaching out to troubled youth.  Call Marlon if you are interested in an internship at the center (847) 377-7825.

Glenn Cross (1980) is manager of proactive development within the IS group at America Online, managing a corporate intranet for staff self-help with computing needs. He reports that his "psych BA has helped me counsel with folks defeated by technology from time to time! 2 Cor. 5:17!"

Claudiu Dumitrescu (1999) has completed his doctoral comprehensive examination  at Roosevelt University successfully and is in the process of interviewing for internships.  Phillip, the new addition to the family was born on the 13th of September. Phillip is very healthy and is quickly catching up in weight to his older sister, Samantha.  The family is presently residing in their new home which Claudiu completed a couple of months before Phillip's arrival. 2-16-04

Jason Elsts (1997) is currently serving as Associate Pastor (working with youth) at Becker Evangelical Free Church.  He married Julie White (1999) five years ago.  They have a two year old son Isaiah and a second child on the way in September 2003.  Jason previously served in the Student Ministries Department of Trinity College as the Discipleship Coordinator, and received his MAR at TEDS. 

James Ericson (1996) is now working as a consultant for Booz Allen & Hamilton Inc.in the Economic & Business Analysis (EBA) group. There primary client base is government and military agencies (e.g. CIA, FBI, NASA, and the military). J's primary client is the Navy and his project is called Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). J received his degree from California School of Professional Psychology in Organizational Psychology. His wife, Kathy is active in playgroups, and their daughter, Lora is a very fun 18+ months old. J reports that he is taking up film as a hobby.

Melanie (Taylor) Ford 1996) is working for Hewitt Associates in Lincolnshire where she is a Manager on the Compaq team. She is planning on starting up graduate school this fall or next spring. Melanie got married this last June to Brian Ford, another TIU alumni, and they are living in Gurnee where they have just bought a house.

Margarette (Tricoli) Firman (1992) is actually teaching a couple of courses for the Psychology/Sociology Dept this coming year.  4-05-05

Vonya Gibbs (2000) works for Evangelical Child & Family Agency in Chicago as a foster care caseworker.  She was married August 4 to Oscar Dupuy (2000). 

Julie Goodman (1996) working in public relations for The Salvation Army-Northern Division Headquarters. She received her Certificate in Event and Festival Management in 2004 from the Universtiy of Minnesota and hopes to start doing event consulting for non-profits on the side. Her son, Justin (7 yrs. old), is loving first grade and continues to brighten her world! 3-15-05

James Heraver worked for five years at Allendale School in Lake Villa before beginning graduate studies at Northeastern University, Illinois.

Angela (Hjelmeseth) Stone (1999) has settled in at Englewood, Colorado with her husband, Andy.  She has a full-time job working at a school in Denver for developmentally disabled children with any number of psychiatric disorders.  One child that she has been working one-on-one with in the past few months is a 14 years old with low-IQ (and low self-esteem), with bi-polar affective disorder as well as a few other troubles.  She is also in the beginning stages of applying to graduate school for an Ed.S. in School Psychology.   Visit her home page. 

Jesse Holschbach (1985) finished his M.A. studies in counseling psychology at the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota).  He works full time in the Career Services office of Bethel College.  He is pursuing his second M.A. in Organizational Leadership at Bethel College, as well as a certificate in executive/leader coaching.  12-01-03

Kelly (Cooper) Holschbach (1985) operates Music Masters Incorporated, a retail store for flutists in Edina, Minnesota.  12-01-03

Gina Iannelli (1997) is attending Trinity Graduate School, working toward a M.A. in Counseling Psychology.

Lydia Jennings (2003) I am currently doing administrative work for Watson Wyatt Worldwide (a financial services company) in Irvine, CA. Also, I will be beginning work on my MBA at California State Dominguez-Hills 12-04-04

Brad Jensen (1993) is Senior Pastor of Oakdale Evangelical Free Church in Meriden, Iowa. 8-26-03

Don Kellough (1991), after working in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit at St. Therese Hospital in Waukegan for a number of years, has moved on to a position with Lake County.

Heather Kernan Klatt (1998) graduated with her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology at Trinity International University in May, 2001.  She received her counseling license (LPC) and is now working at the McHenry County Youth Service Bureau as a SASS therapist (assessing children at risk of getting removed from the home to see what kind of resources and help could be provided to help keep them intact). Their son Dakota William "is beautiful and fun".

Jacqueline Rae Korus (2000) is at The Chartered Foundation in Arlington Heights, which operates a mentoring program for middle and high school youths from troubled and disadvantaged environments.

Yoshi Koshitani (2003) will be entering the M.Div program at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School this fall.  5-31-03

Philip Krumpe (2001) and family are returning to California where Phil will begin a M.A. in Education with a School Counseling credential at Fresno Pacific University.  Congratulations, Phil, on your acceptance into the program!

Kathy (Kotowske) Jack (1998) and Andy Jack (1998) have moved to Wheaton where Kathy is now full time in the M.A. Clinical Psychology program and enjoying the challenge! Andy is a youth pastor at Community Fellowship ( a Willow Creek Association church). They report that they are both very busy, but having a fun time doing it all together!

Noelle Larsen (1991)  Noelle is working at The MILL in Rockford Illinois as the Manager of Quality Assurance and Training. The MILL is a residential treatment and education center for troubled youth between the ages of 11-21. Graduated from the University of Phoenix on 2/28/05 with a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management.  3-21-05

Deanna Lulofs (1982)  is a clinical psychologist who has been in private practice for 15 years in Libertyville and Lindenhurst, Illinois, since receiving her Psy.D. degree.  She specializes in working with children and their families. She currently resides in Antioch Illinois with her husband, Neal, and their two children. They attend Northbridge church in Antioch.

Pamela Lunde (1995) is now a house-mom with three small children at home. She is looking forward to spreading her wings shortly. Until 1996, she was on the staff at Trinity College.

Julie Mabus  is working in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit at St. Therese Hospital in Waukegan.

Mark Matthias (1992) married Monica Gardner following her graduation from Trinity in 1993 and was subsequently employed at Maryville Academy for two years. He then returned to TEDS, completing his MA in Counseling Psychology in 1997.  Mark served for four years as the Program Manager for a homeless service provider in Lake County, IL. Mark and Monica have two children; Corrie Mae who is four years old, and Caleb Daniel, who is 19 months. Mark and Monica are now preparing to become missionaries to Russia and have been approved as appointees with SEND International.  They expect to begin language school in Ukraine in 2005.  (12-23-03)

Pete McBride (1983) received his MSW from Loyola University, Chicago in 1990.. Since that time, he has been working as a high school social worker at Maine East High School in Park Ridge, IL. 

Meaghan McGee (2000) begins work for a Psy.D in clinical psychology in August at George Fox University.  She is also coordinating a S.M.A.R.T. program (Start Making A Reader Today) which is implemented in 72 Portland area elementary schools.  This program targets children in the lower 25% of their class in terms of reading level. Her duties are to challenge volunteers and encourage children.  She states that "the benefits of impacting the life of a child is indescribable!"  Oh yes, Meaghan says that "Oregon is the most beautiful place to be...come visit!"

Eric Michaelis (1987), after graduating as a Psychology major, received his Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology at TEDS. He is currently a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois working as a Child and Adolescent Therapist for Will County Health Department in Joliet, IL. He has also started his own private practice through his church (First Baptist in Downers Grove) providing part-time Christian counseling.

Dawn Montgomery Smith (1997) has been married to Kevin Smith (1999) for four years. Dawn worked for five years as a social worker with adults with disabilities.  She obtained her M.A. degree in rehabilitation counseling in 2002. from the University of Illinois.  She took a position as vice-president of community services at Tazewell Community Resource Center in Peoria.  She is currently working on her LPC license from the State of Illinois. 12-05-2003

Kevin Smith (1999) has worked with Caterpillar in security for years after working in a nursing home as a social services director.  He also works with youth in his and Dawn's church. 12-05-2003 

Brian Moe  (attended 1996-1998) is currently in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral program at the University of North Dakota. He will complete the program in May 2006.  He is planning to marry Jamie, who he has been with for five years, on August 9, 2002  Eventually, he hopes to move on to a position as a full time family therapist.

Gary Moore (1988) left Breakthrough Urban Ministries (Chicago) at the end of 2002.  He has taken a pastorate at St. Croix Christian Church, Christiansted, Virgin Islands.  His wife, Alicia, is involved with him in ministry.

Krista Munson (1995) is currently a Mutual Fund Transaction Agent for American Express Financial Advisors in downtown Minneapolis.

Kristin Newby (1997) is pursuing a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology at the Graduate School at Trinity International University.

Danie Odendaal (2002) finished the MA program at Wheaton College and is heading to Central Asia to do work with Medical Ambassadors International. 1-19-05

Geoff Oman (1993) married to Lyn Peters in October 2002 and live in Beach Park, IL. Received MBA at Keller Graduate School in 2000 and currently work at the Lake County, IL Visitors Bureau as the Director of Sports Marketing. 10/13/04

Angela Piquet (1992)is working at Catholic Charities in the Specialized Adolescent Foster Care Unit. She would be interested in hearing from any Trinity grad who wishes to be a case worker with Catholic Charities and has had some experience.

Johny Volf Pierre (2003) reports that he "married a wonderful woman (Clemeekia) at the start of my last year at Trinity, and we now live the Chicago area. Now that one journey has ended, I'm looking forward to the new school year, since I intend on attending Trinity Grad School."

Shelly (Norman) Punke (2000) Brad (1999) and I just celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary and it has been an exciting year. I graduated from Wheaton College Graduate School with my masters degree in clinical psychology in May 2004. I am now working as a therapist at North Central Behavioral Health Systems in LaSalle, IL. I am enjoying finally being finished with school and doing what I love. Brad and I recently bought a new home in Newark, IL. We are working with the Junior high youth in our church and are actively involved in other committees and groups in our church. Brad is working as a territory manager at Unilock, in Aurora, IL, where he has been since he graduated. We would love to hear from classmates we have lost touch with. 10/21/04

Melissa (Ruechel) Hughes (1999) Mark and I married in 2000. Joshua was born April 2004. Melissa is a blessed mom! 11/04/04

Nadine Sachs (1977) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with Bayside Terrace (Waukegan) and Abbott House (Highland Park). Both facilities are intermediate care facilities for the chronically mentally ill. Nadine welcomes inquiries about volunteer work and internships (847) 432-6080 or (847) 244-8196.

Dan Seidman (1977) is a professional speaker and sales trainer and has just published his book, The Death of 20th Century Selling. His website of most embarrassing sales blunders has been called a "cult hit among salespeople" by Sales & Marketing Management Magazine. He lives in Inverness, IL with his wife Wendy (Guthrie) TEDS '91 who is the Executive Director of Training for the Willow Creek Association. They have a boy, Joshua and twin girls, Abigail and Rebekah. Dan has continued to play basketball since his four years at Trinity. He holds two gold medals playing on the U.S. World Masters Team.  Dan may be reached at 190 Dundee Rd., Inverness, IL 60010.  Visit his webpage.

Trevor Simpson (1992), after graduation, began working as a Psychological Technician at Forest Hospital. He then received a MA in Youth and Family Ministry and another MA in Counseling Psychology at Denver Seminary. In the summer of 1998, he assumed the role of Youth Minister at the Mat-Su Evangelical Covenant Church in Wasilla, Alaska.

Rebekah Stalcup (1997) moved back to Arizona in October of 2002. She pursuing a MAED Special Ed. through the University of Phoenix, which is also where I am presently employed. She will student teach in January and looks forward to teaching full time in the fall of 2004.

Holly (Chandler) Tracy (1988), after graduation, completed a MA in Psychology from the University of South Florida in 1992. She became a Licensed Psychotherapist in the state of Florida in 1994. Since that time she has worked as a Psychotherapist in private practice and as an administrator at the area's largest mental health organization.  Recently, she shifted gears and has joined her husband's Financial Planning business. Her expertise is the Psychology of Investing and the unique financial planning needs of women. She has also met the challenge of working to raise good, responsible, Christian children while at the same time pursuing a career of her own by bringing her children to work with her. In the office she has a dedicated play room which allows her to have constant and consistent interaction with her children all day long. And, as if this were not enough, she is home schooling her daughter along with a group of equally dedicated mothers. All of this makes for a very exciting life!

James Uren (1996) is a Financial Consultant with Phase III Advisory Services in Buffalo Grove.  In 2002, he completed training to be a Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS),  Jim and Jenn are active in Village Church of Lincolnshire. They introduced Micah James into the world on February 9, 2003 to join his sister, Emma in the Uren home.  Congratulations, Jim and Jenn!   9-01-03

Connie Valentini (1992) completed the Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology at Wheaton College in May, 1999, and is currently practicing in the Wheaton area.

Tammy Vonheeder ( 2001) is currently residing in Orlando, FL where she is working as a Benefits Administrator for Hewitt Associates on the Wachovia client team.  She continues to pursue her music and visual arts and is planning on continuing her study of Psychology at the University of Central Florida, Orlando.

Coreen Walker (2000)  is working as a full-time missionary with Youth for Christ in New Zealand. She works with adolescents in the Surge (Creative Sports Ministries) program.  She is now a certified abseil instructor (jumping off cliffs with harness and rope). Please remember Coreen in your prayers as she continues to raise her financial support and receive additional training.  You are encouraged to consider supporting our alumni who are in full-time Christian ministry.  Contact Youth for Christ World Outreach, P. O. Box 4478, Englewood, CO 80155-4478.  (Account # RM5210)

Monika (Tirrell) Wingfield (1992) is married to Tony Wingfield, a Military Intelligence Officer in the Army, stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington, and currently serving in Iraq. He and Monika have three children in Elementary and Middle School.  (6-13-2004)

Chad Worthington (2000, Biblical Studies) is teaching Psychology and Sociology classes at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek Michigan, and is working on his PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. He reports that "the Lord has also opened up a great opportunity to be on staff at a local church as the Director of the College and Career Ministry. If anyone is interested in talking Psychology send me and email."

We welcome information and news!