Meet Your Counselors

Kyle Thoms

Director of Enrollment
734.995.7319 | Kyle.Thoms@cuaa.edu

What’s a question you often get asked on a campus tour?
Students like to ask, “Where’s the best place to eat in Ann Arbor?” We really have so many options as a top college town in the country, it’s hard to give just one suggestion.

Where did you attend college and what did you study?
I’m a two-time Concordia alum. I attended Concordia University Ann Arbor as an undergraduate student and earned my bachelor of arts in business in 2008. I also earned my MBA from Concordia in 2017.

What’s something everyone should know about Concordia?
Professors REALLY DO know your name!

What’s a movie you like to recommend to others?
Pistol Pete - Birth of a Legend

What’s something that can instantly make your day?
Monster bars!

Shelly Venema

Graduate Admissions Counselor
734.995.7527 | Shelly.Venema@cuaa.edu

Which students do you work with?
I get to work with people who are earning their graduate degrees or obtaining certification to teach through the School of Education or in Digital Humanities.

What is your favorite spot on campus?
The Huron River, from where the crew team rows, is a beautiful, tranquil spot with vibrant colors, water, leaves, swan, geese, and breeze. It is a walk into nature when a reset is needed.

What’s something everyone should know about Concordia?
The professors are exceptional, and the school is like a family. People who work at Concordia University are deeply committed to the success of its students. And, if you are looking for a friendly environment, CUAA can provide that too!

What is your favorite food?
Fun fact: I am a pescatarian. And, my favorite foods are Middle Eastern (Falafel sandwich, Baba ghannouj, and veggies with hummus) and Indian (Aloo Gobi, Split Pea Yellow Dal, and Vegetable Curry).

When you’re not on campus, how do you like to spend your free time?
I really love to work in my yard. The results are so immediate. Inside, I love to decorate and to read. My book club has been together since 2008, and we read one book a month unless it is summer; then, we read two a month. Each of us suggests books to read, and we collectively choose them. And, I especially love to travel with my family. Every August, we take a vacation together. 

Deirdre Lozon

Graduate Enrollment Counselor – School of Health Professions
734.995.7312 | Deirdre.Lozon@cuaa.edu

Which students do you work with?
I work with students applying to our health professions graduate programs including the Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy Doctorate, Masters in Physician Assistant Studies, and our Masters in Athletic Training.

What is your favorite spot on campus?
I love the garden and gazebo that is next to the Earhart Manor. It is such a peaceful place that has a great view of the many things happening around campus!

What's one thing you think every applicant should know about CUAA?
That you are at a place where your professors, the staff, and students all genuinely care for you and want you to succeed. The people you will cultivate relationships with will be lifelong!

What college did you attend, graduation year, and major?
I attended Michigan State University and graduated in 2015 with my Bachelors in Supply Chain Management. I then attended CUAA and graduate in 2019 with my Masters in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education.

What is your favorite food?
This is tough as I like so many different foods but I would have to say one of my favorites that I could eat any time of day is avocado toast with everything bagel seasoning!

When you’re not on campus, how do you like to spend your free time?
With my daughter Lillian or “Lilly” as we like to call her and my husband, Alex. We love to find new places to eat and go on mini adventures!

Anne Shinn

Undergraduate Admissions Counselor
734.995.7475 | Anne.Shinn@cuaa.edu

Which students do you work with?
I work with undergraduate students (incoming freshmen) from southeast Michigan (specifically Livingston, Washtenaw, Lenawee, Monroe, Oakland, Macomb, and St. Clair counties) and students from Lutheran high schools.

Where did you attend college and what did you study?
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a bachelor’s in history in 2006. I later went on to earn my secondary social studies teaching degree from Edgewood College in 2008, and then a master’s degree in secondary education from Eastern Michigan University in 2010.

What is your favorite spot on campus?
Definitely Chapel Point. It’s so beautiful.

What’s your favorite meal?
Tacos!

When you’re not on campus, how do you like to spend your free time?
I like to spend my free time with my husband, Aaron, and our three boys (ages 10, 8 and 7).

Anna Barger

Undergraduate Admissions Counselor
734.995.7344 | Anna.Barger@cuaa.edu

What's your favorite place on campus?
The Chapel of the Holy Trinity.

What's one thing you think every applicant should know about CUAA?
This is a community that cares about you and wants you to feel at home.

What college did you attend, graduation year, and major?
I graduated from Truman State University in 2018 with a B.S. in Linguistics and Folklore and graduated with my M.A. in Deaconess Studies from Concordia Theological Seminary in 2021.

When you're not on campus, how do you like to spend your free time?
I love to read and go on hikes with my husband, Caleb and our dog, Ooty. I also love to cook.

What instruments do you play, if any?
I play the violin and I love to sing.

Pascal Casimier

Undergraduate Admissions Counselor
734.995.7219 | Pascal.Casimier@cuaa.edu

Which students do you work with?
I work with undergraduate students (incoming freshmen) from  Monroe, Livingston, and Wayne counties in Michigan.

What's your favorite place on campus?
Chapel Point! I love the view of the Huron River.

What's one thing you think every applicant should know about CUAA?
Concordia is a place where everyone is committed to serving each other.

What college did you attend, graduation year, and major?
I attended University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and graduated with a BA in Spanish!

When you're not on campus, how do you like to spend your free time?
I work as a freelance voice actor and enjoy competing in esports!

What is your favorite food?
Shrimp Alfredo always brightens my day.

Zachary Yoder

Undergraduate Admissions Counselor
734.995.7478 | Zachary.Yoder@cuaa.edu 

Which students do you work with?
I work with juniors and seniors in high school and aim to bring them to experience the difference of Concordia.

What's one thing you think every applicant should know about CUAA?
Many colleges promote a family atmosphere, but few actually live up to it. Concordia is the best of its kind when it comes to having the best family-feel at a college. Not only are you growing as a student, but Concordia will also absolutely grow you and your peers as people.

What's your favorite place on campus?
The Cafe. I love food- especially buffet style food. So, naturally, I love being there.

What college did you attend, graduation year, and major?
I attended all four years of college right here at Concordia University Ann Arbor! I received my bachelor's degree in Sports and Entertainment Business.

When you're not on campus, how do you like to spend your free time?
I'm a huge family guy. So, when I'm not on campus, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Kara Kastamo

Transfer Enrollment Counselor
734.995.7426 | Kara.Kastamo@cuaa.edu 

Which students do you work with?
I work with students who are transferring from another institution in order to attend Concordia.

What college did you attend, graduation year, and major?
I first attended Washtenaw Community College where I received my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. I then graduated with a BA in Family Life Education with a concentration in Child Life and a MS in Organizational Leadership and Healthcare Administration from Concordia. Before becoming an admissions counselor, I worked clinically at a trauma 1 hospital with children in the emergency department in order to try to reduce the amount of trauma they experienced. I have a real passion for humanity and I believe that I can serve by helping others and mentoring them through achieving their goals.

What's your favorite place on campus?
Chapel Point, it brings me a lot of peace.

What’s your favorite meal?
Vietnamese staples such as pho & chicken banh mi.

When you're not on campus, how do you like to spend your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my 4 children (13, 10, 4 and 1), they are in various activities and we enjoy things like being outside and exploring new places to eat. My 10-year-old and 13-year-old enjoy rating the restaurants we eat at. I also really appreciate grounding myself and spending time filling up myself spiritually so that I can be of service to others.

Corinne Kuclo

Enrollment Operations and Guest Experience Coordinator
734.995.7255 | Corinne.Kuclo@cuaa.edu

Which students do you work with?
I work with all students and families that set up a visit to campus, arranging the different things you hope to see and do during your time on campus. If you haven’t visited campus yet, register for a visit at cuaa.edu/visit!

What’s something everyone should know about Concordia?
The people you meet and interact with here genuinely care about you as a whole person. They take the time to get to know you and your goals and will challenge you and help you grow.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Athletic Training Clinic at the North Building

When you’re not on campus, how do you like to spend your free time?
Going on Disney vacations and running races at Disney World. Also running not at Disney, doing puzzles, baking bread, playing board games, learning to golf, hanging with friends and family.

Kassy Koehler

CRM Coordinator
734.995.7313 | Kassandra.Koehler@cuaa.edu

Where did you attend college and what did you study?
I studied Exercise Science at Concordia University Chicago and graduated in 2015. I earned my master’s from CUAA in Student Personnel and Administration in Higher Education in 2017.

What’s something everyone should know about Concordia?
CUAA really cares about you as an individual and your success in the future!

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Chapel Point

When you’re not on campus, how do you like to spend your free time?
I like to explore new coffee shops, travel, hang out with my family, play with my new pup Jett, and home renovation projects.

Linda Szczerbinski

Director of Post Traditional Admissions
Location: Luther 108C
Phone: 262.243.4366
Email: linda.szczerbinski@cuw.edu

Jon Cain

Admission Counselor
Location: Luther 108D
Phone: 262.243.2128
Email: jonathan.cain@cuw.edu

Programs:

• BA Broad Field Social Studies - Secondary Education
• BA Cross Categorical Special Ed
• BA Elementary Education
• BA English & Language Arts - Secondary Education
• BA Mathematics – Secondary Education
• Early Childhood – Project Invest
• Director of Church Ministries
• Theological Studies

Haley Sanders

Admission Counselor
Location: Luther 106F
Phone: 262.243.4425
Email: haley.sanders@cuw.edu

Programs:

• Applied Psychology (Undergraduate)
• BSRS OTA Bridge (Undergraduate)
• BSRS PTA Bridge (Undergraduate)
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Completion (Undergraduate)
• Radiologic Technology – Completion (Undergraduate)
• Social Work (Undergraduate)

Heidi Sternig

Admission Counselor
Location: Luther 108D
Phone: 262.243.4313
Email: heidi.sternig@cuw.edu

Programs:

• Accounting
• Applied Computer Science
• Business Analytics & Change Management
• Certificate in Paralegal Studies
• Communication and Leadership
• General Non-Degree Accelerated
• Healthcare Management
• Nursing
• Public Service
  • Criminal Justice
  • Leadership

Kathleen Siedenburg

Regional Admission Counselor
Phone: 262.243.1866
Email: kathleen.siedenburg@cuw.edu

Programs:

• Business Management
• Construction & Trade Management
• Human Resource Management