Meet Your Counselor

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.

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!

Linda Szczerbinski

Director of Post Traditional Admissions
Location: Luther 108A
Phone: 262-243-4366
Email: linda.szczerbinski@cuw.edu

Programs:

• Natural Product Sciences (MS degree & Grad Certificate)

Aimee Wiley

Graduate Admission Counselor
Location: Luther 106E
Phone: 262-243-2120
Email: aimee.wiley@cuw.edu

Programs:

• Church Music
  • Choral
  • Organ
• Grad Online Certifications
  • Bioethics

Jon Cain

Admission Counselor
Location: Luther 106D
Phone: 262-243-2128
Email: jonathan.cain@cuw.edu

Programs:

• Director of Church Ministries
• Theological Studies

Heidi Sternig

Admission Counselor
Location: Luther 106D
Phone: 262-243-4313
Email: heidi.sternig@cuw.edu

Programs:

• Accelerated Second Degree Nursing – BSN (Undergraduate)
• BSN Completion (Undergraduate)

Kathleen Siedenburg

Regional Admission Counselor
Phone: 262-243-1866
Email: kathleen.siedenburg@cuw.edu

Programs:

• Applied Psychology (Undergraduate)
• Certificate in Paralegal Studies
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Completion (Undergraduate)
• Radiologic Technology – Completion (Undergraduate)
• Public Service
  • Criminal Justice
  • Leadership
• Social Work (Undergraduate)

Leah Fassbender

Admission Counselor
Location: Luther 108C
Phone: 262-243-2226
Email: leah.fassbender@cuw.edu

Programs:

• Business Management (undergraduate)
• Post-trad Undergrad SOB certificates (undergraduate)
• Construction & Trades Management (undergraduate)
• Healthcare Management (undergraduate)
• Human Resource Management (undergraduate)

Sarah Braunschweig

Admission Counselor
Location: Luther 108C
Phone: 262-243-4425
Email: sarah.braunschweig@cuw.edu

Programs:

• Applied Computer Science (undergraduate)
• Communication and Leadership (undergraduate)
• MS Computer Science (MSCS) (Domestic only)
  • Information Systems
  • Software Engineering
  • Business Data Apps

Tanja McCutcheon

Admission Counselor
Location: Luther 108D
Phone: 262-243-4411
Email: tanja.mccutcheon@cuw.edu

Programs:

• Business Administration (MBA)
• Business Analytics
• Master of Science in Leadership (MSL)
• Non-Degree Business Certs
• PharmD/MBA Dual Degree

Tara Ingham

Admission Counselor
Location: Luther 106F
Phone: 262-243-4411
Email: tara.ingham@cuw.edu

Programs:

• Accountancy
• Accounting (undergraduate)
• EdD - Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement
• DBA – Doctoral in Business Administration