Student Care Form
Notify Student Advocacy and Assistance of students in need of supportive resources by completing the Student Care Form.
Meet the Team
The Student Advocacy and Assistance team is here to support all students at any in-person, campus-based, location as well as our ASU Online students around the globe. We have team members available, in-person, at the four metropolitan campuses, Downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Polytechnic, and West Valley. Students can also find in-person support at the California Center in Los Angeles, CA.
Leadership
Ashley Carter
Director
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Language: English
Education: M.A. Education Administration and Leadership and B.A. International Relations/ Ethnic Studies (minor), University of the Pacific
Biography: Inspired by a family of educators, Ashley is passionate about promoting access to higher education, student retention, and success. Ashley is a California Bay Area native and her work experience spans higher education administration, teaching (k-12 and undergraduate), and nonprofit leadership. Her accomplishments include championing retention efforts within the California Community College system, creating safe spaces for women, and learning communities for students of color.
Shari Gustafson
Associate Dean of Students
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Language: English
Education: M.Ed. Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University 2007
Biography: Shari Gustafson serves as the Associate Dean of Students on the Tempe campus. In her role, she provides oversight to the Office of Student Advocacy and Assistance and Religious/Spiritual Life at the University, which includes serving as liaison to the Council of Religious Advisors. She began her tenure at ASU in 2008 serving in various leadership positions. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, her focus centers on connecting students to their passions, while supporting their academic success and addressing their wellbeing through empathetic and trauma informed practices.
Team Members
Andrea Medina
Advocacy Coordinator Senior
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Language: English
Education: B.A. in Psychology, University of Arizona
Biography: Andrea was born and raised in the Mesa/Gilbert area of Arizona. Andrea began her career in behavioral health working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She then transitioned to a residential advocate assisting survivors of domestic abuse in an emergency shelter setting. Andrea returned home to the Valley in 2018 and continued her work as a community-based sexual and domestic violence advocate, operating across both Maricopa and Pinal counties, gaining valuable knowledge of resources for individuals in crisis and recovery, including many of ASU's programs.
Grace Davis
Advocacy Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Language: English
Education: B.S. in Psychology, B.S in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University
Biography: Grace is an Arizona native and a proud Arizona State University alumni. She began her professional career working with the Arizona Department of Child Safety, where she developed a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families. Grace has a strong foundation in public service and a passion for making a positive impact.
Jasmine Pierce
Advocacy Coordinator Senior
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Language: English
Education: M.Ed in Higher and Postsecondary Education, Arizona State University and B.S. in Family Studies and Human Development, University of Arizona
Biography: Jasmine was born and raised in Glendale, AZ. She graduated from Independence High School. She is a first generation college student. She is passionate about supporting students access to higher education and student retention. She has experience supporting summer programs: Barrett Summer Scholars and César E. Chávez Leadership Institute. She also served as an Academic Advising at ASU. She is an ASU alum receiving her master’s degree. Jasmine enjoys bowling, traveling, and spending time with her family in her spare time. She will also not deny good food as a good time, so if anyone has food recommendations don’t hesitate to suggest them!
Jeanne Tomasiewicz
Advocacy Coordinator Senior
Language: English
License: Licensed Professional Counselor
Education: M.Ed. Counseling and B.S. Psychology / English (minor) – Northern Arizona University
Biography: Prior to coming to ASU, I worked for many years in various psychiatric facilities in the Phoenix area, working with adults and adolescents on a variety of behavioral health issues. During that time, I was Director of a Partial Hospitalization Program; I also worked in Crisis Intake, Case Management, and on a 24-hour Crisis Line. Since beginning my tenure at ASU in 2004, I have worked in ASU Counseling, Student Rights & Responsibilities, and in Student Advocacy & Assistance. ASU students come from all backgrounds and life experiences, and I find great satisfaction in encouraging students to take advantage of all that ASU has to offer.
Joseph Scarpa
Manager
Pronouns: He/Him
Language: English
Education: B.A. Family Science and Human Development, Montclair State University; M.Ed. Higher and Postsecondary Education, Arizona State University
Biography: Joseph began his career in higher education when working as a student employee with Undergraduate Admissions in NJ. Since then, has served in various roles since coming to ASU in 2019 including recruitment & outreach, academic advising and now supports the Dean of Students Office, Tempe. At the center of Joseph’s passion in higher education is the success of the students he serves.
Judy Winner
Specialist Senior
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Language: English
Education: B.A. English, Brigham Young University; MLS Master of Library Science, Emporia State University
Biography: Judy spent much of her youth in Tempe, Arizona being a Sun Devil fan. She is passionate about working with students and helping them succeed. One of the reasons she pursued a degree in library science was to help people and to promote free information access to all people regardless of race, creed, religion, economic status, etc. She worked with Course Reserve at the BYU Library and strived to make course materials affordable and accessible for students, so they could excel in their learning. She is honored to advocate for students in need at ASU.
Katelyn Hirt
Advocacy Case Manager
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Language: English & intermediate French
Education: Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from University of Dubuque, Bachelor's of Science at Sociology from University of Dubuque, Substance Abuse Counselor Certificate from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor
Biography: Katelyn is a licensed substance abuse disorder counselor and has been working in Behavioral Health for 9 years, with experience in emergency departments, residential crisis units, community settings, and outpatient settings. She has worked with people of all ages and has extensive experience with those in crisis and in culturally specialized programs catered to BIPOC. Katelyn has experience developing community-based programs, implementing new and innovative treatment formats, and fostering partnerships with local stakeholders. She is moving from Madison, Wisconsin to Mesa, Arizona and is so excited to transition from a Snow Angel to a Sun Devil!
Michelle Much
Advocacy Coordinator Senior
Language: English
Education: M.Ed. in Human Relations Counseling/ Northern Arizona State University; B.S. in Criminal Justice/ Arizona State University
Biography: Prior to joining the Student Advocacy and Assistance team at ASU, Michelle worked at the Yavapai Superior Court and has an extensive professional work history working with youth and families. She has a sincere passion in helping others navigate through difficult times in their lives and providing assistance and support. She is an ASU alumni and truly feels honored to be a staff member at ASU and be involved in assisting ASU students that are seeking guidance in resolving personal challenges and concerns.
Sharon Lombard
Assistant Director
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Language: English
Education: MSW, Florida State University
Biography: Sharon has spent her twenty plus year social work career working in state, tribal, and local community agencies that promote the safety and welfare of underserved and vulnerable populations. In her current role as Assistant Director in Student Advocacy and Assistance, Sharon serves as a support resource for students experiencing personal crises and difficult situations that can affect both academic and success. For fun, Sharon dabbles in the martial arts, with a second-degree black belt in Shaolin Kenpo. Sharon is proud mom to three accomplished children: daughter is an ASU alum, son is a current ASU student, and her youngest is an incoming ASU student.