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
Denise Farmer
Administrative Specialist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Language: English
Education: Currently pursuing my BA in Liberal Studies at Arizona State University.
Biography: Prior to coming to ASU, I worked for 12+ years at Kyrene de los Cerritos Elementary School working with children with disabilities from K-5 grade. I started my career at ASU working with Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services (SAILS) at the ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus. I spent 3 years with SAILS where I worked with students with disabilities providing many types of accommodations. I spent 2 years at the Sr. Vice President’s Office in Fulton Center where I supported 3 vice presidents. I currently work at the Dean of Students Office in Student Advocacy and Assistance where we support students and provide resources when needed to help them navigate college life.
Elizabeth Wagner
Advocacy Coordinator Senior
Language: English and American Sign Language (ASL)
Education: M.Ed In Higher and Post-secondary Education- Arizona State University. Bachelor of Arts/ Deaf Studies- Utah Valley University
Biography: Elizabeth has been in higher education for 10+ years serving students in different capacities. Prior to joining Student Advocacy and Assistance team she served students as a Accessibility Consultant with Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services here at ASU. Elizabeth loves to work with students and help them find success while attending college. Elizabeth, loves being a mother to her 5 step-children and mother to a baby. For fun, Elizabeth enjoys being in the outdoors such as camping and paddle boarding and enjoys photography.
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.
Jennifer Lopez
Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Language: English, Spanish
Education: B.S. Nonprofit Leadership and Management
Biography: Jennifer was born in Chicago, raised in Arizona. She joined ASU as an undergraduate first-generation student and is currently beginning her new role as a coordinator for the Dean of Students Office, Tempe. With previous experience teaching, working with and for nonprofits Jennifer cannot wait to continue giving back to the community and serving students to ensure needs are being met and the appropriate resources are being utilized.
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.
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.