Central Lakes College has a team of experienced, professional, and energetic advisors who are committed to assist students with their educational goals. Advisors work with students in all phases of their college experience–from prospective students interested in learning more about Central Lakes College to graduates who need assistance with placement services.
Meet an Advisor
Schedule an Appointment
Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an Advisor to receive assistance. Appointments are scheduled for 30 minutes and may be scheduled by contacting Central Lakes College at 218.855.8000 or via email at askclc@clcmn.edu
Walk-in Meetings
Students can meet with an advisor on a walk-in basis from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. These meetings are designed to last no more than 15 minutes per student.
Advisors
Jill Albie
Academic Advisor
Professional Experience:
Prior to joining Central Lakes College, Jill worked as a Sales Manager for 18 years at Herberger’s Department Store. After joining Central Lakes College, she recruited underrepresented, low-income, first generation students within Todd, Wadena, and Cass Counties for 2 years.
Education:
Bachelor of Science, University Studies-emphasis in Elementary Education/Special Education, expected graduation date May 2015, Minnesota State University, Moorhead.
Leadership Focus:
Agriculture AAS, Diesel Technology, Heavy Equipment Operations Management, Machine Tool Technology, Medical Assisting, Robotics, Viticulture, Staples Learning Commons & Associate in Arts Degree
Favorite Quote:
“Be the reason someone smiles today” unknown
Dan Davidson
Academic Advisor
Professional Experience:
Dan provides excellent service and support in the development of confident, independent, and successful learners in his over 20+ years of experience in the Admissions and Academic Advising roles he has held at Central Lakes College.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Bemidji State University Certifications: Master Resilience Trainer, University of Pennsylvania Emergency Manager in the State of Minnesota Professional
Leadership Focus:
Associate in Arts Degree, Admissions
Interests:
Dan represents his school and community with The Mission Continues in partnership with Target Corporation assisting with community service projects
Janet Gontarek
Academic Advisor
+15 years of experience working college students. Worked at Hennepin Technical College (Information Specialist). Also, before coming to Central Lakes College I worked for Northland College as an Advisor/Recruiter. At Central Lakes College I have previously been the CIS Enrollment Coordinator/Advisor.
Bachelor of Science, St. Cloud State University.
Automotive Technology, Criminal Justice, Marine & Small Engine, Natural Resources, Welding, and Career Fair Events.
People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, ~ But they will always remember how you made them feel.
Joan Jenkins
Academic Advisor
Professional Experience:
Joan has had the pleasure of assisting students from many different personal, professional, and educational backgrounds during my 25 years in higher education. In addition to being an Academic Advisor, Joan has served as an Admissions Specialist, Placement Director, International Student Coordinator, and Adjunct Business Instructor.
Education:
Master of Arts, College of Saint Scholastica, Bachelor of Science in Management, Bemidji State University, Business Administration (Finance Emphasis) Associate in Arts, Brainerd Community College
Leadership Focus:
International Students, AA Honors,Accounting, Administrative Assistant Business Management, Child Development, , Health Information Technology, Horticulture, Floral Design, & Landscape Technology
Advice:
A quote from famous Canadian Philosopher, Wayne Gretzke “I skate to where the puck will be, not to where it has been.”
Deb Norlin
Academic Advisor
Professional Experience:
Deb has 20+ years of experience working with college students. She served as an Admission Representative, Assistant Director of Admission, Director of Alumni Relations and Coordinator for Off Campus Degree Programs at Southwest Minnesota State University before joining the CLC team!
Education:
Master of Science in Educational Administration, Mankato State University; Bachelor of Science in Health & Physical Education, Southwest State University
Leadership Focus:
A.A., Computer Technology, Dental Assisting, Engineering, Graphic Design, Mobile Application Development & Videography
Tambera Topp
Recruiter
Professional Experience:
Prior to joining Central Lakes College, Tambera held roles as an Admissions Representative and a Financial Aid Advisor at the Minnesota School of Business.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Business Administration, Minnesota School of Business
Leadership Focus:
Computer and Information Sciences
The Rural Information Technology Alliance is a Department of Labor grant funded consortium of four colleges with a goal of training qualified IT workers to meet the needs of employers in rural areas. As a result of the grant Central Lakes College is enhancing and adding to IT course curriculum and providing comprehensive student support services.
Favorite Quote:
You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.
-Maya Angelou
Rose Tretter
Academic Advisor
Professional Experience:
A seasoned employee of Central Lakes College, Rose worked previously in Health Care Administration. Rose also worked as an Associate Registrar at a private Christian Preparatory School and Two Year College.
Education:
Associate of Arts, Brainerd Community College, Brainerd Bachelor of Science, College of St Scholastica, Duluth
Leadership Focus:
Associate Degree Nursing, CNA, Dental Assisting, Medical Assistant, & Practical Nursing
Favorite Quote:
Don’t compare your life with others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
Counselor
Suzie Karsnia
Counselor
Professional Experience:
Suzie is in her 25th year as a community college counselor. In addition to counseling she teaches classes in College and Career Studies. She has been actively involved in and has served as a board member on the Association of Minnesota Community and Technical College Counselors and the Minnesota Career Development Association.
Education:
Master of Arts in Educational Psychology/Counseling, University of Minnesota, Duluth
Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology, University of Minnesota, Duluth
Favorite quote (one of them):
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson