Meet Our Advising Team

Amy Pieper

Pathfinders: UNV 101 Section 17
UC 210
piepera3@nku.edu

As the Associate Director of Norse Advising, Amy’s primary responsibility is directing the Pathfinders Program. She also works to develop co-curricular initiatives to encourage student success. Some of the programs she has developed include the Academic Success Workshops for students in academic distress; the major declaration advising campaign to help students in selecting majors in a timely manner; and the Norse Advising Recognition Breakfast, which recognizes outstanding students in Norse Advising.

Amy brings more than 15 years experience in higher education experience from a variety of settings, including Ohio University, University of Houston, and the University of Central Florida.

Amy earned a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication, and a Master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Ohio University.

Susan Ryman

UC 210
rymans1@nku.edu

Susan coordinates the office activities as an Academic Specialist in Norse Advising. She came to NKU in 2015 and has previously worked in the College of Business and the Office of Research, Grants and Contracts. Her previous experience also includes administrative/financial positions in banking and professional services.

Susan is originally from Lexington, Kentucky and received a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Kentucky and a MBA from Xavier University. She resides in Northern Kentucky and enjoys spending time with her rescue Chihuahua dog, cooking, reading, attending her daughter’s volleyball games, and playing bridge.

Megan LaDow

UC 210
ladowm1@nku.edu

Megan LaDow is the Coordinator of Advising Programs in Norse Advising. In this position, Megan coordinates the Master Advisor program, supervises the Peer Coaches, and oversees new student Orientation in Norse Advising.

Megan has been at NKU since 2014 and previously advised students in English, History, and Geography. Prior to NKU, Megan’s higher education experience included working in admissions at Thomas More College and student success and retention at Xavier University.

Megan earned Bachelors degrees in History and International Studies at Thomas More College and a Masters degree in School Counseling from Xavier University. She and her family live in Independence, Kentucky.

Roseanne Von Handorf

UC 210
vonhandorfr@nku.edu

Rose manages and supervises the Front Desk and staffs the Pathfinders’ Study Tables in Steely Library.  Since coming to NKU from Thomas More College in 2002, she has worked in the Office of Institutional Research and the Office of SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) Reaffirmation.

While working for the Office of SACS Reaffirmation, Rose received a nomination for the Regents Distinguished Service Award as well as being recognized for her service by a NKU student on his/her Senior Survey.

She enjoys spending time with her friends hiking or antiquing and working for Norse Advising where she is able to help students navigate their way around NKU.

Mike Irvin

Pathfinders: UNV 101 Sections 023 & 101L
Undecided / Undeclared: Last Names A-E
UC 210
irvinm1@nku.edu

Mike Irvin started at Northern Kentucky University in July 2012 as a Residence Hall Director and joined Norse Advising in February 2016 as an Academic Advisor. Also in his time at NKU, Mike has taught University 101 and served as the advisor to the Activities Programming Board and the Association of Campus Residents.

Mike completed his undergraduate degree in Communication Studies at Hope College and his Masters in Student Affairs at the University of St. Thomas.  He lives in Cincinnati with his wife and adorable dogs, Charlie and Rosie.

Casey Thompson

Pathfinders: UNV 101 Sections 006 & 022
Undecided / Undeclared: Last Names F-M
UC 210
thompsonc@nku.edu

Casey is a Cincinnati, Ohio native that started at NKU in
July of 2014. Prior to arriving at NKU Casey was the Academic Exploration Coordinator at his undergraduate alma mater, The College of Mount Saint Joseph. Casey earned his Master’s Degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University in May of 2013. Casey has eight years of higher education experience that includes residence life, academic advising, and teaching first year experience courses. 

Terkerah Washington

Undecided / Undeclared: Last Names N-Z
UC 210
washingtonte@nku.edu

Terkerah has worked at Norse Advising since 2001 and has been working with students in some professional capacity for over two decades. In addition to advising students in an academic capacity, she also advises students in extracurricular groups on campus through the African American Programs and Initiatives office. She became a Master Advisor in 2007.  

Terkerah writes a newsletter each semester to inform advisors across campus about changes in advising and upcoming department events. She also teaches UNV 101 (First Year Experience classes) and Communication classes as well as serves on several committees across campus.

Terkerah earned her bachelor's degree at Kentucky State University, her Master of Education degree from the University of Kentucky, and her Certificate to Teach in Communication from Northern Kentucky University.

Erin Sanders

College of Education Advisor

Majors: College of Education Students (0-29 hours)
UC 210
sanderse6@nku.edu

Erin Sanders is the Academic Advisor for first year students in the College of Education. After an accomplished twenty-year career as a public-school teacher for the Cincinnati Public Schools and Prince George’s County, Maryland Public Schools, Erin joined the Norse Advising team in February 2020. She holds both Bachelor’s and Master’ degrees in Montessori Education from Xavier University. Erin is committed to helping the next generation of teacher educators achieve their goals through intrusive advising that equips NKU College of Education first year students for success from the start. Erin is a resident of Liberty Township, Ohio where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and two cats.

Ashley Galinger

College of Health and Human Services First Year Students and Pre-Majors: Nursing, Respiratory Care, Radiologic Science, Radiation Therapy (Last Names A-K)

Undeclared in Health and Human Services (Last Names A-K)  Health Science Majors (29 credit hours or less)
UC 210
galingera1@nku.edu

Ashley Galinger is the Academic Advisor for First Year students in the College of Health Professions. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Cincinnati and her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Cincinnati Christian University. Prior to working at NKU, Ashley worked in the mental health field as a therapist at Xavier University’s counseling center serving students with concerns such as anxiety, depression, academics, and homesickness.
Ashley is passionate and excited about working with NKU students, and enjoys getting to learn more about their goals, academic concerns, and interests. Even though she has lived in Cincinnati for the past seven years, Ashley spent most of her life in Texas! In her spare time she enjoys attending concerts, hiking, and traveling to Indiana and Texas to visit friends and family.

Nick Pflum

College of Health and Human Services First Year Students and Pre-Majors: Nursing, Respiratory Care, Radiologic Science, Radiation Therapy (Last Names L-Z)

Undeclared in Health and Human Services (Last Names L-Z)  Health Science Majors (29 credit hours or less)
UC 210
pflumn1@nku.edu

Nick Pflum is one of the Academic Advisors for First Year students in the College of Health and Human Services. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Leadership here at Northern Kentucky University (Go Norse!) and his Master's Degree in College Student Personnel from Ohio University. While at Ohio University, Nick worked in the Allen Student Advising Center, where he had the opportunity to assist first year students major exploration and academics. He also taught an introductory to college course where he had the pleasure of helping students with their transition to college.
Nick was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, but loves the environment of Northern Kentucky. In his free time, you can find Nick spending time outdoors, hanging out with friends and family, and discovering the next best coffee shop.