Professional Staff
Dr. Margaret Wiedenhoeft
pronouns: she/her/hers
Executive Director
email for appt: margaret.wiedenhoeft@kzoo.edu
Roles, Responsibilities, & Bio
- Kalamazoo-sponsored programs in Germany (Erlangen), Kenya & Thailand
- Australia, England, Germany (Lüneburg), Greece, Hungary, Italy, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, and Scotland
- Faculty-led study abroad programs
- Institutional Partnership Development
- CIP policies and procedures
- Risk management and safety
- Study abroad grade reports
Dr. Wiedenhoeft holds a BA in International Studies from Emory University, an MBA in International Business from Western Michigan University, and a Ph.D from Western Michigan University. Margaret has been at K for more than 20 years and at one time or another has performed just about every job there is to do in the CIP. Currently she coordinates the Kalamazoo study abroad programs in Erlangen, Caceres, Nairobi and Dakar, and also works with faculty interested in developing short-term courses abroad. Margaret’s interest and passion for international education began with her experience living, working and studying in Berlin, Germany for four years. Professional interests include promoting non-traditional study abroad sites, short-term study abroad programming, international service learning projects, and conducting research about the impact and experience of study abroad on U.S. college students.
Alayna Lewis, MPA
pronouns: she/her/hers
Associate Director for International Students
& Study Abroad in the Americas
Make an appointment with Alayna
alayna.lewis@kzoo.edu
Roles, Responsibilities, & Bio
- International student orientation and activities
- F-1 and J-1 Visa regulations
- Study abroad programs in Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean & Spain (Madrid)
Alayna holds a BA in Spanish and Political Science as well as an undergraduate certificate in Latin American & Caribbean Studies from Michigan State University and an MPA in International Development Studies from Cornell University. Her passion for study abroad came from a trip to Spain while she was in high school and her own undergraduate experience studying abroad in Mexico. Alayna enjoys learning about different cultures and looks forward to working with all of the international students at K.
Lizbeth Mendoza Pineda, M.A.
pronouns: she/her/hers
Assistant Director
Make an appointment with Lizbeth
lizbeth.pineda@kzoo.edu
Roles, Responsibilities, & Bio
- Advisor for study abroad programs in: Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Cuba
- Oversee HILL grant travel logistics and budget reconciliation
- Coordination of the Sherbin Fellowship
- Logistical support for faculty-led program
Lizbeth graduated from Kalamazoo College with a BA in Mathematics in 2016 College and has an MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Western Michigan University. She worked supporting international students at K for 5 years and is looking forward to working on a different area of international education.
Abosede Odukoya, M.A.
pronouns: she/her/hers
Study Abroad and International Student Advisor
abosede.odukoya@kzoo.edu
Roles, Responsibilities, & Bio
- Advisor for study abroad programs in: Brazil, Colombia, France, Sénégal & Jordan
- F/J student Coordinator and Advisor
- International student orientation and activities
Abosede holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from University of Sunderland United Kingdom and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from Western Michigan University. Before joining the CIP, Abosede has worked as an English as a Second Language teacher and a Business Development Manager for schools in Nigeria and Malaysia. She is passionate about students’ success and creation/ implementation of strategies that promote inclusive culture in educational settings. She loves cooking, dancing, traveling and listening to music. She looks forward to working with both domestic and International students.
Amie McPharlin
pronouns: she/her/hers
Study Abroad and Exchange Student Advisor
Make an appointment with Amie
Amie.McPharlin@kzoo.edu
Roles, Responsibilities, & Bio
- Advisor for study abroad programs in: Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Greece, Italy: AUR, Germany: Luneburg
- J-1 student Coordinator and Advisor
- International student orientation and activities
Amie obtained her undergraduate degree in Business from the Philippines, a Post-Degree Diploma in Marketing Management from Douglas College in British Columbia, Canada, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. Her professional background includes working in corporate finance before transitioning to the field of international education. Drawing from her own experience as an international student, Amie is dedicated to providing support to exchange students at K. She is also passionate about creating a meaningful study abroad experience and aims to encourage students to explore non-traditional destinations. Amie enjoys cooking, playing golf, and going on long hikes during her travels.
Kelly Kribs, A.A
pronouns: she/her/hers
Administrative Manager
kelly.kribs@kzoo.edu
Roles, Responsibilities, & Bio
- Student stipends and scholarships
- Visa applications and health insurance for study abroad
- Daily administrative tasks for the CIP
Kelly has an Associates degree in accounting from Kalamazoo Valley. She has worked at K for over 17 years in a variety of roles including food service and the Mail and Copy Center. She is passionate about making sure students take advantage of all the great things K has to offer. She is an avid sports fan and enjoys watching and following her favorite team, the Detroit Lions.
NaShera Sutton, BBA
pronouns: she/her/hers
Operations Coordinator
nashera.sutton@kzoo.edu
Roles, Responsibilities, & Bio
- Maintains CIP website
- Maintains Hornet Passport online application system
- Designs print and electronic materials, presentations and online orientations
- Operations and program support of orientation, reintegration, and ICRP programs
NaShera has a BBA from Western Michigan University and an Associate’s Degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She brings an array of great organizational skills to K. Born in Detroit, NaShera enjoys cooking a variety of dishes, traveling, and she has a passion for the sport of fencing. She is interested in learning new languages.
Colin Johnson
pronouns: He/him/his
Hornet Hub Coordinator
colin.johnson@kzoo.edu
Roles, Responsibilities, & Bio
- Maintains the Hornet Hub and the atmosphere of CIP spaces
- Answers or directs general questions, comments, concerns, excitements, etc
- Provides support for office staff and students
Colin has recently graduated from Kalamazoo Valley Community College with a degree in Sociology and plans to get his bachelors degree soon. He has lived all over west Michigan and loves to explore the states beauty. His professional interests is helping students reach their full potential and removing barriers to success.
Student Staff
Peer Advisors (PAs)
Silvia Gaete Lagos
Hi everyone! I’m Silvia. I’m from Chile and currently a Senior majoring in Political Science and minoring in Theatre. I studied abroad in England and Costa Rica during High School. In my free time I like going to parks, singing, acting, and volunteering in downtown Kalamazoo. If you have questions about study abroad, don’t hesitate to reach out! Let’s hang out, grab some coffee, and chat about opportunities abroad!
Alex Quesada
Hi everyone! My name is Alex Quesada and I am currently a Senior double majoring in Psychology and Business. I did a long-term study abroad program in Madrid, Spain. The program helped me understand the importance of interpersonal relationships, community involvement, and the power of a second language. If you have any questions about study abroad, Europe, or the best views in Madrid, schedule a meeting!
Vivian Schmidt
Hey! My name is Vivian Schmidt and I’m a Senior majoring in Biology and Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience. In the Fall of 2023, I did a short-term study abroad program in Budapest, Hungary and fell in love with the city and the culture. In my free time, I enjoy playing lacrosse, hanging out with friends, and singing. I’m happy to discuss all things study abroad and answer any questions you might have. My study abroad experience was life-changing and a time that I will never forget. I hope that I can help make it the same for others! Let’s chat!
International Student Services Intern
Huin Lee
My name is Huin and I am a Senior from South Korea. I was originally born and raised in Sydney, Australia but I had the chance to live and explore other countries like Korea and India as well. I am a Biology major with a minor in Studio Arts. I love traveling, photography, and watching classic short films.
International Student Peer Mentor
Dong Eun Kim
Hello! I’m Dong Eun Kim from Seoul, South Korea. I plan to double major in Physics and Computer Science. I enjoy spending time with friends at cafes, and listening to music, especially 80s and 90s rock. I also have gotten interested in trying new things lately. I am looking forward to meeting you and hear your stories.
CIP Front Desk Assistant
Raven Medina
Hello! My name is Raven Medina and I’m a first year. I’m from Grand Rapids, and I’m very interested in studying Linguistics and Philosophy. I love many genres of music and ink drawings. I play both cello and piano, and some of my favorite composers are Shostakovich, Chopin, and Liszt. I can’t wait to help you at the CIP!