Breeann Mann, Director

Breeann Mann has advised, coached, mentored and supported students at GVSU for over 10 years. She believes the college experience goes beyond the classroom and is committed to connecting students with faculty, peers and experiences on campus and in the community. Breeann is alumnus from Central Michigan University, where she earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, studied abroad, became an executive board member of her sorority and squeezed in multiple jobs in the hospitality industry to pay for it all! Her college experience introduced a passion for mentoring others on their career and educational journey.

When away from campus, Breeann spends time with her husband, son, daughter, friends and family. She loves to travel, read, exercise and enjoy West Michigan Beaches!

Strengths: Relator, Ideation, Self-assurance, Intellection, Strategic

Advising Areas:
Education Birth to Kindergarten
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Legal Studies / Paralegal Certification
Public, Nonprofit and Health Administration

Email: [email protected]

Click to Schedule an Appointment with Breeann

Thomas Fellows

Originally from the Lansing, MI area, Tom attended GVSU and graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education-coaching and a master’s degree in adult and higher education. His experiences at GVSU as a student included working as an adjunct instructor for the Movement Science Department and as a tutor in the Laker Academic Center, where he also served as an intern for the Life Skills Program. He also spent time volunteering through the Athletes Who Care program and participating with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Tom has been working in advising at GVSU since 2010.  During this time, he has enjoyed volunteering with the GVSU Charter Schools Summer Enrichment Program College Prep Week and also as a reading tutor through the United Way Schools of Hope Program.  He has previous work experience with the Upward Bound Program at Central Michigan University as well as the Upward Bound Program at Michigan State University, where he also worked in the Student-Athlete Support Services Office.

Strengths: Relator, Deliberative, Responsible, Developer, Analytic

Advising Areas: Criminal Justice

Email: [email protected]

Click to Schedule an Appointment with Tom

Laura Kastler

Originally from the metro Detroit area, Laura is a graduate of Grand Valley’s College Student Affairs Leadership Program. While at GV, she was a graduate assistant in the LAKER Academic Success Center where she advised student-athletes and coordinated the tutoring program. She also has professional experience in admissions and enrollment, academic advising, and career coaching. Prior to her time at Grand Valley, Laura earned her bachelor’s degree in New Media Studies and Communication from Alma College. While at Alma, she participated on the competitive Cheer and STUNT team and earned two national championship titles.

You may find Laura exploring all the food and coffee shops that downtown Grand Rapids has to offer! She also spends her free time assistant coaching the cheerleading team at Grandville High School.

Strengths: Empathy, Communication, Activator, Positivity, Harmony

Advising Area: Social Work (BSW and MSW)

Email: [email protected]

Click to Schedule an Apointment with Laura

Berkley Bretschneider

Originally from Walled Lake, MI,  Berkley moved to West Michigan in 2016 to attend GVSU and has been here ever since, making her a true Laker for a Lifetime! She earned her B.S. in Political Science in 2020 and planned to pursue a career in politics, but through working on campus, she discovered a love for supporting undergraduate students and decided to pursue a career in academic advising instead. She earned her M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Leadership in 2022 and has professional experience in orientation, advising, and teacher certification.

Outside of work, Berkley loves to travel to new places, read fantasy books, explore Grand Rapids, and spend time with her family, friends, and pets.

Strengths: Developer, Adaptability, Empathy, Relator, Arranger

Advising Areas:
Legal Studies / Paralegal Certification
Public and Nonprofit Administration

Email: [email protected]

Click to Schedule an Appointment with Berkley

Melanie Rabine-Johnson

As a Laker for Life, Melanie (she/her) is no stranger to Grand Valley. She earned her BA and M.Ed. at GVSU in 2012 and 2015, respectively. She has worked in student mentorship for over 10 years, and has developed a passion for reaching students on an individual level by building connections through conversation, collaboration, and curiosity. Through her work in writing centers and libraries in higher education, she has been able to support students in a variety of ways and is excited about discovering what new innovative solutions students are looking for now.  

Outside of her work in higher education, Melanie is also a professional musician and graphic recorder. In her free time, she loves writing, watching movies/tv, and spending time with her friends and family. 

Clifton Strengths® : Intellection, Individualization, Achiever, Relator, Input

Pondera® : Strategist, Relator

Advising Areas: Social Work (MSW), Legal Studies (Fall 2024), Resources, Support and Retention Goals

Click to Schedule an Appointment with Melanie

Email Melanie

Erin Westberg

Erin is a proud Laker For A Lifetime! Having earned her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from GVSU in April 2022, she has now returned to her alma mater to pursue her M.Ed. in Higher Education, College Student Affairs Leadership. During her time as an undergrad, Erin was involved with the Campus Activities Board as the Director of Live Music and served as the committee chair for the 2022 Yung Gravy Spring Concert. Additionally, she worked as a Student Assistant for the Area & Global Studies department. Through her involvement on campus, she developed a passion for student affairs. In her free time, Erin enjoys crocheting, perusing thrift and antique stores, hanging out at coffee shops, and attending concerts.

Advising Areas:

Criminal Justice
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Public and Nonprofit Administration

Email: [email protected]

Click to Schedule an Appointment with Erin

Alivia Ybarra

Originally from Holland, Alivia is a native to the West Side of Michigan. Alivia earned her bachelor's in social work from Michigan State University and is now attending Grand Valley to get her master's degree in social work. While obtaining her BASW, Alivia worked for a non-profit organization called CASA for Kids and has gained a lot of experience in supervision and advocacy work for youth in the foster care community. Alivia also has experience within the Public Health AmeriCorps in Ingham County. Alivia is excited to become a Laker for Life and help support students in any way they may need.

Outside of work and school Alivia enjoys going to the beaches of Holland, exploring new places, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family.

Advising Areas:

Social Work (BSW)

Email: [email protected]

Click to Schedule an Appointment with Alivia

Betsy Wessels

Betsy Wessels is returning to GVSU after retiring from a 30-year career in Law Enforcement. Betsy has worked at GVSU as a police officer for the GVSU Department of Public Safety for the last 13 years. She started her career at The City of Kentwood where she served over 17 years in various assignments as a field training officer, narcotics detective and D.A.R.E. (Drug Awareness Resistance Education) community officer.

While working at GVSU, Betsy continued with her education and earned her Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies Leadership management. She participated in the Adult Cohort Program that is supported by the College of Interdisciplinary Studies.

In her free time, Betsy enjoys family time, boating, and hanging out with her basset hound, Harley!

Strengths: Empathy, Individualization, Relator, Restorative, Arranger

Email: [email protected]