Isaac Simon M.S.

Position: Interim Director 

Degree:  M.S. in Communication Studies, B.S. in Psychology

About Isaac: Professor Simon is a Laker alum who has taught at Grand Valley since 2017. During his undergrad and graduate studies at GVSU, Professor Simon served as a public speaking consultant and graduate assistant with the GVSU Speech Lab and an ambassador for the Office for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship. He was also an S3 student scholar who conducted research on the effects of deception on memory.

Bryce Thomas

Position: Student Director 

Major: Master of Science (MS) in Communications

About Bryce: As the Speech Lab Student Director and a Graduate Teaching Assistant, Bryce is dedicated to fostering student success in higher education. He draws on his Bachelor's in Communications and minor in Criminal Justice to facilitate inclusive learning environments and mentor students. Combining a dual passion for communication and mental health, he plans to pursue a Master's in Counseling to merge his interests in mental health and student well-being. When Bryce isn't in the Speech Lab, teaching, or working on his Master's thesis, he can be found watching historical/true crime documentaries, playing various musical instruments, or hanging out with his best friend's cat (aka Bryce's cat niece) named Mothra. 

Emma Phillips

Position: Executive Assistant

Major: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Advertising and Public Relations

About Emma: Emma is a sophomore majoring in Advertising and Public Relations where she gets to channel her creativity into crafting compelling ad campaigns for her classes. As the Executive Assistant in the Speech Lab, she’s always ready to help with a friendly smile. Emma is the office’s go-to joketeller, always bringing the best laughs. She also keeps the Speech Lab candy jar stocked with the best treats for everyone to enjoy! Outside of work, she can be found trying out new local cafés, playing The Sims, scrolling on her iPad, or spending time with her adorable cat named Toast! 

Alyse Cross

Position: Consultant

Major: Master of Public Administration (MPA) with an emphasis in policy and advocacy

About Alyse: Alyse is a creative individual with a passion for communication and connection. With an undergraduate degree in Communication Studies, a minor in Writing, and a certificate in Intercultural Communication, she enjoys helping individuals find their voice, especially in the early stages of presentation preparation. When she's not teaching cocktail classes at New Holland or helping others with public speaking techniques at the Speech Lab, you can find her crocheting, enjoying live music, cooking up new recipes, and exploring different cultures through travel.

Kristina Humbarger

Position: Consultant

Major: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Advertising and Public Relations 

Minor: Political Science

About Kristina: Kristina is a third-year undergraduate student in the Advertising and Public Relations program. She is passionate about higher education and supporting the growth of the people around her. Outside of helping fellow students at the Speech Lab, Kristina works for Grand PR as an account associate and is on GVPRSSA’s promotions committee. After finishing her studies here at GVSU, Kristina plans to attend law school to fulfill her dreams of becoming a lawyer and making a difference in the lives of others. Outside of school, she enjoys listening to music, spending time with her cat named Ozzy, and rewatching the Twilight series. 

Dallas Mathews

Position: Consultant 

Major: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Integrative Studies (Communication Studies and Nonprofit Administration) with a certificate in Leadership

About Dallas: A third-year undergraduate student, Dallas is passionate about helping students thrive in higher education. With plans to work as an academic advisor and eventually pursue a role as a Dean, she is dedicated to fostering academic success and leadership development. Outside of her studies and consulting at the Speech Lab, she loves to spend her time cooking and baking, volunteering, shopping, traveling, and embracing the outdoors whenever the weather is warm. A proud Michigander, Dallas has a deep appreciation for the Great Lakes, Faygo, Vernors, casseroles, and the iconic phrase "Ope."

Nick Matthews

Position: Consultant 

Major: Master of Business Administration (MBA)

About Nick: Nick is a creative leader and former sports broadcaster currently in the final semesters of his MBA program. He earned his undergraduate degree in Communications with minors in Advertising, Public Relations, Theater, and Economics at GVSU. Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Nick enjoys watching and playing sports, working out, and spending time outdoors with friends and family. He’s also an avid Dungeons & Dragons player and voice actor, always ready to create new characters and voices. With a passion for storytelling, Nick is dedicated to advising on how to craft the best message for any audience and helping individuals overcome their public speaking challenges.

Ý Hong Nhu Nguyen

Position: Consultant 

Major: Master of Science (MS) in Communications

About Ý: Ý is an international student from Vietnam with a love for food, culture, and storytelling. She believes everyone has a unique story to tell and excels at helping others craft compelling presentations - especially research presentations! A true foodie, Ý loves exploring cuisines from different countries and connecting with people through their experiences. When she's not studying or cooking, Ý enjoys being in nature, whether it's walking in the fall leaves or biking in the summer sun. Always ready to listen, Ý is a supportive friend to those around her.

Katie Redmond

Position: Consultant 

Major: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication Studies 

Minor: Theater

About Katie:

Mariam Rida

Position: Consultant 

Major: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication Studies

About Mariam: Mariam, now in the final semester of her undergraduate degree, has a deep passion for debate and argumentation. She enjoys learning new languages and hopes to master them all one day! Beyond academics and consulting, she enjoys immersing herself in virtual worlds through Minecraft, composing electronic music as a DJ, and traveling the globe. A true food enthusiast, she loves lamb chops. Mariam shares her life with her beloved cat, the one and only Chef Reverend Dr. Benjamin Pepper.

Emily Schroeder

Position: Consultant 

Major: Double major Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Broadcast Journalism and French

About Emily: Emily is a creative and outgoing sophomore who thrives on meeting new people. With a love for storytelling and performance, she enjoys bringing characters to life through voice acting and hopes to turn her hobby into a career one day. When she’s not behind the mic, studying, or consulting at the Speech Lab, you can find her swing dancing in downtown Grand Rapids, singing jazz with PAC, or playing video games. Always seeking new adventures, she will be spending her entire junior year studying abroad in France. Fun fact: She has never owned a pet!