CASA Advising
CASA Four-Year Advising
As a complement to faculty mentoring and part of the Mines@150 strategic plan, CASA transitioned to a four-year advising model where professional advisors will advise undergraduate students from entry through graduation. CASA advisors will provide generalized advising for first-year students and specialized, major-specific advising for continuing students through a close and active partnership with academic departments.
One of the main reasons for the four-year advising model is to enhance faculty mentorship for all students at Mines. We encourage all students to have an active relationship with faculty from the moment they start at Mines and will continue to support students developing and maintaining faculty mentoring relationships. We see four-year advising in CASA as an added benefit, as students now have one more person who can assist with understanding academic requirements and to encourage success at Mines.
First-Year Advisors
CASA’s First-Year Advisors are generalists and are knowledgeable about every academic program on campus. They provide holistic, developmental advising for all students in their first year at Mines through the Core Curriculum while exploring majors and minors.
Rickey Ortiz
First-Year Students with last names A-D
Rickey advises all first-year and undeclared second-year students with last names that begin with the letters A-D.
Sadie Downs
First-Year Students with last names E-J
Sadie advises all first-year and undeclared second-year students with last names that begin with the letters E-J.
Lisa Anderson
First-Year Students with last names K-Q
Lisa advises all first-year and undeclared second-year students with last names that begin with the letters K-Q.
Yonas Hagos
First-Year Students with last names R-Z
Yonas advises all first-year and undeclared second-year students with last names that begin with the letters R-Z.
Upperclass Advisors
CASA’s Upperclass Advisors are specialists and work in partnership with their respective academic departments to provide advice and guidance about major and minor requirements. They provide holistic advising that appreciates all aspects of a student’s identity.
Taylor Hase
Upperclass students
Taylor advises all upperclass students in Applied Math & Statistics, Electrical Engineering, and Physics.
Jennie Gambach
Upperclass students
Jennie advises all upperclass students in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Chemistry.
Dana Morrison
Upperclass students
Stephen advises all upperclass students in Civil & Environmental Engineering, Engineering (BSE), & Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.
Colleen Maroney
Upperclass students
Colleen advises all upperclass students in Computer Science and Economics & Business.
Ben Moore
Upperclass students
Ben advises upperclass students in Mechanical Engineering with last name G-Z.
Dr. Karla Pérez-Vélez
Upperclass Students
Dr. Pérez-Vélez advises upperclass students in Mechanical Engineering with last names A-F.
Lindsey Toper
UPPERCLASS STUDENTS
Lindsey Advises all upperclass students in Geological Engineering, Geophysical Engineering. Mining Engineering. Petroleum Engineering.
All incoming students are assigned an Academic Advising Coordinator in CASA by last name. This Coordinator will advise students until they confirm their major at the end of their first year or the middle of their second year and transition to a CASA Major Advisor and faculty mentor/advisor.
How Can My Advisor Help?
Your advisor can help with the following…
- planning upcoming semester’s course load,
- deciding a new major, minor, or Area of Special Interest,
- assistance with transfer credit,
- assistance with AP/IB credit,
- individual assistance with coursework,
- and much more…
But I'm Already Declared?
Students entering the university HAVE NOT declared a major. Any major noted within your Trailhead Account is merely an interest. Students are encouraged to explore each of the disciplines at Mines.
This interest is helpful in properly planning your projected academic path.
Students will complete a Declaration of Major Form with their academic advisor. Most students will complete this declaration half-way through their sophomore year. Your advisor will assist with this process. Students with many advanced credits or transfer credits may petition to declare early.
How Do I Connect with My Advisor?
So easy! You can call or email our office and we can help you set up an appointment with your assigned advisor. You are welcome to come into CASA during normal working hours and we can help you set up an appointment at that time. We offer walk in appointments twice a year–all other times you must make an appointment to meet with an advisor.
How Do I Change My Classes in Trailhead?
Follow these instructions to change your classes in Trailhead.
How Do I Receive My PIN to Register?
Students with a CASA advisor may have a Registration PIN. Those who have PINs will be proactively emailed by their academic advisor. Those who do not have PINs are still encouraged to connect with CASA and utilize their numerous advertised advising sessions. This PIN is obtained via your Academic Advisor.
First-Year Advisors
Rickey Ortiz | First-Year Students with Last name A-D
Education:
- BA, Geography and Environmental Studies – University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS)
- MA, Leadership, Concentration in Student Affairs in Higher Education – University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS)
Duties:
- Advises students with last name: A-D
- Coordinates Faculty in CASA program
Personal:
I was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado which is about 125 miles south of Golden. I am proud to say that I am a Colorado native. My first job in higher education was in the financial aid office as a work-study at UCCS. That is where I fell in love with working on a college campus. I enjoy welcoming first year students to college and getting to know their personal, professional and academic goals. I am passionate about helping students adapt to the college the lifestyle. One piece of advice that I can offer you is that the time in college goes fast, so I encourage you to get involved as much as possible to make the most of every opportunity that is provided to you here at Mines. I am always happy to help connect you to our campus!
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, eating at local restaurants, reading, working out and of course cheering for our hometown sports teams.
Sadie Downs | FIRST-YEAR Students with last names E-J
Education:
- BA, English & Spanish – University of Northern Colorado
- MA, College Student Personnel – Bowling Green State University
Duties:
- Advises students with last name: E-J
- Coordinates Bounce Back Class
Personal:
Although I moved around a lot growing up, I’ve continued to bounce around Colorado since 2007, settling at Mines in 2017. Before joining the CASA team, I was the Residence Life Coordinator of the Traditional Halls, and I have loved getting to be a part of the unique and incredible Mines community! I enjoy assisting people in figuring out what they value, what goals they have, and how they can move forward to accomplish those goals. In my spare time, I like hiking in the Colorado sunshine, losing track of time in bookstores and libraries, skating in a local roller derby league, and brushing up on Star Wars trivia. I love learning new things, so when you stop by, tell me the weirdest or most interesting fact you know! I can’t wait to meet you soon!
Lisa Anderson | FIRST-YEAR Students with last names K-Q
Education:
- BS, Petroleum Engineering – Colorado School of Mines
- MA, Leadership, Concentration in Student Affairs in Higher Education – University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Duties:
- Advises students with last name: K-Q
- Coordinates Peer Advising Program
Personal:
I am a Colorado native and a Mines alumna. I love being back here at Mines helping students through this amazing institution. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, food, naps, craft projects, reading, funny videos, travel and exploring whatever I find interesting. I encourage you to ask questions and explore what your heart pulls you to while you are here. Push beyond your comfort zone a little and try something new. You never know what you may find. I also keep snacks in my office in the cupcake cookie jar on my desk (and candy in my candy dish), so stop in if you need a quick snack!
Yonas Hagos | First-Year Students with last names R-Z
Education:
- BS, Applied Communication Arts & Science – University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
- MA, Leadership, Concentration in Student Affairs in Higher Education – University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Duties:
- Advises students with last name: R-Z
- Coordinates Tutoring and Core Review Sessions
Personal:
Yonas is passionate about helping students think critically about their academic and personal journey, creating short and long-term goals, and providing academic coaching. Yonas received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Master’s in Leadership with a Concentration in Student Affairs in Higher Education from University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.
In his free time, Yonas loves to cook, play basketball, spending time with his family, go on an adventure with his partner and Naughty Nala the dog, and live a healthy and active lifestyle. On an average weekend, you’ll find Yonas reading books, spending time outdoors as possible and play basketball.
Major Advisors (upperclass)
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Chemical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Jennie Gambach
Education:
- BA, Political Science – Macalester College
- MA, College Student Personnel Administration – Canisius College
Duties:
- Advises students declared into Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemical Engineering
Personal:
I grew up in Springfield, IL and have lived in St. Paul (MN), Rome, Chicago, Buffalo (NY), State College (PA), rural southern Illinois, Trenton (NJ), and now Littleton, CO. I’ve loved all of the places I’ve lived, so if you have a connection to one of these spots please let me know! Before entering higher education, I worked at non-profits, including a really cool documentary film company. Within the world of higher education, I’ve worked in areas ranging from ed-tech software consulting to career services. I’ve been in advising for a while now and my favorite part is answering student questions and learning more about your academic journey. I have two little boys (and an old man dog) who occupy pretty much all of my free time these days!
Ben Moore
Education:
- BS, History, Minor, Education- Colorado State University-Pueblo
Duties:
- Advises students declared into Mechanical Engineering with Last names G-Z
- Coordinate Academic Coaching program
Personal:
I am born and raised in Colorado. My work passion is helping students reach their educational goals and I am proud that I have been able to do that over the last ten years as a college Admissions Counselor, Financial Aid Counselor and Academic Advisor. I particularly enjoy working with the students at Mines, as they have amazing passion and (bonus) teach me engineering and science concepts on a daily basis. In my personal life, I love being a dad to two daughters and experiencing the outdoors; especially on my mountain bike.
Applied Math & Statistics
Electrical Engineering
Physics
Civil Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Materials & Metallurgical Engineering
Computer Science
Economics & Business
Taylor Hase
Education:
- B.S. in Psychology and Social Science – Florida State University
- M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction – Florida Gulf Coast University
Duties:
- Advises students declared into Applied Math & Statistics | Electrical Engineering | Physics
- Coordinates Core Review Sessions
Personal:
I’m from southwest Florida and traded the beach for the mountains in 2018; best decision, ever. My career in education started as a Teach for America Corps Member in Atlanta where I taught 8th grade math (interested in TFA? Let me know!). That experience was transformational and started my journey to understanding and dismantling the barriers to education. It inspired me to work with college students and increase educational equity through advising systems and academic support programs. As an Academic Advising Coordinator, I hope to help you create a vision and plan for success; throughout your time at Mines, I want you to know that you are valued, you matter, and you belong here! In my personal life, I love going to shows at some of my favorite music venues, exploring the outdoors, and being a dog-mom to my lab mix named Bird.
Stephen Green
Education:
- BS, New Media Communication – Indiana University Kokomo
- MS, Student Affairs in Higher Education – Colorado State University
Duties:
- Advises students declared into Civil Engineering | Environmental Engineering | Materials & Metallurgical Engineering
Personal:
I grew up in Central Indiana, but I am no stranger to Colorado’s Front Range. Having previously lived in Fort Collins, I am so happy to be back in this beautiful state. Before Mines, I worked for colleges in Rhode Island and the Chicagoland area. Up to this point, I have primarily worked in the areas of Residence Life and Student Activities, however my higher education career began as a Peer Advisor during my undergraduate years. I spend most of my free time tending to my rapidly growing houseplant collection, trying out new vegan recipes, and hanging out with my talkative cat, Laurel.
Colleen Maroney
Education:
- BA, Human Development and Family Studies
- M.Ed, Higher Education in Student Affairs
Duties:
- Advises students declared into Computer Science and Economics & Business
Personal:
I am passionate about helping students create and attain their educational goals and develop a sense of self.
I grew up in Massachusetts and worked in the mental health field for 5 years prior to entering the higher education advising world. I have been loving life in Colorado for 3 years now and in my spare time I am typically hiking, skiing, playing volleyball, taking spontaneous weekend trips or getting creative and artsy. I love hearing about people’s unique interests, hobbies and quirks so please share! I look forward to meeting you!
Leadership
Director
First-Year
Associate Director
Dr. Karla Pérez-Vélez
Education:
- BA, Sociology with a minor in Marine Science – Coastal Carolina University
- MAE, Student Affairs in Higher Education – Western Kentucky University
- PhD, Higher Education & Student Affairs Leadership with a minor in Applied Statistics and Research Methods – University of Northern Colorado
Duties:
- Oversees major advising team who work with upperclass/declared Mines students
- Advises students declared into Mechanical Engineering with last names A – F
- Supports all students declared into a major at Mines
Personal:
I am excited to serve as an Associate Director in CASA working with an amazing team for the incredible students at Mines. I enjoy working with students to assist them in achieving their goals and dreams through education at Mines. Away from work I enjoy cheering on the Avs and Leeds along with taking in some drum corps shows.
Katie Ludwin
Education:
- BA, Psychology – University of Puget Sound
- MA, Educational Leadership: Higher Education Student Affairs – University of Northern Colorado
Duties:
- Advises Transfer students and students returning to Mines
- Oversees first-year advising team
Personal:
I have been on the Mines campus since the fall of 2015. Before joining the CASA team as an Associate Director, I served in a contractual capacity as a project manager for Career Day, as a part-time advisor in CASA, and as the Director of Disability Support Services at Mines. I am continually impressed with the tenacity, passion, and kindness of students on this campus and am humbled to work with them as they tackle their educational pursuits. Away from work I enjoy being outside with my family, including the newest addition, Alma, a beautiful bernedoodle pup! Come by CASA to have a chat or to get some information about navigating Mines. We’re here for you!