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Amie Jatta is a multilingual (Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Wolof and English) higher education professional with more than 10 years of experience working in post-secondary education. She has dedicated her career to the creation of pathways to success for underrepresented students, and to the development of support structures within the institutions they attend.

Amie began her career at the University of North Dakota where she interned with five TRIO programs (Talent Search, Upward Bound, Educational Opportunity Center, Student Support Services and Ronald McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program). She then became the Team Wellness Coordinator at the UND Wellness Center where she was in charge of the hiring, training and development of all student employees. Coming to Northeastern Illinois University in January of 2011 and working for TRIO SSS was a full circle moment for her as she now was working for the program that sparked her passion for higher education. 

Enrollment coordinator and student advisor for TRIO SSS Achieve (2014-Present); Teacher (grades 7-9) of Natural Sciences and Language Arts in CPS and Noble Charter Network (2011-2014); College and career advisor for middle school and high school youth through GEAR UP (2005-2012); Youth enrichment programs and youth/adult job training programs supervisor (various projects/positions); Adventure education/team-building facilitator.

Stacy is determined to see NEIU undergraduates thrive by providing them guidance and meaningful support on their journey. Her drive to help students is cardinally motivated by her own undergraduate experience. She navigated her degree alone with a lot of needless difficulty but now heartily applies the lessons she learned to benefit the next wave of students. Prior to advising in TRIO Stacy has worked at NEIU as an admissions representative in Enrollment Services, a program advisor in the College of Business and Management, and a coach for science, math and psychology students. She is also a current graduate student at NEIU in the Department of Geography & Environmental Studies. She treasures studying and working with NEIU students because they are dynamic, inspiring and at the vanguard of excellence.

Dr. Matuschka was born and raised in Chicago where she attended Chicago Public Schools. She was the first in her family to attend and graduate from college. NEIU is like her second home because she completed an undergraduate degree in Communication (2004), a graduate degree in Higher Education Leadership (2007), and has worked here in numerous roles. Her career in higher education started as a Graduate Assistant in Academic Advising in 2005, she went on to establish an Off Campus Program for SIUC, and then began a position in Teacher Preparation in 2011. Since then, she has taught in the First Year Experience program, completed a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Curriculum Studies at DePaul University, conducted research studies, and completed projects for the Goodwin Dean of Education. She’s happy to be working with future educators as the new TRIO Assistant Director of Teacher Preparation. 

Jennifer holds an M.A. in Women's Studies and Gender Studies from Loyola and a B.A. in Political Science from NEIU. Her passion for education is noticeable, as she truly believes that education can open a multitude of opportunities. As a first-generation Latina woman who overcame numerous obstacles, she feels that having a mentor makes a difference in a student's academic journey. During her last two semesters in her undergraduate journey she had two mentors that supported her along the way and motivated her to stay in school. She is thankful that they took the time to guide her and listen to her needs and concerns. She hopes to pay it forward and be able to provide the guidance that each student needs during their time at NEIU. Furthermore, she is thrilled to work with the Golden Eagle community!

Erin has always loved working with students and her 10-year teaching career took her across the U.S. -- from Western Colorado to San Antonio, Texas, to Kansas City! She relocated to Chicago to be closer to her adorably goofy nephews and graduated in June with her Master of Social Work from DePaul University. She earned her LSW in November 2018. Erin is excited to connect with NEIU students on their educational journeys. As coordinator of the TRIO SSS Access program, Erin hopes her office will be a place everyone feels comfortable stopping by. She’d love to chat with you about your interests … feel free to ask about her time as a National Park ranger or what podcast she’s listening to lately.

Committed to assisting students achieving their personal and professional goals, Perrin has taught English courses, coordinated accommodations and services for students with disabilities, and provided counseling and advising to undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, Perrin has worked with ex-offenders, immigrants and speakers of English as a second language to ensure the process of reintegration/integration is successful. Having been a first-generation undergraduate, Perrin understands well the journey of self-discovery students undertake and encourages students to tap into resources to make their time at NEIU one of exploration. Firmly believing all students have the right to be respected for their unique selves, Perrin actively listens to students and advocates alongside them to build beneficial relationships and connections across the University. 

Vernon is dedicated to providing first-rate customer service to students participating in TRIO Student Support Services programs and to all NEIU students. He specializes in office administration and furthering the mission of TRIO SSS.