Student Panelist Bios

Moderator:

Kristin Ciampa is an Academic Advisor at the University of Southern Maine, advising students in English, Political Science, Computer Science, Communication, Media Studies, Undeclared, and Technology majors. Kristin holds a M. Ed. from USM in Adult and Higher Education and completed her capstone work on advising students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Kristin’s focus as an advisor is on building relationships, engaging students with authenticity, and helping students achieve their educational goals. Kristin is dedicated to holistic student development and neurodiversity in higher education.

Panelists:

Kiela Bridge is a graduate student in the Occupational Therapy Program here at USM. She received her bachelor's degree in Health Science and also minored in Deaf Studies. Kiela was born and raised in New Hampshire and wants to eventually return to work in the field of pediatric occupational therapy, specifically with children that have developmental and learning delays.

Devki Gelder is a Junior Communications major who is planning to add the Accelerated Special Education Initial Certification Pathway to her undergraduate degree. She has had an interest in the special ed field for as long as she can remember. Devki’s passion lies with younger children and hopes to work closer with that age group in the future. Devki resides in Auburn, Maine during part of the year. During the other part of the year, she enjoys staying out at her family's cottage in West Gardiner.

Brandon Gilbert is a 3rd year Nursing student. He graduated high school and received his LNA in 2018 in Randolph, Vermont. He received his phlebotomy license in Vermont in 2020.

Anthony Grasso is a sophomore here at USM who is working on a degree in Criminology, with a minor in Theater. He graduated with honors from Manchester High School in Connecticut. He works as an administrative assistant here on campus.

Kate Sawyer is a 3L at the University of Maine School of Law. Currently, she is an extern with the Maine Human Rights Commission. She is getting ready to graduate in May and take the Bar exam this July.

Jordyn Waible is a senior Social and Behavioral Science major with a concentration in Early Childhood Studies and has a double minor in Disabilities and Educational Studies. Jordyn is from Massachusetts where she was born and raised, and is a graduate of the Central Catholic High School class of 2017. Jordyn is a work study on campus and held positions as Lead Ambassador for TRIO college programs and a peer mentor for the USM C.A.R.E. Team within Student Affairs.