Counseling Department
Get to know your Counseling department!
Erika Whitmer (Counselor): Hello everyone, my name is Erika Whitmer and I am the new School Counselor. I earned a B.A. In German Literature, and American History from Brigham Young University, as well as a Masters in Language Acquisition. After raising my three children I went back to school and earned a Masters of Science in School Counseling from the University of Phoenix in 2009. I was born and raised in the Federal Republic of Germany [BRD], when I lived in Germany, the country was still split in two parts. I then came to America in 1977, as a nanny to a prominent Utah family. I enjoyed my time with them, and attended LDS Business College [Ensign College].
In 1987 I married Ray Whitmer, a Computer Software Engineer. Together we have three children, two daughters and one son. My son graduated from the University of Utah in their EAE department, he now works in Tokyo Japan for SEGA. My daughters live with us, as does my granddaughter. My daughter Danielle has a Siamese cat named Apollo, that has an interesting story for another time.
Counseling and guiding youth has always been a passion of mine. I have received multiple awards and served on the USCA [Utah School Counseling Association] board. Currently I volunteer some of my time to help international students navigate the American School System. If I make a mistake I always admit to it, because there is no place to hide my identity. I am German, and my accent will give me away every time. ;) I will have German/Swiss/Belgian chocolate in my office just in case you need a small break please come say HI. I also will have water for those who are not into chocolate.
Alicia Roberts (Counselor Intern): My name is Alicia Roberts and am currently finishing up my 2nd Masters degree in school counseling. Prior to school counseling, I taught Junior High and High School history for the past 16 years with the last 6 years at UMA. I love working with students and encouraging them to be their personal best. In my spare time I love to hangout with my husband, three children, one dog and six chickens. I love spending time outdoors, especially in my garden, and playing a variety of sports.
Courtney Van Oostendorp (Counseling Assistant): My name is Courtney Van Oostendorp (previously Rasmussen) I am the counseling assistant, and this is my third year here at UMA. I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology from Utah Valley University, and am passionate about helping people find what their passions are and finding the path to pursue them. I help out with college and scholarship applications, take cadets on college tours, and do schedule changes for cadets.
I previously worked at a residential treatment center for teen girls, which is where I developed my passion for helping teens. I recently got married and love to spend time with my husband and family, do anything art related, reading, and traveling.
Chelsea Pulsipher (Behaviorist and 504 Coordinator): I joined the military shortly after high school and served with the Utah Army National Guard as a Behavior Specialist during that time until November 2021. I have been working with Behavior units in and out of the military for 11 years. I have been with UMA since 2021 where I work as the behaviorist and 504 coordinator.