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Michael joined the CLASS staff in 1997. He received a BA in French and Music from Furman University, an MEd in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Carolina, and a PhD in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

In addition to directing and supervising the operations of CLASS, Michael provides academic coaching to WFU students and specializes in the needs of students with physical, visual, and hearing impairments. His research interests include college student athletes and academic motivation. He enjoys reading, running, music, and spending time with his wife and sons.

Jackie joined the CLASS staff in 2016. She earned her BA in Psychology from the College of William & Mary and earned both her MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Virginia. She completed doctoral internship training at the Salisbury VA Medical Center and is licensed to practice psychology in the state of North Carolina. Jackie’s clinical area of expertise is in assessment, and her research interests are in personality disorders and attention disorders.

In her work at CLASS, she provides both academic coaching and disability documentation review for students. Special interests and experience include ADHD coaching, psychoeducational assessment, executive skills development, and test anxiety strategies (but she really does a little of everything). Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and baking tasty treats to bring into the office.

Kawana joined the CLASS staff in 2017. She earned both her BA in Psychology and MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She spent several years as a community support counselor before moving into the higher education arena where she served as the Assistant Director of Disability Support Services at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Kawana specializes in the psycho-social aspects of disability, medical and physical disabilities, as well as the use of technology to address disability concerns. Additionally, Kawana provides academic and disability management counseling and supervises both our tutoring and HOOTS peer mentoring programs offered through CLASS.

Kawana’s research interests include exploring the intersections of disability and diversity on college campuses and investigating faculty and student attitudes towards invisible disabilities.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, binge watching a good show on Netflix, hiking local nature trails, and singing karaoke…even though singing isn’t one of her gifts.

Suzanne joined the CLASS staff in early 2018. She received her BS in Psychology from Presbyterian College and spent several years working with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder before joining the field of higher education in 2012. While Suzanne serves students across all programs at Wake Forest, she is the primary contact for students within the School of Medicine.

In her spare time, Suzanne enjoys spending time with her family (which includes the cutest little boy in the entire world), really fun friends, and their rescue pit/heeler mix Tommy Boy.

Ashley joined the CLASS staff in 2019. She was a first generation college student and received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University and her MA and PhD in School Psychology from the University of South Carolina. She is a Licensed Psychologist in the State of North Carolina and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist by the National Association of School Psychologists. In CLASS, Ashley provides disability management counseling and academic coaching to WFU students and coordinates our Faculty Advisory Board. 

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, watching British dramas on PBS, earning stamps in her National Parks Passport book, and planning her next trip to Disney World!

Davita joined the CLASS staff in 2021. Davita completed her BSc with Honours in Mathematics & Statistics and English at Acadia University and her MA in English at McGill University, where she developed an appreciation for peer academic support as a TA and a writing tutor. The CLASS office’s resident Canadian, Davita moved to Winston Salem in 2018 to complete her MDiv at Wake Forest University. 

As the Alternative Media Specialist, Davita coordinates text in alternative format and assistive technology for students with disabilities to ensure their access to the full academic experience at Wake and collaborates with partners across campus to promote technology accessibility. Outside of the office, Davita enjoys taking care of her ever-growing houseplant collection, befriending every dog she meets, and reading widely.

Wende joined the CLASS staff in 2014. She received her BIS-Sociology from Winston-Salem State University. Wende gained her hospitality and administrative management experiences as the Director of Catering with Hyatt Hotels and several other hotels in Orlando, Durham, Charlotte, and Winston-Salem markets. While in Charlotte, she worked as Human Resources Manager for a Fortune 100 company, taught courses at Central Piedmont Community College, and served as a Board member for several non-profit organizations. Wende worked as Audience Development and PR Manager for the North Carolina Black Repertory Company before coming to Wake. As Administrative Coordinator, Wende manages the daily operation of CLASS and is responsible for providing information and support to students, visitors, parents, faculty, and staff. In addition, she manages the office scheduling system and works directly with students and faculty to assist in the provision of academic accommodations for WFU students with disabilities.

Wende volunteers in her spare time and enjoys gourmet cooking, family gatherings, and shopping for furniture to refinish.

Ann joined CLASS staff in August 2022.  She received a BA in Mathematics from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN. She spent several years working as a project manager for a mutual fund company in Chicago before moving with her family to Winston-Salem.  She joined Wake in July of 2015 as a Medical Assistant in Student Health Service.  In 2016 she joined Campus Life Finance and Operations as the Student Health Insurance Administrator.  At CLASS Ann is the Testing Center Coordinator and is looking forward to working closely with students and faculty with testing accommodations in the pilot Testing Center.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking in the mountains, and taking long walks with friends. Ann and her husband have 3 children and love cheering for the Deacs!

Jean Anne joined the CLASS staff in 2018. She received a BS in Math and Economics from Hollins University and an MBA from Wake Forest University and previously worked in corporate brand management.  At CLASS Jean Anne serves as an Academic Coach and thoroughly enjoys working one-on-one with students helping each individual make the most of their Wake Forest journey.   Jean Anne also serves as our Outreach Specialist where she works to spread the word to all students about our services.  

Jean Anne met her husband at Wake Forest.  They have 4 children, 1 granddaughter, and 1 granddog.  Long time Demon Deacon fans Jean Anne and her family are always up for cheering on the Deacs – including traveling to bowl games! 

Laura  joined the CLASS staff in 2018 after working with the WFU Writing Center. She received her BA in Journalism from Ohio State University and her MA in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University. She spent several years working in residence life at the University of Missouri before moving to Winston-Salem. 

In CLASS, Laura serves as the tutor coordinator and is responsible for the daily operation and supervision of the peer tutoring program, including recruiting, hiring, and training tutors. Laura is also an academic coach, and she loves working with students to help them become more confident and effective learners.

Outside of work, she enjoys being with her family, spending time outside, and reading multiple books at the same time.

Jesse is a first year graduate student in the Masters of Counseling program at Wake Forest. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Clemson University and then went on to work in a psychiatric stabilization unit at a hospital in his home state of Massachusetts.