Staci Miller, MS
Director
Staci was an Academic Advisor for 24 years before becoming the Director of Academic Advising at TMCC. As the first in her family to go to college, she started at a community college which was a huge part of her success allowing her to attend smaller classes, build better connections with instructors and resources, and start at a much lower cost. Staci wants to make sure each student has access to Academic Advising and other important resources to ensure they have the opportunity to succeed and reach their goals!
Grecia Anaya-Arevalo, MA
Academic Advisor II
Grecia Anaya-Arevalo was born in Mexico but moved to the US at an early age. Her desire to help others started when she became a mentor for the Dean’s Future Scholars (DFS) program at the University of Nevada, Reno. In the program, she had the opportunity to work with students one-on-one and foster rapport with many individuals. In academic advising, Grecia is the liaison to the Technical Sciences division, international student advisor, coordinator for major exploration, and works with DACA and Undocumented students. In her free time, Grecia enjoys reading, cooking, staying active, and spending time with family and friends.
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Terry Armstrong
Academic Advisor
Terry worked in a variety of advising, counseling and management capacities at Diablo Valley College and Contra Costa College in the San Francisco Bay Area for 35+ years, and has very much enjoyed working with his new colleagues and the students of his new community. Terry earned his Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Fresno and has developed and managed programs for students with disabilities, student athletes and international students. Working directly with students has always been the most enjoyable part of any of his roles. Terry enjoys reading, following professional athletics, cycling, fitness training and spending quality time with his wife Ingrid, two grandchildren, and their 8 lb Chihuahua/Shiba Inu mix dog, Murphy.
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Tara Connolly, MA
Athletics Academic Advisor
Tara has had the privilege of advising and supporting students since 2003. As a first-generation college student, she changed her major seven times searching for her path, but it turned out she had already found it as an advisor. After completing an associate's degree at TMCC, Tara went on to earn a bachelor’s degree, multiple master’s degrees, and she is currently working on her doctorate in leadership. Tara tries to create a welcoming and encouraging environment for all students to explore and pursue their educational goals, especially those dealing with uncertainty who are perhaps taking the scenic route through college as she once did. Tara happily serves as the Athletics Advising Coordinator and is the liaison to the Math, Computer and Physical Sciences Division. Outside of work and many, many hours of homework, she enjoys yoga, time in nature with her friends, meditation, reading and snuggles with her dog.
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Ben Davis, BA
Academic Advisor I
Ben Davis is a full-time Academic Advisor with TMCC. Having received his undergraduate degree in English (Creative Writing) from the University of Nevada, Reno, Ben has a great love for assisting students who are navigating their academics in Northern Nevada. In his free time, Ben enjoys hanging out with his wife and two dogs, playing guitar and accordion, watching reality television, reading, and writing (when he finds the time). As someone who struggled with college himself and managed to make it out on the other side, Ben is excited to meet with any student who needs help navigating higher education. School is tough and confusing, but it's nothing we can't figure out!
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Eric Gorman
Academic Advisor I
Eric relocated to Reno from Illinois in 2023. He previously recruited and advised first-semester students as an Admissions Advisor at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Illinois. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Illinois State University in 2014 and a master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education from Northern Illinois University in 2018. His passion and mission within higher education is to provide affordable education to all students, and he could not be happier to be a part of TMCC. Outside of work, Eric loves basketball, movies, food (cooking, but mostly eating), spending time outdoors, and exploring new places. He is looking forward to supporting you throughout your educational journey.
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Kelly Harlin
Academic Advisor I
Kelly joined TMCC with a wealth of experience as an Academic Advisor and Student Success Coach, primarily supporting underrepresented and non-traditional college students in career-tech education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, a multiple-subject teaching credential, and a Master of Science in Counseling. Just before joining TMCC, Kelly provided mental health therapy to individuals and families through the pandemic and is a strong advocate of mental health services for students. She is also a Certified Career Coach and has a strong passion for guiding undecided students in finding their unique passion, purpose, and ideal career pathway. Her goal is for every student she works with to feel understood, cared for, and excited to achieve their dreams! Outside work, Kelly has fun attending local sports and community events, fishing, camping, and spending quality time with friends, family, and fur babies.
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Kaeleigh Indiano
Peer Advisor
Kaeleigh is a current TMCC student who is working on her Associate of Arts in English while finishing her Associates of Science by the spring of 2025. Born and raised in Nevada, she enjoys exploring the life of the outdoors with her family and dog, Moose. She has spent most of her life babysitting and looking after little ones to help them grow and prosper in life. Human development has helped her find her passion to help people create their pathway to pursue dreams and goals.
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Daniel Little
Academic Advisor I
Daniel Little started his academic career as a first-generation student at the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, Nevada, receiving an Associate’s degree in Political Science in 2018. Being heavily involved in student leadership roles within various student organizations, Daniel is a very engaging individual and loves to help students accomplish their goals; academic and beyond. After completing his associate’s degree at CSN, he transferred to the University of Nevada, Reno to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. After completing the Bachelor’s degree in May of 2020, Daniel pursued and completed a Master’s degree in Gender, Race, and Identity at UNR. In his free time, Daniel enjoys spending time with his baby daughter and wife.
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Denisse Merino Camarena
Academic Advisor I
Denisse is a first-generation college graduate born in Mexico but was raised in the United States. She was a Jump Start student, Nevada Promise recipient, and was also in the Summer Bridge program at TMCC. She graduated from TMCC with her Associate of Arts in Social Work. She went on to graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2021 with her Bachelors in Human Development and Family Sciences and a minor in Addiction Treatment Services. TMCC has been her home since she graduated from Reed High School back in 2018. She hopes to provide guidance, mentorship, and support to all students. She loves to watch Netflix, explore new places to eat, and do online shopping without purchasing anything. Denisse looks forward to meeting you!
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Megan Moore
Academic Advisor I
Born and raised in Reno, Megan graduated from McQueen High School and later enrolled at TMCC with quite a gap in her education, making her a non-traditional student. She earned two Associates degrees before transferring to UNR to study English and studied abroad in Latin America. She joined the Academic Advising team in 2021 and loves this place. She has a great passion for helping students find their path and strives to provide a welcoming and empathetic environment. She holds a special place for students returning to school or starting college later in life. In her free time, Megan enjoys cooking and spends time with her wife, friends and her goofy puggle. Megan is looking forward to helping support you!
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Jennifer Pierce, MA
Senior Academic Advisor
Jennifer has been an Academic Advisor at TMCC since 2016, and has worked within the Nevada System of Higher Education since 2006. She loves helping students create plans to meet their academic and personal goals, and particularly enjoys working with transfer students, students returning to college, and non-traditional students. Jennifer works closely with TMCC’s military connected students and student athletes. She is the advising liaison to the Business and Social Sciences Division, Peer Advisor Supervisor, and Faculty Advisor Coordinator. She is a Certified Appreciative Advisor and has won the Nevada Regents' Academic Advisor Award in the past. Jennifer earned a BA-English Literature from Boise State University, and a MA-Educational Leadership from the University of Nevada, Reno. She enjoys being creative, getting out into the mountains, and barbecuing with family and friends.
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Janice Pruitt
Administrative Assistant 3
Janice will be one of the first people you meet at the front desk in the Academic Advising office. She began working at TMCC as an Administrative Assistant in August 2023. After earning her bachelor's degree in Human Development from the University of Arizona she has worked in grade schools, and in the fields of mental health, and wellness. Her primary role has been “Mom” to three great kids. Janice volunteers for Guide Dogs for the Blind and enjoys raising puppies before they move on to their formal training as service dogs. In her free time Janice enjoys camping, hiking, cooking, baking and spending time with family.
Courtney Schachter
Academic Advisor II
Courtney started at TMCC in 2015. She advises military-connected students, evaluates Joint Service Transcripts, and is also the advisor liaison to Life Sciences, Allied-Health, and Public Safety Division. Courtney has held multiple professional roles in higher education since 2009 when she graduated with her Masters in Education in Administration of Higher Education from Suffolk University. Throughout her time in higher education, she holds onto the belief that pursuing post-secondary education can have a significant impact on a student's life professionally and personally. Originally from Upper Michigan Courtney appreciates almost all outdoor activities, including winter sports! When she is not working or having fun outside you can find her enjoying time at home with her dogs and chickens. One of Courtney's favorite quotes is "You are never too old to set a new dream or goal!" by CS Lewis. Courtney looks forward to working with you on your educational journey!
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Zachary Swarts
Peer Advisor
Zach is an army veteran currently studying Automotive Certified Technician, Transportation Technologies here at TMCC. He moved to the Reno Tahoe area in 2020 to take a working vacation at Heavenly resort as a groomer. Having a non-standard school journey himself he hopes to help students find what they would like to pursue here at TMCC and beyond. Outside of TMCC Zach enjoys fishing, playing games of all sorts, rugby, and motorsports.
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Julia White
Academic Advisor I
Julia White is an Academic Advisor who relocated to Reno from Helsinki, Finland. She holds a Master's Degree in Educational Sciences with a major in Adult Education and a minor in Gender Studies. Julia has always had a passion for learning, which led her to pursue studies in education and a career in academic advising. During her time at university, she actively participated in student union activities, believing strongly in the importance of fostering a sense of community among students throughout their academic journey. She also emphasizes the significance of having fun while striving for academic goals. Julia focuses on assisting students in navigating college, setting goals, and following their dreams to ensure each student has the college experience they dream of. In her free time, Julia enjoys spending time in nature hiking, camping, and exploring, balanced with staying at home watching movies and playing board games.
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