Elise Vomacka graduated from CSB/SJU in 2023 with a psychology major. The research opportunities and mentorship that Elise received from her professors prepared her for her current position, where she continues her passion for research at the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research at the University of Minnesota. Elise enjoys conducting psychological and cognitive assessments with twins, adoptees, and families who participate in the Minnesota Multi-Ethnic Twin Registry and the Sibling Interaction and Behavior Study. Both longitudinal studies examine the relationship between genetics and environmental effects on individuals and families. After her time in this position, Elise plans to pursue her PhD in Clinical Psychology.

Ellie Botz graduated from the College of Saint Benedict in May of 2022 with a major in psychology and a minor in communication. During her time at CSB, she assisted in psychological research facilitated by Professor Tomkins, and participated in theater, improv comedy, and private voice instruction. Additionally, Ellie worked at both the CSB and SJU registrar offices. Currently, Ellie is pursuing her master's degree in communication sciences and disorders through the University of Virginia (UVA) to become a licensed speech-language pathologist. Her clinical training experiences include assessing and treating individuals across the lifespan in various settings including the Sheila Johnson Center (UVA’s in-house clinic), the Charlottesville public schools, and soon outpatient rehabilitation. Ellie continues to be involved in research through her graduate education as she is the current manager of the Imaging and Communication Outcomes Lab under the direction of Kazlin Mason, PhD, CCC-SLP. This lab uses 3D imaging to measure and assess the anatomy and physiology of individuals with craniofacial differences such as cleft lip and cleft palate. Knowledge gathered in this lab works to better inform clinical decision-making and intervention for individuals with these differences. Through this lab, Ellie has had the opportunity to present lab findings at the national American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) conference and participate in several other projects that are moving toward publication. Her CSB psychology coursework and experiences provided an excellent foundation for a successful continuing education journey and have made her holistically a better clinician and person. She forever will be grateful to the faculty and staff for sharing their knowledge and supporting her in her pursuit to learn and help others with communication adversities.

Tyler Koll graduated from SJU in 2022, completing a major in Psychology. There were many experiences that shaped his career at CSB/SJU. Tyler worked as a firefighter and groundskeeper at SJU and gained incredible work experience. During his free time, Tyler volunteered at SJUFaith, CERTS, the Big/Little program, Special Olympics, and multiple tutoring opportunities such as Homework Helpers. Tyler was also honored to gain entry to the Summer Leadership Fellows for an internship at the C.O.P. House in St. Cloud, where he worked with the St. Cloud Police Department on community engagement initiatives all summer long. Further, Tyler participated in various intramural sports to stay active while at CSB/SJU. Currently, Tyler is pursuing a Masters degree in Special Education at Bethel University and is a special education teacher at Coon Rapids High School in Coon Rapids, MN. His job entails teaching executive functioning skills to high school students as well as managing a caseload of students where he assists students with navigating all things high school and provides guidance in areas where they may need extra help. In this position, Tyler collaborates with other teachers, counselors, families, and coaches. Tyler loves being able to work with students every day to become the best individuals they can be before they move on from high school.

Ellie Riitters graduated from the College of Saint Benedict in 2020 and is currently a full-time analyst in the Child Victim Identification Program with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). She uses the latest cyber tools and interacts with some of the top figures in law enforcement to recover missing children and combat child sexual exploitation. Ellie states, “The intersection of criminal justice and psychology fascinated me and informed my whole perspective on what I wanted to do.” Prior to finishing her degree at CSB and SJU, she landed an internship at CORE Professional Services and a part-time job with a Minnesota company delivering drug testing services. After graduation, she moved to Washington DC and started a master’s in forensic psychology from George Washington University and has since obtained her current position. You can read more about Ellie’s story here: https://www.csbsju.edu/news/ellie-riitters-2022

Lucas Vetsch graduated from St. John’s University in 2020 with baccalaureate degrees in Psychology and Sociology. Lucas is a first-generation college student who had many experiences and made meaningful connections with many mentors while at CSB and SJU who helped inform his career path. Lucas is passionate about experiential and student learning and development, and today is a Career Coach in the Experience and Professional Development (XPD) office at CSB & SJU. In this role, Lucas educates, trains, supports and guides student Career Ambassadors and connects students with opportunities to explore interests, values, and skills related to academic major(s) and career choices as well as provides experiences to build students’ confidence and motivation toward their personal and professional lives. Prior to his current position, Lucas earned a Master of Science degree in College Counseling and Student Development at St. Cloud State University in 2022.

Mariah Ogden-Kellington graduated from the College of Saint Benedict with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2019 in which her coursework focused on personality and forensic psychology. Mariah worked as a community service officer with Lakeville PD for two years while completing her degree in law enforcement prior to being hired as a licensed peace officer. She also volunteers with the Lakeville North Trapshooting Team as a coach during the spring season. According to Mariah, the best part about being a Lakeville Police officer is “working in a supportive community where the police have a positive relationship with those we serve. Also, working with partners that always have a positive attitude and feel like family.”

Katie Kissner, MS/LPCC, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the College of St. Benedict in 2011 and a Master of Science degree in Community Counseling from St. Cloud State University in 2014. Katie is a Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) approved Sex Offender Treatment Therapist and has been a Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy approved supervisor since 2019. She specializes in forensic work and completing psychosexual, parenting, anger, domestic violence, and psychological assessments. She also provides individual, couples, and group therapy services. She has experience working in adolescent residential treatment and has worked as a Corrections Agent supervising sex offender and supervised release clients. Katie provides services at CORE's Sartell location.