- Phone:
- 317-278-8630
- Email:
- mechaill@iupui.edu
- Department:
- Academic and Career Development
- Campus:
- IUPUI
Education:
- Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW), University of Texas-Austin
- Bachelor of Arts (majors: Psychology and Law and Society), Purdue University
- Completed freshman year at the University of Evansville, intending pre-physical therapy, then changed to psychology
Professional Experience:
- How long in ACD: I began working as a student success advisor in ACD in 2015.
- What do you like about the work you do: I enjoy helping students identify and use their strengths to navigate challenges in life that impact their success in college. I also appreciate that the staff in my office are such a fun group of people to work with every day.
- Past jobs/experiences: In the past, I worked as a summer camp counselor and program coordinator, and I’ve worked in the nonprofit sector and as a school social worker serving children and families. Prior to working at IUPUI, I worked as an academic advisor and adjunct faculty member at IUPUC.
Advice to students: Asking for help when you need it is a sign of strength. If Google, Siri, or Alexa can’t find an answer to a question for you, our office probably can, so don’t ever be afraid to ask for help!
If you could be any major in your cluster, what would it be? Why?: Exploratory—so I could take a variety of classes that would help me explore my interests before choosing a major.
Biography: I grew up in Anderson, Indiana, and I now live on the southeast side of Indianapolis with my husband, son, and daughter. Outside of work, I spend time playing with my family, volunteering at PTO events at my kiddos’ school, and serving as a board member for the summer camp I worked at through my college years. I love sitting by a campfire, gardening, being outside in general, water sports of all kinds, reading, board games, and DIY/crafty projects.