Professional Staff

Dr. Johanna Dvorak, Director

Johanna Dvorak has directed the Panther Academic Support Services since 1995 and has devoted her professional career to college learning assistance. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Urban Education and Information Science. She earned her B.A. in English from Drake University and her M. Ed. In Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Austin. A qualitative researcher, she recently authored "The College Tutoring Experience" in The Learning Assistance Review (Fall 2001). She frequently presents on learning center management and tutoring program initiatives. In addition to her role at UWM, Dr. Dvorak has helped other learning center professionals across the country through her work with the National College Learning Center Association (NCLCA).

Office: Bolton 180
Phone: 414-229-5672
e-mail: jdvorak@uwm.edu
Fax: 414-229-3895

Mary Knasinski, Student Services Coordinator

Mary Knasinski coordinates tutoring services in the math, science, and business areas, and also helps oversee the Supplemental Instruction program and its partnership with other schools on campus. She hold a B.S. and an M.A. in economics from Marquette University, specializing in labor economics. She has taught economics and college algebra at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and Gateway Technical Institute in Racine. She has served as an officer of the National College Learning Center Association (NCLCA), and has presented sessions at conferences hosted by NCLCA, the National Tutoring Association (NTA), and the National Association of Developmental Education (NADE).

Office: Bolton 180
Phone: 414-229-5865
e-mail: mkk2@uwm.edu
Fax: 414-229-3895

Nicole Heinen, Associate Student Services Coordinator

Nicole Heinen coordinates tutoring services in the foreign language, social sciences, humanities, and also helps oversee the Supplemental Instruction program and its partnership with other schools on campus. She also coordinates evening tutoring in the residence halls. She holds a B.S. and an M.S. in social welfare from University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, specializing in geriatric social work. She is a member of the National College Learning Center Association (NCLCA).

Office: Bolton 180
Phone: 414-229-2260
e-mail: nkheinen@uwm.edu
Fax: 414-229-3895
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Administrative Staff

Rebecca D'Amato, Administrative Assistant

Rebecca has been a PASS LTE for almost two years, working primarily on matters pertaining to budget and personnel/payroll. If you visit the PASS main office in Bolton 180, Rebecca will most likely be the first person you connect with, and will be happy to answer your questions about PASS. Rebecca has a B.A. from Indiana University-Bloomington and has had previous careers in fashion merchandising and financial services.

Graduate Project Assistants

Kevin Roessger, Online Tutoring Project Assistant

Kevin manages the online tutoring program at Panther Academic Support Services as a project assistant, a position he has held for two years. He is a third-year doctoral student in urban education, and a distinguished graduate fellow. He has co-authored two publications on online tutor training with PASS' director, Dr. Johanna Dvorak. Kevin's interests include, in no particular order, reading, great coffee, Labradors, and movies.

Annie Meyers, Math Project Assistant

Annie's primary duties include supervising and training PASS' math tutors. She is currently enrolled in the Administrative Leadership M.S. program at UWM, with a focus on women and minority students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Annie received her M.S. in mathematics from the University of Iowa, and her B.A. in mathematics and English from Lawrence University.

Ryan Bohn, Online Tutoring Project Assistant

Ryan primary role is to help prepare Supplemental Instruction leaders and tutors to use BlackBoard Collaborate, PASS' online tutoring program software. In addition, he manages and develops content for PASS' nationally award-winning website, creates instructional print material for PASS programs, and has helped write and direct PASS' "Connect with PASS" promotional video. Ryan received a M.S. in accounting from UWM.

Holly E.