Advising & Career Services Employees

Michele started advising at MCC in January 2021 after many years at Baylor University. She's also part of our career counseling team. Michele grew up in McGregor, Texas, and now lives in Woodway with her 3.5 lb. Yorkie, Quinn. She holds an associate's degree in Accounting and Management from MCC, a bachelor's degree in Great Texts of the Western Tradition and a Master's of Science in Education in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education, both from Baylor University, and a Master's of Science in Counseling Psychology from Tarleton State University. Outside of work, Michele loves home improvement projects, traveling, and spending time with family.

Jonae started advising at MCC in February 2026 after moving to Waco from Houston. She earned her B.S. in Public Health, with a focus on Disease Control & Epidemiology, from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and her Master of Public Health from Walden University. She's worked across several public health fields, including healthcare operations, community health, and secondary school advising, before moving into higher education advising. Jonae enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and extended family. In her free time, she likes fishing, gardening, shopping, and a good chai latte.

Katherine is a longtime Wacoan who joined MCC's Advising & Career Services in 2025. She mainly advises students pursuing two- and four-year business degrees. Before MCC, she spent ten years working with business students and student entrepreneurs at Baylor University. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Baylor and spent several years in corporate marketing before moving into academia. Katherine enjoys reading at the beach, loves a good cup of coffee, and is a big fan of the Hamilton soundtrack.

Heather brings years of experience as an academic advisor and educator to MCC. She's an MCC alumna who was active in the college's TRIO Student Support Services program, where she received several awards, including "Outstanding Student of the Year." She holds three associate degrees from MCC, plus a bachelor's and a master's degree from Tarleton State University. Heather is passionate about education and enjoys helping students reach their academic and career goals. She's a lifelong learner who values continued growth, and in her spare time enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Allyson has worked in Advising & Career Services at MCC since summer 2017. Before that, she worked at the University Center at MCC and at a mental health clinic. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Baylor University and later a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Tarleton State University–Waco. In her free time, Allyson enjoys watching college football, listening to audiobooks, and spending time outdoors — usually with her husband and two corgis.

Tina Lyles earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, TX, and later returned to Wayland for her Master of Education. She also holds a degree from Mohave Community College in Bullhead City, AZ. Tina has built a long career in higher education, including roles as Financial Analyst for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Director of Education at WyoTech in Sacramento, CA, and Director of Business Programs at Heald College in Roseville, CA. Her family moved to Waco in 2014, and she joined MCC as an Advising Specialist over Career Services. From 2016–2025, she served as Associate Director of Advising and Career Services at MCC.

Jonathan is a native Wacoan who has worked in Advising & Career Services at MCC since February 2022. He graduated from the University of North Texas in 2007 with a degree in Psychology, then worked in child welfare for over ten years. In May 2020, he earned a Master's degree in Social Work through Tarleton State University at the MCC University Center, completing his licensure in fall 2021. As an advisor, he serves as the Public Service Pathway liaison. He and his wife, Lauren, live in Woodway with their son, Reed, daughter, Kate, and dog, Poppy. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys good food, traveling, camping, and exploring Waco.

Originally from New Hampshire, Lauren came to Waco in 2018 and taught art for nine years before joining MCC as an advisor in 2023. She earned her B.A. in Photography with a minor in Education from Colby-Sawyer College, and her M.A. in Teaching from the Upper Valley Educators Institute. Lauren enjoys traveling, photography, trying new foods with friends, relaxing in her hammock, and caring for her two cats. She manages the Academic Advising Handbook and the advisor social media accounts — follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Kari began advising at MCC in August 2018, after three years as Senior Executive Secretary for the V.P. of Research, Effectiveness, & I.T. and the Director of Marketing & Communications at MCC. Originally from Fort Worth, she moved to Waco in 2002 to earn a Master's of Divinity from George W. Truett Theological Seminary and a Master's in Church Music from Baylor University, completing both in 2006. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Hardin-Simmons University in 2002 with a Bachelor's of Music Education, and later taught voice at MCC as an adjunct faculty member for three years. In her free time, Kari cheers on the Baylor Bears, directs and acts in musicals at the Waco Civic Theatre, plays handbells at church, and cares for her Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Ginger & Buckley, and cat, Sasha. She and her husband Scott also play in the Texas Heatwave Band for weddings and special events. As an advisor, Kari specializes in the Health Professions and Creative Arts pathways, and leads Transfer Thursdays and the Get on the Bus program.

Johnny began advising at MCC in August 2018, after moving to Waco from northern Idaho, where he'd just finished his Master of Science in Environmental Science at the University of Idaho. Originally from Houston, he spent most of his adult life in the Pacific Northwest. He earned his bachelor's degree in Philosophy, also from the University of Idaho, graduating magna cum laude. Johnny has held a range of careers, including residential general contractor, wilderness guide in Central Idaho, and Navy service during the years around 9/11. He's raised three kids and enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping, fishing, and carpentry. At MCC, Johnny advises students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM Pathway). He also advises for the 2+2 biomedical sciences articulation agreement with Texas A&M — a strong path for students headed toward medicine or veterinary science.

Shaunquelle joined MCC's Advising & Career Services in March 2026. Before moving to Waco, she worked in college counseling and private practice after earning a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kent State University in Ohio. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Columbus State University in Georgia, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Shaunquelle enjoys helping students navigate their education, connect with campus resources, and reach their academic and career goals. She values personal growth and helping others build confidence and independence. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, discovering new coffee shops and restaurants, spending time with family and friends, and unwinding with a good book, show, or movie.

Natalie began advising at MCC in June 2021, after 13 years in public education as a teacher and school counselor. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas A&M University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and became certified to teach Pre-K through 8th grade. She later earned a Master of Education in Counseling in 2014 through the University Center at MCC, in partnership with Tarleton State University. Natalie enjoys spending time with her husband, Dave, and their two boys, Noah and Evan. She also enjoys cooking, baking, reading, gardening, and working on her latest Lego creation.

Dinithi (Dee) has worked in Advising & Career Services at MCC since October 2017. Born and raised in Sri Lanka, she moved to the United States in 2007 for college, earning her Bachelor's in Psychology and Master's in Educational Psychology from Wichita State University in Kansas. She served as a Combat Medic in the U.S. Army, stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, and later worked as a mental health case manager at MHMR in Waco after leaving the military. In her free time, Dee enjoys true crime and cooking shows — and cheesecake. She specializes in the Public Service Pathway for advising.