Meet the Staff

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Cush Cuthbertson | Student Retention Specialist, African American, Black, and Multiracial Student

Originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Cush has called Indiana her second home since 2021. After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Texas Woman’s University, she realized she wanted to take her passion for helping others to the next level. While an undergraduate student, Cush discovered her passion for guiding and mentoring students through their academic and social transitions while working as an academic coach. More recently, she has supported students and community development at the systems level for the Marshall County Community Foundation and United Way.

Cush joined the Titan Success Center in January 2023 and is excited to support students on their academic journey. Cush looks forward to creating a welcoming and supportive environment at every step while helping students work through challenges and build on their strengths.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, going to indie music concerts, and being outdoors in nature! On occasion, you can find her making arts and crafts, reading top Reddit comments, and pondering questions of human connection and togetherness. Cush feels most centered when she is journaling, learning more about Caribbean history, and advocating for local, sustainable, and just food systems.

Brenna Giazzon, BM | Transfer Student Specialist

Brenna is a Illinois native who graduated from Butler University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a minor in Spanish. At Butler, she participated in multiple music ensembles including the Butler University Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Orchestra, and co-founded a student-led brass choir. In addition, Brenna was a member of the Women’s Chorus which led to an opportunity to perform at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the Rolling Stones. She also studied abroad in Spain and lived with a host family in Alcalá de Henares. Once graduating from Butler University, Brenna spent five years teaching band at Munster and Bremen.

Brenna joined the TCS team as the Transfer Student Specialist in December 2022, and is excited to develop an exciting program that invites students to campus and feel supported through every step of their educational journey at IU South Bend and beyond.

In her free time Brenna enjoys playing video games, spending time with her cats, and camping. She hopes to travel abroad frequently and continue to discover new anime to watch. She also teaches private lessons and is a member of the IU South Bend community band.

Jenny Gonzalez, BS | 21st Century Scholar Success Specialist

Jenny Gonzalez, a proud alumna of Indiana University South Bend (IUSB), has dedicated her professional career to supporting and empowering students in higher education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Human Resources Management. Jenny is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration at IUSB's Judd Leighton School of Business and Economics, further enhancing her expertise and skills.

Jenny’s journey in higher education has been marked by her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and student engagement. During her time at IUSB, she has held several key roles that showcase her leadership and dedication. As the President and Founder of the Titans on-the-Go commuter club, Jenny created a supportive community for commuters. Her role as Chief Diversity Officer for the Student Government Association highlighted her advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Jenny joined the Titan Success Center as a 21st Century Scholar Success Specialist, where she is dedicated to providing personalized support and resources to scholars. Fluent in Spanish, she excels at bridging communication gaps for Spanish-speaking students and their families, ensuring they have access to the information and support they need to thrive. Jenny's role involves fostering an inclusive environment and helping students navigate the challenges of higher education, drawing from her own experiences as a first-generation student.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Jenny enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She is passionate about travel and is always seeking new adventures. Jenny's dedication to student success and her strategic approach to problem-solving make her an invaluable asset to the Titan Success Center and the students she serves.

Isel Herrera, BA | Latine Student Retention Specialist

Isel, a native Hoosier from Ligonier, Indiana, proudly graduated from Saint Mary's College as a first-generation Latina. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and Spanish with a concentration in Global Justice and Human Rights, complemented by a minor in Justice Studies. During her time at Saint Mary's, Isel served as a student worker in the Division of Inclusion and Equity, a Belles Connect leader and scholar (a program supporting first-generation and underrepresented students) and excelled as a resident assistant. Her academic journey was enriched by a semester abroad in Spain, where she immersed herself in Seville under the guidance of a host señora.

Isel joined the Titan Success Center as the Latine Student Retention Specialist in June 2024 and is excited to support students on their educational journey. In this role, she is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for Latine students. Fluent in Spanish, she enjoys offering language services and bridging communication gaps for Spanish-speaking students and their families. Her goal is to empower students to overcome challenges, celebrate their cultural heritage, and achieve their academic and career aspirations.

As one of the first in her family to navigate the challenges of higher education, she intimately understands the struggles faced by first-generation students. With her own experiences shaping her perspective, Isel is deeply committed to supporting students who may encounter similar obstacles. When Isel is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her cat Mimi. She's passionate about travel and aspires to visit all seven wonders of the world before turning 30.

Becky Lindstrom, MSEd | Guided Pathways Academy Success Coach

Becky grew up in Mishawaka and earned both her Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and a Master of Science in Education from Purdue University. She has a diverse career background that includes experiences in K-12 education, environmental conservation, nonprofit program management, and higher education. After college, she moved out west for thirteen years, worked in three different national parks, became conversational in Spanish, and earned her certification in Professional Coaching for Work & Life through the UC Davis continuing education program in 2014.

After she started her own coaching practice, Becky returned to the area where she combined her love of coaching and her passion for working with students as a consultant at Saint Mary’s College and an Enrollment Specialist for Ivy Tech Community College. She joined the TSC team in March 2023, and is excited to provide coaching support for Guided Pathways Academy students here at Indiana University South Bend.

When she isn’t at work, Becky loves to garden, take nature photos, and go rockhounding along the beaches of Lake Michigan. She also enjoys spending quality time with her extended family in southern Minnesota and relaxing at home in South Bend with her partner. Her personal experiences living with generalized anxiety have made her a strong advocate for destigmatizing conversations around mental health and taught her the importance of learning how to effectively manage stress, especially during times of adversity and uncertainty. She is honored to serve as a resource for anyone in need of support.

Kathy Miller, BGS | 21st Century Scholars Coordinator

Kathy is a Mishawaka native. As a former 21st Century Scholar, she graduated from IU South Bend in 2006 with a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies with a concentration in Arts and Humanities. As a student, she began working on campus as part of work study for the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, and became a full-time staff member before graduation. She has over 15 years of experience helping students navigate their college journey.

In her free time, Kathy spends time with her husband and two children, who are always keeping her on her toes and laughing. She also enjoys crafting, crocheting and trying new baking recipes.

As the 21st Century Scholars Coordinator, Kathy is excited to help Scholars ensure that they are not only completing the requirements to maintain their award, but also stay successful in the classroom while balancing life.

Administrative Assistant

Lori Schmatz

Lori began working for IU South Bend in 2017 and currently works in the Titan Success Center as an Administrative Assistant.  She is dedicated to working alongside and supporting the Academic Success Coaches with the shared commitment in providing students the help and guidance they need.

Outside of work, Lori enjoys traveling, going to concerts, attending sporting events and especially spending time with her family.

Lori is excited to work with and provide support to her colleagues and learn new and different processes and information. She looks forward to greeting the students and making them feel welcome at the Titan Success Center.