Meet the Staff and Advisors
The faculty, advisors, and staff at the School of Adult Learning are committed to providing personalized service to make your transition back to the classroom smooth and successful. We are here to help you reach your goals and excel in your chosen field.
When you enroll at North Park, you’ll be matched with an advisor who exclusively serves our adult students and understands the challenges of balancing school with work, family, and community involvement. Your advisor will help you navigate your choices so you can successfully complete your program on the timeline that’s right for you.
Admissions
Leslie Bertholdt
Assistant Director of Admissions
At North Park since: 2007
Leslie works with all incoming students in the School of Adult Learning, leading them through the application and admission process. She'll help you review transcripts and provide helpful advice on what courses could transfer. You can talk with Leslie about your educational and career goals and she'll help you find your best fit in the majors and programs we offer.
Request more information from Leslie about the School of Adult Learning, or contact her at (773) 244-4577 or lbertholdt@northpark.edu.
Advisors
Hannah Barbosa
Student and Academic Services Coordinator and Academic Advisor
Teaches: Personal Development, Christian Ethics
At North Park since: 2001
Hannah appreciates serving as an advisor at North Park because she believes that in the School of Adult Learning, “our students are not numbers, but people. All of my students are worthy of individual attention.” As an instructor for the personal development class, she enjoys seeing students explore their faith as something that can lead to better physical and mental health.
She received an MA in Christian ministry from North Park, and her BA in history with an emphasis in Latin America from Princeton University.
Christopher Hubbard
Assessment Coordinator and Academic Advisor
Expertise: Cognitive and behavior self-leadership strategies and career mobility
At North Park since: 2011
Christopher appreciates what he describes as the "relational" approach of the School of Adult Learning. Walking alongside students to help them achieve their"academic and career goals is what the School of Adult Learning does well." In the classroom, Christopher sees the range of diversity as a benefit of learning. As such, he will often "frame questions in the classroom in such a way as to highlight the varying perspectives" represented, which point to North Park’s identity as a purposefully multicultural university.
Christopher earned master’s degrees in business administration, with a concentration in organizational development, and Christian ministry, with a concentration in administration and leadership, from North Park. He is currently a second-year PhD student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology studying organizational leadership.
Patricia McCanna
Prior Learning Assessment Coordinator and Academic Advisor
At North Park since: 2006
Patti has been working with adults returning to school since 1982 and says, “The degree completion program at North Park offers adults a quality path to finish work they started elsewhere.” As Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) coordinator, she works directly with students who enjoy the benefits of the School of Adult Learning’s option to earn academic credit by articulating college-level learning that has taken place outside the traditional classroom setting.
She coordinates the capstone seminar for School of Adult Learning students, where she works with students at the end of their North Park careers, enjoying seeing them plan for graduate work or other opportunities. Patti has master’s degrees in English and spirituality from Loyola University Chicago.
Julie Westerman
Faculty Development Coordinator and Academic Advisor
Teaches: Writing for the Disciplines, Studies in Literature, Film Studies
At North Park since: 1999
Julie enjoys the environment of North Park, where, as she says, “faith is encouraged to be a part of the conversation, and where teaching and interaction are the true priorities.” She believes that the School of Adult Learning provides important opportunities for student interaction and participation, as well as hands-on assistance from advisors and faculty.
“We know our students and the challenges they face,” Julie says. “The program is full of people who really care about student learning, achievement, and progress.”
She received a master’s degree in writing from DePaul University, and is pursuing an MFA in creative fiction at Northwestern University.
Staff
Danielle Testen
Office Manager
At North Park since: 2012
Danielle received a bachelor of science in organizational leadership from Dominican University’s adult learning program. She is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society for adult learners. Danielle believes in doing her part to create a learning experience that is service friendly, accessible, and flexible for North Park’s adult students.
She enjoys attending North Park chapel services and volunteering with Working in the Schools (WITS), a literacy organization for elementary public school students. Danielle appreciates being able to serve at a Christian university.