Have an idea to enhance the student experience at Adler University in Chicago? Is there a campus or program issue you’d like to bring attention to? Looking for someone to help ensure your voice is heard and advocate for your needs?
The Adler Student Government (ASG) supports the student body and guides students toward systematic and healthy problem-solving strategies. ASG also acts as a liaison between University administration or faculty and the Chicago Campus’ student body to promote transparency and the accurate dissemination of information.
This year’s executive board members are:
- Jeanne Porges, President.
- Olivia Valdes, Vice President.
- Rebecca Paye, Secretary.
- Natika Banks, Diversity and Inclusion Officer.
- Madi Bergstrom, Doctoral Cohort Liaison.
- Kavan Nakai, Master’s Cohort Liaison.
As the new Fall term starts, let’s get to know and meet some of the student leaders and officers tasked with advocating on the students’ behalf.
Visit the ASG webpage to learn more about the full executive board.
Jeanne Porges
President
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology: Substance Use Treatment and Traumatic Stress emphases | Chicago Campus
Where is your hometown?
Mount Prospect, Illinois, in the northwest suburbs of Chicago
What sparked your interest in joining the ASG Board?
As a student who has experience chairing the board of directors of a national nonprofit organization, I have valuable experience with leadership, operations, governance, budgeting, and finances. During my first year at Adler, I did not know who was in ASG or how to get involved, and I was unsure of how to address issues or conflicts that occurred.
After learning about ASG during a conversation with Student Affairs last year, I realized their meetings weren’t open to students. I initiated discussions with ASG leadership at that time, encouraging them to do so. This experience sparked my interest in potentially joining ASG and prompted me to think about what I could achieve within the organization.
From your perspective, how does your role with ASG impact/benefit your fellow students, staff, and faculty?
I am very invested in Adler as a Psy.D. student who will be here for six years, and I care a lot about my peers and professors. I plan to use my leadership, organizing, and advocacy skills to address student concerns regarding systemic issues at Adler.
What led you to Adler?
Adler University was my first-choice program out of the three Psy.D. programs I applied to in Chicago. As a community organizer, promoting social responsibility within clinical practice appealed to me. As a DePaul graduate, our university motto was “Here We Do.” The act of doing and engaging in social change is a core value of mine that helps me find meaning, hope, and motivation when life is overwhelming and challenging. I chose Adler because we are trained on how to work within the community and reform and disrupt harmful or oppressive systems.
Jeanne Porges
What is your dream career after your time at Adler?
I plan to get certified to implement psychedelic-assisted therapies as a clinician, treating primarily trauma and substance use disorders.
When I’m not in class or studying, I’m:
Going to concerts or music festivals and doing community organizing.
One fun fact about me:
In the summer of 2017, I backpacked 80 miles through North Cascades National Park in Washington and sea kayaked 70 miles through Desolation Sound in British Columbia.
Rebecca Paye
Secretary
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Online Campus
Where is your hometown?
Detroit, Michigan
What sparked your interest in joining the ASG Board?
I am really passionate about promoting neurodiversity-affirming practices and hope to serve as an agent of change and growth, particularly in setting a new standard of inclusion here at Adler and contributing to the goal of positioning this institution as a model for others along these lines.
From your perspective, how does your role with ASG impact/benefit your fellow students, staff, and faculty?
While I’m quite new to this role, I hope to be able to create an accessible system of communication that goes both ways: distilling the actions and priorities of the Board for review of the student body and collecting input from the student body to inform the goals and objectives of the Board.
What led you to Adler?
Adler University stood out to me because it emphasizes social justice within the counseling profession.
What is your dream career after your time at Adler?
I would love to obtain my independent licensure and open my own private practice, with a focus on needs-based and rights-based ADHD support.
When I’m not in class or studying, I’m:
Being my authentic ADHD self, which includes running my ADHD support group, seeing clients as an ADHD coach, working on projects within my brother’s nonprofit, tending to my plants, reading, playing a wide variety of instruments, mixing cocktails, hyper-focusing on the topic du jour, learning a new language, going out with friends, or spending time with my partner or my cat.
One fun fact about me:
I really love to travel.
Rebecca Paye and her partner at the Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, Portugal.
Madi Bergstrom
ASG Doctoral Cohort Liaison
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology: Child and Adolescent emphasis | Chicago Campus
Where is your hometown?
Salt Lake City, Utah, and I miss my mountains.
What sparked your interest in joining the ASG Board?
I wanted to join ASG because I feel the University was not meeting my expectations as a student and wanted to help improve how it upholds its social justice mission. I want to get closer to the inside of the decision-making process and ensure that as students — and the primary stakeholders of the school — we are heard.
Madi Bergstrom
From your perspective, how does your role with ASG impact/benefit your fellow students, staff, and faculty?
As the cohort liaison, I hope to better connect students across our various programs, especially students outside of my own program, and elevate their voices.
What led you to Adler?
I came to Adler University because I believe it’s essential for psychology to operate from a place of social justice.
What is your dream career after your time at Adler?
After I graduate, I aim to work with children and families through school- and community-based interventions.
When I’m not in class or studying, I’m:
Likely playing video games or drawing.
One fun fact about me:
I love to do spooky photoshoots in the fall.
Natika Banks
Natika Banks
Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Chicago Campus
Where is your hometown?
Chicago
What sparked your interest in joining the ASG Board?
My cohort inspired me to join the ASG Board. We all come from different walks of life, and I’ve never met a more supportive group. I was inspired to advocate for a positive educational experience for all Adler students. I appreciate my cohort’s grace, respect, support, and encouragement.
From your perspective, how does your role with ASG impact/benefit your fellow students, staff, and faculty?
As chief diversity officer, my role impacts/benefits my fellow students, staff, and faculty by being a voice that creates unity between all parties to cultivate an environment of cohesiveness and an inclusive learning experience. This year’s ASG Board aims to collaborate more with other student organizations, the Department of Student Affairs, and other faculty.
What led you to Adler?
Adler was my first choice due to its reputation for successful academic outcomes and the level of preparation provided in the coursework and practicum.
What is your dream career after your time at Adler?
I’m currently the executive director at a psychiatric facility in Old Town. This is my dream job. However, earning this degree will enhance the experience of the population I currently work with.
When I’m not in class or studying, I’m:
Watching anime, painting, shopping, or catching up with friends.
One fun fact about me:
I cosplay professionally and spoke at C2E2 and Anime Midwest this year.