Orientation Staff

Yalaina Bisumber

Orientation Coordinator

Year: Sophomore
Major: Pre-Nursing
Hometown: Miramar, FL

Camille Waddell

Orientation Student Team Leader

• Year: Junior
• Major: Communication Science and Disorders
• Hometown: Cartersville, GA

Caroline Roddy

Orientation Parent/Guest Team Leader

• Year: Sophomore
• Pronouns: She/Her
• Major: Communications
• Hometown: Spring, TX
• Personal Fact: I can play 6 different instruments.
• Quote: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -Eleanor Roosevelt
• Movie/TV Show:  Mamma Mia

Zachary Turner

Orientation Leader

• Year: Junior
• Hometown: Charlotte, NC
• Personal Fact: I designed a shirt for the Intercultural Affairs office.
• Quote: "Kick reason to the curb and surpass the impossible" -Kamina from "Green Lagann"
• Favorite Movie/TV Show: Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World and New Girl

Debra Clayton

Orientation Office Assistant

• Year: Sophomore
• Pronouns: She/Her
• Major: Pre-Nursing
• Hometown: Spring Lake, NC
• Personal Fact: I LOVE to travel and learned that from a young age due to being a military kid.
• Quote: "Happiness is the richest thing we will ever own." - Donald Duck, Ducktales the Movie
• Favorite Movie/TV Show: Star Wars: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith

Valeria Rodriguez

Orientation Leader

• Year: Junior
• Pronouns: She/Her
• Major: Nutrition and Dietetics
• Hometown: Jacksonville, NC
• Personal Fact: I have visited 9 different countries in Central America
• Quote: "Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."
• Favorite Movie/TV Show: Rio 

eL Gadzekpo

Orientation Leader

Year: Sophomore
Major: Business Law
Hometown: Maryville, TN

Alexis Caravella

Orientation Counselor

Year: Freshman
Hometown: Stewartsville, NJ

Hannah Caruso

Orientation Counselor

Year: Sophomore
Major: Forensic Science
Hometown: Monroe, NC

Jae Cathcart

Orientation Counselor

Year: Freshman
Major: Undeclared
Hometown: Concord, NC

Jemiah Davidson

Orientation Counselor

Year: Freshman
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Major: Forensic Anthropology
Minor: Global Black Studies
Hometown: Gaffney, SC

Christian Diaz

Orientation Counselor

Year: Freshman
Major: EMC/Health Science
Hometown: Asheboro, NC

Gavynn Grant

Orientation Counselor

Year: Freshman
Hometown: Simpsonville, SC

Ryleigh Hucal

Orientation Counselor

Year: Freshman
Major: Interior Design
Hometown: Hubert, NC

Jonathan (JoJo) Mendoza

Orientation Counselor

Year: Freshman
Hometown: Lowell, NC

Alexis Naughton

Orientation Counselor

Year: Freshman
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Pearisburg, VA

Mack Neaves

Orientation Counselor

Year: Freshman
Hometown: Morganton, NC

B Padgett

Orientation Counselor

Year: Freshman
Major: Recreational Therapy
Minor: Psychology, Special Education
Hometown: Lake Waccamaw, NC

Katie Ramsey

Orientation Counselor

Year: Junior
Hometown: Conover, NC

Jackson Sanders

Orientation Counselor

Year: Freshman
Hometown: Carolina Beach, NC

Ziya Stancil

Orientation Counselor

Year: Freshman
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Greensboro, NC

Eros Trujillo

Orientation Counselor

Year: Freshman
Major: Music Education
Hometown: Smithfield, NC

Paige Witteborg

Orientation Counselor

Year: Freshman
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Biology, Pre-Health Professional Concentration
Hometown: Greenville, NC

Savannah Byerly

New Student Orientation Administrative Support Associate

Bio: Savannah grew up in Western Carolina while getting her Associates Degree in Health Information Technology. While the medical field was always a passion of hers after 10 plus years it was time for a change. She moved back to Jackson County in fall of 2021 to work in higher education. She enjoys meeting new students and families and has a calming way to ensure parents that their students are in good hands.

While outside of work she loves to spend time with her little boy and family going camping, dirt track racing, and the beach. She also enjoys reading, working out, and shopping.

Tammy Frizzell

Assistant Director of New Student Orientation

Bio: Tammy started her career at WCU in 2006, and just marked her 15^th year of service. A two-time alum, Tammy received her undergraduate degree (B.A. in European History) from WCU along with her Mater’s (M.A. in American History). She enjoys meeting new students, and helping them and their families navigate the path towards enrollment.  Tammy is an avid reader, loves word games, and Science Fiction.

Fun Fact: Tammy can fit inside the clothes dryers at the University of Stirling in Scotland. Study abroad at WCU is a wonderful opportunity.

Josh Thompson

Director of New Student Orientation

Bio: Josh is a life-long Catamount having attended WCU for both his undergraduate degree (B.S. in Communications) and graduate degree (M.Ed. in College Student Personnel). He discovered his passion for working with students after serving as an Orientation Counselor, Resident Assistant, and Golden Ambassador (Entourage) during his time as a student. Josh has worked in Student Affairs at WCU for 9+ years as a Resident Director, Admissions Counselor, and Senior Assistant Director of Admissions before becoming the Director of Orientation in 2018. Josh has stayed active at WCU outside of Orientation as well, as he serves as the ESPN+ play-by-play announcer for Catamount Soccer. Outside of work Josh enjoys sports, video games, and spending time with his family.

Fun Fact: Josh was the 2007 WCU Homecoming King.