Academic Advisors
Kevin Anderson II - Denfeld High School
612-709-7112 | [email protected]
Kevin Anderson II is the Academic Advisor at Denfeld High School in Duluth. In 2010, he returned to University of Tennessee State and graduated with a Bachelor's of Social Science with an emphasis in Sociology. In his free time, he likes to be outdoors and spend time with family. One thing he'd like students to know about him is that he understands the challenges and obstacles that can come with balancing school, life, and future goals. He's here to support you, encourage you, and help you find your path—no matter where you’re starting from.
Paige Waskow - Edison High School & Wellstone High School
612-358-5003 | [email protected]
Paige is the academic advisor at both Edison and Wellstone. She graduated in 2022 from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA with a Bachelor's degree in political science and environmental studies. She's spent time working in outdoor and science education and is excited to support students as they create their educational goals. In her free time, she likes to spend time in nature canoeing, playing ultimate frisbee, and going on bike rides.
Aimee Vang - Roosevelt High School
612-248-5195 | [email protected]
Aimee is the academic advisor at Roosevelt in Minnee graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies and is now pursuing a Master's Degree online at UW-Stout. One fun fact about Aimee is that she studied abroad in France, Ireland and Scotland where she stayed in a palace!
Tala Kim - South High School
651-435-1065 | [email protected]
Tala Kim currently serves as the Academic Advisor for South High School. She graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities with a degree in Anthropology. One of her favorite things to do is explore the outdoors and read historical fiction.
Administrative Staff
Anna Phan - Program Director
612-624-0567 | [email protected]
Anna Phan, a passionate advocate for students in higher education, serves as our new Director. She earned her undergraduate degree from the College of Saint Benedict and spent a year studying Chinese in Beijing, China. She went on to complete a Master of Advanced Social and International Studies at the University of Tokyo. During her graduate research on international politics and shared resources such as rivers, Anna discovered that her true calling lies in student services. She finds deep fulfillment in supporting students, who continually inspire her to grow and contribute meaningfully to the learning community.
Fun fact: she is licensed to drive a bus and held a bus-driving position as a college student!
Tabatha Cruz - Program Coordinator
763-313-0132 | [email protected]
Tabatha Cruz is the Program Coordinator for UMD TRIO Upward Bound. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. For over 10 years, she has worked in higher education supporting students through academic advising, leadership development, college access, and student engagement. Tabatha is passionate about helping students recognize their own strengths and navigate systems that can sometimes feel overwhelming. As a first-generation college student herself, she understands how meaningful it can be to have someone in your corner who will answer your questions, help you make sense of the process, and believe in you along the way. Outside of work and school, Tabatha is always up for a good conversation or a new adventure, and enjoys spending time with family and friends.