Meet the Staff

Director of Achieve
rpugh@siu.edu

Roger earned his B.A. and M.A. in English from SIU, and has worked as part of the Achieve Program as an undergraduate tutor, a graduate-level case manager, and then in an administrative capacity as a Developmental Skills Training Specialist, for a total of over 33 years of service. Roger was named the interim director of Achieve in 2023 and became permanent director in February 2024.  He is committed to the mission of the Program and looks forward to helping each new student in Achieve successfully reach their goals. He is a lifelong musician and plays in three bands in southern Illinois. He is an avid player and collector of role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons.

Director of Student Services
ashleync@siu.edu

Ashley completed her degrees in Management at SIU and SIUE. She joined the Achieve Program supervising our case management staff in 2023. In 2025, she expanded her responsibilities at Achieve and became the Director of Student Services. In this role she administers and evaluates the full range of student services at the Program, including case management and student lab operations. Her role is to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of a variety of services to our students. She loves to read, and she raises chickens.

Senior Business Manager
william.armstrong@siu.edu

Bill earned his B.S. in Management and his M.B.A. from SIU. He started working at SIU in the Procurement Office in 2022.  He became the Senior Business Manager for the Office for Access and Accommodations (which includes the Achieve Program) in 2025.  He loves the outdoors, baseball and the Phillies. As a non-traditional student, he understands that every student brings something different and valuable to the University. He is excited to be a part of the Achieve staff so he can help others earn their degrees. 

Graduate Assistant Case Manager
pukar.bhandari@siu.edu

Pukar joined the Achieve program as a case manager in Fall 2025. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Kathmandu University, Nepal, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at SIU, focusing on computer vision research. In his role, Pukar supports student success through course planning, academic coordination, and resource navigation, helping students develop effective study strategies and achieve their academic goals. When he's not supporting students, you'll find him on the soccer field, where he's equally passionate about fostering growth and collaboration. 

Graduate Assistant Case Manager

paula.horton@siu.edu 

Paula Horton recently earned a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Communication Studies from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she graduated with honors. During her undergraduate career, she worked extensively with students through the Illinois Tutoring Initiative, serving as both a tutor and site manager, and founded Divergent Dawgs, an organization supporting neurodivergent students on campus. As an autistic scholar and advocate, Paula is passionate about helping students build confidence, access support systems, and thrive in higher education. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Communication Studies at SIU and is excited to work with Achieve students and their families throughout their college journey.

Graduate Assistant Case Manager
deshera.myers@siu.edu

DeShera is a second-year student in the Counseling and Rehabilitation Education program. She earned her bachelor's at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2013 in Community Health with a focus in health planning and administration. She will be interning this year at Counseling and Psychological Services at SIU and at the Stress and Trauma Center. DeShera's counseling persepctive helps her engage with students, carefully evaluate their concerns, and suggest courses of actions to solve problems and empower students. In her free time, she likes to read books, craft with her daughter, and watch mystery shows. 

Graduate Assistant Case Manager
angshu.neupane@siu.edu

Angshu completed her master's degree in Social Work at SIUC and is currently pursuing her PhD in Educational Administration. She has been a graduate assistant with the Achieve Program since August of 2021. Angshu's years of experience help her deliver guidance, strategies and advice to her students. Her knowledge of SIU systems and resources helps students resolve issues quickly. Her positive attitude makes the office a fun place to be. She is from Nepal, so ping her if you want to know anything about her country! 

Graduate Assistant Case Manager
pranjal.neupane@siu.edu

Pranjal earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Southern Illinois University in 2025 and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Pranjal has worked at the Achieve Program for more than three years, contributing previously in a variety of capacities such as proctoring, tutoring, being an Academic Mentor & Tutor, (AMT), and a Case Manager in Training (CMiT). His understanding of the different components of the Program provides context and depth to his work as a case manager. Pranjal is excited about using his broad experience and knowledge of the program to support the Achieve community and promote student success and achievement.

kennedy.pierce@siu.edu 

Kennedy completed her bachelors in Psychology at Southern Illinois University in 2025 and is currently pursing in masters in Counseling and Rehabilitation education. She has a background working with adults with developmental disabilities teaching job seeking skills. Kennedy has over 5 years of human service experience ranging from healthcare to individual case management. She uses a person-centered approach when working with clients and is excited to excited to help students reach their fullest potential at the Achieve Program!    

Graduate Assistant Case Manager
irma.reyescorea@siu.edu

Irma earned her bachelor’s degree in English Teaching in Honduras and holds master’s degrees in Linguistics and TESOL from Southern Illinois University. She has taught English as a second language for over 10 years and Spanish for three years. Irma is beginning her second year in the Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction at SIU. She brings a teacher's instincts, organization, and creativity to case management. She loves cooking and creating fun, interactive teaching resources. Irma is excited to be part of the Achieve team and looks forward to supporting students while sharing her passion for education and language learning. 

Graduate Assistant Case Manager

sophia.slupski@siu.edu 

Sophia earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Southern Illinois University in 2026 and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work. She has previously worked in multiple peer mentor roles at SIU, in CoLA, and First Saluki Center for more than three years. She recently completed an internship at Brehm Prepatory School, a prestigious and specialized school for students with learning differences. In her free time, she likes to go on hikes, play pickleball, attend community & university events, watch movies & tv shows, and bake. Sophia is excited to apply her skills and experience to support the students in The Achieve Program, and to be able to work in a new setting and to gain more skills. 

Graduate Assistant Case Manager
anthony.taayang@siu.edu

Anthony earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Ghana Technology University College and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Cyber Systems at Southern Illinois University and graduates in fall 2026. His professional background includes experience in technical support, customer service, and student support services, which have strengthened his communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.  As a Case Manager with Achieve, Anthony supports students in achieving their academic, personal, and professional goals. Through regular meetings, individualized coaching, and resource coordination, he helps students develop skills in organization, time management, self-advocacy, and academic success. Anthony is passionate about creating a supportive and encouraging environment where students can build confidence, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.  Outside of his work with students, Anthony enjoys working out, traveling, playing video games, and participating in outdoor activities. He values continuous learning, personal growth, and connecting with others through mentorship and meaningful engagement.