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.

Student Lab Coordinator
shaley.valentine@siu.edu

Shaley completed her Ph.D. in Zoology at SIU and is passionate about teaching and helping students learn. She is excited to use pedagogical and supervisory training and experience to help students grow, discover their interests, and develop personally and professionally. She joined the Achieve Program as the Student Lab Coordinator in 2026. Her hobbies include anything outdoors, board and video games, traveling, and cooking.

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 completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Kathmandu University, Nepal. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at SIU. He loves playing soccer, hiking and traveling. He has previously worked as a Graduate Assistant at the SIU Sustainability Office and as a Teaching Assistant at the School of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering. He looks forward to applying his skills and experience to support student success in the Achieve program.

Graduate Assistant Case Manager
deshera.myers@siu.edu

Hello! My name is DeShera Myers I am a Southern Illinois native. I grew up in DuQuoin and then attended the University Of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign and graduated in 2013. I have worked with vulnerable populations in skilled nursing and with the intellectually disabled since then. In my free time, I like to participate in book club with my friends, craft with my daughter, and watch mystery shows. I most look forward to working in a new setting to be able to learn new things!

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 2021. She is from Nepal, so ping her if you want to know anything about her country! Every day, Angshu bring her positive good attitude and helping hands to the Achieve Program, no matter the situation.

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 in a variety of capacities such as proctoring, tutoring, an Academic Mentor & Tutor, (AMT), and a Case Manager in Training (CMiT). Pranjal is excited about using his broad experience and knowledge of the program to support the Achieve community and promote student success and achievement.

Graduate Assistant Case Manager
olivert03@siu.edu

Tangela is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Administration at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She earned her Master's in Workforce Education and Development in 2012. Tangela began her higher education journey at John A. Logan College and is a proud first-generation college student.  She brings over 15 years of experience in education and human services, including working as a Carl Perkins Tutor, EOC Aide, Behavioral Health Technician, Corrections Assessment Specialist, and Parole Case Manager. Tangela is also a passionate advocate for youth, returning citizens and underserved communities and currently serves as the Vice President of the Carbondale Branch NAACP and proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.  In her free time, Tangela enjoys attending community events, engaging in community service, and spending time with her family. She is most excited to bring her life experiences, empathy, enthusiasm and resourcefulness to the Achieve Program to support students in reaching their goals both academically and personally. 

Graduate Assistant Case Manager
cassidy.paul@siu.edu

My name is Cassidy Paul, and I am a first-year graduate student in the CARE program. My concentration is clinical mental health, and I plan to become a high school counselor one day.  My favorite activities include reading, going to the gym, and spending time with friends and family. 

Graduate Assistant Case Manager
irma.reyescorea@siu.edu

Irma earned her bachelor’s degree in English Teaching in Honduras and holds a double master’s degree in Linguistics and TESOL from Southern Illinois University. She has taught English as a second language for over 10 years and Spanish for 3 years. Irma is currently in her first semester of the Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction at SIU. She loves cooking and enjoys 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
anthony.taayang@siu.edu

Anthony earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Ghana Technology University College. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity at Southern Illinois University. With a strong background in customer and technical support, Anthony has worked in roles that emphasized communication, problem-solving, and student outreach. He enjoys volunteering, exploring cybersecurity tools, and connecting with others through mentorship. He’s excited to support students through Achieve and contribute to a welcoming, success-oriented environment.