Meet Your Counselor

As a busy adult looking for a degree completion program, you have specific needs and questions about your circumstances. Taking the time to talk to one of our counselors will provide you with information specific to you! Our counselors are eager to get to know you and help you find out if Hope is the school for you. Please email us or call us at (888)352-HOPE.

Counselor Name: Staci Freeman

Counselor Since: 2008

Hometown: Redondo Beach, CA

Degree(s): B.S. in Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside

Serving: SPS

Advice to prospective students?
Honestly, I would say “Go for it!” I don’t say that lightly, as I know it is a huge decision, and there are certainly sacrifices to be made along the way. Even though the time and financial commitment can seem daunting, I have yet to meet someone who has regretted their decision to go back to school!

I once heard someone say that time will pass, and we will eventually find ourselves at any given age down the road. In light of that, the challenge was to ask ourselves, “When I am ‘X’ years old, do I want to be that age with a degree or without?” That one question has been a filter for me for many decisions I have made, and continue to make.

It is a pleasure for me to walk alongside people as they make a decision about completing a degree. As one prays and seeks advice about the steps to take, it is an honor to help make that transition as smooth as possible.

How do you spend your free time?
When I am not spending time with family and friends trying new recipes and restaurants or catching the latest movie to hit the big screen, you can usually find me enjoying a good cup of coffee or diving headfirst into a good book!

Contact Staci
Phone: (714) 879-3901 ext. 2634
Fax: (888) 509-7497
Email: smfreeman@hiu.edu

Counselor Name: Jennifer Ross

Counselor Since: 2007

Hometown: Marion, SD

Degree(s): B.S. in Social Studies Education, B.S. in Bible, Northwestern College, St.Paul, MN

Serving: SPS - Human Development (Counseling and Education), Christian Ministry, Intercultural Studies programs

Advice to prospective students?
For many students, going back to college is a frightening idea; the thought of managing studies and busy lives can be overwhelming. The wonderful thing about SPS is that we expect our students to have busy lives! You will have to make adjustments to your schedule to advance your education, but we try to make that a manageable goal.

Each student I talk to faces a challenge when they talk about finishing their degree, it can be a busy schedule, finances, timing, etc. My advise to each student is to take the time to fully explore your options at Hope. Don't assume it's not possible for you! Every day I have the privilege of working with students who figure out that a degree is an attainable goal.

How do you spend your free time?
Much of my free time is used being involved in a church plant, it provides many opportunities for community outreaches and serving those in need in our community. I also enjoy cooking for friends and family and spending time watching hockey with my husband. I love a good book, a nice restaurant or a quiet night at home.

Contact Jennifer
Phone: (425) 330-6558
Fax: (888) 509-7497
Email: jross@hiu.edu