P. Dani Allen (they/she) serves as the University Centers Student Employment Coordinator for University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She oversees the hiring and onboarding of new student employees each semester, working in tandem with a student payroll coordinator and each department’s student managers to keep things flowing smoothly through the transition into Workday. They are passionate about peer leadership, student involvement, and fostering community, which are values that drive their work just as much as their studies. Dani is entering her senior year at UW-Stevens Point, majoring in Environmental Education & Interpretation, and minoring in Museum Studies. After graduation, she hopes to continue teaching stewardship and working with the public.
Missy Burgess (she/her/hers) is the Director of University Centers at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. University Centers has over 200 student employees across three main units (Conference and Event Services, Campus Activities & Student Engagement, and Fitness & Recreation Programs). As a first-generation college student herself, Burgess understands first-hand the value that student employment provides in terms of mentorship, belonging, and meeting financial needs. Burgess has a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, a Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel Services from Kansas State University and a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of North Dakota.
Maya Drumm is a former Team Lead for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Student Employment Team. She had the pleasure of working at the Office of Student Financial Aid for three years and enjoyed helping students navigate the hiring process. She graduated in 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
Izi Knoernschild serves as the Student Employment Project Specialist on the Student Employment Team, where she has spent the past two years supporting student success and employer partnerships. Her main role is to facilitate Federal Work‑Study contracts with off‑campus employers and author the team’s monthly newsletter. Izi earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and will graduate this spring from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Sabella Maas serves as the Student Employment Specialist for the Office of Student of Financial Aid at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In this role, she supports different student jobs platforms while fostering both campus and community partnerships to contribute to student success. She also helps coordinate student employment initiatives and supports the Federal Work-Study program. Sabella obtained a Bachelor of Science in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is passionate about educational access and student success.
Steve Manthey is the Office Manager for the Center of Educational Opportunity at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. With over two decades of multidisciplinary experience spanning communications, operations, education, IT, and design, Steve bridges gaps between people, operations, and technology.
Over the past two years as a supervisor, he has partnered with student staff, advisors, and administrators to develop the Perception Management Framework—a training approach focused on cultivating professional self-awareness and empowering employees to navigate workplace dynamics with confidence and intention.
Dr. Alan Mueller is a sought-after keynote speaker and leadership trainer who blends deep expertise with engaging storytelling to spark real change in organizations. As Senior Consultant at Adaptive Challenge Consulting, he draws on decades of experience spanning finance, sales, higher education, and hospitality management to deliver practical, high-impact leadership development. Dr. Mueller is the author of Leading with Emotional Intelligence and the TEDx speaker behind “Doing the Math: How Do We Measure Privilege.” His work is grounded in intercultural intelligence, helping executives and teams lead boldly across difference. He is also a Myers-Briggs Certified Interpreter who teaches teams how to unlock the power of this tool to understand how leaders and followers can work better together. What sets Alan apart is a background in professional improv comedy. For nearly a decade, he performed with an award-winning troupe and now teaches organizations how to use improv to strengthen executive presence, build trust, and supercharge collaboration. Whether in the boardroom or on the stage, Dr. Mueller is known for his authenticity, inclusion, and sharp sense of humor. He equips leaders not just to manage complexity, but to rise and thrive within it.
Kristina Rittel serves as the Student Employment Manager in the Office of Student Financial Aid at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has worked in higher education for over 15 years. Kristina supports the Federal Work Study program as well as the student employment experience which encompasses approximately 13,000 students. Kristina is passionate about working with students and enhancing the employment experience for all students at UW-Madison. Prior to working in financial aid, Kristina served as an Assignment Coordinator for University Housing at UW-Madison. She holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point as well as a Masters of Science degree in School Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Kristina is very active in the regional and national student employment associations; serving a 3 year term as President for the Midwest Association of Student Employment Administrators and currently serving as President for the National Student Employment Association.