Meet the Team
The Explore Program team will get to know you as we support your transition to Northeastern and help you prepare for your future major and experiential opportunities. Our small community allows for frequent contact with your advisor and availability to meet as often as you need.
Kim Irmiter
Kim Irmiter
Director
Education: B.A. in English from Connecticut College; M.A. in English from DePaul University.
What she loves about her job: Kim can be heard to say that if she were asked to write an ideal job description, it would be her very job. She is hopeful that students in the Northeastern Explore Program will be able to say this throughout their own careers.
What she does outside of work: Kim spends her free time with her husband and daughters, vacationing in Chicago each summer, rehabbing their old house south of Boston, and reading voluminous historical biographies.
Jessica Tiblin
Jessica Tiblin
Assistant Director
Education: B.A. in Psychology and Russian & Post-Soviet Studies from The College of William & Mary; M.A. in Counselor Education from The College of New Jersey.
What she loves about her job: As someone who changed majors three times, Jessica knows how confusing college (and life!) can be. She loves that her job is helping students in similar situations figure out their passions and goals, while staying calm along the way– if she could do it, they can, too! Jessica loves how genuine, curious, and fun the Explore Program students are. For Jessica, working with them is Heart Work.
What she does outside of work: Jessica describes herself as “millennial going on grandma.” She spends her free time cross stitching, reading, traveling, and snuggling with her dog, Percy. Jessica loves to bake and is on a mission to make the perfect chocolate chip cookie.
Kristin Simon
Kristin Simon
Assistant Director
Education: B.S in Psychology from Sacred Heart University; M.A in Professional Psychology from William James College; Psy.D in Clinical Psychology from William James College.
What she loves about her job: Kristin loves being able to help others! She loves that Northeastern has a program designed to let students explore and decide what path they want to continue their education on. She loves how enthusiastic, positive and invested NU students are in the Explore Program. Kristin hopes to be a calm and safe person students can come to about their exploratory journey and problem solve together along the way.
What she does outside of work: Kristin loves relaxing by the beach in the summer and hitting the ski slopes up north in the winter. She also enjoys boxing, listening to live music, visiting new local restaurants and spending quality time with her rescue pup Cindy.
Hanna Christ
Hanna Christ
Academic Advisor
Education: B.A. in Art and Psychology from Westfield State University; M.Ed in Higher Education from Merrimack College
What she loves about her job: Hanna has been dedicated to working with first-year and sophomore students ever since being an Orientation Leader during her undergrad. She loves helping to connect students to their institution, realize their immense potential, and find the right path for them. Hanna also loves mentoring student leaders, who are always energized, enthusiastic, and passionate about the work they do!
What she does outside of work: Hanna enjoys reading, listening to true crime podcasts, playing Animal Crossing, painting, practicing calligraphy, and hanging out with her cat, Tony Pajamas!
Jessica Pelz
Jessica Pelz
Academic Advisor
Education: B.A. in Psychology from the State University of New York at Fredonia; M.S.Ed. in Counselor Education from the State University of New York at Brockport
What she loves about her job: Jessica is passionate about helping students navigate the transition to college and supporting their journey in choosing a major. She loves being a resource for students and believes no question is too big or too small!
What she does outside of work: Jessica loves to read books, do yoga, explore bakeries and coffee shops, and rewatch her favorite shows with her two cats, Ollie and Evelyn, by her side.