Meet the Team

BIO

Hello, I’m Shelah Amburgey, the Executive Assistant to Dean Hoagland in Arts and Sciences. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Siena Heights University. The three words that best describe me are empathetic, patient, and grateful. Many don’t know that I used the LCC University Center to obtain my Master’s in Higher Education Leadership. I’m passionate about education, love visiting colleges to explore their uniqueness, and am an avid art lover. I’m also an animal enthusiast and rescuer, I have many of my own animals. In my spare time I am committed to learning about social issues and how to best drive positive change. My favorite place is Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where I often spend summer days at the beach. Currently, my go-to karaoke song is “High Horse” by Kacey Musgraves.

BIO

Hi, my name is Katie Chiappelli. I am the Academic Technology Resources Manager in the Library department, and I have worked at LCC since 2011. The positions I held before my current one are Computer Labs Support Staff, Computer Labs Supervisor, and Academic Technology Resources Supervisor in the ITS Division. I believe the best qualities/skills I bring to my role are creativity, compassion, and organization. Most people do not know that I have a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art as a preliminary step towards obtaining an M.A. in Art Therapy that I have yet to pursue – my specialty was ceramics. When I am not working, I am happiest doing anything outside or spending time with my partner, Connor, and our son. Three words that describe me would be open, caring, and honest. I care most about causes involving mental health, human rights, and animals.

BIO

Hi, my name is Nikki Cogswell. I am the HR Executive Assistant for the Human Resources Executive Director, and I have worked at LCC in Human Resources since 2012. The positions I held before my current one are HR Data Entry Support and HR Assistant Business Analyst. I believe the best qualities/skills I bring to my job is what I learned prior to working for LCC and the amount of Human Resource knowledge I have gained to assist our students, faculty, and staff with the utmost integrity while providing them with the best customer service. Most people don't know that I am an only child and while growing up I wanted to be a flight attendant. On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me relaxing or spending time with my husband, Stan, and our two daughters. When I am not working, I am happiest spending time up north at our cabin or crafting away solo or with my girlfriends!

Some words that describe me best would be integrity, cheerful, nurturing, and caring. I care most about causes involving mental health!

BIO

Hi, my name is Scott Nigoff. I started working at LCC in 2012 as a GIS lab tech (mapping) and I am currently the West Campus Operations/ College support staff. Over the years I’ve worn many hats and am close to mastering the art of answering “just a quick question…”, However I’m still waiting on that owl with my wizard acceptance letter regardless of what the career counselor said. When I'm not working, I’m happiest relaxing outdoors, volunteering at the animal shelter, or traveling. Most recently I was able to check off a bucket list item of seeing the Northern lights in Iceland!

BIO

Hi, my name is Danielle Owusu, and I work for the Health and Human Services Division as front desk support, along with recruitment and outreach. I also serve as the lead support for our imaging programs (Sonography and Radiology). have worked at LCC since 2023 and my first job here was as a student worker. Something that most people may not know about me is that I love writing and set decorating, especially when it comes to movie or TV sets. The best skills and qualities I bring to my role are ensuring that students are supported and maintaining great communication. When I was 10 years old, I wanted to be a scientist because I liked the idea of conducting chemical experiments and what types of outcomes I would get. Three words that describe me are fun, creative, and artistic. I love creativity and uniqueness. On a Sunday morning, you can usually find me either sleeping, cleaning, or painting. When I'm not working, I am happiest when relaxing. My personal motto is, "Be your true authentic self and never shrink for others." If I could have any superpower, it would be speed, because I could go anywhere, I wanted. If I could be any animal, I would choose to be a black panther because I think they are one of the most beautiful creatures to exist. If I had to pick a go-to karaoke song, I don’t think I could choose just one, because there are so many good ones! And last but not least, someone in my life who I admire, is my mom.

BIO

I joined LCC in 2014 after spending 20 years in the Air Force. I work in the ITS division on the Information Security Team--we keep the hackers off the network and lead information/records management. I like working at LCC because of the energy and excitement of students and employees—it’s the sparkle in their eyes! I’m married to a fabulous bride, Cat, and have 2 children. I enjoy playing basketball, surfing the internet, and meeting up with friends.

BIO

My name is Josie Sebastian. I am the Academic Coordinator in the Business, Communication, and the Arts department. I am also the Program Advisor for the Sign Language Interpreter Program and a staff interpreter at the college. I started at LCC as a student in 2003, went through the Sign Language Interpreter Training Program and then became an adjunct in 2006. I worked full time as an interpreter until 2018 when I got the job as Academic Coordinator. I still interpret occasionally, but working in higher education is my passion. I believe the best skills and qualities I bring to my role are my organizational and problem-solving skills and kindness.

People may not know that I married my high school sweetheart. We have two cats and enjoy bicycling together. In addition to cycling, I am most happy reading, walking outside or doing yoga. On Sunday mornings you will find me drinking coffee and reading a book.

My personal motto is “Good Vibes.” I believe in the power of positivity.

BIO

Hi! My name is Emma Varisto and I work in Financial Services - specifically, I specialized in Grants Finance and have been at the college since December 2023. I am originally from the east side of the state, near the Canadian border, but moved to the Lansing area with my wife in the beginning of 2023 right out of college. Most people don't know that I can speak pig Latin! I care immensely about causes involving the LGBTQIA+ community, especially as a member of the community, as well as causes involving mental health. When I am not working, I am happiest spending time with my wife and our cat-son, Finn, or spending time with our group of friends playing games. While I did not attend LCC during my college years, I have found through working here just how much the Lansing Community College cares for not only its students, but its faculty and staff as well. It's truly a special place to have a career at!

BIO

My name is Jessica Villarreal I am the HR Recruitment and Onboarding Coordinator. I have worked at LCC since 2018 and previous to my current role I was the HR Data Entry Specialist and the HR Employee Relations & Student Employment Specialist. Most people don’t know that I have a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice and when I was younger I wanted to be a meteorologist and a writer. When I am not working, I am happiest spending time with friends and traveling with my husband. I enjoy bringing people together in fun and creative ways and love that being a part of the Experience Starpower team gives me the opportunity to do that at work.