Our Mission
To provide exceptional care and to empower students towards lifelong health and wellness.
Our Vision
To be a trusted partner in every student’s journey toward lifelong health by providing compassionate, respectful, and innovative care that supports the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
Our Commitment
We are dedicated to integrated, compassionate care that values your physical and mental health equally while helping you build habits of wellness and resilience.
Healthcare is provided by physician assistants and registered nurses whose practice is supervised by a physician (medical director). The medical director is off site, continuously available for consultation, and provides medical care for students referred by the physician assistants. In addition to supervision, the medical director reviews records and the practice of the physician assistants.
Physician Assistants (PA) are health professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. PAs are qualified to evaluate, diagnose and provide medical care for a wide variety of medical problems. Physician Assistants are licensed to perform diagnostic procedures, minor surgeries, and to prescribe medications and treatments.
Lisa Ailstock, PA-C, Director of the Student Health and Counseling Center
Lisa Ailstock (she/her) leads the team of the integrated center, bringing together both medical and behavioral health services under one roof. Lisa is dedicated to fostering a holistic, student-centered approach to wellness, ensuring that students have access to both physical healthcare and comprehensive behavioral health support, including counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health education.
In Lisa’s leadership role, she oversees clinical operations, develops preventative wellness initiatives, and coordinates a range of behavioral health programs addressing topics such as mental health awareness, stress management, and substance use prevention. She works collaboratively with campus and community partners to make certain students receive seamless access to campus opportunities, referrals, and emergency support services. Through innovative health education, responsive clinical care, and proactive outreach, Lisa empowers the student body to prioritize their health and well-being, supporting their academic and personal success at Kalamazoo College.
Lakshmi Sundaresan, MD, Medical Director of Student Health Services
Lakshmi Sundaresan, MD, AAHIVS is a family physician. After studying biochemistry and anthropology at the University of Chicago, she earned her MD at Rush Medical College in Chicago, IL, and completed her residency in family medicine at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. She then worked as a fellow in reproductive health at the University of Michigan, where she completed her HIV primary care certification. Dr. Sundaresan is invested in constructing a more equitable world through the lens of abolition medicine. She maintains clinical interests in gender affirming care/LGBTQ+ health, HIV primary care, reproductive health, and full spectrum family medicine.
Jennifer Combes, ’99, BA, Office Coordinator, Student Health and Counseling Center
Jennifer Combes (she/her) graduated from Kalamazoo College with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in International and Area Studies. Her K plan included study abroad in Madrid Spain, work study in the Alumni Relations Office, a SIP doing psychology research with a professor, and several externships through the Center for Career and Professional development.
Jennifer returned as an employee over 20 years ago. She is passionate about helping students during some of their most challenging times at K. In her role, she works at the front desk, manages referrals, billing, scheduling, and health insurance. She has led mindfulness classes and supports all health programming. She is committed to fostering an organized and welcoming environment for all who visit the Center.
Gretchen Kauth, Registered Dietitian, RD, MEd.
Counseling Center Staff
“Stef” Susanne Stefanski, LPC
Stef (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) working for Kalamazoo College, offering individual and group counseling services. Stef holds a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling and a B.S. in Psychology and Sociology. Stef’s approach to counseling is person-centered and strength based. She has worked as a counselor at several colleges and universities, integrated behavioral health clinics, and agencies serving trauma survivors. As Clinical Supervisor, Stef provides oversight for integrated behavioral health services and oversees S.P.E.A.K. Stef has specialized training in the areas of trauma and PTSD, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, CBT, therapeutic art strategies, Integrated Behavioral Health, Therapeutically Applied Role-Playing Games, Motivational Interviewing, DBT skills, Suicide Prevention and Intervention, and Animal Assisted Interventions. Her clinical interests include PTSD and trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Mood and personality disorders, LGBTQIA+ services, relationship and family concerns, and adjustment issues.
Medical Center Staff
Liza Escamilla, PA-C
Liza Escamilla (she/her) received her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Wayne State University and is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Liza is a member of the American College Health Association.
Liza spent the first fifteen years of her career practicing Emergency Medicine, where she evaluated and treated patients across a spectrum of age, diversity, and acuity. In the Emergency Department, she cultivated a broad knowledge of medicine, practiced collaborative care with a multi-disciplinary team, gained strong clinical acumen, and attained autonomy within her profession.
Liza’s career ambitions led her to Kalamazoo College in 2020, and it was not long before she knew that she had found her professional niche. Liza is passionate about college-age students, the autonomy they gain as they are emerging into adulthood, and their unique healthcare needs. At K, she is dedicated to advancing student health and well-being through compassionate care, evidenced-based practice, and health education. Liza strives to help patients successfully navigate their health care needs and seeks to empower them to take an active role in their own health and well-being journey. Liza is committed to fostering a healthy campus environment and works collaboratively with health and counseling center staff, as well as campus and community resources to provide comprehensive and integrated, patient-centered care.
Matthew Gamble, LLPC
Matthew Gamble serves as a therapist at the Student Health and Counseling Center at Kalamazoo College. He is dedicated to helping students navigate life’s challenges with compassion and understanding. His counseling approach draws from multiple therapeutic approaches including person-centered, cognitive behavioral, and strength-based methods so he can meet students where they are and walk alongside them on their journey towards personal growth and healing.
After spending the last 10 years in Corporate, Matthew made the transition to Kalamazoo College after the completion of his master’s degree from Spring Arbor University. Matthew’s drive in making such a significant transition from corporate into counseling came from his desire to fill a gap where there is a lack of representation.
Matthew believes each student’s story is unique, and he strives to create a safe, supportive environment where students feel heard, valued, and empowered. His goal is to provide encouragement, practical tools, and tailored support to help students thrive both personally and academically.
Deb Annen-Caruso, RN
Deb Annen-Caruso (she/her) is a licensed Registered Nurse with over 40 years of experience, 14 of which have been dedicated to serving the diverse student population at Kalamazoo College.
Deb works to provide a welcoming and safe space where every student feels seen, heard, and respected while helping to empower students to understand and manage their health.
Deb was a volunteer on the Kalamazoo County Human Services Department Board/Mental Health Board and the Kalamazoo County Public Health Advisory Board in the past and currently volunteers as a member of the Kalamazoo County Family Planning Information and Education Committee.
Deb is married, has 5 sons, and loves gardening and boating.
Jerrimi Anderson, AmeriCorps Behavioral Health Advocate
Jerrimi Anderson (He/They) is very passionate about the overall safety of those who have ever felt threatened or ostracized by their own community, whether it is mental or emotional health, physical wellbeing, and economic injustice. He/They believe we must focus on the root causes of mental health such as poverty, inequality, austerity, and a lack of opportunity. He/They have been a dedicated and faithful volunteer within the communities in Detroit, Michigan and Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jerrimi has diverse experience with various demographics within the community, from working/volunteering as crisis counsellor, finding mental health resources for college students and seniors, helping those with disabilities to get back into the world without feeling like an outsider, and finding housing for LGBTQIA + youth who’ve been kicked out their homes. Jerrimi loves rock climbing, hiking, and spending time with my dog and friends.
Jennie Hill, RN
Jennie Hill (she/her) is a Registered Nurse with forty years of experience dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care. For the past fourteen years she has worked in college health, where she supports students’ well-being through preventive care, education, and meaningful connection. Jennie takes pride in creating a welcoming environment where students feel heard, respected, and empowered to take charge of their health. Jennie is married to Bob, they have three adult children, she enjoys bike riding and traveling.
Cindi Anspach, BSN, RN
Cindi Anspach (she/her) is a licensed Registered Nurse and has been part of the Kalamazoo College community since 2013. She is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of students through education, advocacy, and compassionate care. Alongside her work in college health, she also practices part-time in critical care at a local hospital, where she continues to grow her skills and provide compassionate care to patients and families during their most vulnerable times. She is ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified, and has also completed Mental Health First Aid training, all of which strengthen her ability to provide comprehensive, student-centered care.
Cindi is passionate about supporting students’ health and well-being on and off campus by promoting preventive care, encouraging healthy lifestyle habits, and connecting them with the resources they need to thrive both academically and personally.