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
I am the Director of the Student Health and Counseling Center at Kalamazoo College. As a certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), I lead a dynamic team in an integrated center that brings together both medical and behavioral health services under one roof. I am 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 my leadership role, I oversee clinical operations, develop preventative wellness initiatives, and coordinate a range of behavioral health programs addressing topics such as mental health awareness, stress management, and substance use prevention. I work 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, I empower 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
Jennifer Combes, ’99, BA, Office Coordinator, Student Health and Counseling Center
Gretchen Kauth, Registered Dietitian, RD, MEd.
Counseling Center Staff
“Stef” Susanne Stefanski, LPC
“Stef” Susanne Stefanski, LPC 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.
As counselor and clinical supervisor in the Kalamazoo College Student Health and Counseling Center, I provide individual and group counseling services to students. Students can schedule sessions with me via MyChart, phone or in-person. In addition to pre-scheduled counseling sessions, we offer walk-in services for de-escalation, acute symptoms and crises. I can offer counseling support for students during difficult medical appointments and direct referrals for evaluation and medication consultation. I serve on the CARE and Early Alert teams and regularly reach out to students identified by these teams to offer services, support, and resources. I provide campus outreach and education and supervise Americorp Behavioral Health Advocates, and partner with Haley Mangette to oversee the SPEAK peer education and advocacy group.
Medical Center Staff
Liza Escamilla, PA-C
My journey toward becoming a physician assistant began in Ann Arbor, MI while attending the University of Michigan as an undergraduate student. I was introduced to the profession at University Health Services, as well as the University Hospital, where a compassionate PA helped care for my ill sister, who was hospitalized with acute liver failure after a rare genetic disorder diagnosis.
I received my master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Wayne State University, and I am certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). I am a member of the American College Health Association.
I spent the first fifteen years of my career practicing Emergency Medicine, where I evaluated and treated patients across a spectrum of age, diversity, and acuity. In the Emergency Department, I cultivated a broad knowledge of medicine, practiced collaborative care with a multi-disciplinary team, gained strong clinical acumen, and attained autonomy within my profession.
My career ambitions led me to Kalamazoo College in 2020, and it was not long before I knew that I had found my professional niche. I am passionate about college-age students, the autonomy they gain as they are emerging into adulthood, and their unique healthcare needs. At K, I am dedicated to advancing student health and well-being through compassionate care, evidenced-based practice, and health education. I strive to help patients successfully navigate their health care needs and empower them to take an active role in their own health and well-being journey. I am committed to fostering a healthy campus environment and work collaboratively with our health and counseling center staff, campus and community resources to provide comprehensive and integrated, patient-centered care.
I am connected to Kalamazoo College in more ways than one. My paternal grandmother, a Mexican citizen and decades long United States green card holder, came to K in the late 1970’s and worked with Spanish Department students to improve her English-speaking skills. My father, a first-generation college graduate, received his bilingual endorsement from K in the late 1980’s, while a student at Western Michigan University, so that he could pursue his desire to become a certified K-12 educator.
To all K students, I look forward to meeting you and helping you thrive in the hive!
Matthew Gamble, LLPC
My name is Matthew Gamble, and I serve as a therapist at Kalamazoo College. I am dedicated to helping students navigate life’s challenges with compassion and understanding. My counseling approach draws from multiple forms including person-centered, cognitive behavioral, and strength-based methods so that I can meet students where they are and walk alongside them on their journey towards growth and healing.
I believe each student’s story is unique, and I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where students feel heard, valued, and empowered. My 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
I am 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. I believe we must focus on the root causes of mental health such as poverty, inequality, austerity and a lack of opportunity. I have been a dedicated and faithful volunteer within the communities in Detroit, Michigan and Kalamazoo, Michigan. I have a diverse experience with many 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. I love rock climbing, hiking, and spending time with my dog and friends.
Jennie Hill, RN
Jennie Hill 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.
Kayleigh McCraner, AmeriCorps Behavioral Health Advocate
My name is Kayleigh Mccraner, I serve as an AmeriCorps member at Kalamazoo College, where I’m dedicated to supporting student wellbeing and nurturing a campus environment where everyone feels seen and cared for. Since becoming a certified Peer Support Specialist in 2010, I’ve spent more than a decade advocating for mental health and providing peer-led support.
At Kalamazoo, I collaborate with students, staff, and campus partners to develop initiatives that strengthen resilience, increase awareness of mental health resources, and encourage compassionate connection within the college community. My background allows me to design programs that empower students to take care of their own wellbeing while also supporting one another.
My work is guided by a belief that every student deserves access to responsive, compassionate care—and I’m deeply committed to creating spaces where that kind of support can flourish.
Cindi Anspach, BSN, RN
I am a licensed Registered Nurse and have been part of the Kalamazoo College community since 2013. I am dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of students through education, advocacy, and compassionate care. Alongside my work in college health, I also practice part-time in critical care at a local hospital, where I continue to grow my skills and provide compassionate care to patients and families during their most vulnerable times. I am ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified, and have also completed Mental Health First Aid training, all of which strengthen my ability to provide comprehensive, student-centered care.
I am 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.