CEH Awards

Congratulations to the following recipients of the Counseling, Educational Leadership and Higher Education scholarships! 

Doris Anderson Moore Endowed Scholarship

Sophie Perry, Counseling

My name is Sophie Perry and I am a graduate student in the Counseling program pursing School Counseling. I got my Bachelor’s of Science from CMU in Child Development and Psychology. I currently am a preschool teacher in the area and I love working with children. I enjoy cooking, baking, going on hikes, and spending time with loved ones. I’m so excited to advocate and empower students one day, hopefully in an elementary setting.

Kendahl Miller is in her third year as a counseling graduate student at Central Michigan University, with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She graduated from Hope College in 2024 with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Neuroscience and began her journey at Central later that same year. During her second year in the program, she joined Chi Sigma Iota and began serving on the executive board of the university’s chapter, Mu Kappa, as President. Kendahl is continuing to serve as Chapter President during her third year, alongside completing her internship, and is on track to graduate from the program in May 2027. Outside of the program, Kendahl enjoys reading, baking, playing ice hockey, skiing, scuba diving, and participating in other hobbies. She is incredibly grateful to the program for all the experiences it has granted her to grow as a counselor-in-training and emerging professional, as well as to all the faculty, staff, and other people who have supported her along the way. She is excited to be graduating from the program soon and to continue working towards providing people with the mental health care they need.

Emily Awad is a first-year graduate student in the Master’s in Counseling program at Central Michigan University, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from the University of Michigan–Dearborn. Emily is a member of Chi Sigma Iota, the international honor society for counseling students and professionals. After graduation, she hopes to provide accessible, evidence-based clinical counseling to all individuals, with a focus on supporting Arab American and other multicultural communities. In her free time, she enjoys oil painting, collecting plants, and spending time in nature

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Dr. Donald Kilbourn Endowed Scholarship in Counseling

Nisreen Allen, Counseling

Nisreen Allen graduated from Brown University with a degree in Psychology and International Affairs, where she developed a strong academic foundation in understanding human behavior within broader social and global contexts. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, with a commitment to supporting individuals and families through compassionate, evidence-based care. Her academic and professional interests focus on trauma, resilience, and expanding access to culturally responsive mental health services for people of color and marginalized communities. This scholarship supports Nisreen’s continued training and dedication to advancing equitable mental health care.

Bryce Thomas is a full-time Master of Arts in Counseling student at Central Michigan University, specializing in addiction counseling, with an anticipated graduation date of December 2027. Growing up in a rural community with limited access to mental health services, he developed a strong commitment to supporting individuals facing barriers to care, particularly those from marginalized populations. Upon graduating, Bryce plans to work with individuals in recovery, particularly those affected by substance use and eating disorders, as well as those involved in the justice system. Outside of full-time work and academic pursuits, he enjoys traveling, playing musical instruments, watching hockey, and spending time with friends and family. Bryce is grateful to be a recipient of the Dr. Donald Kilbourn Endowed Scholarship in Counseling and the support it provides as he continues his academic and professional journey as a counselor

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Educational Leadership Endowed Scholarship

Reanna Averill, Educational Leadership

Reanna Averill is a Master's student in Higher Education Administration and Social Justice (MAHESJ) at CMU. After earning her Bachelor’s degrees in Anthropology and History from Alma College, she spent three years teaching English and studying Korean in South Korea, which strengthened her interest in international education and cross-cultural exchange. As a first-generation college student, she is passionate about expanding educational access and supporting students in higher education.

I am the Education and Family Engagement Manager for a Head Start/Early Head Start in southeast Michigan. I have over 25 years of experience in early childhood education: beginning as a classroom teacher and growing into program leadership. I am dedicated to supporting young children and families, particularly those facing the greatest barriers to opportunity.

I hold two master's degrees in early childhood education and an Educational Specialist degree from Central Michigan University. I am currently pursuing my Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at CMU, where my research centers on equity and leadership in early childhood education. I also serve as the Secretary on the Michigan Head Start Association Board of Directors.

I am very grateful to receive the Educational Leadership Endowed Scholarship and to be recognized by a community that believes in the power of education to change lives

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George C. Comden Endowed Scholarship

Kayley Oyster, Educational Leadership

My name is Kayley (Crawford) Oyster and I am a 2018 CMU graduate. I am currently in my 8^th year of teaching first grade and love it! I taught in Collier County Public Schools for 5 years and was named the "Teacher of Distinction" in 2021-2022. I currently teach in Metro Nashville Public Schools. Over the years I have earned my EL and Reading Endorsements which have helped open the doors to many opportunities. CMU made a huge impact on my educational career which is why I am now pursing my Educational Leadership Degree in hopes of becoming an Administrator one day.

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Harry J. Brunet Specialist in Education

Tanisha Bolden, Educational Leadership

Tanisha Bolden is an accomplished educator, trainer, and community leader with more than 20 years of experience strengthening school communities and advancing equity through evidence-based practices. She holds a B.S. in Community Development and an M.A. in Education, and specializes in student and educator Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), strategic planning, and trauma-informed approaches for post-secondary, K–12, and at-risk populations.

Recognized as Rotary International’s 2023 Woman of the Year, Tanisha is also a MCBAP Certified Prevention Consultant, IIRP Trainer/Facilitator, and certified in both Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid.

As a Michigan ACE Statewide Community Trainer and member of the MI ACE Speaker Network, Tanisha equips educators with strategies that build resilience and foster protective factors for children and families impacted by trauma. Through her dynamic speaking engagements, she delivers practical, research-based tools that inspire meaningful change.

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Sharon Tilman Scholarship for Future Counselors

Callie Santillana, Counseling