Meet the RISE Team

Lindsay Gonterman, M.S.W.

RISE director
lindsay.gonterman@slu.edu314-977-2928

Lindsay Gonterman (she/her/hers) is from St. Charles, Missouri, but currently calls Troy, Illinois home. Lindsay attended the University of Southern California for her undergraduate degree, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies. Some of the highlights from undergrad were football games (Fight on!), trips to Disneyland at Christmas, and studying abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland. From there, Lindsay returned to the Midwest where she earned a master’s degree in social work from Saint Louis University. Because she considers herself a lifelong learner, Lindsay is working on her Ph.D. in higher education administration at SLU. When she is not working or trying to conquer her dissertation, Lindsay spends time with her two young kids and husband, bakes, or enjoys some trash television (the Real Housewives may or may not be a favorite). In working with students, Lindsay hopes to help them find their voices and their purposes during their educational journeys. She also hopes to help students feel comfortable with the unknown and realize it’s okay to explore and discover things along the way. For the RISE program, Lindsay hopes to create a safe space where students find community and experience both challenges and support in their personal development.

Umme Kulsoom Arif, J.D.

RISE counselor
ummekulsoom.arif@slu.edu 
314-977-7792

Umme Kulsoom Arif, (they/them) is India-born and St. Louis-raised. They earned their Bachelor of Science in Justice Systems from Truman State University and went on to earn their Juris Doctor at Penn State University School of Law. Umme has a passion for bad puns, fancy pens, and … mushrooms, among other eldritch things. When they aren’t in the office working, they’re often in the office crocheting. (And happy to give crochet lessons!) As a RISE counselor, they invite students to come as they are and see how they grow and hope to create a space where students can embrace their authentic selves as they process the many challenges and victories of their college experience.

Amanda Barton, Ph.D.

RISE counselor
amanda.barton@slu.edu
314-977-7795

Amanda Barton (she/her) is originally from northwestern Pennsylvania. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, with minors in writing and linguistics, from Washington University in St. Louis. She earned a Master of Arts in English Literature and a Doctor of Philosophy in English with a graduate minor in women’s and gender studies from SLU. Amanda loves reading and writing and all forms of storytelling! Her favorite superhero is Wonder Woman, but you can drop by her office to discuss the MCU. When not at work, she tries new baking projects, plays video games, and goes camping with her family. As a RISE counselor, Amanda hopes her students find joy and curiosity in their college journey as they work toward their goals. She strives to meet students where they are and create a safe space for them to reflect and process their journey!

Jasmyne Glenn

RISE counselor
jasmyne.glenn@slu.edu
314-977-3367

Jasmyne Glenn (she/her/hers) is native to East St. Louis, Illinois. She has completed her bachelor’s in business administration (emphasis in enterprise management) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. While Jasmyne has plans for her next steps, she enjoys volunteering, family and traveling in her free time! As a Metro East resident, she is growing her active citizenship to make St.Louis and southern Illinois communities a better place. For RISE students, Jasmyne strives for everyone to be accountable for their time and find joy in the journey to adulthood and independence.

Kofi Oyirifi, M.A.

RISE counselor
kofi.oyirifi@slu.edu
314-977-2938

Kofi Oyirifi (he/him/his) is from St. Louis. Kofi earned a Bachelor of Science in Personal Financial Planning from the University of Missouri. MIZ! He earned a master's in student personnel administration from SLU. The only two schools he applied to as a 17-year-old high school senior were Mizzou and SLU, and now he has earned a degree from both! Kofi enjoys reading, watching romantic comedies, and playing and watching sports. If you look closely, you might catch Kofi playing basketball at lunchtime with other SLU staff and faculty, or playing soccer on the Vandy field on Sundays. Kofi is a child of Ghanaian immigrants and holds his culture close to his heart. Kofi’s hope for his students is that they think of their college experience as something more than just job training. He wants students to discover their “why,” while having fun along the way.