Phone: 831.459.2910
Email: chenthor@ucsc.edu

Chris Henthorn has worked in the field of Education since 1999, with his primary expertise being in Financial Aid and Veteran Education Benefit Services.  Recently he has taken on a new role as a Veteran, Residency, and Registration officer at UC Santa Cruz further expanding his knowledge base into the duties of the Registrar.  He has a passion for Music, Art, Food, Nature, and Family. Be kind, not because you must, but because you matter. Let’s make WAVES!

Phone: 334.494.2301
Email: jgarcia8@nu.edu

Jason Garcia is a U.S. Army retiree, and has worked in Military/Veteran education services since 2016.  Jason’s professional experience includes Education Advisor, Veterans Affairs ECSS and ELR, and VA compliance manager for a Non College Degree School.  His current role is Associate Director of SCOs at National University. Jason’s passion is helping Veterans achieve their educational goals; guiding students to enhance their quality of life through higher education and training.  He strongly believes in the idea that education is the great equalizer, and strives to be a positive example – Jason proudly holds a certificate in Human Resource Management, Bachelor’s in Management, and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Herzing University.

Phone: 949.812.7734
Email: schnuthd@ieccolleges.com

Darcy Schnuth currently serves as the Vice President of Student Finance and Records Management at International Education Corporation.  She has 20 years of experience in higher education, starting her career in admissions at an international, multi-site education provider where she eventually worked her way to Regional Director of Finance, overseeing 17 locations.  Darcy earned an Associate Degree in Specialized Business – Accounting, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Finance, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Kaplan University.

Phone: 918.631.3985
Email: cindy-watts@utulsa.edu

Cindy has had the pleasure of working with student Veterans at The University of Tulsa in Tulsa, Oklahoma for over 25 years.  She was one of the founding members of WAVES.  Cindy has previously served on the WAVES Executive Board as IHL Member at Large, Treasurer, Secretary, and 1st Vice President for WAVES.  She is currently assisting as a past board advisor for the association.

Phone: 405.744.6809
Email: ehayter@okstate.edu

Welcome to WAVES 2023!

I was born in Brockville, Ontario, Canada and grew up watching the ships on the mighty St. Lawrence River. I attended Algonquin College of Design and Technology, earning an Ontario College diploma in Photography Techniques. 

I have been working in Higher Education since immigrating to the United States in 2016. I am an SCO with the Military and Veteran Benefits team at Oklahoma State University and following the retirement of the legendary Paula Barnes, I also serve as Certifications Coordinator in the Office of the Registrar. I have many years of experience working with people from all walks of life and truly love supporting the wonderful veteran population at OSU. 

My interests include painting, making terrible pottery, video games (I met my husband playing World of Warcraft), studying my Catholic Faith and raising a good kid. 

I am so excited for our revamped conference this year and can’t wait to see all of you in Reno! Don’t hesitate to reach out anytime!

Phone: 210.486.2540
Email: vgriego3@alamo.edu

Veronica Griego, Senior Coordinator of Student Success, Office of Veterans Affairs. Alamo College District, St. Philip’s College. She has over twenty-five years of experience in education, seventeen of which have been in higher education and assisting student veterans. Her passion for helping students is why she has served on several student/veteran committees, her favorite being the Chair of the Cross College Committee for the Alamo Colleges.

Phone: 
Email: yusuff@ieccolleges.com

Firdaus Yusuf is a Senior Education Partnership Specialist at International Education Corporation. With over five years of experience as a School Certifying Official, she has a wealth of expertise to share. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from University of California, Berkeley. When she is not helping students, Firdaus enjoys exploring new places, learning new languages, listening to music, and solving puzzles.