Staff

  • Wendy Barnes

    Administrative Assistant

    Wendy Barnes

    Administrative Assistant

    Assoc of Applied Science - Ivy Tech Community College, Business Administration

    Wendy has worked in education in one form or another since 1992, from her role as the school secretary at the Stanley Clark School to her current position as the Administrative Assistant for Pre-College Programs.  She is the voice of Pre-College and is happy to answer any questions about the various programs.  She will also coordinate with the various departments on campus for our summer programs. Wendy has been with the University of Notre Dame since 2007.

    Wendy enjoys cooking for her family and friends, reading, and cheering on the Irish from her cozy living room.  

  • Catalino Espino

    Associate Program Director and Compliance Program Manager

    Catalino Espino

    Associate Program Director and Compliance Program Manager

    B.A Neuroscience and Behavior, The University of Notre Dame

    MTS, Boston College

    Catalino is responsible for ensuring that all practices within pre-college are compliant so that student experiences are not only fruitful but safe! Through a strange set of circumstances—and happy coincidences—he had the unique experience of managing the COVID-19 testing operations for the Orlando Magic, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Team USA Soccer to name a few. He is committed to bringing his experiences in managing compliance expectations to facilitate student growth and discernment as they prepare for new chapters in college.

    When not at the office, Catalino enjoys traversing the streets of Indiana on his bike or playing friendly games of ultimate frisbee. He is also a guitar and tuba enthusiast. When the Indiana weather does not permit, he loves to play video games.

  • Kelly Jo Mikel

    Communications Strategist and Associate Program Director

    Kelly Jo Mikel

    Communications Strategist and Associate Program Director

    B.S., Western Governors University, Business Management

    Kelly Jo is responsible for developing and implementing marketing communications strategies and helping the Pre-College Programs team achieve specific marketing and communication goals. She will also be helping to coordinate several courses and events during Pre-College's on-campus programs. Kelly Jo has been with Pre-College and Notre Dame since 2017.     

    In Kelly Jo's spare time she is restoring a lakeside fixer upper with the help of her husband and spending as much time as she can with her family and 2 rescue dogs.  

  • Paul Mueller

    Director of Enrollment Strategy, Analytics, and Pre-College Programs

    Paul Mueller

    Director of Enrollment Strategy, Analytics, and Pre-College Programs

    B.A. Political Science, Gustavus Adolphus College
    M.A. Government & International Relations, University of Notre Dame
    Ph.D. Political Science, University of Notre Dame

    Director of Enrollment Strategy, Analytics, and Pre-College Programs

  • Curtis Urban

    Program Director, International Programs and Data Strategist

    Curtis Urban

    Program Director, International Programs and Data Strategist

    B.A. History, The Ohio State University
    M.A. History, Miami University
    Ph.D. History, University of Notre Dame

     

    Curtis is our international aficionado! Curtis primarily manages  our four Study Abroad Programs in Ireland, Italy, London, and South Africa, additionally traveling with the students to ensure a safe and extraordinary summer experience. During the academic year, Curtis explores new study abroad opportunities and helps faciltate our Global Scholars program in collaboration with Notre Dame International.

    Curtis initially came to Notre Dame for his PhD in American History, which he received in 2017. After loading up on schnitzel and bratwurst during a stint teaching at Heidelberg University in Germany, Curtis returned to Indiana committed to ensuring students are equipped with the tools to become globally-minded citizens seeking to make change in their communities and beyond. Outside work, Curtis loves pretending he’s a foodie, playing with Henry his mini Goldendoodle, and dominating cornhole at college football tailgates. A native Ohioan in love with the Midwest, Curtis takes frequent trips to Europe because… well, Europe!

     
  • Jane Young

    Outreach Associate Program Director

    Jane Young

    Outreach Associate Program Director

    B.A. in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame.

     

    She is responsible for the recruitment of students from identified Indiana high schools for the Lilly Grant and building relationships with school administrators and guidance counselors. Jane also helps with reviewing Pre-College applications and coordinates several classes and events during Pre-College's on campus programs.

    In her spare time, Jane volunteers at the Center for the Homeless, enjoys traveling (especially around Europe), horseback riding, and reading. She also spends as much time with her family and cat, Eloise, as much as she can.