Staff

Our Team

• Stephanie Potthoff - Director
  

  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Email: Stephanie.Potthoff@du.edu

  Stephanie joined DU in the summer of 2022 from Central Florida. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and English literature from the University of South Florida and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her work supporting students is rooted in equity and creative problem solving. Stephanie’s background in justice-focused mental health counseling and experience advocating for under-served populations has led to her examining student support not just on an individual basis, but through a systemic lens. She believes that students' development in college is an important transition in the narrative of their lives. Stephanie believes that while it is important for students to succeed, it is also crucial that students have space to grow through challenges and know they are not alone in their journeys.  

  She is also an avid theme park and Disney fan from a previous life and lover of cats. She has two of her own including Mr. Dobbs, aka “small boi”.

  
• Frank Winchester - Associate Director
  

  • Email: Franklin.Winchester@du.edu

  Frank Winchester was born in New York City and has dedicated his career to empowering students and fostering inclusive environments. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Ethnic Studies and a Master’s degree in Education from CU Denver, where he developed a deep commitment to equity and student advocacy.

  Serving as Associate Director for Student Outreach and Support, Frank works to ensure that students have the support and resources they need to navigate college successfully.

  His passion lies in leading initiatives that amplify student voices, promote fairness, and create pathways for personal and academic growth.

  Frank strives to be a trusted advocate and leader, helping students overcome challenges and thrive in their educational journey.

   

   

   

• Alex Vaassen - Student Support Specialist
  

  • Email: Alex.Vaassen@du.edu

  After four years at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless helping formerly homeless people maintain housing and find personal enrichment, Alex transitioned to the SOS team at DU in April 2020 as a Student Support Specialist. In his free time, he loves playing disc golf, soccer, volleyball, and pickleball, exploring the vast world of music, reading engaging books (David Foster Wallace being a personal favorite), taking analog photos of friends, or crafting fun meals or baked goods in the kitchen. Alex also has a cat, Absolutego (aka big boy/bubba/sweet boy), who is objectively pretty cool.

  
• Mar Kummerman - Student Support Specialist

   

  

  • Pronouns: They/Them
  • Email: Mar.kummerman@du.edu

  Mar Kummerman is a full time Student Support Specialist with SOS. They began working in SOS as a Part Time Student Support Advisor in winter 2022 then began full time in July. Mar has a bachelors in Human Services with an emphasis in Mental Health from Cal State Fullerton (Go Titans!) and received their Masters in Higher Education from DU in June 2022, while working towards their masters Mar worked as a  Graduate Resident Director for DU HRE. Mar is from various places in southern California and misses the ocean. In their spare time they enjoy creating various types of art, reading, baking and spending time with their sweet pup Wiley.