The CRREST Podcast

On this episode, Dr. Tisa interviewed Jackie Cottom, Compliance Specialist and Webinar Producer, at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).

During this episode, Jackie explains:

• shifting timelines and errors, and how the Department of Education has worked to resolve them
• how the 2025-26 student and family experience should differ from 2024-25
• NASFAA’s role in professional development, training, and advocating for administrators

Jackie has served in the financial aid community since 2005 and has made it a priority to work with organizations that value the importance of promoting student access and success in higher education. Prior to joining NASFAA in 2020, she worked at Northern Virginia Community College as the assistant director of financial aid compliance and support. She began her professional career at a foundation promoting the message “College is Possible” during hundreds of planning and paying for college workshops she organized around the country with community, local and national partners. 

Over the years, she has volunteered and served in state, regional, and national associations. She currently lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and their two sons and daughter. Jackie is a proud alumna of James Madison University-Go DUKES!

Connect with Our Guest

• Connect with Jackie Cottom: LinkedIn
• Visit NASFAA online: Web
• Follow NASFAA online: Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube

Connect with the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness

• Connect with Dr. Tisa Silver Canady: LinkedIn
• Visit MCCFW online: Web
• Follow MCCFW online: Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube
• Have an idea for who should we interview? Suggest our next guest!

The CRREST Podcast is a production of the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness. Helping campus-based professionals and community partners bring the CRREST vision to fruition.

To learn more, visit: mccfw.org/podcast

On this episode, we will hear from Tamika Bybee. Tamika currently serves as the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Services as Howard Community College.

During this episode, Tamika touches on:

• the challenges she faced as a first-generation college student
• what led to her to pursue a career in enrollment services
• her experience with student loans and her successful path to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• advice for students and families who are looking to get ahead even though the FAFSA is running behind

Tamika has a well-rounded knowledge base within collegiate enrollment services during her 23 year career in higher education, with more than 15 years of those years being within leadership positions. Outside of higher ed, she is also the author of “Hey There Sis, Don’t Sweat It (the little things). A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Professional Workplace”.  

Connect with Our Guest

• Connect with Tamika Bybee: LinkedIn

Connect with the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness

• Connect with Dr. Tisa Silver Canady: LinkedIn
• Visit MCCFW online: Web
• Follow MCCFW online: Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube
• Have an idea for who should we interview? Suggest our next guest!

The CRREST Podcast is a production of the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness. Helping campus-based professionals and community partners bring the CRREST vision to fruition.

To learn more, visit: mccfw.org/podcast

In this episode of the CRREST Podcast, we will hear from Regina Robinson, an amazing mom, a college admissions expert, award winning global speaker, best selling author, and Founder and CEO of Suited 4 Success College Planning Services.

During this episode, Regina touches on:

• her transition from classroom educator to educational consultant
• why the college visit is critical to students looking for the right fit
• how changes to the FAFSA have impacted today's students
• the importance of mentoring, especially for first-year students

For more than 15 years, Regina has provided families with step-by-step guidance from her Amazon best seller, Winning the Game of College Admissions, as well as coaching students through identifying and choosing the right fit socially, academically, and financially.

Regina is a frequent guest of high schools, colleges, universities, organizations and corporations, bringing her powerful message and expertise of education and admissions to trainings, workshops, and keynote speaking engagements.

Connect with Our Guest

• Visit the Suited4Success website: Suited4Success.org
• Follow Suited4Success on Social Media: Instagram | Facebook

Connect with the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness

• Connect with Dr. Tisa Silver Canady: LinkedIn
• Visit MCCFW online: Web
• Follow MCCFW online: Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube
• Have an idea for who should we interview? Suggest our next guest!

The CRREST Podcast is a production of the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness. Helping campus-based professionals and community partners bring the CRREST vision to fruition.

To learn more, visit: mccfw.org/podcast

In this episode of the CRREST Podcast, we will hear from Jenn Volberding, Associate Director of Scholarships for the University of Maryland Baltimore County. 

During this episode, Jenn touches on:

• why students and families should push through their fear of completing the FAFSA
• the truth about trying to “shake down” the financial aid office
• how parents can talk with their children about the true cost of higher education

With over 29 years of dedicated service in customer excellence, coupled with 8 years of banking experience and more than 13 years of Higher Education expertise, Jenn Volberding, is a seasoned professional committed to empowering students and fostering financial literacy to help them achieve their academic aspirations.

In addition to UMBC, Jenn has worked for the University of Maryland Global Campus and the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Jenn served as a member and leader within the Staff Senate at both institutions as well as Co-Chair of the Board of Regents for the Council of University Staff Systems (CUSS).

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jenn is a dedicated co-founder and Club Director of the nonprofit Lady Aces Volleyball Academy (LAVA) established in 2019. Through LAVA, she passionately cultivates a safe and inclusive space for youth to thrive in sports, emphasizing core values such as Accountability, Confidence, Empowerment, and Selflessness (ACES). Jenn's multifaceted experiences reflect her unwavering commitment to empowering individuals both within and beyond the academic realm.

Connect with Our Guest

• Connect with Jenn Volberding: LinkedIn
• Visit UMBC's Scholarships web page: UMBC Financial Aid and Scholarships

Connect with the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness

• Connect with Dr. Tisa Silver Canady: LinkedIn
• Visit MCCFW online: Web
• Follow MCCFW online: Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube
• Have an idea for who should we interview? Suggest our next guest!

The CRREST Podcast is a production of the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness. Helping campus-based professionals and community partners bring the CRREST vision to fruition.

To learn more, visit: mccfw.org/podcast

In this episode of the CRREST Podcast, we will hear from Gustavo Minaya, Financial Aid Outreach Counselor at Montgomery College and founder of Mi Futuro Education. 

Gustavo is a former undocumented youth and a first-generation college student and graduate with a passion for helping make higher education more accessible and affordable for all students, especially those who are undocumented and immigrants. He speaks of his own journey from Peru to the United States, and how he uses his personal experience and professional knowledge of admissions and financial aid to assist students and families with accessing aid.

Gustavo is a graduate of Community College of Baltimore County, Towson University, and the University of Baltimore.

Connect with Our Guest

• Connect with Gustavo Minaya: LinkedIn

Connect with the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness

• Connect with Dr. Tisa Silver Canady: LinkedIn
• Visit MCCFW online: Web
• Follow MCCFW online: Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube
• Have an idea for who should we interview? Suggest our next guest!

The CRREST Podcast is a production of the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness. Helping campus-based professionals and community partners bring the CRREST vision to fruition.

To learn more, visit: mccfw.org/podcast

On this episode, we will hear from Melanie Mason, Director of Programs and Administration, at the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness. Prior to joining the Center, she worked as a financial aid administrator for several institutions in Maryland and also served as an avid volunteer and trainer with the Delaware-DC-Maryland Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Melanie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and has also earned graduate degrees in Nonprofit Management and Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Ms. Mason shares guidance for prospective students and their families as they prepare to pay for higher education. She also discusses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), changes for the 2024-25 academic year, and steps students and families can take to get ready for success.

Connect with Melanie Mason

• Learn more about Melanie Mason: LinkedIn

Connect with the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness

• Connect with Dr. Tisa Silver Canady: LinkedIn
• Visit MCCFW online: Web
• Follow MCCFW online: Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube
• Have an idea for who should we interview? Suggest our next guest!

The CRREST Podcast is a production of the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness. Helping campus-based professionals and community partners bring the CRREST vision to fruition.

To learn more, visit: mccfw.org/podcast

On this episode of The CRREST Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Keia Brown, Associate Director of Scholarships at the University of Maryland College Park and Founder of Miss Collegiate USA, a public charity that promotes Academia, Sisterhood, and Scholarships.

Dr. Brown shares her professional journey in financial aid including her passion for financial literacy. She also discusses how campus-based professionals can simplify the scholarship search for students and families, and harness the power of social media to reach diverse populations.

Connect with Dr. Keia Brown

• Learn more about Dr. Keia Brown: LinkedIn
• Visit the University of Maryland College Park Office of Financial Aid: Web
• Visit Miss Collegiate USA online: Web
• Follow Miss Collegiate USA online: Facebook and Instagram

Connect with the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness

• Connect with Dr. Tisa Silver Canady: LinkedIn
• Visit MCCFW online: Web
• Follow MCCFW online: Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube
• Have an idea for who should we interview? Suggest our next guest!

The CRREST Podcast is a production of the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness. Helping campus-based professionals and community partners bring the CRREST vision to fruition.

To learn more, visit: mccfw.org/podcast