Meet The Staff

Home  //  Student Life  //  Student Resources  //  Student Support Services  //  Meet The Staff

SSS | We're Here For You!

Staff Photo for student support services
Back Row: Kristen Johnson, Kimberly Bechtold, Heather Mejia
Front Row: Derek Rempe, Amber Hutfles, Renae Welch

Meet Our Team

 

Amber Hutfles

Amber Hutfles
Student Support Services Director
785-442-6110 | ahutfles@highlandcc.edu

Hi all! I am so thankful to serve in this role and work with you! I graduated from Highland Community College (go Scotties!), and transferred to Kansas State University (go Cats!) to complete a degree in Hospitality Management, with an emphasis in Event Management, and a minor in Business Management. I love building relationships with people! While I was a student at Kansas State University, I received the "Extraordinary Student Award." This award is given to students who have been successful in their academic pursuits while facing opposition or significant obstacles. These experiences have truly made me who I am today.

For the majority of my young adult life, I have lived and worked in Manhattan, Kansas, a community that is very dear to me. I have a passion for engaging and growing young people and community development. My husband, Joel, and I decided to transition closer to home in the Fall of 2023. We just celebrated a year of marriage!! We love Jesus Christ and spending meaningful time with family and friends! We also enjoy coffee, travelling, staying active, ~and now~, gardening and remodeling our new home. Joel manages our small business, Hutfles Home Improvements, where he enjoys completing small home projects for people in the area. Let me know if you have a home project we can complete for you! He is also the Youth Minister at NorthRidge in Falls City, Nebraska.

We are grateful for the kindness we have been shown since moving here. It has been such a blessing. Wishing you a great 2024!

Kimberly Bechtold

Kimberly Bechtold
Student Support Services Transfer Advisor
785-442-6052 | kbechtold@highlandcc.edu

Hey everyone! My name is Kim Bechtold, and I am beginning my 12th year working with the SSS program as the Transfer Advisor. I was a transfer student myself and attended HCC for one year before transferring to Northwest Missouri State University.  There I earned a bachelor’s degree in Merchandising with a minor in Business.  After working in the design field for a few years I began my career in Higher Education working at Baker Universities Overland Park campus as a Graduate Enrollment Advisor.  The best part of my job here at Highland is getting to know our students and seeing how we can help them reach their goals! TRiO program truly work and I love being a part of our students success. 
Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with my husband (Josh) and two kids (Mason-13 & Mila-9). The kids keep us busy with football, basketball, baseball, dance, and many other activities throughout the year. We love living in the country and letting our dog, Steven the boxer, run free! 

Heather Mejia


Heather Mejia
Retention/Tutoring Coordinator

hmejia@highlandcc.edu 

Hi everyone! My name is Heather Mejia.  This is my 6th year working at HCC, however, I recently transitioned into my new role as the Student Support Services Retention and Tutor Coordinator. I’m very excited to be working more closely with our amazing students and be a part of their success.  I grew up in the small rural town of Wathena, KS. I graduated from Highland Community College before transferring to Fort Hays State University where I earned a bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a concentration in Psychology and Sociology.  

I love spending quality time with my husband (Tyler) and our four children (Camilia-13, Henley-10, Lane-8 and Tyson 1 ½). When we are not attending our children’s multiple sporting events (basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, softball and football) we love to travel and hang out with friends. During the summer months we spend a lot of time at our family lake house at Lake of the Ozarks. A fun fact about myself is that I worked as a cosmetologist for 13 years before I began my journey in Higher Education. I’m excited for the new academic year and look forward to meeting students.  

Kristen Johnson


Kristen Johnson
SSS Office Assistant 

kjohnson@highlandcc.edu

Hi there! My name is Kristen Johnson, I am the Office Assistant for Student Support Services (SSS). I am currently working on completing my Associate of Art degree at Highland Community College. I am a first-generation and a non-traditional student. I can say, firsthand, that the SSS program truly does provide support, especially to those who need guidance, because we are paving a new path. I plan to transfer to Washburn University after concluding my time at Highland Community College. I aspire to become an Addiction Counselor. I am a firm believer that any moment is the right moment to change the direction of your life. I live by the motto that "if you can think it, you can achieve it." With that said, I must add that to achieve your goals there needs to be proper planning and follow through. SSS is a great program because it provides the support to help make dreams a reality.

I wear many hats in my life. Along with being a full-time student and the SSS office assistant, I enjoy serving others, travelling (which can be done on a budget!), spending time with my son and boyfriend, gardening, and art. I choose to get the most out of life - that makes for a full schedule! I hope to see you in the SSS center. Remember, we have coffee!

Renae Welch


Renae Welch
Academic Specialist

swelch@highlandcc.edu

Welcome to Highland! My name is Renae Welch, and this is my fourth year working as an English Academic Specialist for SSS. During college, I worked as a teaching assistant for both Business and English classes, before graduating with a bachelor’s in business administration from Lincoln Christian University ‘20. Since graduating I have worked in a few different fields, but the main two have been in social media marketing and higher education. Two very different careers that I really enjoy, because both involve storytelling and a healthy dose of creativity. So, if you ever need help proof-reading assignments or writing papers, make sure you stop by and find me!

 When I’m not at HCC, I spend my time chasing my Australian Shepherd (Rhea) who sometimes comes to visit the office, going on road trips, reading, and baking.

 

Derek Rempe


Derek Rempe
Math Specialist

drempe@highlandcc.edu

I am Derek Rempe, and I work as the Math Specialist for Student Support Services (SSS) at Highland Community College. I'm a follower of Jesus, husband to Shannon, dad to three little boys, college pastor with Christian Challenge (at HCC), and coach middle school football and basketball. I love helping people grow in knowledge and confidence in all areas of life, including math!

What's Happening At Highland