Presenters
Daniel Barkowitz
Unleashing Your Inner Superpower: Becoming the Hero Your Students Need and
OB3: Adjusted Loan Amounts for Less Than Full Time Annual Enrollment
Daniel T. Barkowitz, FAAC®, has served 35 years in institutions of higher education. Daniel has volunteered with NASFAA, SASFAA, EASFAA, FASFAA (Florida), and MASFAA (Massachusetts), including serving as the inaugural chair of NASFAA's Commission of the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® (CFAA) Program, president of FASFAA, and president of SASFAA. He is a current board member of HELC (Higher Education Loan Coalition) and an Advisory Task Force member for NCAN (National College Attainment Network). He also served as the primary negotiator for financial aid administrators in the 2021 Federal Negotiated Rulemaking. Daniel is a recipient of NASFAA's Meritorious Achievement Award, FASFAA's Distinguished Service Award, MASFAA's Presidential Award, a two-time recipient of MET’s Dean of Undergraduate Education Infinite Mile Award, and the recipient of the Florida College Access Network's (FCAN) Top Influencer Award. Daniel earned his B.S. from Northeastern University, his M.Ed. from Boston University, and a certificate in Professional Fundraising from Boston University. He is a frequent conference presenter, published poet, musical theater actor, and Tarot card designer and collector. Daniel has two adult children and an adorable fur baby.
Alissa Casey
Empowering Financial Aid Pros with Smart AI Tools
Alissa Casey is a Scholarship Coordinator at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming. She is a dedicated financial aid professional who supports students through scholarships and aid programs in Wyoming. Alissa is actively involved in professional development and leadership within the financial aid community. She is a recent graduate of the RMASFAA Leadership Pipeline and serves as Treasurer for Wyoming Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (WyASFAA), contributing to the growth of the profession through her enthusiasm for service and dedication to continuous learning. Alissa earned her Master of Arts in English from University of Wyoming in 2024. Before financial aid, Alissa worked in restaurant management. She enjoys spending time with her partner, Osmond, and her cat, Owen.
Heidi Carl
Career Path Awareness
NASFAA Update
Heidi Carl is the assistant vice provost and executive director of the division of financial aid at Purdue University. She has 28 years of financial aid, admissions, and enrollment management experience and has previously worked at Wabash College and the University of Indianapolis. Heidi earned her bachelor's degree in communications and her master's degree in higher education administration from Western Michigan University. She has served in several elected and volunteer roles at the state, regional, and national levels and is a past president of the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA) and ISFAA (Indiana). She has served on NASFAA's Board of Directors as MASFAA regional representative and as chair of the Career Path Awareness for Financial Aid Administrators Thought Force. Heidi is committed to the people in our profession and helping to make critical changes to elevate the recognition and training for the unique skill set that is necessary for financial aid professionals of the future.
Brad Barker
Hathaway Update
Bradley S. Barker III is an experienced education policy professional with 12 years of service supporting the Hathaway Scholarship Program. He serves as a subject-matter expert, working closely with state agencies, community colleges, and the University of Wyoming to ensure accurate data reporting, compliance, and effective program implementation. Brad brings deep expertise in scholarship policy, data systems, and cross-agency coordination, including oversight of reporting processes, payment structures, and regulatory alignment. His work focuses on improving access to postsecondary education, maintaining program integrity, and navigating the complexities of state and federal policy intersections. Known for his ability to translate complex policy into practical application, Brad is a trusted resource for educators, administrators, and policymakers seeking clarity and efficiency in scholarship administration.
Kelcie McBride
What... The... FRAUD: Higher Ed's most challenging strategy game
Difficult Conversations: Getting Comfortable with the Elephant in the Room
Kelcie McBride is the Financial Aid Director at Western Nebraska Community College. While she has prior experience in Financial Aid, she began her current role in July 2023 – right before setup for FAFSA Simplification began (yes, she accepted the job knowing that)! Kelcie has experience in several roles in higher education including serving as a College Advisor through a grant-based position, Residential Life, Institutional Research, and her favorite: Financial Aid. She also has experience in the nonprofit sector. She and her husband, Jordan, have two little boys who are adorable, incredibly ornery, and the light of their lives!
Lou Murray
Stress Relief and Personal Wellness Hacks
Lou Murray is a 30-year veteran in higher education and the regional lead for Earnest, where he provides financial aid solutions to colleges across the Rocky Mountain states. As a first-generation graduate of the University of Houston, a travel rep, and leader in various school associations, Lou is dedicated to public speaking, motivating others, and challenging the stigmas surrounding mental illness. Lou has presented to numerous associations, universities, local businesses, and podcasts, raising awareness and fostering open dialogue on mental wellness. Lou initiated the creation of Earnest’s employee ERG group, WellnEST, which exists to foster a supportive environment where mental health is prioritized, stigma is shattered, and every individual feels valued and supported. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, it strives to promote mental well-being, provide resources for resilience, and cultivate a culture of empathy and understanding within our organization and beyond. In addition to his presentations, Lou created The Music Experience, which he offers to corporations, schools, local businesses, and private events. This initiative led to the formation of Mission Upbeat LLC, Lou's personal venture aimed at promoting positivity through motivational speaking, mental health advocacy, and his unique music-driven experiences. When not visiting schools, providing presentations, or mixing music as a DJ, Lou enjoys “geeking out” with his three children—Alessandra, Aliana, and Ian—watching sports with his wife, Nidia, or playing catch with his dogs, Acee and Stevie. Lou resides in Pearland, Texas.
Vanessa Martineau
RMASFAA Update
Vanessa Martineau is the Director of Financial Aid at Western Governors University (WGU), operating out of Salt Lake City, Utah. She has over 12 years of financial aid and higher education experience and earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and gender studies from the University of Utah as well as her master’s degree in management and leadership from Western Governors University. Vanessa has served her state and regional associations (UASFAA and RMASFAA) as a presenter, instructor, committee member/chair, and elected officer – most recently stepping into the RMASFAA President role for 25-26. She has had the honor of serving at the national level as well, most recently on NASFAA’s Advancing the Profession Task Force and 2024 Conference Planning Task Force. Vanessa is passionate about facilitating effective and compassionate leadership, a culture of responsible borrowing, and student-centric decision-making. She is an advocate for continual learning, professional development, and change management with a fondness for documentation. When she’s not working, Vanessa enjoys fostering kittens and supporting local art.
Presentation
Materials
Unleashing Your Inner Superpower: Becoming the Hero Your Students Need
Daniel Barkowitz
Empowering Financial Aid Pros with Smart AI Tools
Alissa Casey
Resources
Slides
Career Path Awareness &
NASFAA Update
Heidi Carl
What...The...FRAUD: Higher Ed's Most Challenging Strategy Game
Kelcie McBride
Resources
Slides
Managing Change in the
Ever-Changing World of Financial Aid
Vanessa Martineau
OB3: Adjusted Loan Amounts for
Less Than Full Time Annual Enrollment
Daniel Barkowitz
Difficult Conversations: Getting Comfortable with the Elephant in the Room
Kelcie McBride
RMASFAA Update
Vanessa Martineau