Office of Student Development

Lori Saunders, MS
Director, Student Services

Lori received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama and earned a Master of Science degree in Leadership focusing on Education and Human Services from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

With a diverse background in sports marketing and higher education, Lori joined the Office of Student Development in 2009 after working in the School of Public Health for two years. Her experience developing programs that engage various constituents supports her current role where she is oversees the execution of institutional events and programs, leadership development and student engagement.

She enjoys creating innovative opportunities for the campus community to actively support student success.

Strengths: Includer, Responsibility, Empathy, Ideation, Maximizer

Ashlee Jimenez, MS, CCLS 

Assistant Director, Student Services

Ashlee received her Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development and Family Living from Stephen F. Austin State University and earned a Master of Science degree in Child Development, with a focus in Child Life from Texas Woman’s University.

Ashlee has been at UNTHSC for over three years and was promoted to Assistant Director in June 2019. In this role she coordinates institutional events including Commencement, White Coat Ceremony, Discover myHSC Day and the Campus Crawl.

Ashlee’s background and passion for working with students and program planning comes from her previous career in healthcare, as she served as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX for six years. There she supported a 36 bed unit, while also Chairing the Child Life Practicum Program, Internship and Practicum Student Supervisor, as well as Chair and member of the Remembrance Breakfast Planning Committee.

Ashlee enjoys providing opportunities that empower student leadership and inter-professional education practices.

Strengths: Discipline, Responsibility, Relator, Developer, Maximizer

Aubrey Rife, MS
Student Development Specialist

Aubrey received both her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies and her Master of Science in Health Sciences from The University of Texas at Tyler.

Prior to her arrival at The University of North Texas Health Science Center, Aubrey worked in Residence Life as well as in the non-profit sector.  Her experience in programming, leadership and student development assists her now in her current role working with New Student Orientation and other programming across campus.

Aubrey is passionate about student engagement and helping students feel connected here at UNTHSC.  She hopes to be an encouragement and supportive resource to assist students in reaching their goals.

Strengths: Belief, Positivity, Includer, Empathy, Developer

Brittani Schultz, MSW

Student Development Specialist

Brittani received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work with a minor in Substance Abuse and Addiction from The University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, and earned a Master of Science degree in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health from The University of Texas Arlington in Arlington, TX.

With a diverse background in non-profit, profit, and higher education, Brittani joined the Office of Student Development in 2021 after working in the School of Health Professions for one year. Her experience providing services and developing engaging programs within the Fort Worth community assist her current role where she plans, coordinates, and executes institutional programs including Family and Social Programming, Student Leadership Academy, Rising Leaders, Leadership Council, and more.

Brittani is excited to use her education and experience to create a welcoming atmosphere for students to engage, gain resources, and the education needed to thrive.

Strengths: Woo, Achiever, Input, Focus and Connectedness

Dwala Thompson, M.Ed

Student Development Specialist

Dwala received both her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and her Master of Education in Counseling-Student Affairs from Texas A&M University- Commerce.

Prior to her arrival at The University of North Texas Health Science Center, Dwala worked in Campus Activities and Multicultural & Diversity programming. Her experience in programming, student development, leadership and inclusion assists her now in her current role working with Student Organizations and Governments as well as additional programming across campus.

Dwala is passionate about student engagement, inclusion and assisting students here at UNTHSC. She hopes to be an inclusive, supportive and motivating resource to assist students in reaching their personal, professional and academic goals.