Who We Are

Century College counselors are faculty who are professionally trained to identify, support, and problem solve the difficulties students face in pursuing and achieving their educational goals. We have developed an expertise within the context of community college student development and the inevitable changes that occur as students progress through a college education.

Contact information and bios >

What We Do

Personal counseling includes helping students with personal life issues that interfere with their academic success. Services include, but are not limited to:

  • Holistic support for students’ mental and emotional needs
  • Group sessions and workshops focused on various wellness topics
  • Educating students about topics related to their well-being
  • Teaching students how to navigate the college experience and how to advocate for themselves
  • Outreach programming including both preventative and developmental interventions
  • Supporting the overall well-being of students working towards completion of their program

Personal counseling services do not include any medical treatment, diagnosis, or long-term therapy for chronic issues. Counselors refer out for long-term therapy for mental health services, medication, county case management, social service resources, medical diagnosis, addiction counseling, and eating disorders

Advising, Counseling, and Career Center front desk:
Phone: 651-779-3285
Email: acc@century.edu
Location: West Campus, W2410 (all services are virtual at this time)

Schedule an Appointment

More Information

Reasons to See a Counselor for Personal Counseling Services

What to expect from a Personal Counseling appointment

  • Confidential and non-judgmental conversation to address issues and concerns that impede a student’s academic success.
  • An opportunity to enhance their emotional and social development while at Century College.
  • Personal growth through a supportive environment in which a student can express themselves freely.
  • An exploration of areas of concern that may interfere with academic success such as transition to college, test anxiety, time management, stress management, mental well-being, relationships, and identity issues.

Confidentiality

All information shared with a counselor is kept confidential. In other words, the conversations you have with your counselor will be kept private. Exceptions to this practice are:

  • If you express an intent to hurt yourself or someone else.
  • If your counseling records are court ordered by a government official (i.e. a judge).
  • If you report abuse or neglect of a minor (individual under the age of 18 years old) or a vulnerable adult.
  • Professional consultation.

Appointment Scheduling Additional Information

Students can schedule an appointment with their assigned counselor through:

  • Starfish located in myCentury;
    or
  • Advising, Counseling, and Career Center front desk:
    Phone: 651-779-3285
    Email: acc@century.edu
    Location: West Campus, W2410 (all services are virtual at this time)

Counseling appointments are typically 60-minutes long.

Business Hours:
Monday - Tuesday: 8am - 6pm
Wednesday - Thursday: 8am - 4:30pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm

Crisis Resources

A county crisis team can assess the situation and provide in-person follow-up if needed:

  • Anoka: 763-755-3801
  • Carver/Scott: 952-442-7601
  • Dakota: 952-891-7171
  • Hennepin: 612-596-1223
  • Washington: 651-777-5222 - Washington County Adult Mental Health and Crisis Counseling
  • Ramsey: 651-266-7900

Other resources:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Crisis Text Line: Offers free services 24/7 across Minnesota to help those who are having a mental health crisis or contemplating suicide - Text “MN” to 741741 
  • Minnesota Warmline: Call 651-288-0400/1-877-404-3190 or Text “Support” to 85511
  • I’m Alive: Confidential online crisis chat - https://www.imalive.org
  • National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • MN Day One Domestic Violence Crisis Line: http://www.dayoneservices.org/ or 1-866-223-1111
  • Rape/Sexual Abuse:  651-266-6000
  • 911

 

Contacts

Portrait of Crystal De Kam
Experience: Crystal De Kam is a licensed Mental Health Professional in the state of Minnesota and has worked in community mental health services for over three years before transitioning to college counseling settings. Crystal has worked in college counseling (mental health, personal, and career counseling) for over five years and continues to work at Century College in the counseling department as well as teaching courses in psychology and the Behavioral Health and Interventions course. She began teaching three years ago.
Teaching Approach: "While teaching I take a student-centered approach to help students learn the material by focusing on meeting the students where they are at in the course of their learning. I find students learn best when the content can be related to the student's experience and career aspirations and I work to help students understand how the course is relevant to the student. My courses often have multiple ways for the student to learn the content and to show they understand the content in an effort to help all students with their preferred learning method."
Education: Crystal De Kam began her education at a community college in the metro area, Normandale Community College, and continued with her education to complete a B.A. in psychology with a health services focus at Winona State University. She later completed her Masters in Counseling and Psychological Services at Saint Mary's University in Minneapolis.
Hobbies: As a lifetime learner I am always looking into new hobbies and interests; right now I am enjoying gardening
Crystal De Kam
Counselor
651-779-3313
crystal.dekam@century.edu
W 2413
Justin Hauer
Counselor
651-779-3244
justin.hauer@century.edu
W 2409
Tashana Husom
Counselor
651-773-1740
tashana.husom@century.edu
W 2412
Portrait of Michele Jersak
Experience: Michele Jersak is a counselor at Century College and has over 20 years of experience working within the Minnesota State system. In addition to meeting with students one-on-one, she has taught classes in career development, leadership development, and first-year experience. She has worked extensively with developing and using the GPS LifePlan, an online planning tool that helps students navigate the college experience and find the career that will help them affirm their values and utilize their talents. Through her work at Century College, she helps students develop their futures through counseling appointments, career mentoring support, and engaged teaching. Michele is a Communication Across Barriers-Certified Poverty Coach and Gold Star Speaker which focuses on better serving students who live in the crisis of poverty. She has also received her yoga instructor certification and enjoys helping students use mindfulness strategies to make the most of their college and life experiences.
Education: MA, Educational Psychology: Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology; BA, Psychology, University of Minnesota
Notable Achievements: Century College Board of Trustees Finalist and National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Award
Hobbies: Dancing, reading, yoga, theatre, travel, music, and being in nature.
Media Link: LinkedIn profile
Michele Jersak
Counselor
651-779-3221
michele.jersak@century.edu
W 2411
Charlotte Nordstrom
Counselor
651-779-3337
charlotte.nordstrom@century.edu
W 2408
Janet Wacker
Counselor
651-779-3302
janet.wacker@century.edu
W 2414

Contact Century College