Meet the Staff
Health Services
Karene Cummings
Director of Health Services
Hello, my name is Karene Cummings. I am the Director of Student Health Services at Knox College. I attended Graham Hospital School of Nursing, having graduated in 1996 with a diploma in nursing.
I have realized in my thirty years as a registered nurse, human connection is important to me. I strive to make every interaction genuine. I try to find common ground with others by listening to their experiences and sharing my own. Those small connections make a big difference in their healthcare experience. I am looking forward to providing care to the students at Knox College.
Jennifer Lemaster
Nurse Practitioner, APP
Jennifer Lemaster is our Advanced Practice Provider in collaboration with our partnership with Graham Medical Group to our Health Services Office. She will continue to provide medical care to enrolled students. Services provided include illness and injury management, minor emergency care, reproductive health and mental health visits, and medication management among other practices.
Jennifer's background includes acute care, emergency care, Director of Emergency Services, Family Practice and Urgent Care. She lives in Monmouth, has three children, is married to her husband for 15 years and has two Australian shepherds. She enjoys going on walks, hiking and spending time with her family.
Counseling Services
Brittany Dean
Assistant Director, Counselor, MS LCPC,
Brittany graduated from Ashford University with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and applied behavioral sciences and Capella University with a post-baccalaureate in Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family therapy and Master’s of Science in Counseling, specializing in family counseling. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor that has worked in a variety of clinical settings including intensive residential treatment for adolescents and teens as well as in community mental health.
Brittany has additional certifications and trainings in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, expressive art therapy, sexual assault crisis intervention. She strives to provide a safe and accepting therapeutic setting for all students in the Knox community where you are the expert on yourself and she is here to guide you to reach your personal goals.
In her free time, Brittany enjoys all things arts, crafts, reading, baking, cooking, and time with her family and dog, Gus.
Jeanine Fox
Counselor, LPC, CADC
Jeanine completed her Master of Science in Education degree with a focus in counselor education and mental health at Western Illinois University. She plans to pursue her doctorate in 2023.
Jeanine has been trained and certified in drug and alcohol counseling (CADC), is a certified shame-informed treatment specialist (CSTS) with an emphasis on eating disorders and body disorders, is certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (C-DBT), and is an active LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist and strives to be a supportive ally to the community. Her goal is to create a safe, healthy and inviting space for students through the therapeutic techniques of person-focused therapy.
She has been married for 10 years and has three pets: Angel (dog), Quigley (cat) and Rigby (fox). She loves hiking, biking, reading, doing random art projects and traveling when she can.
Rhonda Nelson
Counselor, LCPC
Rhonda received a master’s degree in Counseling from Western Illinois University and then became a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).
She works part-time as an adjunct instructor at Carl Sandburg College and enjoys her role as a National trainer for Mental Health First Aid where she educates people about mental health and how to provide help to individuals and communities who are impacted.
Rhonda enjoys spending time with her family and the outdoors.
Vicki Swedlund
Administrative Assistant
Vicki graduated from Galesburg Sr. High School and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Carl Sandburg Junior College and Midstate College. She began working at Knox College in 2002. Both of her brothers graduated from Knox in 1979 and 1990 as well as her grandmother in 1929. She grew up on South Street just down the street from the College and has attended many college events over the years.
Vicki especially enjoys the fall term when the new students arrive. She enjoys going for walks and attending sporting events. She loves all types of music and dancing.