Meet Our Staff
Peter Holliday
Director (phollida@nmu.edu)
Peter joined the Student Support Services staff in July 2001. He is a native of Marquette and an NMU alumnus. After 17 years working as a school psychologist in Wisconsin and Michigan he returned to NMU as a staff member. Peter has been enjoying all aspects of the Student Support Service program. "Working with the faculty and staff has been great. Working directly with the students to help them identify and work toward achieving their goals is even better." Peter and his wife live in Marquette. He enjoys outdoor activities and spends much of his time cycling, hiking and relaxing at his camp.
Christie Linaker Parsley
Secretary (cparsley@nmu.edu)
Christie Linaker Parsley grew up in Manhattan Beach, Calif., and lived in Wasilla, Alaska for seven years, but she has lived in Marquette most of her life. She has a bachelor of science degree in communication disorders from NMU and joined the staff at Student Support Services in March 2007. Christie enjoys cooking, swimming, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.
Dan Dermyer
Program Counselor (ddermyer@nmu.edu)
Dan is a U.P. transplant from Adrian, Michigan. His background includes a bachelor's degree from NMU and a master's from Eastern Michigan University. He worked with youth and families as a clinical psychologist for 25 years in a child guidance clinic setting, as well as with physical therapy patients. Dan teaches the Student Support Services freshman seminar course, coordinates the Student Support Services advisory board, and truly enjoys assisting students on their road to academic and personal success. Dan's hobbies include hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, biking and photography.
Darlene Buck
Learning Skills Specialist (dbuck@nmu.edu)
Darlene has been with the program since 1990, providing academic and career/major counseling as well as academic advisement to students. Darlene earned a bachelor of arts from Michigan State University and a master of arts from NMU. She has a Michigan teacher certification in English and history, is a licensed professional counselor and holds her second complete Michigan school counselor endorsement. Darlene's favorite part of her job is working with students. "Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a student succeed in reaching a personal or academic goal." Her favorite hobbies are gardening, reading, writing and hiking.
