Meet the newest members of our team
Ashley Burelison
Director of Student Services & Advising
Ashley has been part of the IU family since 2006 – first as an undergraduate student at IUPUI and a graduate student at IUB, then through holding various staff positions at IUPUI and, now, as our director of student services and advising here in Bloomington.
Ashley’s expertise is in the areas of academic advising, service learning, and student success coaching. In addition to advising, she has teaching and research experience and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Higher Education at IU.
Ashley and her husband Brian have two children, ages 14 and 11, and – as the parents of two teenagers – spend most of their time running around to various sporting practices and events in soccer, wrestling, and cheerleading. In her free time, Ashley enjoys co-operating a small crafting business, working out, and traveling.
Josh Bowles
Academic Advisor, Recorder, & Scheduling Officer
Josh is a proud Hoosier alum, having earned his Bachelor’s in Sports Communication and his Master’s in Athletic Administration at IU Bloomington. Josh has also taught various classes in sports media and communication through the IU Media School and at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Josh's most recent position was in the natural science program at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. Before that, he spent five years as an academic advisor in IU's Kelley School of Business, working closely with the Jellison Living Learning Center and new student orientation programming.
Josh says, “I am elated to be returning home to Bloomington and am grateful for the opportunity to work with an incredible group of students who will make an immeasurable difference in the lives of so many.”
“These students are joining a profession that truly helps individuals in a holistic manner, and it takes a special kind of person to do what they do. I am honestly ready to learn from them and help guide them on their academic and professional journeys. The excitement and energy that comes from IUSON BL’s amazing new academic facilities, and the opening of the brand new hospital, create an environment that is very motivating and engaging. I am truly thrilled to be joining the IU Nursing community.”
Josh is married to Tori Lawhorn, a marketing professional at TrendyMinds and fellow IU grad. Together, they enjoy going on walks around town, spending time with their cat Candy, and cheering on the Hoosiers whenever they can. Tori and Josh love celebrating Halloween, having gotten married on October 31st at Brown County State Park in 2020.
Matt Needler
Inter-Professional SIM Center Coordinator
Matt is a lifelong Hoosier, born and raised in Indiana. Matt graduated from IUPUI with a degree in philosophy and has worked in health care since he was 17 years old. Prior to joining IUSON BL, Matt worked as a simulation tech at Indianapolis for five years and served in the Indiana Army Guard as a combat medic. He and his wife Jaicee have three children (Oliver, Harper, and Hazel) and two fur-children (Ace and Luna).
Says Matt: “My goals are to help this new state-of-the-art Simulation Center achieve its maximum potential; train and bring new SIM techs up to the standards we all know IU Simulation stands for; and continue to provide high quality simulation education to all our students. I look forward to working with all our awesome educators and students in the coming years!”
Daniel Moore
Simulation Technician, Inter-Professional SIM Center
Born and raised in Terre Haute, Daniel says: “I’ve been interested in technology and medicine since I was young. I’ve always had a passion for technology – and my parents encouraged that – but they also passed on their own interest in medicine to me.”
“I went to Ball State University for 3 years as a part of their Computer Technology program. For a good while, I was on the straight and narrow path of I.T. Then, about a year ago, I happened upon simulation while job hunting. I took a chance and applied for a SimTech job at Indiana State University … and my eyes were opened to a completely new world where Medicine and Technology combined in new and exciting ways! I’ve never looked back. I am excited to join the Simulation Center here at the IU Bloomington campus, working with the Schools of Medicine and Nursing and IU Health. I can’t wait to see what adventures await!”
Rita Verbocht
Associate Director of Development
Rita comes to us from the IU Foundation where she served as the Assistant Director of Research. She brings 18 years of experience providing critical donor information and reporting to the fundraising community and leadership of Indiana University. Rita’s expertise includes modeling and analysis of biographical, philanthropic, and financial information for both prospective and current donors to determine gift potential, interests, and engagement opportunities.
Rita has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from National University in California. She is a member of APRA (Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement) and previously served on its Indiana chapter board. She most recently served as a member of the Product Xpert Board for Wealth-X, a part of the Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC Group.
Rita has two sons who graduated from IU. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Daisy.