Meet the Academic Success Coaches

Education: Bachelor of Applied Arts in Integrative Public Relations, Central Michigan University

Master of Arts in Interpersonal and Public Communication, Central Michigan University

Certifications: Global Disc Certified Facilitator and Coach, Certified Professional Life Coach

Three words that describe your approach to coaching: Educate, Encourage, Empower

Specialty Areas: My specialty is helping students uncover small pockets of time within their busy schedules to make meaningful changes aligning with their personal and academic goals. I enjoy guiding students to the heart of their challenges along with working together to find practical solutions that empower them to feel more confident and successful.

Advice for College students: You don’t have to have everything figured out in college. Focus on learning how to manage your time, ask for help, and bounce back when things don’t go as planned. College is really about learning how to function as an adult and most stress happens when students wait too long to reach out.

What campus resources or services do you believe KSU students should take advantage of and why?

• SMART Center & Writing Center – Not just for failing students. Strong students use these to stay on track.
• Counseling & Psychological Services – College is a mental transition as much as an academic one. Processing stress helps performance.
• Academic Advising  – Helps you make fewer expensive mistakes with scheduling and major decisions.
• Career Planning and Development – The earlier you start, the less panic you’ll feel senior year.
• Registered Student Organizations – This is where belonging happens.

What was the biggest lesson you learned in college outside of the classroom? I learned that your independence is real, but so are your limits. I learned that asking for help early is actually a strength, not a failure. The students who thrive aren’t the ones who never struggle, they’re the ones who adjust quickly when something isn’t working.

What’s a book, movie, or TV show that you think every student should experience at least once? Every college student should watch The Matrix. 

Quote that inspires your work: “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong.” — George Washington Carver. It reminds me that students grow best when they’re met with patience. Progress often starts with understanding, not pressure.

When you're not coaching, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy? Crocheting, Crossfit, Hiking, Biking, Coloring.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in French, Covenant College,  2014.

Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics & English as a Second Language, Georgia State University, 2017.

Master in Education in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development, University of Georgia, 2023.

Certifications/Training: I am a staff member on the Wellbeing@KSU Coalition which is a team of dedicated faculty, staff, and students who promote health and wellbeing at KSU.  

Specialty Areas: I specialize in helping students get organized, manage their time with confidence, and build the mindset they need to succeed. I love guiding students through practical productivity tools while also supporting their growth mindset and self‑confidence, making academic success feel achievable, balanced, and personalized.

Advice for College Students: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Building connections with professors, advisors, and peers can open doors you didn’t know existed.

What campus resources or services do you believe KSU students should take advantage of and why? KSU students should absolutely take advantage of Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS). Counseling provides a safe space to talk through stress, emotions, and personal challenges with trained professionals who can offer support and coping strategies. Even if students don't think anything is "wrong"; it's a great place to build a strong foundation before getting out into the real world. Also, it's FREE. Paying for counseling as an adult is expensive. Take advantage of it while it's FREE.

Additionally, Academic Coaching. This is not a shameless plug for Academic Coaching, but ACS can offer a level of accountability to students that people in the real world pay top dollar for. Accountability groups are not cheap, so students should take advantage of another FREE resource they have access to while in college. These services support both well‑being and performance, helping students thrive holistically.

What was the biggest lesson you learned in college outside of the classroom? The most meaningful thing I learned in college was how to believe in myself even when things felt overwhelming. Building self‑trust, learning to recover from setbacks, and embracing a growth mindset shaped me far more than any single class. I am many years post-college, but this is something I continue to learn as an adult. I find new strategies to help me in each new stage of life I go through.

What’s a book, movie, or TV show that you think every student should experience at least once? I really enjoy books written by Mark Manson. 

Manson's books offer honest, refreshing perspectives on managing expectations, understanding emotions, and learning what truly matters. They encourage readers to let go of perfectionism, rethink failure, and build a healthier relationship with themselves. These are all valuable lessons to learn, especially during the ups and downs of college life.

Quote that inspires your work: "You belong here, and you have something valuable to offer."

When you're not coaching, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy? I enjoy dogs. Just dogs; all things dogs. I also enjoy walking, reading for fun, trying out new restaurants, traveling, karaoke, and spending time with family and friends during my free time.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Northern Illinois University, 2020
Master of Science in Sport Psychology, Northern Illinois University, 2023

Certifications/Training: My training is rooted in sport psychology (M.S. in Sports Psychology), and strengthened by thousands of hours of applied coaching experience in high-performance settings. In addition to my work at KSU, I’ve supported athletes and high-performing professionals across nine countries, including collegiate All-Americans, national champions, international C Suite leaders, and professional athletes. That experience shapes a practical, performance-focused approach to goal setting, habit development, confidence, and execution under pressure.

Three words that describe your approach to coaching: Supportive, Strategic, and Strengths-Based

Specialty Areas: Study Strategies, Motivation & Goal Setting, Neurodivergency, Professionalism, Networking, Communication Styles, and Identifying Learning Styles.

Advice for college students: Start simple and start early. Pick one or two habits that make everything easier- a weekly plan and a (realistic!) study routine, then build from there. Stay curious about what works for you, ask for help sooner than you think you need it, and use every setback as feedback. Progress is usually a series of small adjustments, not one perfect plan.

What campus resources or services do you believe KSU students should take advantage of and why? Academic Coaching and Support, because having a clear plan and accountability can turn stress into progress that is more attainable than going through it on your own. Career Planning and Development, because they help you connect your major to real opportunities and sharpen resumes, interviewing, and internship strategy. Library research services, because working with a librarian can save you hours and immediately improve the quality of your papers and projects.

What was the biggest lesson you learned in college outside of the classroom? Success comes from doing a great job at hard things consistently. The hard things are more doable if you know “your why.”

What’s a book, movie, or TV show that you think every student should experience at least once? Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

Quote that inspires your work: "Have a good time. Life is too short to get bogged down and be discouraged. You have to keep moving. You have to keep going. Put one foot in front of the other, smile and just keep on rolling." –Kobe Bryant

When you're not coaching, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy? I enjoy staying active, getting outside, and playing lacrosse when I can. I also like traveling, exploring new places, and spending time with friends and family.