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 Science in Psychology, Georgia College & State University, 2015
Master of Education in Counselor Education, Clemson University, 2019
Educational Specialist in School Counseling, Clemson University, 2019

Certifications/Training: Professional School Counselor Certification

Three words that describe your approach to coaching: Encouraging, Empathetic, Friendly

Specialty Areas: Wellbeing, Organization Strategies, Navigating Transitions, Time Management, Study Habits

Advice for college students: Try to get involved on campus in any way that you can. Whether that’s an on-campus job, joining a club based on your interests or serving in a leadership role that you’re passionate about. The best way to feel that sense of ownership of your college experience is to leave your mark on campus even if it feels like a small way. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make connections with people and maybe even make some friends!

What campus resources or services do you believe KSU students should take advantage of and why? Don’t sleep on the Writing Center! Their resources aren’t just for your English classes. They can help you with any class where you write- a speech, a paper for your social sciences class, or they’ll even help you write a cover letter for that on campus job you’re trying to get. They also do workshops if you are new to a class and need help writing in a certain style like APA or Chicago Style. Plus, they have coffee for students!

What was the biggest lesson you learned in college outside of the classroom? When I was in high school, I went to a small school where there was only 60 people in my senior class. Going to college was a huge transition for me, to say the least. I was so nervous and wasn’t sure how to make friends or get connected with people on campus. One of my cousins gave me advice when I told her how I was feeling. She told me to talk to people in my classes, which sounded simple enough. She said that’s how she made friends and she thought it might help me too. I was super anxious about it, but I put myself out there and decided to start up some conversations with people in my freshman classes. I worked really hard at it and felt super awkward at times, but by the end of the first semester I was able to make a couple friends in my classes!

My biggest take away from that experience was so much more than making friends because it also helped me build my confidence. In fact, I was eventually able to join a club through one of those classmates and was elected vice president by my senior year. I also got an on-campus internship as a lab assistant in a couple of Psychology labs through my connection with another classmate. My point is, you never know what those small actions like asking how someone’s weekend was or asking what they thought about a test will lead you to. It could be friendship, or it could be a steppingstone to so much more! It’s not always about the big changes or actions that make a difference, but the small daily or weekly interactions that could change everything for you!

What’s a book, movie, or TV show that you think every student should experience at least once? On a less serious note, I love the show Brooklyn 99. It’s my comfort show and I probably have seen every episode at least 5 times. It combines all my favorite TV show things- comedy and solving mysteries. The cast is hilarious and the show is super quotable, especially my favorite character Captain Holt. It’s always my recommendation if you’re in need of a comfort show to help you wind down after a long day of classes or you just need something to make you smile when you’re feeling burned out or stressed.

Quote that inspires your work: “Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe. I love this quote because it reminds me that we don’t have everything “perfect” if we want something to change. Change starts with recognizing where we are and taking small steps that we might not have tried before. Sometimes the biggest impacts can be made this way! Your next step could just be to have a person in your corner cheering you on and encouraging you. I love coaching because I can be that person that you may need to cheer you on or gently remind you if you need a push to keep going.

When you're not coaching, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy? Reading, traveling to new towns around Georgia, trying out new coffee shops, watching reality TV, hiking with my boyfriend and our dog, spending time with family and friends, and listening to Taylor Swift.