Contact
Location: SUB 1, Suite 3600
Mailing Address: 4400 University Drive MS2E6 Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone Number: 703-993-2470
Email: mycoach@gmu.edu
There are multiple ways to make an appointment
Option 1
Click on your coach’s personalized appointment link under their name below
Option 2
1) Click above on the blue button “Schedule An Appointment”
2) Log in with your Mason net ID and password
3) Click the blue “Get Assistance” button
4) Select “Success Coaching”
5) Select “[Last Name] Success Coaching”
6) Pick your Success Coach from the list
7) Make your appointment
Option 3
Call our office: 703-993-2470
Option 4
Email us at mycoach@gmu.edu
Option 5
Drop-in hours are Monday – Thursday from 8am – 6pm; Friday from 8am – 5pm.
Meet The Student Success Coaching Team
Student Success Coaching Leadership Team
Director
Adrienne D. White, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
703-993-2698
Dr. White originally came to Mason to work on her Ph.D. as a full-time graduate student, but fell in love with the Mason community. She has now been at Mason for six years and is a proud Mason alum. Dr. White is thrilled to be able to continue to support Mason students in the work that we do in the Student Success Coaching unit. Dr. White received her Bachelors degree in Audiology from the University of Tennessee, a Masters of Science in Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University, and her doctorate from George Mason University in Education, specializing in Higher Education.
What Dr. White likes the most about coaching: Coaching is an incredible opportunity for students at Mason to engage with a professional staff member that will help guide them through their time at Mason. I have seen coaching transform the lives of our students and I am honored to be a part of their experience at Mason.
Associate Director
Kelly Severo (she/her/hers)
703-993-9152
Schedule an appointment with Kelly: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/LtjOp-qebv
Kelly has nearly a decade of experience working in higher education. She spent seven years as a academic advisor to graduate social work students and special education students. For the past three years, she has been an Assistant Director in the Student Success Coaching unit prior to her current role as Associate Director. She loves supporting students in their personal and academic goals. In her personal time, Kelly loves hiking and backpacking with her family.
What Kelly likes the most about coaching: Coaching provides a wonderful opportunity to know our students better. I enjoy learning what motivates students, what scares them, and what brings them the most joy. Mason students are so resilient, optimistic, hard working, and strong. Getting to know our students is such a privilege. Coaching is also a great way to help students determine what their own definition of success within higher education is. I love being with them on their Mason journey.
Associate Director
Whitney Gaston (she/her/hers)
703-993-6609
Whitney Gaston currently serves as the Associate Director of Student Success Coaching at George Mason University. She has worked in higher education for almost 25 years and her professional experiences include admissions, advising, marketing, recruitment, alumni relations and program planning. Prior to coming to Mason, Whitney worked for the University of South Florida – Polytechnic Campus as the Director of University Relations. Her career background also includes working in the community college system in Florida. Whitney thoroughly enjoys working with students, from recruitment to graduation and beyond. In this role with the Student Success Coaching unit, she looks forward to helping students navigate their educational journey and overcome any challenges or obstacles that “pop up” along the way.
What Whitney likes the most about coaching: I love having great conversations with the students and helping them to become the BEST version of themselves as they write their “Mason story” and cross the finish line to graduation.
Assistant Director for Strategic Development and Engagement
TJ Pegg, Ed.D. (he/him/his)
703-993-5642
TJ is excited to serve as our Assistant Director for Training and Student Engagement within Student Success Coaching, working directly with our Graduate Professional Assistants, Peer Coaches, and provides oversight to the Patriot Experience program. Prior to joining the George Mason University, TJ strives to support students’ own definition of success and connection to campus through intentional interactions, engagement opportunities, and utilization of campus resources. In addition to his role at Mason, TJ is currently passionate about improving practices for transfer student success through student engagement and belongingness on campus.
What TJ likes the most about coaching: Success Coaching helps you process and set goals for everything outside the classroom that may impact your Mason experience.
Assistant Director for Success Coaching, ADVANCE
Krystal Wiley (she/her/hers)
703-993-5289
Krystal joined SSC team in June 2020. She brings 11 years of experience in higher education to her new role. She has previously served in various departments such as Admission, Financial Aid and Academic Advising. She has worked for a few intuitions such as The Art Institute, North Carolina A&T State University and East Carolina University, all located in North Carolina. She has 5 years’ experience in advising and coaching students in various majors and different programs of study. A few of her responsibilities included working with transfer students from the community colleges, reviewing transcript evaluations and heading summer orientations for all incoming students. She has a passion for student success and believes this can be achieved by providing students with the tools to be a confident learner, knowing there is a community who is committed to help them reach their goals. Krystal received her Bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University in Business Administration, in addition to earning her MBA in Marketing from Ashford University.
What Krystal likes the most about coaching: In the area of Coaching, our Coaches are able to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and assess specific focus areas, in ways that help to support students. This provides a sense of achievement and growth in confidence, in the students journey. A good coach is positive, resourceful, supportive, and trusting.
Assistant Director for Success Coaching
Glenda Cosby (she/her/hers)
703-993-6542
Schedule an appointment with Glenda: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/AsGzXy_rDE
Glenda Cosby received her Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Liberal Students with a minor in Elementary Education from James Madison University, which is where she also earned her Master’s of Arts in Teaching. Prior to joining the SSC Team, Glenda served at a few universities working with departments such as Residence Life, Graduate Admissions, and Student Retention. She is passionate about getting to know students and working closely with them to ensure their success while at Mason and beyond. She looks forward to meeting you!
What Glenda likes the most about coaching: I love the opportunity to connect one on one with students, hear their stories, and learn how I can best support them by walking beside them during and throughout their college experience. As a first gen student, it has been fulfilling being the person I needed but didnt have during my college journey.
Assistant Director for Success Coaching
Michael Ward (he/him/his)
703-993-6694
Schedule an appointment with Michael: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/cIYVuLEogL
Michael joined the SSC team in April 2022. Michael earned his Bachelor’s in Psychology from Fordham University, Master’s in Counseling from Montclair State University, and Doctorate in Higher Education from Florida International University. Prior to joining the SSC team, Michael supported students at a variety of colleges and universities in the roles of Assistant Director of Advising/Retention at Widener University, Disability Resource Center Academic Coach at CNM, and Senior Academic Advisor at FIU. Michael is excited about supporting students at GMU and looks forward to working with you during your Mason experience! In his spare time Michael enjoys spending time outdoors and watching his favorite basketball team, the New York Knicks.
What Michael likes the most about coaching: What I like most about coaching is being able to support students in setting goals towards figuring out who they want to become during their time at Mason and beyond!
Assistant Director for Success Coaching
Kye Hopkins (he/him/his)
703-993-5947
Schedule an appointment with Kye: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/JAmhuA05Xw
Kye Hopkins joined the Student Success Coaching team in January 2020. Prior to his current role, Kye worked in Student Success at Shenandoah University as the Assistant Director for Student Success where he helped support students. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science in 2015 and Master’s of Science in Education Administration Leadership in 2017 from Shenandoah University. He is passionate about helping students and is looking forward to helping them reach their goals.
What Kye likes the most about coaching: I love being able to help guide students and help them reach their goals.
Success Coaching Support Team
Communication Specialist
Melanie Jalim (she/her/hers)
703-993-6846
Melanie Jalim graduated from George Mason University with a major in Communications, concentrating in Public Relations and a minor in Tourism and Event Management. She has worked with multiple departments around campus, including Housing, SSAC, and the LEAD office. She strongly encourages students to partake in opportunities that will help them thrive not only as a Patriot, but to fulfill their own aspirations when on their journey in higher education and beyond. Before Mason, she worked on the NOVA Loudoun Campus with the Student Life department, where she helped create events and workshops for leadership and social engagement. During her free time, Melanie loves to travel, thrift, spend time with family and friends, and create chocolates for her small business.
What Melanie likes the most about coaching: What I like about success coaching is that we help Mason students not feel overwhelmed when searching for the proper resources needed for their journey here at Mason. In addition, helping them create and implement goals that will align to their vision of what they want to achieve during their time at Mason and into the career.
Project Implementation Specialist
Sara Clifton (she/her/hers)
703-993-4352
Sara graduated with a degree in Sport Management and Communications from Western Kentucky University and participated in Americorp for a year before going on to get her Master’s in College Student Personnel from the University of Louisville. After graduation she moved to Wichita, KS and worked in Student Activities. Sara joined the Student Success Coaching team in September of 2019 and enjoys helping students find a program that matches their goals, interests, and passion.
What Sara likes the most about coaching: The thing I like most about coaching is helping students define what success means to them. This assists us in creating a plan in getting them from where they are to where they want to be.
Administrative Assistant
Louise Higgins (she/her/hers)
703-993-1968
As the Office Manager for Student Success Coaching, Louise Higgins (she, her, hers) is honored to support a dedicated and enthusiastic team devoted to George Mason University students’ well-being. A graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, Louise has a diverse background. Most recently, she was at Gunston Hall, the historic home of George Mason. One of her proudest accomplishments has been her supporting research for the exhibit Revolutionary Rights. In her free time, Louise enjoys spending time with her four grown children who live in the area.
Senior Success Coaches
Senior Success Coach
JOSHUA BRAATEN (HE/HIM/HIS)
jbraate@gmu.edu
Schedule an appointment with Joshua: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/fGAWocQXV8
Joshua is a native of Northern Virginia and joined the Matriculated ADVANCE team within Student Success Coaching as a Success Coach during September/2021. Prior to joining George Mason University, Joshua attended West Virginia University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management – envisioning a career in the business sector of scholastic or collegiate sport. After graduating from WVU, Joshua began a profession in academia – but as an Academic Advisor at American Public University System where he developed a great passion for student services/coaching within higher education. He has now spent a decade working in a student services role at the collegiate level.
What Joshua likes most about coaching: Joshua is proud to be a member of the Student Success Coaching unit (as well as a proud Patriot!) and feels a sense of accomplishment when students achieve their ultimate goals, both academically and in general life. He is a major advocate for mental health awareness and will serve as an ally for all, giving 110% genuine effort, advocacy and dedication to his students. As a first-generation college student, Joshua understands the incredible benefit of Student Success Coaching and can relate to the competitive, diverse and buzzing nature of Northern Virginia.
Interim Senior Success Coach
Keenan Young (he/him/his)
Schedule an appointment with Keenan: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/-k__SC18Q3
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Keenan graduated from the University of Mount Union in Alliance, OH with a B.S. in Psychology before graduating from Kent State University in Kent, OH with an M.Ed. in Higher Education. Prior to working at George Mason University, Keenan served as the Academic Coaching Coordinator for Kent State’s Academic Success Center. Outside of work, Keenan enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring the DC area, watching scary movies/shows, running, and listening to music. He is very excited to be working with students at George Mason to help them achieve their goals!
What Keenan likes the most about coaching: I love being able to learn about how each student’s background and experiences have shaped them and how I can support them as they strive to achieve their goals.
Senior Success Coach
Taylor “Nikki” Harris (she/her/hers)
Schedule an appointment with Nikki: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/zkJjUToFpl
As a first generation college student from the Appalachian region in Southwest VA, Nikki joined the Student Success Coaching unit in January 2020. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Education Studies from Berea College and her Master’s degree in Student Personnel Services in Higher Education from Eastern Kentucky University. Prior to Mason, she served as a GEAR UP Post-Secondary Navigator for EKU’s Academic Readiness Department where she worked with first-generation, low-income students as they transitioned to the institution. Nikki is excited to help students across Mason achieve their goals for their college journey.
What Nikki likes the most about coaching: I love being able to help students achieve their goals. I’m excited to help connect students with different resources across Mason as they achieve their goals. I’m also excited to see students make connections for their plans after graduation.
Success Coaches
Allison Wallen (she/her/hers)
Schedule an appointment with Allison: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/UbhFBoJpQO
Allison Wallen is originally from Bronx, New York. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Communication with a minor in Legal Studies from SUNY Buffalo State. She continued at SUNY Buffalo State to pursue a Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration. After earning her Masters degree, Allison worked as a Transfer Student advisor for students in the Health and Natural Sciences field. Allison has a passion for helping students find their purpose not only in the classroom but also in life. She joined the Student Success Coaching team in August 2020 and is ready to co-captain any student’s journey to success.
What Allison likes the most about coaching: With coaching, I like the idea that we are given opportunities to help students with all things related to their development as a person rather than just focusing on academics. Its like we’re helping create the future of humankind!
Barrie Scheivert (she/her/hers)
Schedule an appointment with Barrie: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/dslEaBOitG
Barrie is originally from the Philadelphia area (NE Pennsylvania). She did her undergraduate degree at Lebanon Valley College and earned her masters in Higher Education from Temple University. She loved having the experience of two very different colleges. Barrie started her career in higher education at The George Washington University in Student Activities and New Student Orientation. Most recently, Barrie worked at the secondary level as a College and Career Specialist for Loudoun County Public Schools. Barrie is most excited to be back on a college campus working with college students. Success Coaching is the perfect way to help students navigate the university to create their own college experience and be successful in their journey along the way!
What Barrie likes the most about coaching: Everyone has different goals and varying views of success. I get excited about helping students to be the best versions of themselves and helping them to create their college experience in a way that is meaningful to them.
Christiana Bello (she/her/hers)
Schedule an appointment with Christiana: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/YEaB5aUF0-
Christiana Bello is a Success Coach for the Student Success Coaching unit. She joined the team in January of 2020 after completing her Master’s degree at Mason in the Higher Education and Student Development Program. While completing her graduate degree, she worked as a Graduate Assistant for University Life at the Science and Technology Campus in the area of student involvement. She also served as the Vice-President of the Graduate and Professional Student Association for the Science and Technology Campus. Christiana received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016. As a first-generation student, she is passionate about assisting students in achieving their definition of success as well as helping them stay connected on campus.
What Christiana likes the most about coaching: I love coaching because it allows me to connect with my students in a deeper way. Every student is so different and how they define success is as well. Coaching allows me to see the student as a person first and a student second.
Danielle Guerrier (she/her/hers)
Schedule an appointment with Danielle: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/V4mbrUsxYw
Danielle Guerrier joined the Student Success Coaching team in September 2022. Before joining the Student Success Coaching team, Danielle worked as an Academic Advisor at American University. Originally from New Jersey, she graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Inequality Studies. Subsequently, she graduated from Syracuse University with a Master of Science in Cultural Foundations of Education. During her graduate studies, Danielle worked with students in various capacities as a teaching assistant, academic consultant, and co-facilitator for an intergroup dialogue program. In her free time, she loves attending performing art events, writing and performing spoken word poetry, and spending time with family and friends. Danielle is incredibly excited about working with students at Mason and supporting them throughout their journey!
What Danielle likes the most about coaching: I love being able to build deep relationships with students and support them holistically as they pursue their goals and dreams!
Flannery Wickham (she/her/hers)
Schedule an appointment with Flannery: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/Z1vFkCw9b8
Flannery joined the Matriculated ADVANCE team within Student Success Coaching as a Success Coach during July of 2022. Before joining George Mason University, Flannery worked as a College Life Coach at her alma mater, Florida State University. Flannery moved to the NOVA region to attend graduate school at Mason and is approaching the end of her Masters in Higher Education and Student Development. In her free time, Flannery enjoys live music, cheering on her Seminoles and Patriots in various sports, and hanging with her cat, Tully. Flannery is excited to support the Mason community of students!
What Flannery likes the most about coaching: Life is a lot easier and a lot less intimidating if we know we have someone in our corner supporting us and cheering us on. Coaching does just that for students! I enjoy lightening the load for students and walking alongside them as they create their own idea of success.
Isaac Jasper (he/him/his)
Schedule an appointment with Isaac: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/R7toGWGaib
Isaac is excited to work with students as a Success Coach. He graduated from George Mason University with his Bachelors and is now pursing his Masters degree at the Carter School. Isaac has also worked as a Peer Career Mentor at University Career Services where he advised students who were seeking career related assistance. He’s excited to continue helping students create their own path on their academic journey.
What Isaac likes the most about coaching: I enjoy the process of guiding students with actions and affirmations. It’s truly rewarding to see the “Ah-ha” moment when they realize they possess the answers to define their own specific needs.
Jamie Mujeni (he/him/his)
jmujeni@gmu.edu
Schedule an appointment with Jamie: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/jekyXRL6Iu
Jamie Mujeni joined the Student Success Coaching team in July 2022. Prior to his current role, Jamie worked as an International Recruiting Counselor and Football Academic Advisor at Texas Tech University. He contributed to student-athlete development and mentor programs at Florida State University, where he earned his Masters of Science in Sport Management in 2012. He brings years of experience to Mason in student development and is excited to be a resource for students to achieve their personal and professional aspirations. Jamie is passionate about supporting and providing young adults with strategies to navigate their collegiate experience.
What Jamie likes the most about coaching: What I like the most about coaching is the opportunity to create and develop holistic relationships, provide resources for strategic planning, and assist in their journey to achieve personal success.
Katherine (Kat) Trejo (she/her/hers)
ktrejo@gmu.edu
Schedule an appointment with Kat: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/AKkgG0b6HE
Katherine (she/her) graduated from George Mason University in the spring of 2022 with her Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Resolution with an individualized concentration in Community Engagement with Displaced Populations. She spent her undergraduate years working with first-generation students as a first-gen student herself, working on initiatives that supported various backgrounds of students on campus such as creating the ‘Vuela’ Scholarship alongside her team with the Mariposas Mentoring Program in 2020. She has a strong commitment to helping students achieve success in their academic and personal endeavors.
What Kat likes the most about coaching: I love being a Success Coach because I enjoy seeing students get to a place where they feel confident to advocate for themselves and grow both, academically and personally.
Lana Harris (they/them/theirs; she/her/hers)
Schedule an appointment with Lana: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/WZQWyYp4rI
Lana Harris joined the Student Success Coaching team in June 2022. Lana is a west coast native who grew up in sunny California. They graduated with their Bachelor’s degree from Sonoma State University, where they double-majored in Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies. She then made a move east to earn her M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration at The Pennsylvania State University. While attending Penn State, she worked as the Graduate Assistant for the Gender Equity Center on campus. As a queer person of color, they know how difficult it can be for students from marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds to succeed in college. She is excited to be starting this position where she can mentor students and help them thrive! In their free time, Lana enjoys reading, watching movies/shows, and spending time with her pets: a dog and a bearded dragon.
What Lana likes the most about coaching: I love getting to build relationships with students from a wide variety of backgrounds. It’s great to watch students develop their individual meaning of success for Mason and beyond!
Lee Friend (he/him/his)
Schedule an appointment with Lee: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/uTdlPqzypI
Lee has several years of student coaching experience prior to joining the Student Success Coaching team in July of 2022. Lee worked in Student Services at The University of Pennsylvania and most recently managed a private college admissions and student coaching business for several years prior to coming to Mason. Lee’s undergraduate degree is in Environmental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and his Master’s degree is in Education and Human Development from Harvard University. In addition to student coaching Lee enjoys outdoor activities, spending time in nature and traveling with his family.
What Lee likes the most about coaching: What I like most about coaching is helping students identify and develop the skills within themselves that they can use to achieve their own unique vision of success in college and beyond. I enjoy being part of the conversations and the moments in students’ lives when they realize that they can achieve their goals and live the life they envision.
Micah Hodges (He/Him/His)
Schedule an appointment with Micah: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/_QqvNlkTgT
Micah Hodges joined the Student Success Coaching team in June 2020. He is a two-time graduate of James Madison University earning his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Industry, with a minor in Africana Studies; and his Master of Education degree in May 2020 in Counseling Psychology, with a concentration in College Student Personnel Administration. In his work, recognizing the many aspects that encompass students’ lives, Micah takes a conscientious, calculated, stable, and supportive approach when coaching students. For him, being able to cultivate potential in students, witness progress towards their ideals of success, and create a lasting impact and legacy on students is both meaningful and joyful. In his free time, Micah enjoys a playing good video game on his Nintendo Switch, taking intellectual pursuits in chess, making music on his euphonium, or improving his lifestyle through learning and practicing minimalism.
What Micah likes the most about coaching: When I follow up with students about a goal they are motivated to commit to, I find joy in the progress they make through concrete evidence, however big or small, they provide towards their goal. Evidence of progress, I believe, is what really matters because it is through learning about the “how” and “what” someone did to reach their goal is where growth can be seen.
Michael Rybak (they/them/theirs; he/him/his)
Schedule an appointment with Michael: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/_rF_M8llUC
A Florida native, Michael proudly joined the Student Success Coaching team, or Dynamic Dynasty, in October 2022. He will be providing holistic support for students navigating their transition to Mason and empowering them to work towards their versions of success. Michael graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and a minor in Theatre. In his time at FGCU, Michael developed a deep passion for serving students and building lasting relationships. Michael completed his Master of Education degree in Counselor Education, with a concentration in College Student Personnel Administration from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. Michael’s recent position as the Career Development Coordinator at Appalachian State University has equipped him with a critical, counseling-based lens for providing meaningful services to all students. In his spare time, Michael enjoys visiting local coffee shops, spending time with family and friends, and spontaneously traveling to places he has never ventured before.
What Michael likes most about coaching: I enjoy providing students a platform to share their story and be met with nothing but challenge and support. Every individual has something so unique to contribute to the Mason community and I truly love unlocking the potential of every student I have the privilege of serving.
Rebecca Mattern (she/her/hers)
Schedule an appointment with Rebecca: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/xFXxz-79o2
A Northern Virginia native, Rebecca is a proud Patriot, earning both her Bachelor’s degree in Integrative Studies and her Master’s degree in Counseling and Development from Mason. During her graduate program, she worked as a Graduate Assistant and Academic Coach with Learning Services and as the Graduate Career Counseling Intern with Career Services. These experiences fostered her passion for supporting college students. Now, she is excited to be a Success Coach to continue helping students take steps toward achieving their goals.
What Rebecca likes the most about coaching: I love getting to know students so that I can support them throughout their college journey. I especially enjoy celebrating their growth and accomplishments, while also helping them problem-solve any obstacles they may be facing.
Riley Redd (she/her/hers)
Schedule an appointment with Riley: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/sCn3ovNPuL
Riley joined the Student Success Coaching team in June 2022. Riley earned her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and communication studies from Christopher Newport University and her Master’s degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Before joining the Student Success team at George Mason University, she served as an academic success coach at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for 2 years. In her free time, Riley loves to watch and play sports, explore the D.C. and surrounding areas, and hangout with her pet rabbit. Riley is excited to learn about students and help them to grow in pursuit of their goals.
Sam Frazier Hediger (he/him/his)
Schedule an appointment with Sam: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/KW30JapLvq
Originally hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Sam is a PhD student at the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, working to better understand conflict systems and peacebuilding’s power to address them. While attaining his master’s degree in Conflict Resolution at Portland State University, he worked for three years as a Graduate Peer Mentor, supporting both students and faculty in their renowned University Studies undergraduate program. As a first-generation scholar, he understands the challenges facing students in academia and life, and is excited to join the Student Success Coaching team to help them thrive while navigating that path.
What Sam likes the most about success coaching: As a first-generation student, navigating the university was a challenge that I surmounted through the support of amazing mentors throughout my academic career. The opportunity to carry on that legacy of care is an honor and a privilege.
Graduate Student Team
Betty Hernandez (she/her/hers)
Graduate Success Coach
Betty grew up in Miami, Florida, as a child of immigrants and a first-generation college student. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and her Master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University. She is a current graduate student at George Mason working towards her Master of Education in School Counseling. She has a passion for engaging students with learning differences drawing out their inquiry, curiosity and power of self-advocacy. She loves the connection in discovering one’s purpose. Before joining the SSC team, Betty worked in secondary education as a Dean of Students for a 7-12 Independent School.
What Betty likes the most about coaching: What I enjoy most about coaching is the collaborative relationship in working towards YOUR goals. The moment where the questions and the small, repeated incremental efforts get you where you want to be in your college journey and in life.
Chelsea Guevara Perez (she/her/hers)
Graduate Success Coach
Schedule an appointment with Chelsea here: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/gHurR0FDFY
Chelsea was born and raised in Alexandria, VA. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from James Madison University in May 2022. She is currently working towards her Master’s in Social Work at Mason. As a first-generation graduate, she is passionate about connecting with students and supporting their development. Before joining SSC, Chelsea served as an academic coach for first-generation high school students in the Shenandoah Valley.
What Chelsea likes the most about coaching: I enjoy the process of getting to know students and hearing their individual stories. I am excited to support them through their Mason journey!
Corey Purnell (he/him/his)
Graduate Success Coach
Schedule an appointment with Corey here: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/_kruRSEr8W
Corey received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at George Mason University. Corey continued his education at George Mason University to pursue a Masters in Clinical Mental Health. Before joining the SSC team, Corey worked as a Professional Graduate Assistant for Contemporary Student Services which helped foster the success and retention of underrepresented populations. Now, Corey aims to do similar work at SSC by building strong rapport with students, succinctly providing them with campus resources, and all the more, giving them the space to be heard.
What Corey likes the most about coaching: What I like most about success coaching is how we contribute to University Life’s mission that every student succeeds. I feel with everything that could go on within a given school year, it’s great to have something simple to abide in whereas you can be of greater service to those who need you.
Nicola Macdonald (she/her/hers)
Graduate Assistant for Student Engagement
Originally from Durban, South Africa, Nicola Macdonald joined the Student Success Coaching team as the Graduate Professional Assistant for Student Engagement in 2022. She works closely with the Patriot Experience Program. Nicola first came to the USA in 2017 on an academic and swimming scholarship to Barton College in Wilson, NC. There, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art and Design, minoring in Gallery/Collection Studies and History. Nicola is passionate about student engagement and is honored to have the opportunity to help elevate students’ experiences both academically and socially here at George Mason.
Tatyana Marable (she/her/hers)
Graduate Success Coach
Schedule an appointment with Tatyana here: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/6l24fwv_4H
Tatyana Marable is currently studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at George Mason University. She is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She aspires to help students in anyway that will be of value to their mental health and education.
What Tatyana likes the most about coaching: What I like most about coaching is the ability to see students grow and develop. Many students enter college with little to no knowledge about the plans for their future. With the help of coaches and other groups on campus students are able to become the best version of themselves throughout college.
