Meet the Student Success Coaches

  • Henderson

    Misty Henderson 

    Education: Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a concentration in Criminology, Kennesaw State University, 2014

    Certifications: CliftonStrengths Certified Coach

    Three words that describe your approach to coaching: Strengths-Based, Transformational, Collaborative

    Specialty Areas: Financial Aid, Conflict Coaching, Strengths

    What was the biggest lesson you learned in college outside of the classroom? The biggest lesson I learned in college outside the classroom involves self-discovery and personal transformation. For me, it would center around embracing change and building resilience. Growth happens beyond our comfort zones.

    Life advice to developing young adults: Discover your true self and seize every opportunity to nurture your personal growth.

    What’s a book, movie, or TV show that you think every student should experience at least once? Every student should watch Inside Out and Inside Out 2. These films beautifully illustrates that every emotion plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences and identity—perfect for fostering self-awareness and growth in students!

    Favorite quote: "The world will ask you who you are, and if you don't know, the world will tell you." –Carl Jung

    When you're not coaching, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy most? Spending time with family, reading, and taking walks.

    • Johnson

      Andreea Johnson 

      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 (expected 2024) 

      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.

      What was the biggest lesson you learned in college outside of the classroom? The biggest lesson I learned outside of the classroom was the power of self-awareness and honoring my core values. College brought the constant change of new people, challenges, and expectations, but it also taught me how to embrace uncertainty as a growth opportunity. I learned to set healthy boundaries and step into intimidating opportunities rather than talking myself out of them. Life beyond the classroom rarely follows a clear and linear path like a college course syllabus, and it's in those unpredictable moments that some of the most meaningful growth takes place.

      Life advice to developing young adults: Focus on Growth. Mistakes and challenges are a part of growing up. When you stumble, focus on what you can learn instead of beating yourself up. Every experience has the potential to make you stronger.

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

      Favorite quote: "Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen." – Brené Brown

      When you're not coaching, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy most? I enjoy crocheting, coloring, and Crossfit.

      • Payne

        Ally Payne

        Education: Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education, Shorter University, 2012
        Masters of Counselor Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Valdosta State University, (expected) 2027

        Certifications: Teaching Certification

        Three words that describe your approach to coaching: Accepting, Innovative, Friendly. 

        Specialty Areas: Neurodivergency, Time Management, Mental Health, Gentle Accountability, Major Exploration, Growth Mindset

        What was the biggest lesson you learned in college outside of the classroom? The biggest lesson I learned in college outside of the classroom was the importance of balance and being truly present. I spent a lot of time focusing on personal goals and trying to improve myself, thinking that achieving certain things would solve my problems and make me happy. But after a while, I realized that all this focus on self-improvement was keeping me from really connecting with the people around me and enjoying the experiences I was having.

        What I came to understand is that personal growth isn’t just about checking things off a list or perfecting every part of your life. It’s about accepting yourself and being in the moment—really being there for the people around you and soaking in the experiences you have. I spent so much time thinking about what I needed to do next that I wasn’t actually living the life in front of me. Over time, I learned that happiness and fulfillment come not from being perfect, but from finding balance and building real connections with the people and moments that matter.

        Life advice to developing young adults: Step out of your comfort zone. It's so easy to get complacent, but you will learn and grow so much when you take opportunities to challenge yourself, meet someone new, or try a new way of doing something.

        What’s a book, movie, or TV show that you think every student should experience at least once? I think every student should read The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown. In these times, it is so easy to compare yourself to others instead of pursuing your own authentic life. This book gives tangible ways to live vulnerably and authentically, and it has been groundbreaking in my life.

        Favorite quote:  What's the best that could happen?

        When you're not coaching, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy most? Reading, crocheting, working out, going to the movies, cheering on the Braves and Falcons, playing with my dogs

        • Mahoney

          Timothy Mahoney 

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

          Three words that describe your approach to coaching: Collaborative, Supportive, Empowering. 

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

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

          Life advice to developing young adults: 1. If you find yourself in the right place at the right time, be intentional with your surroundings. 2. If you don’t like doors 1 or 2, do everything you can to build door number 3 yourself. 3. If you fail, reflect on things so you have a better chance of succeeding next time.

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

          Favorite quote: "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 activities do you enjoy most? When I’m not coaching, I like traveling with my fiancée, being active, and spending time with friends and family.

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