Anna is available throughout the summer for personalized academic support! Students can partner with her to strengthen time management, study strategies, test preparation, mindfulness, prioritization, and other key academic success skills, all while building a customized plan that fits their unique goals and learning style!

August 13th, was Hannah Donner’s last day with us for the summer, and we want to give her a huge thank-you for a great summer of writing support! 💙

We’re so grateful for all the time, guidance, and support she shared with our students.

While Hannah’s time with us has come to an end, her writing tips and resources are still available below to help you at every stage of the writing process, from brainstorming and planning to drafting, revising, and final editing.

Click the button below to view them!

Explore Hannah's Writing Resources

Regular Academic Coaching for course-specific support

will resume during the fall semester beginning September 14, 2025.

We look forward to seeing you then! 💙

Meet Our Team!

Anna Cooke-Smith, M.S, C-M.I.

Director,

Academic Support & Engagement

Anna has spent over 15 years helping students discover their strengths, build coping skills, and prepare for their futures. She earned her bachelor’s in Human Development and Education and her master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from SUNY Buffalo State University. As a Certified Meditation and Mindfulness Instructor, Anna shares practical ways to bring calm and focus into busy lives. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, friends, and her

pit bull, and makes self-care a daily priority.

Schedule a one-on-one appointment with Anna for an intensive, student-centered experience. Together you will discover what helps you thrive, tackle challenges head-on, and design a plan that matches your learning style and goals. Each session offers powerful tools for time management, study strategies, test prep, mindfulness, and prioritization, all in an encouraging space where your success takes center stage.

Adrianna Aviles, M.A.

Writing Specialist

Adrianna has worked with Daemen since October 2022. She is the Writing Specialist in the Office of Academic Support and Engagement.

Adrianna Avilés earned a Bachelor of Arts in Writing and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing both from SUNY Buffalo State University.

She earned a Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing: Critical Studies Literacies and Pedagogy from Michigan State University

In her free time, she enjoys listening to records, spending time with her nieces and nephews, and exploring coffee shops.

Schedule a writing appointment with Adrianna

to enhance your writing skills, whether you're working on an academic paper, personal statement, or just want to improve your writing overall, Adrianna is here to help! Schedule an appointment today for one-on-one guidance tailored to your needs.

Academic Coaching Suggestion Box

Daemen Community:

Have an idea that could support student success? You’re in the right place. This space was created to gather insights from students, faculty, and staff who want to help shape the future of Academic Coaching at Daemen. Whether you're suggesting a Power Session topic, a new strategy, or a resource we should offer, your voice matters. Together, we can strengthen academic support and create meaningful experiences that help every student thrive.

Ready to share your idea? Click below to begin

Academic Coaching Suggestion Box

Faculty Recommendation Form: Fall 26'

Daemen Faculty Members:

Do you know a student who would make a great Academic Coach?

We invite faculty members to recommend students who show potential to support their peers and contribute to student success. Together, we can strengthen academic support and create meaningful experiences that help every student thrive.

Please note: This form is intended only for new coaches, meaning students who have never served as an Academic Coach at Daemen University.

Click the button below to begin recommending a student for academic coaching.

Faculty Recommendation Form: New Coaches Only Fall 26'

Returning Coach Activation Form: Fall 26'

Returning Academic Coaches

Please use the information below to determine if you should complete this form:

Complete this form if:
• You have been onboarded by Employee Engagement
• You have been onboarded by the Office of Academic Support and Engagement
• You have been fully onboarded but have not yet held any coaching sessions
• You have already completed coaching sessions

Do not complete this form if:
• You have not been fully onboarded by both Employee Engagement and the Office of Academic Support and Engagement

If you fall into the category of not being fully onboarded, you are considered a new coach. In this case, please do not use this form. Instead, reach out to a faculty member so they can submit a recommendation form on your behalf.

Returning Coach Activation Form: Fall 26'