Hi, my name is Beral Chen and I am a senior from North Carolina majoring in psychology. As an academic coach, I am committed to optimizing student success irrespective of any obstacles they may be facing. I am happy to meet to discuss an individualized plan and work with you every step of the way. Some areas that I am excited to help students with include time management, habit formation, stress and mental health, and maximizing campus resources. My career interests lay in research and clinical psychology, and I am currently working as a research assistant in the Human Experience and Ambulatory Technologies Lab in the Emory School of Medicine. Outside of academic coaching, I am passionate about supporting first-generation, low-income students through the Emory Questbridge Network and assisting as a mental health crisis counselor with the Crisis Text Line. In my free time, I enjoy trying new recipes and playing with (and attempting to train) my cat.

My name is Sery Duque (she/her) and I am a sophomore from Westchester, New York. I am majoring in Anthropology & Human Biology with a minor in French on the pre-med track. On campus, I am involved in Empowering First, FirstSTEM, MindCare Volunteering, Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity, and SIRE. Additionally, I am a student assistant at the Clairmont campus housing office, and I am part of the Jeong research lab team at the Rollins School of Public Health. In my free time, I like to attend group workout classes (especially yoga & zumba), get manicures, bike, FaceTime my family, and have meals with friends. I’d be more than happy to discuss effective strategies for communicating with professors, balancing academics and extracurriculars, scheduling self-care, overcoming impostor syndrome, coping with stress, and exploring different time management strategies - since it’s all about trial & error!

As a coach, I work with students to help them develop personalized strategies for success. My goal is to empower them by teaching them how to maximize their strengths while minimizing their weaknesses. My approach focuses on promoting accountability and confidence through the application of practical skills.

Hi, my name is Asla Hashel, and I'm a senior from Minnesota studying NBB on the pre-dental track. In my free time, I love listening to mystery podcasts and going on walks in nature. I also love music and play my viola or listen to music to destress. I'm happy to talk about managing stress, building healthy habits, overcoming procrastination, and maintaining good mental health.

My name is Kate Kendall. I have lived in Atlanta for the past 12 years with my husband and two young children. I joined Emory in May 2022 as a new Assistant Director in the Academic Success office, where I have been tasked with developing and further supporting the Learning Assistance program. Prior to Emory, I worked at Georgia State University for nine years overseeing various academic support and student success programs. I obtained my M.Ed. from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA and my B.A. from Elon University in Elon, NC.

Hi my name is Zhiyi Li, and I go by Yolanda. I use she her pronouns. I am from Shanghai China. I am a junior student as well as Oxford continuee, double majoring in Psychology and Quantitative Sciences with a track in Sociology.  I am very interested in education studies, especially developmental psychology, and dedicated to civic services. You could find me in many volunteering clubs! I am hoping to enter a career in school counseling and probably working in the international context. Besides, I love food of all kinds and I am a big fan of museums! I'd really happy to chat about academic and social life, help to establish a balance between study and self-care, and learn to become life-long autonomous and accountable learners together! 

My name is Natalia Orellana, and I'm a senior from Miami majoring in Anthropology & Human Biology with a minor in Global Health, Culture, and Society on the pre-health track. In my free time, I enjoy going to workout classes, walking the Beltline, and exploring new restaurants around Atlanta. On campus, I’m involved with Emory Global Brigades, FirstSTEM, Emory Volunteer Medical Interpretation Services, and the Emory Co-Design Lab for Health Equity. I’m also part of the FLOR research lab at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. I’d love to chat about time management, overcoming impostor syndrome, balancing academics and social life, study strategies, and effective learning techniques!

My name is Jolayna Palm. Over the past 12 years, I have worked in higher education in various academic capacities. In November of last year, I joined the Academic Success team as an Assistant Director, where I oversee the peer tutoring program. I enjoy working with college students, and I am passionate about helping them succeed. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Higher Education Leadership. My hometown is Detroit, Michigan, and I have lived in Atlanta for 12 years. My hobbies and interests include cooking, outdoor activities, and conducting research.

My name is Merideth Ray. I am originally from Asheville, NC but grew up in Atlanta. I have been at Emory for 6 years and lead the Academic Success team. I also coordinate the Academic Coaching program. My background spans orientation and transition, counseling, and academic support. I attended Georgia Tech for my undergraduate degree and previously served in various staff roles there for over 15 years. I have a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Practice from Georgia State. My research interests include college student retention, belonging, coping factors, perfectionism, and academic stress.