What is a Success Coach?
A Success Coach helps you stay on track by helping with course selection and making sure you're meeting graduation requirements for your future goals.
Jack was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He attended the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Education and STEM instruction. He was a K-8 classroom teacher and athletics coach for 7 years before joining Excel. Jack has a deep passion for educational equity and for supporting growth in every student.
In his free time, Jack enjoys playing with his cat and dog, reading, being outside, or attending sporting events. His favorites are the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Loons, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Noah has always had a passion for working with and helping people achieve their dreams. A Minnesota native, Noah earned a bachelor's degree in Digital Video and Media Production at IPR-College of Creative Arts.
Noah has since spent several years as a filmmaker and sound designer for documentaries, commercials, and feature films. He then transitioned into college admissions working for a small creative arts college, helping other brave souls start on a path in the arts. Noah still enjoys working in the film industry, reading, writing, being with family, and spending as much time as possible with the dog and horse that he shares with his better half.
Chloe is a state-licensed teacher and passionate education enthusiast. After earning a degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Dakota, Chloe developed a passion for teaching and went on to teach 2nd, 3rd, and Special Education classes.
Chloe has a variety of interests that keep her engaged and energized. She loves spending time outdoors, whether it's gardening, hiking, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. She is also an avid reader and enjoys getting lost in a good book whenever she can. When she's not working or pursuing her hobbies, Chloe enjoys spending time with her family and pets.
Chris has spent 13 years in higher education as a Professional Tutor, Academic Advisor, and Admissions Advisor. Chris has a strong passion for education and the doors it can open. Chris has taught college business courses and is credentialed as a college instructor in Minnesota. In addition to those roles, he has advanced institutional strategies as chairman of the Professional Development Committee. He championed diversity, equity, and inclusion causes in numerous ways. He created and coached esports teams for the collegiate esports league: NECC. Chris has also fought against hunger needs in the community by volunteering at local food shelves.
Chris attained his BS in Business Management from Concordia University in 2017, and completed graduate school in 2019 for his MBA from Concordia University. He received an AAS in Electronics Technology in 2010.
In his free time, Chris enjoys golfing, snowboarding, sporting events, playing guitar, esports, and painting art pieces. A Minnesota native with hints of California influence, he enjoys the outdoors and nature. He likes to travel, hike, camp, spend time with friends, and fish.
Malini is a dedicated educator and mentor at Excel Education Systems (EES). She attended Bradley University, where she played Division I tennis and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Philosophy and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.
Before joining EES, Malini spent five years teaching English in Spain and Chile, including serving as a U.S. Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Tenerife. She is passionate about fostering cross-cultural understanding and empowering students to reach their full potential.
Outside of her work at EES, Malini enjoys coaching and playing tennis, scuba diving, and traveling – especially to beach destinations.
As a Success Coach at Excel Education Systems, Makenna brings a genuine passion for student growth and a deep commitment to supporting learners throughout their academic journeys. She holds a BS in Communications & Journalism from North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has several years of experience in education as both a PreK teacher and a school administrator. Building meaningful relationships with students and helping them navigate challenges to achieve their goals is what she loves most about her work.
Outside of education, Makenna is a creative at heart. She enjoys making art and is currently exploring silversmithing. She’s also learning Italian—ciao, tutti!—and loves to travel whenever she gets the opportunity. A firm believer in lifelong learning, Makenna is always seeking to grow personally and professionally, and she’s excited to inspire others to do the same.
Aaron Baker is a dedicated Success Coach at Excel High School, bringing over a decade of experience in education and student support to the team. Aaron holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in Education and Arts, with a major in English Literature, from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador.
His extensive background includes working as a classroom teacher, substitute, and educational assistant, where he has consistently demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and a deep commitment to meeting the diverse needs of students. Aaron’s approach focuses on creating individualized learning strategies and fostering collaboration among teachers and learners to ensure the best possible outcomes.
In addition to his educational work, Aaron has a strong interest in technology, a passion inspired by his father’s career in IT. Outside of work, he enjoys playing video games and has been an enthusiastic tabletop gamer for over a decade, regularly participating in Dungeons and Dragons campaigns with friends. Aaron is excited to apply the skills he has built over his career to help support and guide the Excel High School student community, empowering students to succeed both academically and personally.
Coming Soon!