Life Coaching

Life Coach

Emma graduated from Maryville University in 2021 with a B.A. in Psychology and Organizational Leadership. As a student, she served as a student worker and orientation coordinator. Before returning back to Maryville as a part of the Life Coach team, Emma most recently worked on the Operations team at a charter school in South City St. Louis.

As a student at Maryville, I experienced how life-changing it can be to have someone who is completely invested in your academic and personal success. I hope to give back to Maryville by giving students a space to explore the many opportunities present in their future while allowing them to learn about themselves and get to know the world around them. By exploring their strengths, passions, and interests, I look forward to helping students build the future they want while knowing I am here to answer their questions and cheer them on along the way!”

Life Coach

Before becoming a Life Coach in 2021, Kirby graduated with a B.A. in History and minor in Art History from Maryville University. She previously worked as a student worker and orientation coordinator in the Division of Student Success.

I am so excited to continue my journey at Maryville as a Life Coach! The Maryville community allows students to thrive and reach their highest potential. As a Life Coach, I want to make sure students know that I am in their corner. I want to help you reach your goals, pursue your passions, and push you to be your best self academically, professionally, and personally.

Life Coach

Alana graduated from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Communication Studies and a minor in Sociology. Before joining Maryville’s Life Coach Team in 2024, Alana served as a Student Recruiter at St. Louis Community College.

As a college student, I had a tough time finding someone to help me with everyday questions and tasks. My goal is to make sure none of my students ever feel that way.

Director, Digital Success Coaching

Sam joined the Maryville University family in the summer of 2018. Sam moved to St. Louis from Dallas, Texas, where he worked at Southern Methodist University in Housing and Residence Life and as a coach at CrossFit KT. Sam earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Sociology from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and his Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Policy Study at Virginia Tech.

Curiosity is what motivates me. Learning a student’s journey, asking questions and exploring your talents, passion, and interests excites me most about being a Life Coach at Maryville University.

Life Coach

Frank joined the Life Coach Team in Spring 2024. Prior to joining Maryville, he worked in Normandy Schools Collaborative in the role of Virtual Learning Coordinator and Alternative Learning Coordinator. In addition to those roles, he was also senior and junior class liaison for college and career readiness. Frank is a graduate of The University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and minors in Education and Latin.

Starting this new journey of higher education as a Life Coach is a 180-degree turn from what I am used to. From being an assistant track coach at Maryville to working in K-12 education, my mission has been the same: listen to learn, learn to understand, understand to progress, and progress fulfillment. I have maintained this mission with any student that has ever been around me. I try to leave a lasting impression on students so they know I have their best interest in mind when making decisions and discussing challenges.

Life Coach & Coordinator, Student Accessibility, Support, and Success

Tasha graduated from MacMurray College in 2014 with a BA in Psychology and from the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse in 2016 with an MSEd in Student Affairs Administration. Prior to coming to Maryville, she worked in educational access for historically excluded populations, and she managed the tutoring center at MacMurray College where she also taught first year experience, writing, study skills, and leadership.

I love working with new students as they make that huge change from high school to college. I particularly enjoy challenging students in new ways and watching them grow exponentially in their identities, confidence, relationships, knowledge, and wisdom throughout their college years. I get to see where they came from and where they’re going all in their time at Maryville.

Life Coach

Before joining the Life Coach team at Maryville University in the fall of 2022, Shelby worked for six years as an English teacher for sixth through twelfth grade students. Shelby earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English and Secondary Education from Missouri Baptist University and went on to gain a Master of Education in Learning and Technology from Western Governor’s University.

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be moving into the world of higher education, helping students bring what makes them unique and dynamic into a new and exciting chapter of their lives. I look forward to being both a resource and a cheerleader for you as you reach your goals!

Life Coach

Sheri graduated from the University of Missouri – St. Louis with Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts Degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Prior to joining Maryville’s team of Life Coaches, she worked in the juvenile justice field assisting individuals with overcoming challenges and achieving treatment goals through individualized assessments, connections to resources, and advocacy.

Helping others has always been one of my passions. I look forward to serving as an added layer of support to help you explore, identify, and achieve your goals as you experience this exciting phase of life!

Life Coach

Maddi graduated from Maryville University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. As a student, she served as a student worker for Maryville’s Instagram account and was involved as a Peer Mentor and a member of the Women’s Leadership Program. Before returning to Maryville as a member of the Life Coach Team, Maddi worked on the Child Life team at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

I have always known that whatever I do for my career, I want to inspire others and empower them to reach their full potential. I am very excited to be coming back to Maryville as a Life Coach to inspire change and empower students to reach their full potential not only as a student but as the successful person they are destined to be.

Director, Career Success Coaching & Employer Partnerships

Arren graduated from Maryville University in 2020 earning his Bachelors in Business Administration with honors. While at Maryville, Arren was the captain of the Men’s Division I hockey team, president of International Student Association and served as a student worker in International Admissions. Prior to starting as a life coach in 2022, Arren Served as the Head Coach for Maryville’s Division II Men’s Hockey Team.

As a recent graduate from Maryville University, I was beyond grateful to have amazing life coaches who were there to help guide my path as not just a student, but to help in the development of my professional career. I am excited to continue my journey with Maryville University as a life coach, and help students achieve their educational, personal, and professional goals. I want all students to know that whatever they need, big or small, I will be there to help them in any way possible.

Life Coach

Wendell graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 2021 with a BFA in Digital Art and is currently pursuing his Masters of Higher Education Administration at the same university. Prior to joining the Maryville Life Coach team, he served as Academic Coordinator for the McNair Scholars Program at Southeast Missouri State University. This program focused on assisting students from historically excluded populations pursue their terminal degrees through holistic student support and Graduate school preparation.

Having the opportunity to help students as they transition to college and grow into the professionals they want to be is something I am extremely passionate about. As a Life Coach I look forward to assisting students though every step of their collegiate journey!

Life Coach

Prior to joining Maryville University, Jenny worked at the Edward Jones headquarters in St Louis, Missouri collaborating with new Financial Advisors to build their businesses to profitability. Before that, she taught math at the middle school, high school, and college levels. Jenny has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Math and Economics from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri and a Master of Education degree from the University of Missouri – St Louis.

Through life’s many twists and turns, the one constant has been my education and love of learning. As a Life Coach, I hope to work with students to define and achieve their goals and to inspire a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

Life Coach

Prior to becoming a Life Coach in 2019, Kevin worked extensively with high school students leading youth development programs, summer camps, adventure challenge experiences, and service trips. Kevin most recently worked as a Youth Director for the Episcopal Church. Kevin also worked as a counselor for the Upward Bound program at Keene State College in New Hampshire, where he earned his Bachelor’s of Arts in Geography.

Committing to a college degree is a big decision, and can be a transformative experience for students. Every student’s journey is different. I am passionate about meeting students wherever they are along the way, and helping each person discover their gifts, talents, and unique path through their time at Maryville and beyond.

Director, Academic Success Coaching

Alicia joined the Life Coach team in the summer of 2017. Prior to joining Maryville University, Alicia served as Assistant Director of Academic Support at St. Louis College of Pharmacy coordinating their Disability Support Program and helping implement their StrengthsFinder Initiative along with providing personal and academic support to students. Alicia earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Mass Communications from College of the Ozarks and completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work at University of Missouri-St. Louis.

I love working with students as they transition to college and into becoming an adult. I am honored to learn students’ stories, to walk alongside them, and to encourage them to become their authentic selves.