Connect with Your Success Coach
At St. Edward’s, you’ll have an entire success team to help you personalize your college experience — classes, internships, leadership opportunities, study abroad and more ...
... and it all starts with your success coach. To help you get more acquainted with your success coach, we asked each of them to answer a few questions about themselves. See what they shared. And be sure to reach out to your coach at any time. You can email them or use their Calendly link to schedule a call or meeting. They’re always happy to hear from you!
For more specific information on who to contact for each academic program and/or population, please contact Academic Counseling and Exploration by phone at (512) 448-8660 or by email at ace@bianlifan.com.
Quick Guide to Success Coaches
For easy reference, check out our list of success coaches and how to contact them.
| Success Coach | Contact Info | Academic School/Program |
|---|---|---|
| Claudia Briseno-Chavez | Email or Schedule an Appointment | The Bill Munday School of Business |
| Hannah Fields | Email or Schedule an Appointment | The Bill Munday School of Business |
| Kyle Maddry | Email or Schedule an Appointment | The Bill Munday School of Business |
| Joshua Urie | Email or Schedule an Appointment | School of Arts and Humanities |
| Cassidy Moore | Email or Schedule an Appointment | School of Arts and Humanities |
| Fernando Izaguirre | Email or Schedule an Appointment | School of Arts and Humanities |
| Roel Martinez | Email or Schedule an Appointment | School of Behavioral and Social Sciences |
| April Buentello-Srock | Email or Schedule an Appointment | School of Behavioral and Social Sciences |
| Kyle Kaiser | Email or Schedule an Appointment | School of Behavioral and Social Sciences |
| Michael Rodgers | Email or Schedule an Appointment | School of Behavioral and Social Sciences |
| Amber Weir | Email or Schedule an Appointment | School of Behavioral and Social Sciences |
Michael Kinsey | Email or Schedule an Appointment | School of Natural Sciences |
| Rebecca Yeager | Email or Schedule an Appointment | School of Natural Sciences |
| Austin Weaver | Email or Schedule an Appointment | School of Natural Sciences |
| Elvia Rodriguez | Email or Schedule an appointment | School of Natural Sciences |
| Gilbert Contreras | Email or Schedule an Appointment | CAMP |
Get to Know Your Success Coach
Before connecting with your success coach in person or virtually, get to know a little bit more about them. They can’t wait to meet you! Find out what they share about themselves as well as their tips for new students.
Success Coaches with The Bill Munday School of Business
Claudia Briseno-Chavez
Favorite thing to do on the hilltop:
Walking around campus and looking at the architecture of the buildings and the beautiful grounds. It can be quite peaceful.
Insider campus tip for students:
Holy Cross Hall has great areas that are perfect for studying without too many distractions!
One surprising tidbit about me:
I’ve always been terrified of deep water, but finally, at my age, I’m conquering my fear and learning how to swim.
Contact Claudia
For me, the best part about being a success coach is helping students navigate their college experience and make the transition to St. Edward’s a little less daunting.
Hannah Fields
Favorite thing to do on the hilltop:
I love this beautiful campus! Some of my favorite things to do include watching the squirrels play on Sorin Oak, trying a new seasonal coffee from Jo's, or taking an afternoon stroll to look out at the Austin city skyline.
Insider campus tip for students:
A part-time job on campus is a great way to make additional connections, learn new skills, and ensure your working environment will be supportive of your educational goals. Don't know where to start? Career and Professional Development is a great resource!
One surprising tidbit about me:
I love animals! I grew up on a vegetable farm and at one point in time, my family had 60 chickens, 20 cats, 5 dogs, 2 goats, and a donkey. Today I have two cats of my own named Callie and KitKat!
Contact Hannah
Email Hannah or Schedule an Appointment
I enjoy supporting students to achieve their own version of success, whatever that means to them, and making sure students know they never have to walk alone during their journey.
Kyle Maddry
Favorite thing to do on the hilltop:
I enjoy walking under the shade of the trees and observing the wildlife on campus. Occasionally, you may spot a red-shouldered hawk or a gray fox!
Insider campus tip for students:
Don't forget to take care of the nature surrounding campus! Take a moment to appreciate the natural world and pay close attention to the beauty found in the subtle details of your environment.
One surprising tidbit about me:
I began my college journey pursuing marine biology. Though my path led me to student affairs in higher education, I still hold a deep appreciation for the ocean and all marine life.
Contact Kyle
Email Kyle or Schedule an Appointment
Providing mentorship and empowering students to invest in their education and future is the most rewarding outcome of being a success coach.
Success Coaches with the School of Arts and Humanities
Joshua Urie
Favorite thing to do on the hilltop:
Walk around and take in the beauty of the campus.
Insider campus tip for students:
Find a specific place to study and keep it sacred. Whether it’s a spot on campus, in your own home, or somewhere else utilize that spot for studying and studying only, so that you enter the right headspace even as you near it to begin.
One surprising tidbit about me:
I've lived in six and a half states: California, Minnesota, Arizona, Illinois, Oregon and Texas; the half is Washington because my parents moved there while I was in college and though I’ve spent a significant amount of time there, I haven’t actually lived there. I also lived in Ecuador for just under a year, but unfortunately, I was a shy kid and didn’t learn Spanish.
Contact Joshua
Email Joshua or Schedule an Appointment
It’s an honor to walk alongside students as they figure out what they want from their education and discover where it can take them.
Cassidy Moore
Favorite thing to do on the hilltop:
Finding a cozy spot outside to eat my lunch, listen to a good book, or have great conversations with students.
Insider campus tip for students: Getting involved on campus could be the best thing you ever do! St. Edward’s has so many student organizations to join and events to attend. It’s a great way to find your people.
One surprising tidbit about me:
I am a movie buff! M. Night Shyamalan, Jordan Peele and Wes Anderson are some of my favorite directors.
Contact Cassidy
Email Cassidy or Schedule an Appointment
Helping students achieve their goals here on the hilltop is the best part of my job! I love supporting students during their college journey and witnessing their achievements.
Fernando Izaguirre
Favorite thing to do on the hilltop:
Seeing the Austin city skyline and attending sporting events.
Insider campus tip for students:
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Apply for internships, join a club, make new friends, but more importantly enjoy your college experience on the hilltop!
One surprising tidbit about me:
For five years I competed locally and nationally as a player in the Pokemon Trading Card Game. I’m also a huge Harry Potter fan. Go Hufflepuff!
Contact Fernando
Email Fernando or Schedule an Appointment
What do I like most about being a success coach? Listening to students’ concerns and helping them develop a plan of action toward accomplishing their dreams and goals!
Success Coaches with the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Roel Martinez
Favorite thing to do on the hilltop:
Walk around campus on my lunch break and talk to students away from the office.
Insider campus tip for students:
The coffee shop in EquityHall is a great place to have a quiet cup of coffee if you need a moment to yourself with caffeine involved.
One surprising tidbit about me:
I have an affinity for analog writing tools — pencils and typewriters to sharpen, fix and use.
Contact Roel
Email Roel or Schedule an Appointment
It’s exciting to work with learners who want to step and leap into their future.
April Buentello-Srock
Favorite thing to do on the hilltop:
Roam around campus and enter nostalgic spaces connected to my undergraduate and graduate years.
Insider campus tip for students:
Explore our beautiful campus and get to know it — and visit faculty and staff during office hours!
One surprising tidbit about me:
I got to meet Gabby Rivera, one of my favorite writers and advocates, and the first Latina to write for Marvel Comics.
Contact April
Email April or Schedule an Appointment
I love collaborating with faculty and staff to provide mission-driven services to all the students and families we serve.
Kyle Kaiser
Favorite thing to do on the hilltop:
Going for runs through campus — running in front of Main Building that overlooks downtown is awesome.
Insider campus tip for students:
Use the different study spaces available around campus — you don’t just have to go to the library or study in your residence hall.
One surprising tidbit about me:
I’m a fan of true crime podcasts.
Contact Kyle
Email Kyle or Schedule an Appointment
I always look forward to helping first-year students transition to college and learning about their academic goals.
Michael Rodgers
Favorite thing to do on the hilltop:
Taking walks around campus and going to the Recreation and Athletic Center (RAC).
Insider campus tip for students:
The earlier you park on campus, the better the parking spot! Also, the bright side of having early morning classes is that it often means free afternoons.
One surprising tidbit about me:
I am afraid of heights but will still get on roller coasters without a second thought!
Contact Michael
Email Michael or Schedule an Appointment
I love engaging in conversations with students, faculty and staff about the college experience and growing as individuals.
Amber Weir
Favorite thing to do on the hilltop:
I love getting coffee at Meadow’s Cafe and walking around our beautiful campus!
Insider campus tip for students:
The view of the Austin skyline in front of Main Building while looking over the soccer field is a great place to watch the sunset.
One surprising tidbit about me:
I taught kindergarten/pre-k for three years (I have a great Friday song)!
Contact Amber
Email Amber or Schedule an Appointment
I love being a part of the St. Edward’s community. Everyone here is so welcoming and supportive and ultimately wants students to succeed. I’m thankful to get to be a part of students’ journeys on their way to their goals and dreams!
Success Coaches with the School of Natural Sciences
Michael Kinsey
Favorite thing to do on the hilltop:
Walk around campus and see what students are up to while drinking a hot cup of coffee.
Insider campus tip for students:
The best view on campus is from the third floor restrooms in Fleck Hall.
One surprising tidbit about me:
It's not very surprising, but I used to play baseball and am a proud graduate of St. Edward’s!
Contact Michael
Email Michael or Schedule an Appointment
I really enjoy working with all the student-athletes to help them plan and set goals for their time at St. Edward’s and beyond, as well as occasionally cheering them on at their games!
Rebecca Yeager
Favorite thing to do on the hilltop:
Drink a latte from Meadow's Cafe and sit outside (in the shade) under one of the many beautiful trees on campus.
Insider campus tip for students:
Be sure to use all of the resources that St. Edward’s has to offer to help you succeed, like office hours, the Math Lab, the Writing Center, tutoring, the Health & Counseling Center, and many others. We all want to see you reach your full potential during your college experience!
One surprising tidbit about me:
I love to listen to audiobooks and podcasts in my free time!
Contact Rebecca
Email Rebecca or Schedule an Appointment
What I enjoy most about being a success coach is helping students plan their future and pursue all of the opportunities that await them!
Austin Weaver
Favorite thing to do on the hilltop:
I really find walking around campus to be relaxing, comforting, and a great way to clear my head if I need some time to decompress.
Insider campus tip for students: Being engaged is the best way to set yourself up for success. Finding a club or community to join can lead to wonderful experiences and lifelong friendships. It doesn't hurt that additional involvement always looks good on a resume, especially in a position of leadership!
One surprising tidbit about me: Before I worked at Edward’s, I was involved with Esports. I've been a professional player, twitch streamer, and college and professional coach.
Contact Austin
Email Austin or Schedule an Appointment
As a success coach, there’s nothing I enjoy more than helping students become the best version of themselves.
Elvia Rodriguez
Best part about being a success coach:
Getting to serve and assist students throughout their journey here at St. Edward’s.
Favorite thing to do on the hilltop:
Walking around this beautiful campus and looking at the Austin skyline while sipping my coffee!
One surprising tidbit about you:
I was in the military for a few years, and I’m a first-generation college graduate. I absolutely love dogs and listen to podcasts every day.
Contact Elvia
Email Elvia or Schedule an appointment
My daily goal is to create a collaborative environment with students that encourages their growth and success.
Success Coach for CAMP Scholars
Gilbert Contreras
Favorite thing to do on the hilltop:
Taking time out of my day to walk around campus, enjoying the nature, view and people I encounter.
Insider campus tip for students: Something fun is to take a blanket and sit on the hill in front of Main Building and admire the Austin skyline.
One surprising tidbit about me: It’s not a secret but I’m a diehard San Antonio Spurs fan. I’ve been going to games since 1986 — too many games to count.
Contact Gilbert
Email Gilbert or Schedule an Appointment
I love interacting with students and the conversations that happen outside of my office that keep me updated on current events.
Contact Us
Hours
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location
Moody Hall
Room 155
Get in Touch
Academic Counseling and Exploration
ace@bianlifan.com
(512) 448-8660