Academy coaches are volunteer members who work with a cohort of six trainees. They represent a broad range of expertise and have worked in the field of international education for more than five years. Coaches work with their trainees to develop the trainees' learning plans and guide them as they navigate the world of international education, including NAFSA. They also advise trainees on workshop and session selections at the annual and fall regional conferences. Each coach is trained to be knowledgeable in six coaching skill sets:
- Knowledge of the Academy
- Marketing and Recruitment
- Building a Cohort
- Supporting Trainee Development
- Professional Tools
- Facilitating Learning
Academy Coach Applications
Access to coaches' experience and knowledge is one of the greatest benefits for trainees. The coaches provide professional guidance and direction to trainees while they receive a broad overview of international education through a variety of workshops. Note: You must be a NAFSA member to serve as a coach for the NAFSA Academy.
Currently we are only accepting applications for a Region 10 Coach (New York or New Jersey).
Academy Coach Testimonial
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"I’ve truly enjoyed seeing my trainees grow professionally. My coaching experience has also contributed to my own personal and professional development in many ways. I look forward to seeing all my outstanding trainees graduate from the Academy in December, and I look forward to serving again in 2021! The growth each of my trainees demonstrated this year shows just how valuable the Academy is." - Loveness Schafer, 2020/2021 Academy Coach.
Chair/Chair Designates
Shannon Ingleby
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University of Iowa
2025 Academy Chair
Shannon Ingleby started her career in International Education while teaching and living in China. After living overseas for three years, she understands the difficulties of moving to a new country and can also celebrate the many ways that living and studying abroad positively impacts an individual...
Aaron Clevenger, EdD
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
2025 Academy Chair-Designate
Aaron Clevenger is the Assistant Provost for International Education & Senior International Officer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he was previously the Dean of International and Graduate Admissions. He is an Adjunct Professor of Security Studies and International Affairs. Aaron has...
2025 Academy Coaches
Andrew Van Lew
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University of Arkansas
Academy Coach, Region III
My name is Andrew Van Lew and I am the Graduate & International Recruitment Coordinator at the University of Arkansas. I have served in this role for coming up on 2 years. Prior to this I served 5 years as a DSO and ARO in our university's International Students & Scholars Office. I am very...
Danielle Davis
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Virginia Tech
Academy Coach
Danielle Lee Davis has worked in international education for over 10 years, in a variety of roles across both education abroad and international student & scholar services. Incidentally, her very first university job was working in the English language lab as an undergraduate work-study. She is...
Dr. Drew Dexter Ross
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Arizona State University
Academy Coach
Dr. Drew Dexter Ross is the Director of International Student Advising in the International Students & Scholars Center where he works to support the immigration compliance for all F-1 international students at Arizona State University. Drew also enjoys working with international students to provide...
Darya Anoshei
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University of Washington Continuum College
Academy Coach, Region 1
Darya holds the position of Admissions and Outreach Supervisor at the University of Washington's International & English Language Program. As someone who identifies with the Third Culture Kid (TCK) experience, she was raised within a diverse cultural and linguistic environment. Her dedication is...
Dulce Amor L. Dorado
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University of California San Diego
Academy Coach
Dulce Amor L. Dorado is the Director of Strategic Planning, Innovation, and Research in Student Health and Well-Being at the University of California San Diego. Prior to her current role, Dulce served in various leadership positions in international education. Her 25+ year career includes leading a...
Jennifer Gay
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International Volunteer HQ
Past Chair, Region II
Jennifer has over 20 years experience in a range of international education fields. She served as Senior International Officer at Fort Lewis College, as Director of Member Relations for ISEP Study Abroad, and currently is Director of Campus Partnerships for HQ Travel Group, the world's largest...
Jim Crawley
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Hope College
Academy Coach
Jim Crawley has been in international admissions and recruitment since 1995, having worked at Alma College, Central Michigan University, Grand Valley State University. He is currently the Director if Global Recruitment at Hope College, in Holland, Michigan. Jim has served in various volunteer...
Molly Heidemann
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Miami University
Academy Coach
Molly Heidemann currently serves as Director of International Student and Scholar Services at Miami University (Ohio) where she has supported the international student and scholar community since 2008. She began her career in international education at Indiana University in 2005. Molly became a...
Valerie Slate
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The University of North Carolina
Academy Coach
Valerie Slate is the Director of Global Programs, for the MBA Program at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. She has over twenty of experience working in international education at both large state universities and a small private college. Valerie has an Interdisciplinary Master’s degree from Texas...
Omobonike Odegbami
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Hamilton College
Academy Coach, Region X
Omobonike Odegbami is the inaugural Director of International Student Services at Hamilton College, NY. She is a culturally competent leader with over 20 years of experience creating impactful change in higher education. Throughout her career, Omobonike has demonstrated a commitment to excellence...
Kimberly Hajec
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Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
Academy Coach
I started my career in international education in 2007. I worked at various institutions in a variety of roles including international admissions & recruitment, immigration advising for F-1 & J-1 students, as well as J-1 Visiting Professors, Scholars and Interns. During my tenure in higher education...
Mireille McLaughlin
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Simmons University
Academy Coach
I participated in the NAFSA Academy as a mentee in 2009 and benefited immensely from the experience and would love to give back by serving as a Coach. I have a breadth of experience in international education including study abroad and academic advising, international student advising, international...
Naomi Ziegler
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Carleton College
Academy Coach
Naomi Ziegler is Associate Director of Off-Campus Studies at Carleton College where she works with Carleton programs, events, communications, non-Carleton programs, and student advising. She holds a PhD in Comparative and International Development Education from the University of Minnesota and...