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 Testimonial
"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

Aaron Clevenger, EdD

Tyler Morkin, MA

2026 Academy Coaches
Darya Anoshei

Jennifer Gay

Fabiola Riobé

Andrew Van Lew

Myle Duong

Jim Crawley

Luis Johnson

Leslie Reynolds

Semhar Okbazion

Zelideth Rivas

Thomas Carter

Mireille McLaughlin

Patricia Aguirre

2025 Academy Coaches
Andrew Van Lew

Danielle Davis

Dr. Drew Dexter Ross

Darya Anoshei

Dulce Amor L. Dorado

Jennifer Gay

Jim Crawley

Molly Heidemann

Valerie Slate

Omobonike Odegbami

Kimberly Hajec

Mireille McLaughlin

Naomi Ziegler
