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 professional development opportunities using the NAFSA International Education Competencies. Each coach is trained to be knowledgeable in six coaching skill sets:
- Knowledge of the Academy
- Marketing and Recruitment
- Creating Cohort Community
- Supporting Trainee Development
- Professional Tools
- Facilitating Learning
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
Aaron Clevenger, EdD
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
2026 Academy Chair
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...
Tyler Morkin, MA
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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Academy Chair-Designate 2026
Tyler Morkin currently works as SEVIS Coordinator at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He serves as Academy Coach for NAFSA's Region V and was previously the network leader for NAFSA's International Student Advising Network (ISTA). Prior to joining U-M, Tyler worked in a similar...
2026 Academy Coaches
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...
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...
Fabiola Riobé
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Founder and CEO
Academy Coach
Dr. Fabiola Riobé is an internationally respected strategist, educator, and business mentor whose work bridges innovation, equity, and global collaboration. As the Founder and CEO of Satis Sum Consulting, LLC, she leads with the belief that every person is inherently enough—and that with intentional...
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...
Myle Duong
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IES Abroad
Academy Coach
Myle Duong brings six years of expertise in international education across diverse Midwest institutions. As a College Relations Manager at IES Abroad, she cultivates partnerships with regional schools and supports students in achieving their study abroad ambitions. Her background includes...
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...
Luis Johnson
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University of Florida
Academy Coach
Luis, originally from Brazil, relocated to the United States where he pursued further education in New Orleans (NOLA) and specialized in immigration law. He is a graduate of the NAFSA Academy, having participated as a Trainee in Academy Class 15 in 2018. At the beginning of his career in the U.S...
Leslie Reynolds
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International Student Insurance
Local Arrangements Co-Chair, Jacksonville
Leslie is currently the University Relations Manager for International Student Insurance. With 10 years of experience on the institutional side of international education, Leslie brings a unique immigration and study abroad advisor perspective to the insurance role. Previously, Leslie served as a...
Semhar Okbazion
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University of Maryland, Baltimore
Academy Coach
Semhar Okbazion is an accomplished professional with nearly 20 years of experience in the international education and immigration space, supporting international students and scholars across higher education institutions. She currently serves as Assistant Director at the University of Maryland...
Zelideth Rivas
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Assistant Provost for Global Education
Academy Coach
Dr. Zelideth María Rivas is the Assistant Provost for Global Education at Marshall University in West Virginia. As the senior international officer, she actively works to recruit international students, remove admissions barriers, build programs with partner institutions, and create education abroad...
Thomas Carter
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SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF)
Academy Coach
Thomas Carter is the Director of International Education and Senior International Officer at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry where he oversees Education Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services, and International Student Recruitment. With 10+ years of experience in...
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...
Patricia Aguirre
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Director of the Office of International Students and Scholars
Academy Coach
Dr. Patricia Aguirre is an innovative and dedicated higher education professional with over 18 years of experience in management and student counseling services. Currently serving as the Director of the Office of International Students and Scholars at California Lutheran University, she is deeply...