Meet the Coaches
Coaches at our Normal Campus
What is your educational background?
- Associate of Arts from Heartland Community College
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Spanish from Illinois State University
- Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Hamline University (Expected May 2023)
Areas of Specialty
- International Students
- ESL and Adult Education
- Humanities and Fine Arts
What is one struggle you faced as a student?
When I started community college, I had no idea what I wanted to do in life. I really struggled being able to identify what my strengths were and how to choose a career path that would be right for me. I took personality and career exploration quizzes to help point me in the right direction, but I never had a mentor or a guide to help me process what would be best for me long term. I felt like I was making major decisions about my life and future completely on my own, causing a lot of anxiety. I ended up choosing my major from which classes I enjoyed most at Heartland (Communication and Spanish).
I enjoyed learning about these topics and excelled in the classroom, but once I graduated from Illinois State with a bachelor's degree and was out in the real world, I was still confused on how to use my interests to find a career path. It wasn't until I moved to Mexico after college to pursue some more language learning, that I found out what my true passions were and how to build a job and life around it. My passions now include helping international students adjust to culture and language here in the United States and eating delicious ethnic food! I would have benefitted greatly from having a success coach listen to my worries, help me pinpoint areas of strengths and practically plan for success after college. A success coach can be a wonderful support for anyone struggling to find their way in college (that's all of us!). I am happy to be able to provide a role that I never had as a college student. Success coaches are happy to listen, guide and share great resources to set you on the path of success. You do not have to be alone in this very exciting, yet often stressful, time of your life!
What is your educational background?
- Bachelor of Science in Advertising from University of Illinois
- Master of Science in Sport Management from Illinois State University
Areas of Specialty
- PATH Grant
- Health Science Students
- Health and Fitness
What is one struggle you faced as a student?
As a student, by far my biggest struggle was figuring out what I wanted to study! I always felt that all my friends had clear ideas of the degrees they wanted and the careers they planned on pursuing. I, on the other hand, had trouble finding what I was passionate about. Luckily, I was exposed to many different subjects of study at the University of Illinois and I received some good advice early on in my professional career. That advice was to try things! Through a process of trial-and-error, I eventually discovered by true professional passions and learned two really important things: 1.) no decision is ever final and, 2.) if you’re unsure of what you want to do, you’re not alone!
What is your educational background?
- Associate of Arts from Chipola College
- Bachelor of Science in Communication and Information Sciences from the University of Alabama
- Master of Science in Sport Management from the University of Southern Mississippi
Areas of Specialty
- Student Athletes
What is one struggle you faced as a student?
One struggle I faced as a student was learning to ask for help. I always wanted to be independent and figure everything out on my own. Asking for help felt like a weakness to me then. I was very closed-minded to allowing other people give their perspectives or advice. Never letting anyone in was isolating and lonely at times. However, now I have learned that everyone needs a helping hand every once in a while. Now, I think about daunting tasks like climbing mountains. It's much easier to climb when you have someone to guide you and other people to lean on. It's also much more enjoyable once you've made it to the top and get to take in the view with other people. If I were to tell my Freshman self one piece of advice it would be to let people help you along the way and always show gratitude when they do!
What is your educational background?
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Bachelor of Business in Management from Western Illinois University
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Master of Kinesiology in Sport Management from Western Illinois University
Areas of Specialty
- NexSTEM Program
- Student Athletes
- Student Emergency Fund
What is one struggle you faced as a student?
The biggest struggle I faced as a student was life balance and motivation. As a college baseball player, all I wanted to focus on was playing baseball. It took the maturing process to realize that without school and focusing on my studies that I would not be eligible to play baseball. I had always been a good student and never had to put extra effort into my schoolwork like I did once I got to college. Finding the balance between sport and school was hard in the beginning, but the use of mandatory study hours for the team allowed me to put the effort toward school that was necessary. Not every student has that and may feel like there is no one to help with the transition we all go through. I had coaches that helped along the way and so do you! That is our role as Success Coaches. We are an outlet for the everyday student that needs guidance on their journey towards success.
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What is your educational background?
- Bachelor of Science in Education from University of Nebraska
- Master of Science in Education from University of Illinois
Areas of Specialty
- Social/Behavioral Sciences
- College NOW Students
- Time Management Techniques
- Motivation
What is one struggle you have faced as a student?
I believe my greatest struggle during my college years was obtaining balance. I took on too many things. I worked four jobs while attending school. And although I strongly believe in being productive, I believe balance is key. I wish someone would have helped me to see that all aspects of the college experience can prove to be invaluable. I think becoming involved in clubs, organizations, sports or volunteer opportunities on campus will help guide students to become more well rounded. I think these types of experiences open the doors to new relationships, new passions, self fulfillment and true life-long learning. I urge students today to self discipline to maintain balance during their college years paying attention to things like:
- strong health (nutrition, hydration, sleep, exercise)
- studies (true focused learning instead of checking things off a list)
- work (great experience, helps with financial freedoms, possible connections for future career)
- volunteer opportunities (provides such a sense of self worth oftentimes)
- clubs, organizations (opens doors to new interests and can provide real life education)
What is your educational background?
- Bachelor of Arts in English & Music from IWU
- Master of Arts in English from Northwestern University
- Current Doctoral Student in Education at ISU
Areas of Specialty
- English, Humanities
- Equipment Lending Program
What is one struggle you faced as a student?
I come from a long line of over-achievers, so I’ve always struggled for balance between my responsibilities: the jobs I HAVE to do and those I CHOOSE to pursue. But here’s the key: when we intentionally figure out those life priorities and manage them alongside our responsibilities, we get choices and I’m all about exploring what COULD BE along with what SHOULD BE and making it happen.As an adjunct Humanities teacher at Heartland, I most enjoy connecting with students and learning alongside them. In my role as a Success Coach, I’m privileged to continue those connections and dig deep with students to access their best lives that are well-lived!
What is your educational background?
- Bachelor of Science in Communication from Illinois State University
- Master of Science in College Student Personnel Administration from Illinois State University
Areas of Specialty:
- Health Science Majors
- Career Exploration
- Workforce 180 & PATH Grant Students
- Transfer preparation
What is one struggle you faced as a student?
One thing that I struggled with in college was really being focused on making the most of my experience. I wish I would have taken advantage of all the resources and opportunities that were available to me. I did not realize my true goal of working in higher education until a few years after I graduated. If I had focused more on getting engaged while I was working on my Bachelor’s degree maybe I would have realized my dream even earlier. Since I cannot go back and have my college experience again, I try to focus on helping students take advantage of all the opportunities that are available to them while at Heartland.
What is your educational background?
- Bachelor of Arts in Education from Illinois Wesleyan University
Areas of Specialty
- PATH Grant
What is one struggle you faced as a student?
My greatest struggle in college was trying to balance everything! It was difficult getting used to a college workload, working a job, getting involved in extracurricular activities and balancing relationships with friends and loved ones. I was also helping care for a sick parent during my college years. It was a very stressful time, and I wish I had access to all the resources that are available here at Heartland for students. I want to help connect students to the appropriate resources and assist them in getting the most out of their college experience.
What is your educational background?
- Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Illinois State University
- Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College
Areas of Specialty
- Student Conduct and Appeals
- Success Education and Global Studies Classes
- All things International
What is one struggle you faced as a student?
My greatest struggle in college was procrastination. There were nights when all of a sudden, the sky brightened as I put the finishing touches on a paper I worked on all night. The new freedom that comes with being a college student is wonderful, but it's something that we must make good decisions with. We can use our time to have fun, and we should! We can use our time to work, and we should! However, we really need to plan how we will use our time to get our homework done and make that a priority. I wish I had a Success Coach to help me with my time management skills back when I was in college. I've learned a lot since then and would like to help you not make the same mistakes I did.
What is your educational background?
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois State University
- Master of Education in Community Counseling from Loyola University
Areas of Specialty
- Veterans and Military Connections
- Certified Recovery Support Specialist Program (CRSS) Liaison
- HOUSE and Benefits Liaison
What is one struggle you faced as a student?
Navigating the college "system" was hugely overwhelming for me. I was a first-generation college student (the first in my family to attend college) so no one in my household had any idea where to begin. Everything from applying for financial aid, registering for classes, buying books, managing a college course load, and getting connected on campus was outside of my comfort zone. There were times during my first year that I wanted to give up rather than deal with the stress of figuring out how everything worked. Over time, I learned a lot from trial and error (and my fellow students!) but spent much of that first year feeling stressed out and confused rather than enjoying the experience. I wish there had been a coaching program when I was a student to help take the mystery out of navigating that first year of college!
Make an Appointment with Jen or send an email to Jennifer.Vieley@heartland.edu
What is your educational background?
- Bachelor of Arts in English from University of Illinois
Areas of Specialty
- Early Childhood Education
- Homeschool Students
What is one struggle you faced as a student?
My greatest struggle in college was finding a way to connect in such a large university and get the support I needed. I came from a small town and knew most students in my class of 175. Going to such a large university with 40,000 undergraduate students meant that I had to find a place to fit in and connect with other students. I tried several student groups, organizations, and gatherings before I found the right fit for me. It was stressful adjusting to college life and I want to help students find a way to connect with others here on campus and in the community. Learning to try new things and meet new people helps students feel connected both personally and in classes and is a skill that creates opportunities throughout life.
Coaches at our Pontiac Campus
What is your educational background?
- Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Secondary Education from College of St. Francis
- Masters of Arts in Teaching in Mathematics from University of Idaho Engineering Outreach
- Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University
Areas of Specialty
- Livingston County/ Pontiac Campus
- Academic Advising
- Dog Petting Techniques
- Math Anxiety and History of Math
- Title IX
What is one struggle you faced as a student?
One of my biggest struggles early on was having the intense feeling that I didn’t “belong” at college. Coming from a family and a neighborhood where many had not graduated high school and none had attended any college, I had so much misunderstanding of what college was, who could attend, and so on. As far as I knew, college was where the children of rich people went to become doctors and lawyers. Luckily, I had a High School Guidance Counselor who caught me my Junior year and made me pick a career other than grocery store clerk (my plan at the time), take the ACT, and apply to some colleges. While there was no way for me to attend the schools I liked the most (even with a full tuition scholarship, I couldn’t afford room and board), I found myself with an almost full tuition scholarship at a school to which I could commute, and all of a sudden, college was an option. For me, college was serious business. I needed to keep a 3.6 GPA to keep my scholarship, or I’d lose the chance to finish my degree. [Nobody told me that community colleges existed, so I thought that this was my one and only shot.] And being someone with a 40-minute commute who was working several part-time and seasonal jobs, college was also very transactional. I went to school, attended my classes, went to work, went home, and studied like my ability to continue depended on it. But being surrounded by 18 year olds who were living in the dorms, not working, without a care in the world, treating college like a social thing – I couldn't relate to them. They were from an entirely different world of two story brick houses. I felt like an imposter. Over time, I came to realize that everyone has a different “college experience”. That was their college experience. Mine was my college experience. And while the 18-year old carefree culture is what was most visible, that wasn’t the core culture of the college itself. The core culture of the college itself related to faculty and staff caring about students (including me) and helping each along his or her journey. Once I figured that out and embraced my own path, I knew I was where I belonged. Heartland students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and past experiences, and you ALL belong here. If you ever feel like you don’t belong, come sit with me for a bit. One thing I can tell you for sure is that I’m happy you’re here.
Coaches at our Lincoln Campus
- Educational background
Bachelor of Science in History from Illinois State University
Associate in Art from Lincoln College
Areas of Specialty
Logan County/ Lincoln Campus
Academic Advising
Transfer Preparation
Motivation
Struggle I faced as a student
One of my early struggles during college was being a first generation student. No one else in my immediate family had attended college, so figuring out the process was scary and challenging. I had a lot of support from college staff, who encouraged me to continue the process. Figuring out financial aid and navigating the college system was so intimidating, but pushing through the unknowns was so worth it!
A later struggle of mine was having my children while finishing my degrees. I continued going to school full time, working full time, and raising babies. The odds were against me in many ways. I was tired and constantly wondered how much I had left in me. I was motivated to finish my degree to obtain a better career and ensure a good future for my children. Learning and developing time management, self-motivation and interdependence was key to my success! I was lucky to have supportive instructors, family members, and friends who helped when I needed it. Don’t be afraid to seek help and discover ways to work through challenging situations.