Meet Your Coach Trainers
Catherine Brown
Coach Trainer
Catherine Brown
Catherine Brown graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Social Science and a Master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration. Catherine’s professional experience in education began in the Florida K-12 public and private school system where she taught history, reading, language arts, fitness, and was even a cheerleading coach! Having started at the University of Central Florida in 2017, Catherine currently holds dual positions as a Coach Trainer for the Coaching Academy and the trainer for UCF’s Academic Success Coach community while simultaneously teaching part time as an Associate Professor of the New Student Experience course for Valencia College.
As a student coach yourself, what makes coaching special in higher education?
As a coach, I get to be the person I needed when I needed someone. There are times when we all need a positive person in our corner reminding us that we matter, we make a difference, and we are appreciated. Coaching at the collegiate level, I help students realize that they are already equipped with everything they need to be successful. Together, we focus on their strengths, and I help them see the opportunity in each obstacle. It’s so rewarding to see a student who was unsure if they would be successful, start to believe in themselves and their abilities. I get to actively be a part of their evolution, not only as a student or as a professional but holistically, as a person.
What is your favorite part about being a trainer with the Academy?
My favorite part of being a trainer for the Academy is getting to share best practices, collaborate with, and sharpen my skills with other experts in the field. Through our courses, professionals get to reimagine, refresh, and reignite the passion we all have for helping others. Personally, I strive to inspire others to “LIVE YOUR DASH!” Every day we have an opportunity to bring out the best in others and impact their lives for the better. That really is at the core of everything we do. I love that it doesn’t feel like work but a calling.
Monique Carter
Coach Trainer
Monique Carter
Monique Carter currently serves as the Associate Director of Student Coaching with UCF Online, bringing 20 years of higher education and distance learning experience. She inspires others to take intentional steps toward growth, using wellness and mental toughness as foundation tools.
As a student coach yourself, what makes coaching special in higher education?
Being able to coach from experience. As someone who has earned majority of my secondary education through online or hybrid programs while juggling work and family commitments, I truly understand what my students are balancing. Coaching is special because I can put myself in their shoes, confidently remind them of their grit, and guide from a place of understanding and empathy, with tangible tools.
What is your favorite part about being a trainer with the Academy?
My favorite part of being a trainer is seeing the excitement when the coach-in-training realizes how many of the coaching methods and techniques they are already implementing. From there, they begin to really engage with the content of the course and learn specific terms, theories, and frameworks that allow them to build their own coaching philosophy with confidence.
Vanessa Delgado
Coach Trainer
Vanessa Delgado
Vanessa Delgado serves as a Senior Academic Success Coach for UCF Transfer Connect and as a Coach Trainer for the UCF Higher Education Coaching Academy (HECA). She holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics and a graduate certificate in Cognitive Sciences, both from UCF.
Passionate about coaching, Vanessa believes in its power to equip students with the tools, confidence, and motivation they need to overcome challenges and achieve success in the classroom and beyond. Her work is fueled by the understanding that with the right guidance and support, every student can unlock their full potential.
As a student coach yourself, what makes coaching special in higher education?
As a student coach myself I find that the holistic, student-centered nature of coaching in higher education makes it special. Coaching in higher ed empowers students to see their potential beyond just academics. It is not about giving answers, but about helping them discover their own strengths, build confidence, and align their personal goals with their educational journey.
What is your favorite part about being a trainer with the Academy?
My favorite part about being a trainer for the Academy is seeing the growth and confidence that higher ed professionals (both student coaches and leadership alike) develop throughout the process. I enjoy creating a meaningful space where they can learn, practice, and reflect on the coaching skills they will bring back to their students. It is truly rewarding to know that the impact multiplies – by training coaches, I’m indirectly supporting countless students on their journey to success.
Shelly Helmbrecht
Coach Trainer
Shelly Helmbrecht
Shelly is a Student Success Coach at the UCF Online Connect center. She is driven by a deep passion for helping others thrive and loves to empower her students in reaching their unique goals—whether it’s improving study skills to get better grades, building mental resilience, or simply finding balance in everyday life. Shelly particularly enjoys using a highly personalized approach rooted in empathy and encouragement. Her personal belief in being an effective coach is to meet every student where they’re at and encouraging them to reach their goals that matter most to them.
Beyond coaching, Shelly is an avid outdoor enthusiast who finds joy and renewal in nature. Whether swimming in open water, paddleboarding, or hiking trails, she believes strongly that movement and fresh air are essential ingredients for a healthy and happy life and hopes to inspire others to do the same.
As a student coach yourself, what makes coaching special in higher education?
I love that I have the ability to work with students right from the beginning of their Journey with us here at UCF. This allows me ample opportunity to build a strong relationship of trust and rapport right from the beginning to have a better chance of really helping my students succeed in what ever goals are most important to them.
What is your favorite part about being a trainer with the Academy?
love that I have the opportunity to help other coaches understand how to grow in their coaching skills/relationships with their students so that they can build a deeper understanding of how they can help them at an even higher level of effectiveness which in turn makes the relationship so much more rewarding for both parties.
Julie Kephart
Coach Trainer
Julie Kephart
Julie Kephart serves as the Assistant Director for the Office of Academic Advocacy in the Division of Student Success and Well-Being at the University of Central Florida. In her role, Julie works one-on-one with students who may be experiencing a barrier or challenge that impacts their ability to be successful. Julie is also a trainer for the UCF Higher Education Coaching Academy and is the primary trainer for the Peer Coach training. With her history of leading peer-to-peer support programs, Julie enjoys helping student leaders learn and grow to be the best coaches they can be for others. Julie is a two-time, soon to be three-time, graduate of UCF. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Florida with her husband and hanging out with her two dogs.
As a student coach yourself, what makes coaching special in higher education?
As a coach myself, the relationship building that occurs with students is what makes coaching in higher education special. Whether a student is in their first semester or last semester, watching them overcome obstacles, achieve their definition of success, and graduate as a stronger and more confident person than when they started is magical. A great moment as a coach is when students reach out after their commencement ceremony and share what they have been up to and how they remain in a growth mindset when navigating new opportunities.
What is your favorite part about being a trainer with the Academy?
My favorite thing about being a trainer in the Academy is seeing participants enhance their already existing skills and learn from each other. Whether someone is new to working in higher education or they have been in higher education for decades, everyone has strengths that connect to being a great coach. Throughout the training, there are opportunities to refine and grow those skills and learn new ones. We also have several opportunities for small- and large-group discussions that provide a chance for perspectives to be shared. In some training classes, we see advisors, financial aid team members, military and veteran support teams, and others participate. Each role on campus has a unique opportunity to support a student’s success, but in different ways. Coaching is a great way to ensure a student does not feel like “a number” at their institution and avoid the routine of being another transaction.
Renee Montgomery
Coach Trainer
Renee Montgomery
Renee Montgomery is a dedicated professional in higher education, currently serving as a Coordinator in Continuing Education at the University of Central Florida (UCF). She recently expanded her impact by joining the Higher Education Coaching Academy as a Trainer. Prior to her current role, Renee worked in UCF’s Online Connect Center as a Success Coach and later as a Success Coach Team Lead. Before transitioning to UCF, she gained valuable experience as an Enrollment Coach at an online higher education institution. With over eight years of experience in student coaching, Renee is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their academic and professional goals. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music and a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance.
As a student coach yourself, what makes coaching special in higher education?
For me, what makes coaching special in higher education is seeing the positive impact that coaching has for students. It’s rewarding to be part of a student’s journey in higher education, and as a coach, being able to help empower them to reach their goals and build skills that they can use beyond graduation.
What is your favorite part about being a trainer with the Academy?
My favorite part of being a trainer with the Higher Education Coaching Academy is watching the growth of the participants in the courses. It’s fulfilling to offer feedback and clarify concepts around coaching and have their mindset regarding what coaching is begin to shift.
Johanny Santana
Coach Trainer
Johanny Santana
Johanny Santana, a proud UCF alumna, brings over a decade of experience in higher education. She is passionate about empowering students, guiding them through challenges, and helping them build a strong foundation for academic and personal growth. As an instructor, mentor, and coach, Johanny combines empathy, practical insight, and energy to make a meaningful impact in every interaction.
As a student coach yourself, what makes coaching special in higher education?
Coaching is special because I get to connect with students individually, help them find strategies that work for them, and watch them grow in confidence and success. It’s about unlocking potential and celebrating each milestone along the way.
What is your favorite part about being a trainer with the Academy?
I love equipping other coaches with the tools, skills, and confidence to make a real difference. Seeing them transform their approach and impact students’ lives is incredibly rewarding.
Tasha Williams
Coach Trainer
Tasha Williams
Tasha Williams, originally from Florida with Caribbean roots, currently serves as the Director of Student Coaching for UCF Online in the Division of Digital Learning. Tasha’s responsibilities include overseeing a team of success coaches and leading strategic planning and operational efforts for the department. Tasha has an educational background, holding a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human services. Currently, Tasha is furthering her education by pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy at Florida State University. Additionally, Tasha actively serves with UCF’s Higher Education Coaching Academy as a facilitator and adjunct faculty member at Valencia College. Tasha’s commitment to mentoring and educating others is underpinned by her faith and love for her children. During her leisure time, she enjoys bowling and eating at seafood restaurants.
As a student coach yourself, what makes coaching special in higher education?
Navigating college can be tough, and I know this well since I went through it without a coach to help me out. That’s why having a coach is so valuable. From the start, they help students figure out what success looks like and how to get there. Coaches offer support and guidance, making the whole college experience a lot less overwhelming and way more doable. In the end, it’s about helping students find their own answers instead of just handing them out.
What is your favorite part about being a trainer with the Academy?
One of the best parts of being a trainer with the Academy is getting to connect with our trainees. Each session is a chance to chat with passionate professionals who really want to grow. It’s pretty amazing to see that ‘aha’ moment when everything clicks for them and they realize just how impactful coaching can be in a student’s educational journey. Watching this shift, where coaching goes from just being a helpful tool to becoming a game-changer for student success, is super rewarding. Those moments really highlight why this work is so important.