Life Coaching

We know the college experience can seem daunting at the start—but we’re here to help you every step of the way! Each student works closely with a life coach who serves as a resource, a guide, a knowledgeable academic adviser and a mentor … and that’s just the beginning. Your life coach is approachable and accessible; he or she serves as a confidante when questions develop, as a source of support when concerns arise and is eager to celebrate your successes. Your life coach guides you through academic and career planning decisions, and helps ease your personal transition into the Maryville community.

Meet Our Team

University Library
314.529.6305
ebible1@maryville.edu

Emma Bible

Life Coach

Emma graduated from Maryville University in 2021 with a B.A. in Psychology and Organizational Leadership. As a student, she served as a student worker and orientation coordinator. Before returning back to Maryville as a part of the Life Coach team, Emma most recently worked on the Operations team at a charter school in South City St. Louis.

As a student at Maryville, I experienced how life-changing it can be to have someone who is completely invested in your academic and personal success. I hope to give back to Maryville by giving students a space to explore the many opportunities present in their future while allowing them to learn about themselves and get to know the world around them. By exploring their strengths, passions, and interests, I look forward to helping students build the future they want while knowing I am here to answer their questions and cheer them on along the way!”

University Library
314.529.6868
jscalescole1@maryville.edu

Jada Cole

Life Coach

Jada graduated from Maryville in 2022 with a B.A. in Communication. While being a student at Maryville, Jada served as the Secretary and Vice President for Association of Black Collegians, served as an orientation leader, was a student employee in the Integrated Marketing & Communications department, and received the Outstanding Peer Mentor award in 2020. Prior to working at Maryville, Jada worked for Parkway School District as a Digital Communications Specialist. Along with being a Life Coach, Jada is a Head Cheerleading Coach in the St. Louis area.

I love that I am playing a very important role in the student’s college journey. I enjoy learning about each student’s story, both in and out of the classroom.

University Library
314.529.6868
kcooper2@maryville.edu

Kirby Cooper

Life Coach

Kirby graduated from Maryville with a B.A. in History and minor in Art History and finished her MAEd in Adult and Higher Education from UMSL in 2023. Along with being a life coach, Kirby also coaches high school and club volleyball in the St. Louis area.

I am so excited to continue my journey at Maryville as a Life Coach! The Maryville community allows students to thrive and reach their highest potential. As a Life Coach, I want to make sure students know that I am in their corner. I want to help you reach your goals, pursue your passions, and push you to be your best self academically, professionally, and personally.

University Library
314.529.6307
sgavic@maryville.edu

Sam Gavic

Director, Digital Success Coaching

Sam serves as the Director of Digital Success Coaching where he focuses on developing the digital experience for Maryville students. Sam joined the Maryville University family in 2018 as a Life Coach, and he has coordinated the Maryville tutoring program since 2019.  Prior to his time at Maryville, Sam worked in Residence Life at Southern Methodist University and Virginia Tech University where Sam earned his master’s degree in Higher Education and Policy Study. A proud St. Louis City resident, Sam also coaches fitness classes at Crossfit Gambit in Soulard.

Curiosity is what motivates me. Learning a student’s journey, asking questions and exploring your talents, passion, and interests excites me most about being a Life Coach at Maryville University.

University Library
314.529.2852
flogan@maryville.edu

Frank Logan

Life Coach

Frank joined the Life Coach Team in Spring 2024. Prior to joining Maryville, he worked in Normandy Schools Collaborative in the role of Virtual Learning Coordinator and Alternative Learning Coordinator. In addition to those roles, he was also senior and junior class liaison for college and career readiness. Frank is a graduate of The University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and minors in Education and Latin.

Starting this new journey of higher education as a Life Coach is a 180-degree turn from what I am used to. From being an assistant track coach at Maryville to working in K-12 education, my mission has been the same: listen to learn, learn to understand, understand to progress, and progress fulfillment. I have maintained this mission with any student that has ever been around me. I try to leave a lasting impression on students so they know I have their best interest in mind when making decisions and discussing challenges.

University Library
314.529.6311
kmajor@maryville.edu

Kelsey Major

Life Coach

Kelsey joined the Life Coach Team in June 2024. She graduated from University of Missouri-Columbia in 2016 with a BA in Music & Communications and from Missouri State University in 2021 with a Master of Music. Prior to arriving at Maryville, Kelsey worked
at KIPP St. Louis as a Success Coach/Persistence Advisor. Her previous experiences in student success work over the last 7 years include College Advising, Access & Success, and Academic Advisor/1st Year Experience Coordinator.

I’m so excited to continue igniting my passion to support students throughout their academic and life journey. My biggest hope is to help students see their goals as attainable while also providing the necessary tools to equip them along the way. This is
a pivotal time for students and I’m honored to be able to walk through it with them.

University Library
314.529.6311
amccarty@maryville.edu

Anna McCarty

Life Coach

Anna graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University in College Student Affairs. Prior to working at Maryville, Anna worked at various institutions in academic support services, assisting students in their transition to college and accomplishing their goals.

My favorite part of being a life coach is that I get to connect with so many types of students and be a part of their journey at Maryville! I love being able to connect with others and assist with their academic and personal goals.

University Library
314.529.6304
srenz@maryville.edu

Sheri Renz

Life Coach

Sheri graduated from the University of Missouri – St. Louis with Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts Degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Prior to joining Maryville’s team of Life Coaches, she worked in the juvenile justice field assisting individuals with overcoming challenges and achieving treatment goals through individualized assessments, connections to resources, and advocacy.

Helping others has always been one of my passions. I look forward to serving as an added layer of support to help you explore, identify, and achieve your goals as you experience this exciting phase of life!

University Library
314.529.6306
aromeril1@maryville.edu

Arren Romeril

Director, Career Success Coaching & Employer Partnerships

Arren graduated from Maryville University in 2020 earning his Bachelors in Business Administration with honors. While at Maryville, Arren was the captain of the Men’s Division I hockey team, president of International Student Association and served as a student worker in International Admissions. Prior to starting as a life coach in 2022, Arren Served as the Head Coach for Maryville’s Division II Men’s Hockey Team.

As a recent graduate from Maryville University, I was beyond grateful to have amazing life coaches who were there to help guide my path as not just a student, but to help in the development of my professional career. I am excited to continue my journey with Maryville University as a life coach, and help students achieve their educational, personal, and professional goals. I want all students to know that whatever they need, big or small, I will be there to help them in any way possible.

University Library
314.529.9591
jswenson@maryville.edu

Jenny Swenson

Life Coach

Prior to joining Maryville University, Jenny worked at the Edward Jones headquarters in St Louis, Missouri collaborating with new Financial Advisors to build their businesses to profitability. Before that, she taught math at the middle school, high school, and college levels. Jenny has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Math and Economics from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri and a Master of Education degree from the University of Missouri – St Louis.

Through life’s many twists and turns, the one constant has been my education and love of learning. As a Life Coach, I hope to work with students to define and achieve their goals and to inspire a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

University Library
314.529.6886
ewaterhouse1@maryville.edu

Elyse Waterhouse

Life Coach

Elyse graduated from Maryville with her B.A in Psychology. While at Maryville, Elyse played on the women’s soccer team. Prior to returning to Maryville as a Life Coach, Elyse worked at Washington University as an academic coordinator in the Political Science department.

Throughout my career journey, I’ve always been driven by the desire to motivate and empower others to achieve their greatest potential. Returning to Maryville as a Life Coach fills me with excitement, as I look forward to inspiring transformation and supporting students in realizing their full capabilities—not just academically, but as the successful individuals they are destined to become.

University Library
314.529.9741
kwilliams28@maryville.edu

Kevin Williams

Life Coach

Prior to becoming a Life Coach in 2019, Kevin worked extensively with high school students leading youth development programs, summer camps, adventure challenge experiences, and service trips. Kevin most recently worked as a Youth Director for the Episcopal Church. Kevin also worked as a counselor for the Upward Bound program at Keene State College in New Hampshire, where he earned his Bachelor’s of Arts in Geography.

Committing to a college degree is a big decision, and can be a transformative experience for students. Every student’s journey is different. I am passionate about meeting students wherever they are along the way, and helping each person discover their gifts, talents, and unique path through their time at Maryville and beyond.

University Library
314.529.6302
awojciuch@maryville.edu

Alicia Wojciuch

Director, Academic Success Coaching

Alicia joined the Life Coach team in the summer of 2017. Prior to joining Maryville University, Alicia served as Assistant Director of Academic Support at St. Louis College of Pharmacy coordinating their Disability Support Program and helping implement their StrengthsFinder Initiative along with providing personal and academic support to students. Alicia earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Mass Communications from College of the Ozarks and completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work at University of Missouri-St. Louis.

I love working with students as they transition to college and into becoming an adult. I am honored to learn students’ stories, to walk alongside them, and to encourage them to become their authentic selves.