Staff

Meet the Coaching Staff!

Josh Childress

Josh Childress

Associate Director of Student Success Coaching

  • I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 2005 and my law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2009.
  • I practiced law for several years and taught law at St. Mary’s University
  • I bring over a decade of experience in higher education to this position (as a student, professor, and success coach).
  • I am forward-focused, non-judgmental, and a self-proclaimed problem solver.
  • When I’m not helping students overcome their academic obstacles, I enjoy playing with my kids, talking with my wife, and DIY-ing our house into oblivion.
Ariel Gamez

Ariel Gamez

Student Success Coach II

  • I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University–San Antonio.
  • I’m a certified Texas educator and have a background in mental health, counseling adolescents, college students, and adults.
  • I bring 10+ years of experience working with diverse students, multicultural communities,  and military-connected families.
  • As a first-generation and non-traditional student, I’m passionate about helping students navigate academic and life transitions.
  • I'm a proud member of the Multicultural Greek community through Sigma Delta Lambda Sorority, Inc. and enjoy connecting with students involved in Greek Life.
  • Outside of work, I love traveling, concerts, and watching sports. If you’re a Yankees or Cowboys fan, definitely ask me about the latest game!


 

Jaysen Sneed

Jaysen Sneed

Student Success Coach II

  • I earned my Bachelor's and Master’s degree in communication studies at Texas State University.
  • My main focuses in Communication Studies throughout my college career were interpersonal communication, Rhetoric (the study of persuasive forms of communication), and Organizational Communication.
  • I have taught communication studies as both a graduate instructor and an adjunct professor for a few years with focuses on Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, and Rhetoric (the study of Persuasion),
  • Throughout my college and professional career, I gained a strong passion for working with students by coaching them on applicable skills that can be applied to their course work and professional career.
  • I am excited to be a Student Success Coach since I can guide the growth of students developing the skills they need to be successful in the classroom and allow them to discover their own personal goals along the way.
  • My overall mission is to ensure students are both prepared long term for success in their college and professional careers and feel heard and seen in process. 
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Jasmine Williams

Jasmine Williams

Student Success Coach II

  • I was a collegiate student-athlete and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Sport Management from UIW. I also hold a Master’s degree in Kinesiology and a fitness certification. 
  • My academic and professional journey has equipped me to create engaging learning tools and training resources that promote long-term retention and meaningful application. 
  • I see each interaction as an opportunity to support, encourage, and empower students—helping them overcome academic and personal challenges while planting seeds of confidence, growth, and purpose. 
  • Outside of coaching, I enjoy live music, crafting, participating in fun runs, and strength training. 
  • My personal mission is to do good, speak life, and make a lasting impact. 

 

Safa Ali

Safa Ali

Academic Peer Coach

Junior, Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • I was born, raised and have studied in Saudi Arabia.
  • I have worked as a peer mentor before and love helping students navigate university life.
  • In my free time, I enjoy reading books, watching shows, and hanging out with friends.
  • As a Peer coach my main goal is to help students build great study habits, hit their GPA targets, and make this semester a massive success.

 

Neida Hernandez

Neida Hernandez

Academic Peer Coach

Junior, Criminal Justice & Criminology, Psychology

  • I have a deep interest in understanding others and learning about their unique story.
  • My career objective focuses on criminal investigative work and dedicated efforts to reduce recidivism.
  • I volunteer at the San Antonio Police Department and the Income & Skills Development Team at Haven for Hope.
  • As an academic peer coach, my biggest goal is to make every student I talk to feel understood and supported. I hope my experience can help other students feel inspired and confident as they navigate their own journey
Raquel Martinez

Raquel Martinez

Academic Peer Coach

Senior, Global Affairs  

  • Was born in Louisiana, but raised in Houston 
  • First generation college student and part of AFROTC program at UTSA  
  • Hobbies include reading, working out, traveling and hanging out with friends 
  • I love music and going to concerts 
  • My favorite movies and TV shows are Pride and Prejudice, Bridgerton, The Office, and any comedies. 
  • I am super excited about being an academic peer mentor and helping students achieve academic goals! 
Lauren Wolff

Lauren Wolff

Academic Peer Coach

Junior, Biochemistry

  • I come from a military family and spent the first eight years of my life living in Germany.
  • I have passion for research, and I have been working in Dr. Usama’s lab since my freshman year and recently participated in UT Health’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program.
  • In my free time I enjoy painting, drawing, and crocheting.
  • This is my first year serving as an Academic Peer Coach, and I am excited to support fellow students and help them succeed throughout their academic journey!