Staff
Meet the Coaching Staff!
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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!