Academic Coaching

Academic Coaching Defined:

Academic coaching is a personalized approach to develop and strengthen the academic skills needed for students to have success in their chosen degree of study. Through 1:1 sessions, our academic coaches motivate students to establish goals and define action steps to meet them. The underpinning of our coaching plan is to assist students in managing their time holistically, finding balance in their personal and academic experiences. In utilizing this resource, students will gain understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and value resources to support their success.

Meet Our Coaches:

• Amanda Addesso
  • Amanda is in her first year with the Center for Academic Success at Lehigh University, where she serves as the Learning and Study Skills Coordinator and is pursuing a Master’s in Secondary Education and Pennsylvania 7-12 Certification in Social Studies at Lehigh’s College of Education. Amanda is eager to collaborate with the Lehigh community, guiding students in developing lifelong time management and study skills that contribute to their holistic success.

To schedule an in person meeting with Amanda, click here. To schedule a Zoom meeting with Amanda, click here.

• Karen Charleston
  • Karen works in the Office of Academic Transitions and is in her second year of the Mental Health Counseling program. She enjoys reading, traveling, dancing, learning/trying new things, and playing with her two doggies. Karen is passionate about empowering others and believes that everyone has the capacity to grow. She looks forward to meeting with students to address their individual needs and help build confidence in their academic journeys. 

To schedule an appointment with Karen, click here. 

• Isabel Carino-Bazan (Peer Academic Coach)
  • Isabel is a Junior double majoring in Molecular Biology and Economics. In this role, she looks forward to helping her peers develop skills to have a successful year at Lehigh. Outside of being a peer academic coach, she is part of University Productions and is a tutor. In her free time, Isabel enjoys hanging out with friends, reading, running, and playing the guitar.

To schedule an appointment with Isabel, click here.

• Olivia Ma (Peer Academic Coach)
  • Olivia is a sophomore majoring in Pre-Dental Science in the 7-year dental program with the University of Pennsylvania. Having struggled with time management in the past, she aims to work alongside Lehigh students, creating long-lasting study habits and plans for academic success. Outside of class, Olivia is a member of Peer Health Advisors and the Lehigh Philharmonic Orchestra, and in her free time, enjoys crocheting and watching Netflix reality shows.

To schedule an appointment with Olivia, click here.

• Sydney Fisher (Peer Academic Coach)
  • Sydney is a senior majoring in Journalism with a minor in Marketing. This is my second year as a peer academic coach, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling to support and learn from fellow students. A fun fact about me is that I love horror movies!

To schedule an appointment with Sydney, click here.