Success Coaches
SELF Student Success Coaches are a dedicated team of individuals that provide support, encouragement, accountability and thought partnership to eligible SELF Loan borrowers. Each of our coaches has an educational and professional background in providing support services which provides borrowers a wealth of knowledge and expertise as they embark on their college journey.
Tracee Bishop is a SELF Student Success Coach who provides a safe, judgment-free space for students to share their goals and dreams. She partners with each student to build clear, personalized action plans and strives to end every meeting with a defined path forward. Tracee values building strong relationships and is deeply committed to helping students stay focused and confident as they work toward their goals.
In her previous professional role, Tracee worked as an Academic Coach and is passionate about student support. Before that, she spent 15 years working in Information Technology. In her free time, Tracee enjoys reading, going on walks with her puppy Cooper, spending time around bonfires with friends, and fishing with her husband. She looks forward to collaborating with students and helping them achieve success on their own terms.
"I can't wait to meet and work with you this year! Success Coaching is an excellent tool to map out what goals matter most to you. Together, we will create a plan to move you forward in reaching them. I will be there with you each step of the way, focusing on YOU! Let's collaborate to make your college experience the best it can be!" - Tracee
Topics Tracee is excited to work with you on this year:
- How to design a workable schedule to manage commitments
- Understanding the resources available at your college
- How to get involved on campus to meet your community
- Understanding your finances
- How to stay healthy while in school to optimize your studies
- Deciding on a major choice or career choice
- How to stay motivated to complete your coursework
Emily Hennes is a SELF Student Success Coach who is passionate about getting to know students and discovering who they are. Her goal is to create a safe, encouraging, and welcoming space where students feel comfortable sharing their experiences and identifying areas where they want to grow. Emily collaborates with students to develop goal plans that reflect their hopes and dreams, and she is excited to share her enthusiasm for education with each student she supports.
In her free time, Emily enjoys walking in her neighborhood, spending time in nature, and hanging out with her cuddly cat, Mikey. She also loves creating art, listening to records, and watching films. Emily looks forward to learning about each student’s unique interests and helping them thrive.
"I look forward to being your Coach and collaborating with you this year. I am excited to learn more about you and the specific goals you want to achieve. As your Coach, I want to support you in reaching your full potential and see you empowered to stay committed to your goals." - Emily
Topics Emilee is excited to work with you on this year:
- The exploration of career and academic goals
- Finding a sense of community and belonging on campus
- Navigating resources on campus and in the community
- Identifying barriers and brainstorming creative solutions to these barriers
- Role modeling resiliency and tips to focus on a strengths-based approach
- Providing accountability to prioritize and following through with tasks
Ongers Herr is a SELF Student Success Coach who creates a supportive space for students to reflect, grow, and plan for their future. In each meeting, Ongers collaborates with students to set goals, identify next steps, and build personalized action plans for success.
She holds an M.S. in College Counseling and Student Development from St. Cloud State University and has professional experience in college and career readiness, workforce development, academic advising, multicultural student services, and more.
Outside of work, Ongers enjoys spending time with her two Labradors, Bruno and Stella, hanging out with family and friends, barbecuing, singing karaoke, and binging new shows. She looks forward to helping students succeed at their own pace and on their own terms.
"Coaching is a great opportunity for you to learn more about yourself. Your college experience is just getting started and I would love to walk alongside you and support you through it this year!" - Ongers
Topics Onger is excited to work with you on this year:
- FAFSA
- Selecting a major
- Resume, cover letter, and interviewing skills
- Preparing for a career and building work experience
- College course selection and transfer options
- Tracking credits toward completion
- Finding resources on campus
- Getting involved in clubs and activities
- Finding a community on campus
Mainong Yang is a SELF Student Success Coach who creates a safe and welcoming space for students to reflect on their academic experiences. Each meeting is designed to help students set goals through their own lens, with a focus on collaboration and transparency. Mainong supports students in identifying meaningful paths to success and achieving their goals.
As a first-generation college graduate, Mainong is passionate about college readiness and student support. She earned a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership: Student Affairs and Higher Education from Minnesota State University Moorhead. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the Twin Cities with her partner and daughter, and trying out new hobbies. Mainong is excited to support students from Minnesota and across the country.
"I'm excited to be a part of your college experience as your Success Coach! Success coaching allows you to enhance your vision of success in college through goal setting and completion, discovering new resources, and defining what success means as a college student. As your Success Coach, I can help you apply your strengths to accomplish your goals to achieve the college experience you envision. I hope as you achieve your goals and create the college experiences you want; you can apply what you learned from success coaching beyond your time in college." - Mainong
Topics Mainong is excited to work with you on this year:
- Transition from high school to college
- Finding your community on campus
- Study abroad
- Graduate school options
- Academics and registration
- FAFSA
- Financial literacy
- Volunteering and community service
- Career and major exploration