Meet the Achieving the Promise Academy Staff
ATPA's director, program coordinators, and full-time academic coaches are available to help you connect to MC's academic coaching program.
Email: nik.sushka@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-479-1039 (cell)
Office Location: CT E420
Coaching Mindset:
"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." -Suzy KassemDefining Coaching Moment:
Encouraging students to take leadership of something they want to learn or do is my favorite privilege as a coach. That moment a person shifts from doubting they can accomplish something to wondering how they might to taking the first step to try is wonderful to see. And celebrating on the other side, after they've accomplished it? Nothing compares.
Biography:
I have over 15 years of experience in higher education, include teaching English Composition and Women’s Studies, coordinating community-engaged learning at two and four-year institutions, and grant-funded efforts to develop virtual service-learning opportunities, promote 2020 Census completion, expand student voter engagement, and more. I'm a fierce advocate of educational equity, student-centered learning, and the promise and power of full civic, social, and economic participation for all. A native of Central Illinois and life-long Chicago Cubs fan, I live in Rockville, Maryland with my spouse, our kid, and, possibly, too many plants and books.Hobbies:
Hiking, Movies, Reading, Traveling, Board Games & Escape RoomsEducation:
MA Central Michigan University, English Language and LiteratureBA University of Texas at Dallas, Literary Studies
Email: marie.arthus@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 301-802-1330
Office Location: Rockville Campus, SB 102A
Coaching Mindset:
To equip students with knowledge and resources to help them succeed at Montgomery College and beyond.Defining Coaching Moment:
I find listening to student testimonies on reaching their educational goals and expressing gratitude to ATPA for their success to be very fulfilling.
Biography:
My professional background is Counseling and Social Work. I am currently working as a program coordinator for ATPA.While I Was in College:
I was an F-1/ international college student who had very little knowledge about the College experience. It was very challenging in many ways. I surrounded myself with a group of friends, staff, and professors who were very supportive. Having their support was the key to my success in College.
Hobbies:
Music, writing, wellness, travelling, coaching, literacy, education, humanitarian effortsEducation:
MA, Eastern UniversityBA, Eastern University
Email: Soheila.ebrahimian@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-678-7488
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 119
Email: Raymond.Fermo@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-749-1837
Office Location: Rockville Campus, SC 217
Coaching Mindset:
"There are no failures – just experiences and your reactions to them."
Defining Coaching Moment:
The first time a student told me that she got into the program of her dreams at her
top choice of schools, thanks to a recommendation I wrote for her.
Biography:
I received my bachelor's degree in Physics and Computer Science from the University
of Florida (Go Gators!) and my doctorate of philosophy in Physics from the University
of Maryland (Go Terps!). Since then, much of my career has been in research, as a
theoretical plasma physicist, where I got to study space weather, solar physics, and
the farthest reaches of the solar system explored by man. I've been at Montgomery
College since 2017, and now I am a full time Embedded Coach for the Achieving the
Promise Academy, serving Physics and Engineering students across all campuses of MC.
While I was in College:
I fulfilled my grandfather's dream of completing university. He left his father's
farm because he promised his mother that he would be the first in his family to finish
high school. He never finished college himself, but through his example, he instilled
a love for learning into his children and grandchildren.
Hobbies:
Music (all genres), sports (especially playing tennis), getting people excited about physicsEducation:
PhD, University of MarylandBS, University of Florida
Email: andrea.herman@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-676-0145
Office Location: Rockville Campus, SB 102B
Coaching Mindset:
Building trust and connection is the foundation for taking small steps toward big, bold goals.Defining Coaching Moment:
At the very start of the Covid-19 pandemic, I helped one of my students apply for much-needed emergency funding. Without that financial support, she would not have been able to continue her studies.
Biography:
I am a lover of stories, so it's not surprising that I've worked as a book editor, a writing tutor, and an English professor. As an academic coach, I listen when my students share stories of failure and success, barriers and big dreams. What I say, and what we set out to do together, can change the trajectory of their lives.While I was in college:
I began working with my student peers as a tutor in the Writing Center and as a teaching
apprentice for ENGL 102. I also did research at a local Montessori school, volunteered
as an adult literacy tutor, and worked in the campus dining hall.
Hobbies:
Swimming, camping, running, playing board games
Education:
MA, Georgetown UniversityBA, Ithaca College
Email: theo.holt@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-931-8365
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 256
Office Location: CT E416A
Email: Geraldine.Papillero@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2872
Office Location: CT E416F
Who are MC's academic coaches?
Meet some of the academic coaches that support students here at Montgomery College. Our coaches include MC alumni, current professionals in their industries, retirees from NASA, NHI, and more...
Coaching Mindset
Coaching is enabling a student to realize their capabilities and building upon them, while showing them that they are not alone.Defining Coaching Moment
I worked with a student who struggled at midterm and passed the course with an A because she continued to attend the study sessions.
Biography
I am an English professor in the Montgomery College English & Reading Department at the Germantown Campus and at Hood College. In addition to embedded coaching, I work in the Germantown WRL Center.While in College
While in college, I raised three sons as a single mother. I was part of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society and National Society of Leadership and Success.
Hobbies
Helping students succeed; Writing poetry; Spending time with my sons and dogsEducation
AA, Montgomery College
BA, English major and Journalism minor, University of Maryland University College
MA, English and Creative Writing, Southern New Hampshire University
Biography
I have been Information Technology Professional for over 18 years. I enjoy teaching
and working with students. This gives me an opportunity to share my knowledge. I have
been teaching at Montgomery College for over 15 years. I have taught various courses
in Computer Science department (Computer Concepts, Intro to Programming, C++ and Python)
and Computer Applications Department (MS Office, Computer and Database Concepts, Web
technologies, HTML, etc.).
Education
BS, Information Technology Management
Email: Rosa.Garcia1@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-353-0930
Coaching Mindset
Holistic, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed coaching practices can help to support a student's sense of belonging and wellbeing.Defining Coaching Mindset:
A former student graduated and called me to thank me for all of the support I had given him.
Biography
I collaborate with community colleges, community-based organizations/social justice
organizations, state partners, and philanthropy to expand learn-and-earn community
change career pathways across systems and states. I have spent the better part of
my career working to expand college affordability and college access to a high-quality
education for marginalized students and students with low incomes.
While I Was in College:
I overcame the challenges that come with being a first-generation college student
and double-majored in History and Latin American Studies.
Hobbies
Creative WritingEducation
Ed.D, University of Pennsylvania
MPA, Baruch College, CUNY
MA, Teachers College, Columbia University
MA, UCLA
Email: jane.smith@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-753-4607
Coaching Mindset:
I believe that guiding students to make their own decisions and helping them to become
self-advocates are invaluable life skills.
Defining Coaching Moment:
The best moments of coaching for me are when my students transfer or graduate from
MC because it's their reward for hard work.
Biography:
My career as a business development professional in Information Technology was very
rewarding. One of the best parts of my career was experiencing the rapid evolution
of technology.
While I was in college:
My best college experience was as a student at MC. I attended the UMD as a freshman
but didn't take my education seriously, until I was academically dismissed. MC became
a bridge to academic success!
Hobbies:
Voracious reader, golfing, knittingEducation:
MBA, University of Maryland Global CampusBA, The American University
AA, Montgomery College
Coaching Mindset
"Habit is persistence in practice.” — Octavia ButlerDefining Coaching Moment:
Whenever students follow-up with me to give me an update on how they overcame a challenge, no matter how big or small, is my favorite thing about coaching.
Biography
I have 12 years of instructional and administrative leadership at community colleges
in Iowa and Ohio. I enjoy connecting students, faculty, and staff to internal and
external resources that help edify our learning community. As a life-long learner,
I'm committed to learning from our students insight and experiences.
While I was in College:
I'm a proud First Generation college student, Pell Grant, and Work-Study alumnus!
I really enjoyed my college experience and thankful for all of the help I received
to graduate.
Hobbies
Golf (Playing and Course Maintenance), Travel, and Performing ArtsEducation
MA, The Ohio State UniversityBSS Ohio University
Email: Sarah.Bluth@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 301-602-5533
Defining Coaching Moment:
I have been inspired by students' hard work, dedication, and persistence.Biography:
I’ve enjoyed coaching students as a career development consultant and academic coach. With over 20 years of experience working for nonprofit organizations, I have extensive experience in educational technology, market research, customer outreach, and new program and service development. While serving in leadership positions at educational associations, I developed and launched new programs and services for educators and educational administrators, produced online professional development courses, and wrote regularly for magazines and trend books.Hobbies:
Art, music, hikingEducation:
MEd, Lesley UniversityBS, Lewis and Clark College
Coaching Mindset
I think effective coaching is knowing when to cheer, when to challenge, and when to just chat.Defining Coaching Moment
When a student trusted me to guide them to the resources that would support them best through a very difficult moment. They allowed me to help them find stability in a moment of chaos.
Biography
At Montgomery College, I teach General and Child Psychology courses. Outside of MC I am a psychological researcher. My work explores how culture and background influence information processing. I also work closely with the Center for Black Equity.
While I Was in College
I was an honors student but active in campus clubs/organizations. I switched from being a Theater to Psychology major during my first year, which ultimately allowed me to study Psychology abroad for a summer in Paris, France.
Hobbies
Reading (fantasy and science fiction); Gardening (indoor and outdoor); International traveling
Education
Ph.D, Howard University
MS, Howard University
BS, Eastern Kentucky University;
Email: vani.chauhan@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-478-8816
Coaching Mindset
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. -Winston ChurchillDefining Coaching Moment
I look forward to students sharing their success stories- big or small.
Biography
I have been involved with teaching English at various levels in academically diverse cultures. Currently, I teach ESL at Montgomery College and tutor at the Writing Reading and Learning Center at the Rockville campus.
While I Was in College
Even though I had the experience of being a post graduate student in my country, when I did my Master’s in the United States, I was conscious of a different academic culture. I can relate to feeling like a lonely outsider at times.
Hobbies
I like nature and enjoy hiking and biking in the woods. I also like getting lost in the world of fiction.
Education
MA TESOL American University, Washington, D.C.
MEd Delhi University, India; MA English Literature Delhi University, India
Email: Juan.EsparzaTrujillo@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 202-495-8137
Email: Elizabeth.Feldman@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 301-646-8551
Email: Ved.Gupta@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 202-495-9052
Coaching Mindset
Help college students in defining their goals and then help them achieving the goals at MC and beyond.Biography
I spent 4 years as assistant professor of electrical engineering at a state university doing research, teaching and helping students. I worked as a senior executive in corporate world most of my professional career. I have been coaching and mentoring students at the UMD and MC for the last several years.
Hobbies
I enjoy photography and travelling.
Education
MS (Computer Science), University of Maryland
MS (Electrical Engineering), University of Maryland
BTech, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
BSc, Allahabad University
Email: damon.hillman@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-478-8811
Biography
I have a broad background in physics, engineering, and law.Hobbies
Reading, TravelEducation
BS, Alabama A&M University
MS, Fisk University
JD, Miles Law School
Email: Gail.Hoelscher@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 301-717-0798
Email: Sheryl.johnsonross@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 301-367-5747
Email: Hon.Lam@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 301-602-6479
Coaching Mindset
Communication is the key to success!Biography
Dr. Lichvar is a developmental psychologist and has served as adjunct faculty in Department of Education and Psychology at Montgomery College since 2015. She has coached since 2021. Dr. Lichvar works for the federal government in the area of children's mental health.
While I Was in College
I majored in psychology and minored in education. AP Psychology in high school was my first psychology course! During college I had a formative summer internship at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) that lead me to get my Ph.D.
Hobbies
teaching, personal growth, long walks, cooking
Education
Ph.D. Applied Developmental Psychology, Fordham University
MA, Clinical Psychology, Columbia University
BA with Distinction, University of Delaware
Email: Sandra.Menzies@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-328-4413
Coaching Mindset
“Students are whole and capable. My role is to help them see this for themselves.”
Defining Coaching Moment:
Coaching a student who previously was on academic probation achieve 4.0 while in the
ATPA program. Being the sounding board and providing support.
Biography
Sandy has held quality-related and project management positions at Biocon, Inc.; Otsuka
Maryland Research Institute; TherImmune Research Corporation; and the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA). Sandy is also a yoga instructor, a certified coach, and a mindfulness
advocate and practitioner.
While in College:
I worked and attended classes. I put myself through college. It was hard, yet taking one day, one assignment at a time allowed me to succeed.
Hobbies
Yoga, mindfulness, biking, running, arts and crafts, speakingEducation
AAS, Blue Ridge Community CollegeBS, Biology, James Madison University
MS, Biotechnology, Johns Hopkins University
Email: tilandra.rhyne@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 301-752-2313
Coaching Mindset
As a coach, it's important to listen, ask open-ended questions that helps the person to find solutions to barriers to success in their life personally, academically, or professionally.Biography
I began my career at Montgomery College in 2008 with the Libraries. Since 2017, I've been with the Nursing Program within the Health Sciences Division on the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, overseeing the administrative, financial, and grants operations.
While I Was in College
I started full-time at a 4-year institution and worked 2 part-time jobs to support myself while I was in school. In that time, I changed my major 4 times and switched schools 3 times before eventually finishing a 2-year degree at MC and my 4-year degree.
Hobbies
Staying active, baking, traveling, trying new things and experiences
Education
MBA, University of Maryland Global Campus
Graduate Certificate: Leadership and Management, University of Maryland Global Campus
BA, University of Maryland University College
AA, Montgomery College
Coaching Mindset
Coaching is essential to academic and personal success. One must never stop learning and coaching, because life never stops teaching.
Defining Coaching Moment
One of the most impactful coaching moments for me was when a member of my team shared
that they would not have made it through their first year at Montgomery College if
I had not been their guide on the side.
Biography
I am a facilitator of learning for students in grades PreK-20. As an educator with
over 30 years of experience, I cherish this opportunity to learn from, learn with,
and teach students the importance of raising their critical consciousness to have
a greater impact locally, nationally, and globally.
Hobbies
I love spending time with my family and especially enjoy the beach!
Education
Ed.D, Bowie State University
MA, Bowie State University
BS, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Phone: 301.529.4906
Coaching Mindset:
Allow space to give students' personal growth to lead the coaching conversation - Listen, be a resource and an advocateDefining Coaching Moment:
Coaching one of my students to overcome a fear of public speaking to observe her become confident, assertive and a self advocate.
Biography:
I am an Academic Coach and teach Accounting when my time permits. I am also a real estate finance and development professional and run an affordable housing business. I am a member of Together Women Rise and Vision on Africa.While I Was in College:
I participated in community building plans and activities. I co-founded the African Students Association at GW University.
Hobbies:
International Folk Art, Traveling, Cooking and ReadingEducation:
MBA, University of RochesterBA, George Washington University
BA, American University in Paris
Credit and Real Estate Development, Citigroup Center of Global Finance
Email: Chernet.Weldeab@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-753-4398