Katia Quintero

Email to connect with Katia Quintero

Science, Technology and Engineering Area of Study Focus

I have worked with students from K-12 through college level. My work with students has mostly been focused on those that are systemically underrepresented and struggling socio-economically. I enjoy meeting students that come from non-traditional backgrounds and helping them discover their path to higher education. Being a first-generation college student myself, I am continuously inspired to show students the power and value of an education.

I can help you navigate the college system as well as improve your academic journey inside and outside the classroom through faculty and staff communication, resource mediation, departmental referrals, and academic skills acquisition and practice. I am also Bilingual in Spanish and can help support language barriers preventing access to institutional programs and resources.

Why Success Coaching matters:

College is an exciting time but can also be a challenge to navigate whether you are a pioneer in your family or a seasoned college student. Success coaching in college opens doors to opportunities that go beyond development in the classroom. When students find the level of partnership that success coaching offers it increases their chances of success. Having a well-rounded support system will make all the difference!

Why your success is important to me:

In both my immediate and extended families, I was the first person to get an education beyond high school. I didn’t have much guidance from my families outside of positive thoughts and encouragement. I realized very quickly that I was on my own on campus. This soon became a fear factor for me as I was unknowingly clearing the path to college for those after me in the family. I was afraid to fail and prove the stereotypes of my culture to be right. At the time, I was enrolled in a dual credit earning program at my local community college where I was simultaneously earning an Adult High School diploma and an Associate degree transfer. It was in this program that I was introduced to student success coaching. Jane is her name, and she guided me through three years of community college education. With my coach, I was able to learn and pursue things that I did not have any reference for at home or in my own community. My coach connected me to different departments and people across campus which ultimately led me to utilize all this knowledge throughout my entire college journey, especially when the time to transfer to Portland State University came. I say it now and probably forever, had I not experienced Jane as my success coach during my novice years in college, I would not have been as confident to keep pushing through the barriers and challenges that come with being a first-generation student of color. My goal for students at Clark is to have a similar experience with success coaching. Leading them to overcome challenges, all while building confidence and community that will eventually catapult them to their version of success!

Phoebe Cordova

Email to connect with Phoebe Cordova

Business & Entrepeneurship, Public Service, Society, and Education Areas of Study Focus

I have always loved learning, but as a first-generation college student, I struggled to figure out where my place was in higher education. Things started to shift when a couple of faculty members took the time to get to know me and offer me individualized guidance. These relationships provided me with the critical support that I needed to find my footing and have an enriching undergraduate experience. Over time, both my self-awareness and self-confidence as a student grew and I felt empowered and equipped to pursue a master’s degree in Conflict Resolution at Portland State University.  
 
While in graduate school, I was the teaching fellow for the McNair Scholars Program and partnered with Portland State University’s Higher Education in Prison program, providing me with the opportunity to work closely with first generation and underrepresented students. It quickly became clear to me that I loved learning about, with, and from students and that it was immensely rewarding to be able to be a part of their academic support system. I feel incredibly lucky to now get to work with students at Clark as a success coach.  

Why Success Coaching matters:

There are so many aspects to college that students are automatically expected to understand and know how to do without ever being shown. These invisibilities pose challenges for many students. Success coaching provides one avenue for making these invisibilities visible and for helping students build skills that they haven’t had the opportunity or support to build before. Further, coaches work in partnership with students to co-create plans and strategies that work for them. This relational foundation disrupts transactional dynamics that can often be experienced in higher education settings and naturally makes space for coaches to get to know the student holistically.  

Why your success is important to me:

It is difficult to be a student and manage the many other responsibilities and passions that you have as a person outside of school. I have experienced how impactful it can be to have someone take the time to get to know you, understand what’s happening in your world, and help you uncover a rewarding path forward. I believe that when you are able to experience the specific type of success that you want to, whatever that may be and look like, the people you engage with and spaces that you step into, both as a student and a person, benefit and are enriched. It is a huge privilege to get to partner with you during your time at Clark.  

 

Lana Strickland

Email to connect with Lana Strickland

Health Care, Creative and Communication Arts, and Advanced Manufacturing Areas of Study Focus

As an adult immigrant to the US, I am deeply grateful to the many mentors who generously gave their time and guidance, helping me navigate my college studies, career, and life in a new country. With their encouragement and support, I pursued a career in education, teaching at community colleges with a focus on academic programs that support underserved students. This experience ignited my passion for mentoring and coaching students. I feel fortunate to be at Clark doing what I love, supporting students to learn and grow as successful individuals. I am dedicated to learning about the life experiences of the students I coach here and helping you navigate your academic and personal journey, so you can reach your maximum potential and achieve your goals!

Why Success Coaching matters:

As you transition to college life and your career path, you bring with you unique experiences, personal strengths, and challenges. Success coaching helps you develop self-awareness and the skills needed to maximize your strengths and overcome your challenges. Working one-on-one with a coach will help you create a personalized success plan--whether it is for you to stay focused on your tasks at hand, set and achieve goals, or practice success habits.

Why your success is important to me:

College opens many doors for you, but it also requires focus and hard work, which can pose challenges for many. I am committed to being your support throughout your journey at Clark College, helping you successfully navigate the college life and beyond with the resources we offer. It is my passion to help you develop essential life and academic skills that will empower you to build a fulfilling and successful future.