Currently enrolled students have access to a slate of certified life coaches free of charge. Life coaches are a type of wellness professional who helps individuals make progress in their lives through strategies such as goal setting, accountability, and confronting cognitive distortions.
The coaching model is not specifically designed for individuals that need mental health counseling; students continue to have access to licensed counselors through CUW’s Counseling Center.
What to expect
Students can request a life coach by completing the form below or by stopping by Albrecht 115. Appointments are recommended, but not required. A life coach will then reach out to set up an initial meeting with the student to discuss his or her emotional, intellectual, or vocational training goals.
The coach and the student together will determine the frequency of their meetings but, in general, students could expect to check in about once every other week with a coach.
There is no obligation to meet long-term with a life coach. Some students could benefit from a one-time connect.
Meet Concordia’s life coaches
Staff and faculty have received life coaching certification through Tracy Tuffey, MSW, LCSW, a certified Life Coach and trainer who founded the Life Coaching program at CUW. She is a Professor Emerita of Clinical Psychology with over 20 years of experience teaching undergraduate, graduate, and adult education. She has held several leadership positions and owns her own private practice. Over the past 25 years as a private psychotherapist and clinical consultant, Tracy’s expertise ranges from grief counseling, stress and anxiety management, Christian and spiritual counseling, marriage and family counseling, mediation, and much more.
Supplemental training is provided by Positivity, an app-based therapy, support, and coaching service that was founded by Dr. Daniel Upchurch, a professor and psychologist with more than 15 years of experience working in mental health.
Tracy Tuffey, LPC
Tracy Tuffey, MSW, LCSW is a Professor Emerita of Clinical Psychology with over 20 years of experience teaching undergraduate, graduate, and adult education. She has held several leadership positions and owns her own private practice. Over the past 25 years as a private psychotherapist and clinical consultant, Tracy’s expertise ranges from grief counseling, stress and anxiety management, Christian and spiritual counseling, marriage and family counseling, mediation, and much more.
Tracy is a certified Life Coach and trainer who founded the Life Coaching program at CUW. She provides consultation to other Life Coaches and Counselors. She enjoys working with adult clients in executive coaching, career coaching, professional development, and solution-focused therapy. She also has a proven track record of mentoring a diverse range of clients and helping them achieve personal goals.
Kari Metts, MSEd
I’m Kari Metts and I’ve been a Life Coach since the beginning of the program and I LOVE it!
My main focus as a Life Coach is to listen; encourage; support and talk about anything (school; life) that you may need to voice out loud and/or pointers to reach a goal. I’ve been around for a while and I’ve gained some experience. Here is my list:
- Retired Army Veteran
- Single mom of cognitive/disabled young adult daughter
- 1ST Generation
- Graduate Student
I anticipate our connection and collaboration!
Areas of coaching expertise:
- Military
- 1st Gen Students
Eugene Pitchford
Eugene is a professor, scholar, author, consultant, and educational coach. He is passionate about helping people become the best version of themselves. Eugene works collaboratively with clients and loves to help each person game plan success.
With over 24 years of experience in education and leadership, Eugene has the experience to coach and guide you through tough occurrences in your life. Eugene's expertise is in the areas of urban education, coaching, and helping people identify areas of personal growth. He works successfully in the spaces of deep reflection, collaboration, implementation of developed plans, and celebration of accomplishments from coaching experiences. Eugene has a unique way of approaching coaching to help meet the needs of all clients. I look forward to working with you!
Beckie Kruse
With over a decade of student life experience on a college campus, I have had the honor to meet so many amazing students, each uniquely gifted for purpose in this world. I am also a certified HeartMath Coach, with knowledge of how to use this biofeedback technology as a tool to practice mindfulness, manage stress, and strengthen personal resilience. I look forward to helping students reach their goals.
Areas of coaching expertise:
- Time management
- Leadership
- Relationships
- Mindfulness
Holly Griskell, Ph.D.
Everyone is fighting their own personal battles. During my emerging adulthood years, I battled shyness, anxiety, and perfectionism. Over time, I have learned strategies to thrive despite my personal challenges, and I want the same for you-- whatever your own personal challenges are.
My background in developmental psychology gives me an intricate understanding of the human mind and behavior. I utilize this knowledge as a Life Coach to help you better understand yourself and others. As a first-generation college student and former graduate school warrior, I am also experienced in helping students navigate the academic, social, and emotional complexities of undergraduate programs as well as graduate school. In addition, I am certified in social connection and relationship-building techniques through Inspiring Comfort and ProjectConnect.
As my client, you can expect to gain the support and tools you need to meet your goals, while also feeling fully heard, seen, and understood. We will work together to make steady progress toward the lasting changes that you want to see in your life.
Areas of coaching expertise:
- Academic success
- Confidence building
- First-generation students
- Mindfulness
- Graduate school
- Relationships
- Stress Management
- Work-life balance
Let’s chat so I can support you in becoming the best version of yourself!
Rob Collier
My name is Rob Collier, and I am a Life Coach at Concordia University Wisconsin. I am from Chicago Illinois, and currently live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
I have a background in ministry as a chaplain, Elementary, high school, and special education teacher, semi-pro football, mentoring students, families, and staff, working in crisis for children and adults, walking with individuals with mental health needs, assisting in making plans to help students academically, and with everyday life skills.
My main objective is to ensure your success and well-being throughout and after your years at Concordia University. Please feel free to discuss any concerns or issues you might have. I am here to listen and work together with you to overcome any difficulties you might be facing or to work with you to set goals so that you can continue elevating in ways you have not before. Remember, no concern or issue is too small or too big, I am here to support you so, please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you need any assistance. I am looking forward to hearing from you and connecting with you.
Areas of coaching expertise:
- Academic success
- Personal life skills
- Weight loss / fitness goals
- Well-being / self-care
- Sports
Marnie Lawler McDonough
Dr. Marnie Lawler McDonough is an Assistant Professor of Communication. She currently teaches courses in Interpersonal Communication, Cross-Cultural Communication, and Critical Thinking, and her research is focused on organizational and rhetorical leadership. Professionally, she has worked in various communication roles including leadership and executive consulting and training. Building on that experience, Dr. McDonough’s coaching focus extends to career and resume building, essential communication skills like public speaking and persuasive writing, personal and professional relational issues, and academic success at any student level. Coaching sessions will be tailored to ensure attainable goals are set and regularly assessed to meet the needs of each client.
Areas of coaching expertise:
- Leadership
- Career-guidance / resume-building
- Communication (public speaking, persuasive writing, critical thinking)
- Interpersonal relationships (in the workplace)
- Academic success (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral)
Vittoria Sipone, PhD
I am passionate about nurturing potential and fostering personal development, to help you reach your goals and make long-term changes.
As a former international graduate student and an immigrant, I embraced the excitement of studying and living abroad, but I also struggled with its challenges - from anxiety, to cultural shock, to learning to “fit in” and make new friends. I also have extensive experience in working with students who are new to college, and I love helping folks understand its “unwritten rules”!
I have learned strategies to overcome my own challenges with anxiety, cultural differences, and work-life balance, and I am looking forward to helping you find what works for you. Together, we will chart a roadmap that can ease your anxiety, propel you academically, and enrich your personal growth.
How can I help you be the best you that you can be?
Areas of coaching expertise:
- International students
- Graduate students
- Work-life balance
- Communication skills
- Academic success
Aimee Wiley
Aimee Wiley is a personal development life coach, focusing on relationships, time management, goal setting, career exploration, holistic health (mind/body/spirit), and self-concept. She brings a counseling perspective to her coaching, as a graduate student in the Professional Counseling program at CUW. A mother to five kids, ages 12-20, Aimee has experience in life stage development and family dynamics, and she can help address mental health issues that commonly impact life and relationships.
As a client, you will embark on a journey of self-discovery to find meaning and purpose for your life, while acquiring useful tools to enhance your personal and professional relationships and help you achieve your goals.
To set up a life-coaching appointment with Aimee, please contact Student Wellness at studentwellness@cuw.edu or 262-243-2244. Sessions are 45-60 minutes, scheduled weekly or as needed.
Jess Valdes
Jess is a life coach through Concordia University. Her holistic approach brings clarity, direction, and positive support to her clients. Jess helps clients live their best life, by filling the gap between where they are now, and where they want to be. By identifying where growth is desired, setting goals, and holding accountability, clients will reach their highest goals and dreams.
We all have a light within us. You are already born with the qualities you will need to get what you want out of life. I will work with you one-on-one to help you take action in your relationships, school, and health to create the life you want to be living.
Areas of coaching expertise:
- Mindfulness
- Relationships
- Time management
- Graduate school
- Academic success
Request an appointment
Need help finding School/Life/Work balance, setting goals, or developing social or professional skills? Set up an appointment with Student Wellness today!