Meet the Career Coaches

Dianna Donahue-Holley, M.Ed.CE
Little Rock Hall STEAM Magnet
E-mail: [email protected]

I am a Counseling Education graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a passion for helping youth navigate their introduction into adulthood. Since becoming a Career Coach during the Pandemic, I have managed to be a significant influence in the development of numerous students' lives with many mentorships extending beyond high school graduation.

As a Career Coach, I assist students in making ideal educational and/or career decisions by focusing on short- and long-term goals for their future - their immediate future after high school, in particular. I accomplish this by informing students of educational opportunities, chances for career exploration, life skill development, and trade/training programs that may be beneficial to them. I also provide students with other resources such as scholarship information, job shadowing and employment opportunities, and ASVAB, ACT, and Accuplacer Exam preparation resources. My duties are closely engaged with our Guidance Counselor, which adds additional effort to ensure students are on the right path toward a successful future after they graduate starting with addressing their grades.

I pride myself in being relatable, non-judgmental, insightful, and as helpful as I can with students in an effort to help them develop and maintain the beginning steps of their future. I know how important my role is because I know how helpful it would have been to have a Career Coach when I was younger. This understanding helps fuel my efforts daily.

Sorronto Aubrey
Little Rock Southwest Magnet
E-mail: [email protected]

I am a proud graduate of Southern Arkansas University. I received my undergraduate degree in Sociology with a minor in Marketing. I decided to further my education at Arkansas Tech University by receiving my Masters in College Student Personnel. I have worked in education for over twenty years. My experience consists working in Admissions, STEM Success, Student Success and Career Coach. My wealth of knowledge is used daily when it comes to assisting my high school students. Being a Career Coach has been my most rewarding job. I realized my calling was working with high school students while I was an undergraduate at Southern Arkansas University. I spent my last three years at SAU working with a summer program called Youth Opportunities Unlimited 2. My passion is working with and mentoring the next generation of students. I am proud to say that I serve as the Career Coach at Southwest High School.

SeQuoya Virgies
Little Rock Southwest Magnet
E-mail: [email protected]

I am honored to say, I am a proud alumnus of UA Little Rock, class of 2017 graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. In addition to my education, I received my Master of Science Degree in Developmental Psychology with an emphasis on children and adolescents at Walden University. I have worked within the Human Resources department for several years at UA Little Rock and UA - Pulaski Technical College. While on this journey, I decided to follow my passion for working with children and utilizing my degree. Becoming a Career Coach has been very advantageous and rewarding, to say the least, to be able to change a life at a time is the ultimate goal! The knowledge gained from my educational journey provides me with ways to relate, and operate in a way that will provide fulfilling service to my students. I am delighted to be a Career Coach at Little Rock Southwest High! GO GRYPHONS!

Keewan Kelly
Little Rock West High School Innovation
E-mail: [email protected]

I am from Camden, AR and attended Henderson State University. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education. I enjoy fishing and cheering on the Cowboys! I love the game of football, watching the Jaime Foxx show, and Martin. I'm very passionate about education and helping students achieve their career and academic goals. I enjoy showing students how education benefit in everyday life and being a part of the village!

"Time is a Wonderful Storyteller" -Deion Sanders

Erika Morris
Arkansas School of the Deaf
E-mail: [email protected]

As a passionate advocate for education and professional empowerment, I am dedicated to guiding students on their journey to success. I currently hold a bachelor’s degree from The University of Arkansas – Little Rock in Interpreting for Individuals who are Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Deaf-blind and Deaf-Disabled with a double minor in Educational Interpreting and Theatre.

My experiences working as a sign language interpreter in an educational setting inspired within me a desire to assist fellow educators serve and create a meaningful impact in the lives of youth in The Natural State.

Over the past seven years, I have gained valuable insights into the educational system that has led me to becoming a College and Career Coach at The Arkansas School for the Deaf through partnership with The University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College.

What I love most about college and career coaching is being an adult ally who motivates and supports Arkansas students and young adults to achieve their college and career planning goals. This support includes increasing high school graduation rates, adding to the number of industry-recognized certifications earned, raising ACT scores, expanding post-secondary placement and much more. The reality that I can play a role in the success of our students gives me a great sense of fulfillment and every-lasting gratitude that in turn empowers and positively impacts my life as well.

Kevin Hollamon
Parkview Arts Science Magnet
E-mail: [email protected]

I am the College and Career Coach at Little Rock Parkview Magnet High School. I have obtained my Master of Arts degree from Webster University, and my Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Beforehand, I am a product of the Little Rock Public Schools.

In my role at Parkview, I would like to assist the students in defining what success means to them. Furthermore, I would like to serve them as a vessel in their self-selection process with their future goals.

In my spare time I enjoy cultural events, outdoor activities, and my photographical pursuits.

My education philosophy is: to help change the life trajectory of a student.

Kimberly Brasfield
Little Rock Central High School
E-mail: [email protected]

I am a dedicated and passionate advocate for the academic and professional development of young students. With over eight years of experience in my role, I have become an invaluable asset to the school community and an unwavering source of guidance for students as they navigate the pivotal stages of their education and career planning.

My passion for working with children is unmistakable. I firmly believe in the power of education and is committed to empowering students to make informed decisions about their future. My dedication goes beyond my job description; I have made it my personal mission to help students recognize their full potential and the numerous possibilities available to them.

As a College and Career Coach, my expertise in higher education, vocational training, and career options is second to none. I provide students with valuable insights, resources, and support to help them determine their educational and professional paths. Whether it's assisting with college applications, exploring scholarship opportunities, or offering guidance on alternative career options, my unwavering commitment to my students is evident in my everyday interaction.

My impact on the students at Little Rock Central High extends far beyond my years of service. My dedication to helping young minds shape their future is a testament to my passion, commitment, and love for the work I do. I will continue to be a beacon of inspiration for students, motivating them to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.

Allison Merkel
Jacksonville High School
E-mail: [email protected]

I am a Student Affairs Administration graduate of Arkansas Tech University with a passion of helping others find their purpose. I decided to become a Career Coach because I love working with kids and helping them find their purpose in life. Since starting my career, I have already used my skill set to set these students on the path to success.

As a Career Coach, I help students make choices by showing them different careers and avenues such as college to pursue the career they want to pursue after graduation. I also give career assessments such as the Kuder to help students see suggestions for future careers. I also help students by organizing boot camps for the ACT and other tests to help them prepare for and pass these admission exams. My duties help lighten the school counselors' load with it comes to FAFSA, SAMS, and other financial aid to help students prosper in college without worrying about paying for college out of pocket.

I have an extroverted aspect of my personality and enjoy talking to people. I also enjoy seeing the light bulb go off in these Titan Scholars when they see how everything is going to work out and they get to have their dream career as a future career. I also enjoy working at Jacksonville as I am a Military spouse, daughter, granddaughter, niece, and cousin. Being at a Purple Star Military School such as Jacksonville allows me to also help military dependents with the GI Bill if needed because of my prior experience of working with veterans. I am also the daughter of a t-generation bachelor’s and master’s graduate who if she did not have a biology teacher and a good guidance counselor to help her pursue an education, would not have a degree now. I want to be that person for every student I work with and let them know they can do anything they set out to accomplish as an adult.