Freedom to Dream Success Coaching

Freedom to Dream Success Sessions – Stay on Track This Semester

Freedom to Dream students are invited to attend our upcoming Success Sessions designed to help you stay on track and finish strong. Learn practical study strategies, explore campus resources, and get your questions answered about program requirements.

Attending a session can also count toward your coaching requirement, so do not miss this opportunity to stay eligible and supported.

Join us in person or online—choose the option that works best for you and take the next step toward your success.

Be on the lookout for an email with more information about upcoming sessions!

What exactly do Success Coaches do?

Success Coaches help you build strong academic habits through time management, study strategies, organization, and goal planning. They check in regularly, help break goals into manageable steps, and support you during busy or stressful times. Coaches also connect you to campus resources for tutoring, basic needs, transportation, technology, counseling, and communication with instructors, making sure you get the support you need to succeed.

Is Success Coaching only for students who are struggling?

No, Coaching is for all Freedom to Dream students. We help you plan, strengthen habits, stay motivated, and reach your personal and academic goals.

Are Coaches the same as advisors or counselors?

While Coaches will not provide guidance on navigating your degree plan or registration, they will support you in preparing for your advising appointments and ensuring you feel confident in your journey ahead.  They provide non-clinical support, coaching on study skills, test taking strategies, financial literacy and navigating college overall.  This includes connecting you to personal, academic and social support. 

Can my Coaches fix my problems?

Coaches listen, guide, and launch students into self-advocacy so they can gradually learn to navigate challenges independently. Coaches draw from student strengths to build confidence along the way.

Will my Coach only reach out if there’s a problem?

Coaches connect with you all semester, not just when a concern comes up. We love to celebrate your wins along the way, reset goals when needed and support you during stressful times. We can help at every step for the way.

How do I find out who my Success Coach is?

Check your Del Mar College email because coaches are reaching out to you directly.  You can also email mysuccesscoach@delmar.edu. 

I haven’t heard back from my Success Coach, what do I do?

If it’s a weekend, outside of business hours, or a holiday, then Coaches will reach out as soon as they are back in the office. If it’s been more than 2 business days during regular semester hours, please follow up. Your coaches want to hear from you!

Gillian Benedetti, PhD

Director of Student Success Coaching
gbenedetti@delmar.edu

A Little About Me:
I earned my Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Florida State University and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. As a first-generation college graduate, I understand that students arrive at college with a wide range of experiences and aspirations. For more than 20 years, I have worked across K–12 and higher education as a teacher, university professor, and higher education professional with a focus on student success, student affairs, and educational access and advocacy. Throughout these roles, I have valued working alongside students as they navigate challenges and celebrate their successes.

Because every student brings different strengths, experiences, and goals to college, I strive to foster a supportive and collaborative environment where students can build meaningful relationships, connect with resources and opportunities, and pursue the future they envision for themselves.

When not involved with student success, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, trying new restaurants, listening to music, and laughing.

Sara Johnson

Success Coach
sjohnson31398@delmar.edu

A Little About Me:
I earned my Bachelor of Education from the University of Alaska Anchorage and spent 18 years teaching students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. My diverse professional background includes living and working in Central America and the Caribbean, as well as serving as a disaster responder, case manager, and communication coach. These experiences have strengthened my passion for helping students overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and thrive throughout their academic journey.

Outside of coaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors.

Lucinda (Cindy) Sheehy

Success Coach
lsheehy@delmar.edu

A Little About Me:
I earned my first bachelor’s degree in English at Iowa Wesleyan College, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. I am a first-generation college student, and I was employed at IWC at the time, so I worked and took classes. For the first four years I was in administration, then I switched to student support services and spent the next 16 years working closely with college students, helping them develop strong study skills, leadership skills, career, and life skills. My work experience there included coordinating the campus tutoring program, serving in the Career Development office-helping students with resumes and preparing for interviews, and finally taking the Student Activities Director position. This led to even more close interaction with students, and I loved the work. I left IWC to go to graduate school at Iowa State University and earned a master’s degree in Higher Education/Student Affairs. There I worked as a residence hall director and an academic advisor.

My next position led us to move to Corpus Christi, TX in April 2020. I worked as a graduate academic advisor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. It was a complete change for me; because of COVID, all my students were online. I had to learn new ways of communicating and interacting, so I did everything I could to assist them from a distance. My next job at TAMU-CC was administrative. I learned many new skills, but I missed working with students. That is how I came to be at Del Mar College in the Success Coaching area.

I have worked with students from rural Iowa and from all over the world, and I have enjoyed them all! I have a passion for assisting students overcome obstacles, develop skills and confidence, and discover their pathway to success. I cannot think of a better job than this!

Robert Trujillo

Success Coach
rtrujillo28282@delmar.edu

A Little About Me:
I earned my bachelor's degree in English at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. I have ten years of experience empowering students to excel academically and personally. I have been in the classroom as an English and Theatre Arts teacher at two high schools, mentored hundreds of students as a success coach to achieve their career and academic pathway after high school, and led numerous multicultural and history event initiatives to increase cultural awareness and representation.

These experiences have been the cornerstone in building my passion for working with and helping students achieve any form of success or growth that they are working towards. My mission is to continue help build and strengthen any academic environments in helping students succeed, grow, be represented, and feel they belong. I enjoy working with students of all demographics, especially working with and supporting non-traditional and first-generation college students. Leading students to their preferred pathway of success, confidence, and growth, will always be the most meaningful and impactful experience of my work.

Outside of coaching, I enjoy gaming, writing poetry, obsessing over otters, and working out.