Hello! My name is Michelle Holliday, and I am a Student Success Coach in the Office of Student Success. My primary role is to help students identify and navigate barriers to their success as well as celebrate achievements. Therefore, I am here to support YOU in a number of ways- whether that is discussing academic goals, helping you acclimate to the campus environment, gaining access to campus resources, or just checking in regarding your current progress and needs. Overall, I am here to guide you through your academic journey here at IU East, so I can’t wait to sit down with you sometime soon for a coaching appointment.

Here is a bit of background about me. I graduated from Ball State University in 2002 with B.A. in English Secondary Education and a dual minor in Speech Communications and Theater. In 2004, I completed a Master of Education degree at Indiana Wesleyan University. Before venturing into higher education, I was a high school English teacher at three local institutions (Hagerstown Jr.-Sr. High School, Richmond High School, and the Excel Center). In 2012, I participated in a specialized training with educational activist and author, Erin Gruwell, who founded the Freedom Writers Institute in Long Beach, California. This training resulted in a life-changing opportunity, through which I became one of 800 certified Freedom Writer Teachers. Even though I am no longer in the classroom, I am still very involved in the Freedom Writer network and its mission.

I have been part of the IU East community for three years; previously, I was an Academic Advisor in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. As an advisor, I was able to draw upon my previous expertise, skill set, and professional experiences while also acquiring new knowledge and techniques pertinent to higher education. This position set the initial foundation of what is needed from staff regarding academic support and student needs. In my new role as a Student Success Coach, I am thrilled to work closely with campus-based students and further delve into the components that help keep students on-track in order to attain both personal and professional goals.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and pets, reading, watching movies, attending theatrical productions, socializing with close friends, traveling to fun vacation spots, and circuit training boxing. My husband and I have two boys, and their extra-curricular activities and energy keep us all very busy.

Feel free to call, email, or make an appointment with me sometime soon. Ultimately, I look forward to working together as you navigate through your academic journey here at IU East.

Hello! My name is Sarah McCashland and I am the 21st Century Scholars Success Coach in the Office of Student Success. My primary role is to help 21st Century Scholars students navigate the college experience and celebrate achievements. I am here to support YOU in several ways, such as being a person you can check in with to discuss your personal and educational goals and progress, a guide that can help you in navigating the campus environment, and a connection for community and campus resources.

I am an IU East alumna who received my Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2011 and my Master’s in Social Work in 2014. During my college experience, I completed a variety of internships, which included a therapy internship at Earlham College. Over the past 13 years of my career, I have been working in community mental health, with focuses on family resources and community advocacy.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, baking yummy desserts, being outside in nature, traveling, art, and various other activities. Feel free to break the ice by starting a conversation about the unique places you have been or want to go, and I will talk with you for hours.

Feel free to connect with me via email, call or by making an appointment. I look forward to working with you as you navigate your academic journey here at IU East.