ArtU Student Success Coaching (SSC) Program

Coaching Areas

• Art Education
• Illustration
• Industrial Design
• Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media
• Visual Development

Contact

dcamat@academyart.edu

About Dorothy

I was born and raised here in the Bay Area. Known for my background in Musical Theater, I earned my Broadway credit as one of the youngest orphans, “Molly,” in the musical “ANNIE.” I performed in other musicals as a child and again in my early years as a young adult with the Canadian and National tours of “MISS SAIGON.” I retired from theater and returned to the Bay with my husband to raise our daughter. I have been very fortunate to start my journey at ArtU through the Pre-Admissions program in 2019.

I transitioned as a Student Success Coach and I am thrilled to be guiding the students to their success! As a parent, I understand the importance of offering encouragement and support to help others stay motivated and focused.

Hobbies & Interests

I am involved with the Music Ministry at Saint Joan of Arc. Music is the heartbeat and food of my soul. I enjoy karaoke with my daughter and supporting my husband as a vocalist with local live bands. Dance is another passion of mine, and I find cooking very therapeutic.

Coaching Areas

• Advertising
• Game Development
• Graphic Design
• Interaction & UI/UX Design
• Marketing, Communication & Design

Contact

jeastman@academyart.edu

About Jake

Jake moved to San Francisco in 2003 from the plains of Iowa. He got an English as a Second Language Certification in 2005, and went on to teach English in Poland and Japan before joining the EAP Department at the Academy of Art University in 2011.

As a Student Success Coach, Jake brings his knowledge of ArtU and his desire to help students succeed academically, socially, and professionally. He will work with you and your department to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Hobbies & Interests

Jake enjoys video games, sci-fi and fantasy entertainment, movies, tennis, fine dining, travel, and petting cats.

Coaching Areas

• Art History
• Landscape Architecture
• Photography

Contact

aguerra@academyart.edu

About Alicia

I’m a first-generation college grad, & I always knew I wanted to help people. I get to give back to society by helping students overcome challenges I also faced while in school.

Alicia is a Bay Area native with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. She worked in marketing and communications at Meta before transitioning into the academic field at Academy of Art University in 2020. She finds joy in helping students create a life they enjoy.

Interests

• Experiences
• Exercise
• Time with Loved Ones

Coaching Areas

• Fashion
• Jewelry & Metal Arts

Contact

ilaursen@academyart.edu

About Isabelle

Originally from Denver, CO, Isabelle moved to Chicago to attend college at DePaul University’s conservatory, The Theatre School, where she graduated in 2020 with a BFA in Costume Design. She worked as a makeup artist for a few years, and eventually found her way into student services at the Douglas J Aveda Institute. After being in Chicago for nearly a decade, she moved to San Francisco in fall of 2023 in pursuit of better weather.

Now with the Academy of Arts, Isabelle is excited to continue supporting students as they transition into a new phase of life! She is here to help guide you on everything from academic skills like time management and study habits, to life skills like managing stress and getting connected with your community.

Hobbies & Interests

Isabelle considers herself to be a HUGE nerd. She loves all things pop-culture, including video games, anime, cartoons, and comics. Artistically, she dabbles in a bit of everything, primarily illustration and textile arts, but she also enjoys writing, photography, cosplay, crafting, and whatever is next on her never ending to-do list. While not musically inclined herself, she loves going to see live music, mainly of the indie/garage-rock genre (the smaller the venue, the better). Don’t ask for recommendations unless you have a few hours to spare!

Coaching Areas

• Acting
• Interior Architecture & Design
• Motion Pictures & Television
• Writing for Film, Television & Digital Media

Contact

klee@academyart.edu

About Kat

Kathleen “Kat” Lee is a Student Success Coach at Academy of Art University, where she supports students as they navigate college, online learning, academic expectations, and campus resources. She helps students build confidence, strengthen time management and study skills, connect with support services, and develop self-advocacy habits that support their academic and professional growth.

Kat brings a background in arts education, theatre, student support, wellness, and creative storytelling. She earned her BA in Drama from San Francisco State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Transformative Teaching Practices and Curriculum at William Jewell College in collaboration with Breathe For Change. She has also held education leadership roles at San Francisco Playhouse and New Conservatory Theatre Center.

In addition to her work in student success, Kat is a certified yoga and mindfulness teacher with experience leading workshops, retreats, creative arts programming, and expressive movement experiences. Her work centers creativity, reflection, wellness, and helping students feel supported, prepared, and empowered.

Originally from Santa Monica, Kat has lived in the Bay Area for over a decade. Outside of coaching, she is a writer, content creator, and proud dog mom. She enjoys theatre, film, books, theme parks, travel, wellness, and storytelling in all forms.

My Hobbies & Interests

I am a Swiftie who enjoys vlogging, theme parks, live entertainment, cosplaying, traveling, beach outings with my ukulele, book clubs, and uncovering California’s hidden gems. I love going to the Renaissance Faire or any themed event where I can dress up in costume. I’m a proud dog mom to four adorable shih tzus (Mimosa, Milkshake, Frosty, and Tom Collins). I am a content writer for Disney Magazine where I get to share my love for all things Disney from travel to style. I’m also a 400 hour certified yoga teacher and a staunch advocate for mindfulness and mental health.

Coaching Areas

• Animation & Visual Effects
• Art History
• Fine Art
• Fine Art Sculpture
• Graduate Students

Contact

wmccall@academyart.edu

About Will

Will has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Linguistics from the University of Arizona, has been a personal coach off and on for 20+ years and has worked in higher ed. for 9+ years.

His varied past & background includes:

• Growing up on a dairy farm
• Traveling in a musical show
• The Peace Corps & Americorps
• Breathwork facilitating
• American Sign Language
• Massage therapy
• HIV counseling and phlebotomy
• Advising, Admissions and Housing

Hobbies & Interests

Will is passionate about travel and language! He has lived and worked in Uganda, East Africa, Prague, Czech Republic and Buenos Aires, Argentina and loves to visit friends in other places around the globe when he can. His free time occupies ecstatic dance, breathwork, yoga and meditation, and he loves anything related to personal and professional growth, training and development. He currently volunteers at a local San Francisco pet store so he can spend time with the neighborhood pups!