51²è¹Ý

Sarah Cartwright, Learning Skills Specialist, Academic Skill Development

Sarah earned her B.A. in Psychology with a Minor in Family and Consumer Sciences—Child and Family Services from Marshall University and her M.Ed. in Higher Education at 51²è¹Ý. Before joining SASP, Sarah loved working in childcare and the K-12 sector but now loves supporting college students. Sarah enjoys traveling and experiencing new things, and is passionate about her faith, family, and food.  

Gracy Herrera, Academic Counselor, Academic Skill Development

Gracy, a first-generation student, earned her BA in Psychology from Texas A&M University. While living abroad with her husband and two children, she worked as an academic coach for student-athletes. During this time, Gracy received her MS in Sports Psychology from California Southern University. She also served as team manager for the United Arab Emirates Falcons and Dubai Barracudas American football programs. In her free time, Gracy enjoys travelling, running, and spending time with her Maltese pup.

gracyh@smu.edu, 214-768-6487

Aja Lucky, Graduate Assistant, First-Generation Initiative 

1stgen@smu.edu

Karina Martinez, Graduate Assistant, First-Generation Initiative 

1stgen@smu.edu

Chris Meyers, Director of the First Generation Initiative, Academic Skill Development

Chris received his B.A. in Communication at Texas A&M University and his M.A. in Dispute Resolution at 51²è¹Ý. Before joining the A-LEC, he worked as a Life Development Coach for Innovation 360, modeling healthy behavior, encouraging change, and providing hope for people struggling with substance abuse, mental health crisis, academic failure, and a variety of other issues. Chris enjoys sports, camping, hiking, and all outdoor activities. He loves spending time with his wife doing said activities, watching movies, and traveling. As Chris' faith is the most important component in his life, he enjoys spending time with his community group and serving his church and community.

cmeyers@smu.edu, 214-768-4691

Makenzie Moriarty, Academic Counselor, Academic Skill Development

Pronouns: she/her

Makenzie received her B.A. in Anthropology, with a minor in Business Administration, from Baylor University and received her M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina. Before joining SASP, Makenzie worked as an adjunct instructor at Midlands Technical College teaching a course in Student Success and as a dance teacher teaching students aged 3 to 18. She loves to try new restaurants, explore new places, and play card games.

mkmoriarty@smu.edu, 214-768-6702

Sonja Mugnier, Graduate Assistant, Academic Skill Development 

Sonja received her BS in neuroscience and psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas. She is currently pursuing her MS in counseling with a concentration in children and adolescents at 51²è¹Ý. Her short-term career goals are to become a licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist, and her long-term career goals are to pursue a doctorate in counselor education. In her spare time, Sonja enjoys hanging out with friends and family, crafting, and reading.

smugnier@smu.edu

Becca Umobong, Director, Academic Skill Development

Pronouns: she/her

Becca earned her B.A. in Communication from Washington State University and her M.Ed. in Higher Education from Dallas Baptist University. Becca is a UNIV lecturer, facilitates learning strategy workshops, and provides students with individual academic counseling. Becca enjoys hiking, swimming, reading, and coaching her children's sports teams. 

rebecca@smu.edu, 214-768-3543