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!

Steven McFarlin

Director
smcfarlin@delmar.edu

A Little About Me:
I began my career at Del Mar College in 2020, and I am currently the Director of the Student Success Coaching Department. I am an Arkansas native who earned my bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, my master’s degree at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, and I am currently working towards a doctoral degree in Community College Leadership.

With a diverse background in veterinary medicine, emergency medicine, and college counseling, I bring a unique perspective to supporting students on their academic journeys. Because I worked full time while pursuing all my degrees and certifications, I understand firsthand the challenges that come with balancing education, work, and life. This experience fuels my commitment to helping students overcome barriers to their academic success and find the strategies they need to thrive.

I’m especially passionate about supporting students who have faced adversity, including those from minority backgrounds or those overcoming personal or systemic hardships. Seeing students grow in confidence and resilience is truly the most rewarding part of my work.

Outside of Student Success Coaching, you can usually find me gaming on my PC, spending time with my fur babies, or happily needing out over Community College statistics.

Elizabeth Siciliano

Success Coach
esiciliano@delmar.edu

A Little About Me:
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Mary Hardin–Baylor and completed my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. My background spans education—particularly supporting ESL students—as well as mental health, where I’ve had the privilege of counseling children, adolescents, and adults. During my master’s program, I worked four different jobs to support myself, which gave me firsthand experience in juggling responsibilities and managing work–life balance.

These experiences have shaped my passion for helping students feel supported, confident, and never alone as they navigate their academic journeys. I love offering practical guidance—whether it’s managing schedules, communicating with professors, getting started in school, or beginning a semester on the right foot. Empowering students with tools, encouragement, and a sense of belonging is truly at the heart of my work.

Outside of coaching,I love spending time with my dogs and family, baking, getting lost in a good novel, playing video games, and discovering new foods to try.

ChelseaRenee Lovell

Success Coach
clovell@delmar.edu

A Little About Me:
I earned my bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Forensic Linguistics, along with two master’s degrees in English Literature and Advanced Pedagogy from Stephen F. Austin State University. My experience spans both K–12 and collegiate teaching, and I’ve also worked in project management for the City of Corpus Christi, giving me a strong foundation in communication, organization, and student-centered support. During my graduate programs, I had the opportunity to work on editing and publishing for my university’s newspaper, as well as contribute to my own poetry and short story collections.

These experiences have shaped my passion for helping students recognize the tremendous accomplishment that college represents. I especially enjoy supporting non‑traditional and first‑generation students as they navigate new academic environments and build confidence in their abilities. Empowering students to feel capable, included, and proud of their progress is truly one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

Outside of coaching, I love spending time at the gym, getting lost in a good book, writing, gaming, and diving into all kinds of creative craft projects.

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.