Krystal Gongora, NCC
Success Coach and REACH GA Program Coordinator in Strategic Outreach & Diversity Initiatives
What is a SODI Success Coach?
A SODI Success Coach is a collegiate professional who fosters the successful transition of their students from high school into college and through to their degree matriculation by providing high-touch academic, social, and personal guidance on an individual basis, working collaboratively with the student during their entire college enrollment. Success Coaches works more interpersonally with their students to understand their strengths and challenges entering and enduring college, and help them develop the skills and tools necessary to have a thriving experience during their enrollment. Lessons are customized to fit the needs of each student and coaches provide accountability for students to follow through on their action plans toward academic success. Typically, students will stay with the same graduation coach during all four years and there is no restriction on the number of coaching sessions a student can schedule.
About Me
Krystal Gongora is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). She earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Georgia and her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University. Her clinical experience includes working in the non-profit sector providing community mental health therapy to underserved at-risk adult populations with severe and persistent mental conditions.
Krystal has served previous roles in higher education training student leaders, coordinating experiential learning programs, and providing college mental health counseling. She worked as an administrative professional in University Housing at the University of Georgia supervising student workers within the residence halls. She served as a program coordinator for an Alternative Spring Break travel program within the Civic Engagement office at Georgia State University. She completed her graduate internship experience with Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) at Kennesaw State University providing mental health counseling to students on the Marietta campus.
As a first-generation student herself, Krystal has a passion for helping other first-generation, multicultural, or underrepresented students successfully navigate their college experience while fostering their growth and the exploration of their identities and career goals.
She is a dedicated Georgia Bulldogs football fan and enjoys hiking, camping, music concerts, and traveling.