Who We Are

336.334.5772, hakern2@uncg.edu

Heather Searcy (she/hers) attended East Carolina University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. It was while working with student athletes at ECU that Heather discovered her interest in pursuing a career in Higher Education. She went on to earn her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration at North Carolina State University. Throughout her two years at NC State Heather worked with student athletes, undeclared first-year students, and students on academic warning. Heather joined the Students First Office in 2013 as an Exploratory Majors Advisor and moved into the Associate Director for Academic Advising role in 2017 before moving into the Director role in 2022. In her spare time, Heather enjoys cheering on the Pirates and the Wolfpack, tackling DIY and home improvement projects, and spending time with her husband, children, and Golden Retriever, Beau.

Asia Watkins, Student Support Coordinator

336.334.4025, tnwatkins@uncg.edu

Asia Watkins (she/her) attended East Carolina University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in public health. After graduating, she served in various student-centered and wellness-focused roles, including positions in student health services, library support, and youth programming. Through these roles, she found her passion for supporting students, promoting wellness, and increasing access to resources that help students thrive. This passion led her to pursue a Master of Public Health at ECU, where she is currently in her first year of the program. Asia enjoys helping students navigate challenges, connect with support, and achieve their academic and personal goals. In her free time, Asia enjoys reading and writing, studying herbalism, and exploring new ways to support holistic well-being.  

336.256.1483, ajhadley@uncg.edu

Alana Long (she/hers) earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. While working on campus in their Honors College and the advising center for the College of Health and Human Services, she discovered her passion for higher education. This caused her to go on to pursue her master’s of education in higher education student affairs from the University of South Carolina. While at U of SC,  Alana developed a love of the first-year experience and helping students learn to navigate the college experience. This prompted her to begin working in the Students First Office, first in the Student Support Coordinator role, and now in the Academic Advisor role. While off campus, Alana enjoys spending time with her husband Trevor, daughter Logan, her ducks, and her dogs Remy & Baloo.

Ana Brambila, Exploratory Majors Academic Advisor

Hablo Español

336.334.3873, agbrambila@uncg.edu

Ana Brambila (she/hers) attended Elon University and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Human Services with a minor in Public Health. Following graduation, Ana completed two years with VISTA, and one year with City Year, providing academic support, behavioral coaching, and mentorship to elementary school students. Later, she served as a Civic Engagement Coordinator helping high school students earn community service hours for graduation.  Ana’s continued love for service and passion for helping others led her to pursue her Master of Social Work degree at The Catholic University of America. During graduate school, Ana worked with the Latin American Youth Center in Washington, D.C, supporting youth who experienced homelessness.  Additionally, she provided therapeutic mental health services to young adults at a local community clinic. In her free time, Ana loves to do arts and crafts, dance, and spend time with her daughters and husband, Nelson.

336.334.5957, d_zambra@uncg.edu

Dey Zambrana-Soler (she/hers/ella) is a double alumna from UNC Greensboro. While in her undergraduate days, she served as a Peer Academic Leader, Spartan Orientation Staff, Peer Academic Advisor, and much more which made her fall in love with student development and inspired her career in higher education. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology (with a minor in Communication Studies) and earned a master’s degree in Higher Education (with a concentration in Student Affairs Administration). Her journey at UNCG started as an Exploratory major, so she’s very fond of SFO’s work and is super excited to be a part of the team that was so integral to her success. Outside of work, Dey enjoys listening to live music as a concert enthusiast, spending time with her friends and family, watching HGTV/reality television, and exploring new restaurants.

336.256.1265, djgoldston@uncg.edu

Destinee Goldston (she/her) attended NC State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work. After graduating she served as a College Advisor at Louisburg High School with the NC State College Advising Corps. Through this role, she found her passion for serving students and increasing educational access for marginalized students. This passion led her to obtain a master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from UNC Greensboro. Destinee enjoys supporting students to achieve their personal and academic goals. In her free time, Destinee enjoys watching reality TV shows, spending time with friends and family, and making new memories.

Faith Kirkpatrick, Graduate Assistant for Exploratory Advising

336.334.5730, fjkirkpa@uncg.edu

Faith Kirkpatrick (She/Her) attended UNCG and earned a degree in Social Work with a minor in Sociology. During her time in undergrad she worked for the Communication Lab formerly known as the Speaking Center, there her desire to help other students flourished. She is currently a second year Masters of Public Affairs Student. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and watching movies!

Araceli Perez, Graduate Assistant for Exploratory Advising

336.334.5730, a_perez10@uncg.edu

Araceli Perez (she/her/ella) attended UNC-Chapel Hill where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Minor in Spanish for the Professions. Following graduation, Araceli completed two years with AmeriCorps as a college adviser, providing mentorship, support, and guidance to high school seniors as they navigated their post-graduate plans. She is currently a first year student in UNCG’s Masters of Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program. In her spare time, Araceli enjoys taking walks, reading, and spending time with friends and family. 

336.334.3872, dnhollo2@uncg.edu

Danielle Nie (she/hers) earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in Psychology. During her undergraduate experience interning in the advising center, she found her interest in assisting students through their undergraduate career. Danielle went on to earn her master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education here at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Throughout her two years at UNCG, Danielle worked in the Students First Office as an Exploratory Majors graduate assistant. After graduation, she returned to her alma mater to assist students experiencing academic difficulty. This included students who were on academic probation, suspended, or being readmitted to the institution. She also developed a peer mentor program, an advising development series, and served as an academic advisor to first year Psychology majors. In her spare time, Danielle enjoys traveling with her husband and son Brady, spending time with family, and trying new Pinterest/Tik-Tok-inspired recipes and restaurants!

Jean Bradford, Academic Recovery Coordinator

336.256.8533, ijbradford@uncg.edu

Jean Bradford (She/Her/Hers) earned her bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Arts at Clark-Atlanta University with a concentration in Radio, Television & Film. After graduation she enlisted in the United States Navy. During her time assigned as the Command Career Counselor, assisting sailors in meeting their educational goals, is where she discovered her passion for higher education. This led to her pursuing a master’s degree in Adult Education from Strayer University. Jean also earned a second master’s in Human Resource Management from Keller Graduate School of Management. Her work experience includes university admissions, academic advising, student athletics, military family and veteran’s services, college readiness and career coaching.

Outside of work Jean enjoys spending time with her Autistic teenage daughter Bailey, and her Tuxedo Cat Luna. As a new transplant to Greensboro, she is excited to explore the city and discover new restaurants. Jean is also a movie buff and reality tv competition enthusiast.

Mary Vass, Academic Recovery Coordinator

336.256.1311, mltripl2@uncg.edu

Mary Vass (she/her) attended UNC-Chapel Hill where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology. Mary’s love for working with people and passion for mental health advocacy led her stay at UNC-Chapel Hill to pursue her Master of Social Work degree. After graduating with her MSW, Mary had the opportunity to work with college students in the Behavioral Health field. While developing her interest in working with students, Mary realized the inherently multidimensional nature of student success. Mary is excited to have the opportunity to support UNCG students from within the higher education setting as they navigate the complexities of the college experience. In her free time, Mary enjoys spending time with her partner Bennett, running long distances, making good coffee,  and mapping out her future reading plans.

Devonne Gaddy, Early Alert & Intervention Coordinator

336.256.0340, d_gaddy@uncg.edu

Devonne E. Gaddy (she/hers) has been involved in higher education for more than 13 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from North Carolina Central University and a M.S. in Human Services specializing in Counseling Studies from Capella University. Prior to joining the Students First Office as the Early Alert & Intervention Coordinator, she has acquired a wealth of knowledge and experience from various roles within the North Carolina Community College System. Devonne’s professional career consists of admissions, academic advising, enrollment services & recruitment as well as dual enrollment (Career & College Promise). Over this time span she realized that all students despite their unique circumstances have a sincere determination to succeed but need various support systems. She believes that it is not enough to just enroll a student but stands firmly by the Starfish EARLY ALERT and CONNECT systems where faculty/staff can quickly identify and provide actionable support to students. In her spare time, Devonne enjoys biblical studies, spending time with family and friends, volunteerism, watching movies, traveling, and spontaneous adventures.

Josh Peek, Graduate Assistant for Academic Recovery

336.334.5730, jmpeek@uncg.edu

Josh Peek (he/him/his) attended UNCG and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Administration and a Minor in Music in 2017. Several years after graduation, Josh decided to make a career change and pursue a Master’s Degree in Higher Education. He is currently in his second year in UNCG’s Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education (SAAHE) program. In his spare time he enjoys going to the movies or the arcade, watching sports, and playing guitar and/or bass. 

Sarah Webber, Graduate Assistant for Academic Recovery

336.334.5730, sjwebber@uncg.edu

Sarah Webber (she/her/hers) attended UNCG and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts Administration with a minor in Art History and a concentration in Museum Studies in 2023. During her undergraduate journey, Sarah was involved with Tau Sigma, a national honor society for transfer students. This is where she realized she wanted to pursue a career in which she could continue to help and work with students. She is currently a first-year Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education (SAAHE) student. During her free time, Sarah enjoys playing video games, reading, and puzzling.