Who We Are

(336) 334-5772, [email protected]

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, Mike, daughter, Emerie, and Golden Retriever, Beau.

Mary Triplett, Student Support Coordinator

(336) 256-1311, [email protected]

Mary Triplett (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.

(336) 256-1483, [email protected]

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 ducks, her dogs Remy & Baloo, and her husband Trevor.

Ana Brambila, Exploratory Majors Academic Advisor

(336) 334-3873, [email protected]

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, [email protected]

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, [email protected]

Haley Ledbetter ( she, hers) attended Roger Williams University where she earned her bachelors degree in Marine Biology. It was while working as an Orientation Advisor that Haley discovered her interest in pursuing Higher Education. She went on to earn her masters degree in Sports Leadership and Coaching at Western New England University. Throughout her two years as a graduate assistant at WNE, Haley worked directly with the softball athletes both on the field and in the classroom. She worked with the softball athletes to help them find their passions and helped them prosper not only athletically, but also academically. Having the ability to work with students in both areas showed Haley that she wanted to help students seek out their passions and create goals outside of the sport of softball. In her spare time, Haley enjoys watching the Red Sox, exploring new restaurants and reading her kindle.

Destinee Goldston, Graduate Assistant for Exploratory Advising

(336) 334-5730, [email protected]

Destinee Goldston (she/her) attended NC State University and earned a degree in Social Work. After graduating she served two years as a College Adviser with the NC State College Advising Corps at Louisburg Magnet High School. She worked to create a “college-going culture,” by supporting students in meeting their higher education goals. Her work has led her to continue serving students of all backgrounds as they matriculate to higher education. She is currently a first-year master’s student in the Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education (SAAHE) graduate program and is eager to support those at UNCG. In her free time, she enjoys watching reality tv shows, snacking, and meeting new people.

(336) 334-3872, [email protected]

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!

Amanda Chandler, Academic Recovery Coordinator

(336) 334-4025, [email protected]

Amanda Chandler (she/her) earned her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from UNC Charlotte. Eager to learn strategies to support diverse learners, she went on to earn a master’s degree in Training and Development from NC State University. After graduation, she worked as an instructional designer and a continuing education accreditation specialist before becoming a College Transfer Success Instructor at Forsyth Technical Community College. This role fueled her passion for helping students to proactively prepare for both challenges and opportunities. In her free time, Amanda enjoys spending time with family, writing poetry, and studying Celtic mythology.

Devonne Gaddy, Early Alert & Intervention Coordinator

(336) 256-0340, [email protected]

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, [email protected]

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 first 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. 

Lauren Hall, Graduate Assistant for Academic Recovery

(336) 334-5730, [email protected]

Lauren Hall (she/her/hers) attended UNC-Greensboro and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in History and a concentration in History. During her time student teaching, Lauren realized that she wanted to help students outside of the classroom grow and develop skills that students will be able to take with them throughout their academic career. Therefore, she turned to pursuing a Masters degree in higher education. She is currently in her first year in the Student Affairs Administration In Higher Education (SAAHE) and is extremely excited to begin her journey. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her cat and watching new shows on Netflix.