Meet Our Coaches
Seini Pahulu
Interim Director, Contact Center/Online Success Coaching
Hello there! I am from the islands of Tonga in the South Pacific. I'm a wife and mother of 5 children. I have worked in education for the last 20 yrs: Higher education- UVU (TRIO programs), SLCC (Academic Advising & Instructor), WGU (Online Mentor), Elementary Education: Mana Academy Charter School (Vice Principal), Pacific Heritage Academy (Board Member), Manuia Education Consulting (Board Member), and currently SLCC, Assistant Director, Contact Center. With Online Success Coaching, I have appreciated the focus and emphasis we have in developing relationships and connecting with our students. Coaching takes a proactive approach with our communication and outreach efforts which is provided for an entire semester. This quote describes our work best, "Communication is merely an exchange of information, but connection is an exchange of humanity." - Sean Stephenson. I know that life doesn’t stop when school starts, especially for our students- so we aim to support students in a variety of ways by connecting and using data analytics to provide the right resources at the right time. I love what I do and look forward to working with you.
WHAT I DO…... Help with Getting Started Online, Provide Student Services, help with time management skills, Goal planning, Motivate, help students navigate SLCC.EDU, Canvas orientation.
Megan Brandley
Online Success Coach, Interim Assistant Director
Hello. My name is Megan and I am here to support students throughout the semester. My educational background is in Psychology with an emphasis in School Counseling. I love collaborating with students in thoughtful ways to guide and motivate them to reach their goals. Let's create an actionable plan, utilize SLCC resources, as well as celebrate your successes together!
You are the expert in your life! I am here to assist you in moving forward towards your goals. I will assist you in discovering the answers by acting as your sounding board, brainstorming partner, and/or accountability partner. I will encourage you to determine next steps as well as share information and show you where to find information regarding SLCC. I will support you in coming to the decision(s) right for you to be successful.
Magen Despain
Online Success Coach
Hello, my name is Magen, and I am here to support students throughout the semester here at SLCC. I have created, supported, and innovated the Online Success Coaching program from the ground up almost 8 years ago. YAY! I love teaming up with students in fun, reflective ways to help motivate and actively collaborate with students in their journey. How can I help? “When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.” — Carol Burnett
I am here to listen, support, answer questions, and connect students to SLCC resources through phone, text, Zoom, and email. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or concerns, or even to let me know if you read this message. I am here to help. Have a beautiful day!
Metiline Tuitupou Havea
Online Success Coach
Metiline Havea is a well gifted educator that specializes as an Online Success Coach for Salt Lake Community College. She has tangible qualities to relate and inspire students to pursue and achieve their educational goals. Metiline has over 20 years of experience in education where she values the importance of student success. Her passion and expertise for student achievement has encouraged and motivated students to become lifelong learners. She creates one-on-one partnerships with students through weekly communication where she continually seeks to improve student performance and knowledge. This is Metiline’s first year as an Online Success Coach and she demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish specific tasks and meet the needs of each student. She is ambition and dedicated to student achievement where she creates and sustains a culture of trust, vision, and continuous improvement that adds value to her team. Metiline graduated from Brigham Young University – Provo with her bachelor’s in mathematics and her masters from Grand Canyon University - Phoenix in Secondary Education. Her favorite statement from her late father was " Look beyond what you see and keep the end in mind. One day you will understand that the pen you hold tomorrow is lighter than the shovel I am holding today".
Students: you can reach me during work hours with any questions you might have about your courses, resources, Canvas, or any additional concerns about your educational journey at SLCC. Your priority is my priority.
Charity Maeda Van den Akker
Online Success Coach
Originally from Hawai‘i, Charity enjoys spending time with family, savoring ono food, listening to music, and engaging in water-related activities. Her 1-year-old Bernedoodle, Kono, adds joy and a bit of attitude to her household. As a first-generation college graduate, Charity is committed to helping students achieve their goals, recognizing their unique strengths, and supporting them throughout their educational journey. She is a dedicated higher education professional with over 13 years of experience in student affairs, program development, and strategic leadership. She has successfully led online student success programs and championed student retention, particularly for first-generation college students and those from diverse backgrounds. Charity holds a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Utah State University.
As your online success coach, I'm here to work alongside you to reach your desired goals—whatever they may be. Together, we will: 1. Explore possibilities and tap into resources. 2. Reflect through meaningful questions. 3. Set S.M.A.R.T. goals for success. I'll be your partner in brainstorming, accountability, and encouragement, all within a judgment-free space. You're not alone in this—we will do this together.