Student Success Coaching

Char Hawkins has served the Muncie, Indiana community for over 20 years in varying capacities. Through her nonprofit leadership experience, she brings a unique perspective to Student Success Coaching. Advocating for at-risk populations and walking alongside others toward their success is her passion. Assisting students in higher education is a new challenge for Char; one in which she is excited to embark. She is a Ball State graduate and earned her Master’s in Public Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Char came to Muncie for Ball State and has made this her home with her husband and two sons.

Amaya LeBlanc was born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is a two-time Ball State graduate. She received her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in African American studies and her master's degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education (SAAHE). Amaya was involved in the Black Student Association (BSA), Pinky Promise, and Ball State Dance Marathon (BSUDM) throughout her years at Ball State. As a first-generation student, she believes access to supportive campus communities is crucial for student success and helps with a student's sense of belonging. Amaya coaches volleyball, exercises in her free time, and spends time with her partner, Allen, and their fur baby Arlo!

Larisa Rathinasamy is originally from Ukraine. She graduated from Donetsk State University with a bachelor's and master's degree in physics. She worked as a high school instructor for physics and mathematics. Alongside her teaching career she was an educational and social mentor/advisor for students, and she dedicated many years to being a volunteer teacher at Burris Laboratory School, teaching gifted and talented students how to expand their knowledge in the areas of math and spelling. More recently, she worked as an executive assistant for the AVP of Inclusive Excellence. Through her several years of working with students from a variety of backgrounds, she aspires to help people successfully achieve their goals.

Olivia Romeo was born in Louisville, Kentucky, grew up among the cornfields in Southern Indiana, and then moved six hours away to Northern Indiana in pursuit of her bachelor's degree in Communication Studies and minor in Creative Writing. Olivia moved to Muncie when she began Ball State's Organizational and Professional Communication Development (OPCD) master's program, and since then, has fallen in love with the Ball State and Muncie communities. Olivia is first generation neurodivergent, queer, and passionate about providing space for students to show up as their authentic selves. She believes that self-authorship is one of the keys to success in her own reclamation journey, and is dedicated to meeting each Success Coaching student at whichever step of their journey they currently find themselves.

Christopher Heinze, a Fort Wayne native and Ball State alumnus, brings nearly 15 years of experience in public speaking, group facilitation, and coaching to his role as a Student Success Coach at Ball State. As an undergraduate student and member of the Ball State University Singers, he experienced firsthand the power of community and the impact of belonging to a supportive, purpose-driven organization. After Ball State he traveled as a senior facilitator and training coach with Challenge Day, an international organization focused on delivering high-impact experiential workshops rooted in empathy, resilience, and community building. During his tenure with Challenge Day, Chris spoke to an estimated 250,000 students, faculty, and staff in 45 states, 4 Canadian Provinces, and communities in Belgium and The Netherlands. Christopher’s coaching philosophy emphasizes resilience, mindfulness, and mindset, and he enjoys drawing on brain science and the principles of neuroplasticity to help students build habits that support lasting academic success.

Camille is a Muncie native and first-generation Ball State Alum! She received her bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Interpersonal Communications. As a former student, she knows firsthand both the challenges and rewards of the college experience. She is passionate about helping students feel supported, seen, and empowered to reach their full potential, as well as thrive personally and academically. Camille is committed to helping students discover their strengths and overcome challenges through coaching. She enjoys good food, singing, traveling, creative/decorative planning, spending time with her family, friends, and loving husband Terrell.

While serving in the U.S. Army, David lived in many different places, but most recently comes from Greenfield, Indiana. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UINDY. He is a service-oriented professional with a robust background in higher education, law enforcement, and military operations. He brings over 20 years of diverse experience in leadership, public service, and community engagement. He is deeply committed to effective communication, ethical service, and advocacy, with a demonstrated ability to work with various populations, including military personnel, students with disabilities, and other marginalized populations. He is skilled in mentoring first-year college students and fostering environments that support academic and personal growth.