Student Ambassadors

Sydney Barger, originally from Marin, California, found her academic path at the University of Arizona in Tucson, studying Leadership and Learning Innovation. Embracing Tucson as her new home, she's passionate about using her education to serve others, aiming for a career as a family advocate or college advisor. Sydney sees her experiences in both places as crucial to shaping her perspective and goals. As an ambassador, she focuses on inclusivity and empathy, aiming to connect with diverse audiences and advocate for change.

Angela Cazares (she/her/hers) was born in Yuma, Arizona but has mostly been raised in Nogales, Arizona where she decided to pack her bags and come to the University of Arizona. She is a current sophomore dual majoring in Leadership & Learning Innovation and History and minoring in Spanish. In the future, she hopes to teach 9h-12th history and one day become a professor. She is a proud member of her community and loves to share some school spirit as a member of the Pride of Arizona Marching Band. She is very excited to share her love for the university as well as education and help others as an ambassador for the College of Education.

Lanaiya Coakley

Lanaiya Coakley (La-nay-ya) (she/her/hers) is from Tucson, Arizona and is studying mild to moderate disabilities. In her junior and senior year of high school, she was a peer mentor to students with disabilities. During her senior year, she shadowed multiple teachers in the special education department at her school and through that experience she saw a behind the scene look at what teachers experience everyday. This includes their interactions with students and other teachers, lesson planning, modifications and more! Throughout this experience Lanaiya found her passion for teaching. She is also an Army brat so she has moved and traveled quite a bit. Lanaiya has lived in 5 different places including Belgium, Germany, North Carolina, Maryland and now Arizona. As an ambassador, her goal is to help and welcome students into the college of education and help and support students all throughout their college journey.

Rylee Gardner Dunkin

Rylee Gardner Dunkin (She/ Her/ Hers) is from Portland, OR, but has discovered an incredible sense of community and love in Tucson over her past three years here as a student. Currently a junior, Rylee is a part of the Elementary Education program with hopes to earn a bilingual teaching certificate. Her love of working with children has been a career inspiration since she was young. On campus, you can find Rylee studying in the WOW (room 453 in the COE-check it out!), working at the North Rec Center, or giving campus tours! She is so excited to continue to share her passion for building connections, in and outside, of the classroom as a College of Education ambassador this year.

Kyle T Fisher

Kyle Fisher (they/them/theirs) is originally from Iowa and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Graduating from the University of Arizona in 2017 with a degree in Special Education and Rehabilitation, Kyle is pursuing a second Bachelor’s degree; in Deaf Studies with an emphasis in Educational Interpreting. For five years, Kyle worked at the University of Arizona in the Office of Admissions, serving as an Admissions Counselor and overseeing campus tours. During that time, Kyle also earned their Master’s of Education from Northern Arizona University in Educational Leadership with a focus on Higher Education and Community College.

Alyssa Freeman (she/her) is from Fredericksburg, Virginia, and has discovered her passion for creativity at the University of Arizona. She is currently majoring in Leadership and Learning Innovation with a minor in ASL while also being a student-athlete on the Wheelchair Basketball team. Going into her junior year, Alyssa hopes to use her role as an ambassador to make a positive impact on others and promote leadership through her classes and various organizations during her time in Tucson. You can find her at the DRC (Disability Resource Center), Bear Down Gym, or rolling through campus. Alyssa is excited to be part of the College of Education Ambassador program this year and plans to continue developing her leadership skills.

Mackenzie Frithsen

Mackenzie Frithsen (she/her/hers) was born in Tucson, Arizona and has loved growing up here! She is currently in her sophomore year at the University of Arizona and pursuing dual degrees in Leadership & Learning Innovation and History. In the future, she hopes to teach 6-12 history. During her time here at the University of Arizona, Mackenzie is hoping to live life to the fullest, and represent the College of Education the best she can! You can always catch her giving tours at COE on Friday or helping out with the virtual info sessions on Wednesdays!

Lizeth Garcia

Lizeth Garcia (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. Lizeth most enjoys the welcoming community and opportunities available for all students at The University of Arizona. She is currently studying Elementary Education with a Bilingual Endorsement and Spanish with the plans of becoming a first or second grade teacher at a bilingual school. During her time here at The University of Arizona, Lizeth hopes to study abroad to learn about different cultures, foods and languages so that she can radiate inclusion and diversity the day she has a classroom of her own ! While doing so, Lizeth is excited to share her love for the university as a COE ambassador.

Ben Huffman (He/Him/His) Ben was born and raised in Tucson Arizona. He comes from a proud family of wildcat alumni who have inspired him to pursue my passion in help others. Currently, he studies Education and Political Science with dreams to teach government or history at the middle or high school level. Ben spends much of his time in various organizations on campus such as College of Education student council and ASUA Senate as the Senator representing the College of Education.

Bethany Kern

Bethany Kern (she/her/hers) was born in Tucson, Arizona but has traveled all over the world. While living here my whole life she had found a home and community here at The University of Arizona. She is currently studying Disabilities and Rehabilitation and a minor in Business and Technical Writing with the plans of becoming a Mobility Instructor for Guide Dogs for the Blind. During her time here at The University of Arizona, Bethany hopes to prepare for learn how to help others, make memories, and share her love for the university as an ambassador for the College of Education.

Molly Martin

Molly Martin (she/her/hers), originally from Naperville, Illinois, found her way to the University of Arizona enticed by its picturesque weather and abundant educational prospects. Embracing Tucson's desert landscape and the vibrant spirit of ZonaZoo, Molly is currently pursuing a major in Leadership and Learning Innovation, complemented by double minors in Educational Psychology and Recreation and Sport in Communities, Parks, and Schools. Her passion lies in informal youth education, and she is dedicated to honing her skills and expertise during her tenure at the University of Arizona. With aspirations to contribute to future generations, create lasting memories, and serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for her alma mater, Molly is poised to make a meaningful impact within the university community and beyond.

Roarke Poggio

Roarke Poggio (she/her/hers) is an Early Childhood Education major from Scottsdale, Arizona. She has been volunteering with kids and students for several years through church and school organizations. As well as serving as an Ambassador, she is a COE peer mentor, Dean’s Advisory Board Member, and Honors student! She is passionate about education and hopes to become a school principal or administrator one day soon!

Kiersten Scarbrough

Kiersten Scarbrough (she/her) grew up a military kid but has spent most of her life in Southern Maryland. As soon as she came to visit UofA, it felt like the perfect fit. She is currently dual majoring in Elementary Education and Spanish and minoring in Portuguese. She hopes to become a bilingual educator for a few years before returning to school to earn a master's degree (or two). At the University of Arizona, Kiersten is involved in a variety of different organizations to make the most out of college and prepare for a career in education. She is very excited to share her love of education and the university as an ambassador.

Sandy Servellon

Sandy Servellon (she, her, hers) was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. She is currently a student here at The University of Arizona pursuing a career in Bilingual Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish. She is planning to become a bilingual educator, supporting the Hispanic routes when it comes to language and student development. Sandy hopes to prepare herself and her time here at The University of Arizona to connect with others in regards to pursuing a career in the educational field and the many different opportunities it can bring.

Brynn Tolzmann

Brynn Tolzmann (she/her/hers) was born and raised in a small lake town called Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. After only living in Tucson for a few years, she can proudly call Tucson her second home. She is currently majoring in Leadership and Learning Innovation and plans to pursuing her Master's degree through Teach Arizona after graduation. Her dream is to become a high school teacher and later go on to become a principal. During her time here at The University of Arizona, Brynn loves to make memories with her friends, go on hikes at sunset, attend UA's sporting events and share her love for the university and the COE as an ambassador!