Meet the Coaches

Karen Toole

Assistant Director of Academic Support and OnTrack at SU
kmtoole@syr.edu

Karen is the Assistant Director of Academic Support and OnTrack at SU and oversees both programs. She is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Karen holds an M.S. in Cultural Foundations of Education from Syracuse University with a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Disability Studies. In addition, Karen meets regularly with her own caseload of students supporting them with both academic and social-emotional readiness as they embark on their college journey. Her focus is to empower and engage students through a growth-mindset approach with the goal of developing self-advocacy skills, independence, and decision-making.

Charlotte Flynn

OnTrack Coach
clflynn@syr.edu

Charlotte is passionate about helping people with disabilities advocate for themselves and achieve what they want for their lives. She brings extensive experience in disability advocacy, education, and person-centered support to her role as an OnTrack coach. She holds an M.S. in Library and Information Science from Syracuse University, as well as a B.A. in Philosophy and an M.S. in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Throughout her career, Charlotte has championed self-determination and self-actualization across diverse settings, including roles as a school social worker at Malcolm Shabazz City High School, a psychiatric unit social worker, and Assistant Director of NC State University's Disability Resources Office. Her expertise spans program evaluation, person-centered planning, and supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving their educational and personal goals.

Charlotte approaches coaching as a partnership aimed at empowering individuals to be and become their best selves. Her background in social work, combined with her experience in both secondary and postsecondary education, allows her to bring a strengths-based, holistic approach to supporting students in their academic journey.

Claude Bisson

OnTrack Coach
cobisson@syr.edu

Claude holds an M.Ed. in Special Education, specializing in neurodivergent youth. Claude views disabilities from a lens of social justice and intersectionality, embracing accessibility and community empowerment. His ADHD/LD coach position within the OnTrack program empowers students through active engagement in self-reflection, perspective-taking, and functionality in their executive functions.

Erin Engelhardt

OnTrack Coach
ekengelh@syr.edu

Erin is an ADHD/LD coach for the OnTrack @ SU program. Erin earned her MS in Higher Education Administration from Syracuse University in 2004 after completing her BS in Psychology at Le Moyne College in 2002. Erin previously served as an access counselor at CDR and has over a decade of academic support experience working with student-athletes.

Colleen Tedeschi

OnTrack Coach
ctedesch@syr.edu

Colleen holds an M.Ed. in Special Education, from Nazareth College and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from Syracuse University. Collen spent most of her career (20+ yrs.) in public education as a special education teacher, sixth-grade teacher, and administrator. She transitioned to higher education as an ADHD/LD coach in The OnTrack Program at SU. Colleen takes pride in developing a trusting and supportive relationship with her OnTrack students. Colleen is completing her advanced coaching certification through the JST Coaching Program. Colleen brings energy and focus when working with her students while providing personalized support to enhance their academic success and social acclimation with their college transition.

Julie Smith

OnTrack Coach
jusmith@syr.edu

Julie is currently an ADHD/LD coach for the OnTrack @ SU program. Julie earned her BS in Special Education and Elementary Education with Human Development Concentration from SUNY Geneso. She earned her MS in Literacy Education from SUNY Cortland. Julie has over a decade of full-time teaching experience in NYS public schools. She completed her ADHD Coaching, Student Success Coaching and Advanced Coaching skills courses via JST Coaching & Training. Julie is a proud mom of three amazing children of her own and enjoys spending treasured moments with them, her labrador retriever, and her entire family.