Meet the Center for Student Success Staff
Matthew Holsapple, Dean of Student Success
As the Dean of Student Success, Matthew Holsapple is responsible for supervising the activities for the Center for Student Success at Husson University. The CSS provides students with a variety of helpful services. These include career services, accessibility services, international student services, orientations and seminars for first-year students, and tutoring and academic supports including the Tutoring and Writing Center.
I have spent my career working in student support and student retention throughout the state of Maine and beyond. I believe very strongly in the value and power of education to transform the lives of students for the better, and I believe that the role of the CSS on our campus is to do our very best to provide every student with the support they need to achieve their goals and dreams.
I am a native Mainer, but I lived for many years in the Maritime provinces of Canada. I have spent time overseas, teaching English in Japan, and I have a whole host of quirky interests and hobbies.
Taryn Carson, Director of Academic Services
My name is Taryn Carson. I am the Director of Academic Services in the Center for Student Success. I oversee the advising of Undeclared and conditionally admitted students, and I coordinate the Husson Experience course. Our staff works to support students in all aspects of their academics. I have a Master's Degree in Peace and Development Studies from the University of Limerick and a Master's Degree in Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching from the University of Nottingham. Though I’m a native of Minnesota, I spent nearly a decade living, working, and traveling in Asia and the Middle East. My family and I moved to Maine in 2014.
Liz Atkinson, Director of Accessibility Services
As the Director of Accessibility Services at Husson, I work in the Center for Student Success with students and faculty to promote accessibility across campus for students with disabilities, barriers to learning, and students who require additional support during their educational journey. Through a social justice lens, I work toward promoting access and inclusivity in and out of the classroom. I found my way back to my home state after earning a Master’s degree in Education from Penn State’s Rehabilitation Counseling program and a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Women’s Studies from William Smith College in Geneva, NY. Outside of Husson, I enjoy the outdoors, cooking, and creating stained glass art.
Amy Coleman, Director of Title III
As the Director of Title III at Husson, I work in the Center for Student Success.
Kate Axelson Foster, Director of Career Services, Career Coach
As Director of Career Services at Husson University, Kate Axelsen Foster brings over 15 years of experience in career services and employer relations to her role within the Center for Student Success.
Kate earned her M.Ed. in Student Development in Higher Education, with a concentration in Career Counseling, from the University of Maine, and holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice Studies from Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. She is a nationally Certified Master Career Services Provider (CMCS), a Board Certified Coach (BCC), and a Certified Professional Coach (CPC).
Her professional background includes working at the University of Maine Career Center, and residence life prior to that. Kate has also worked at the University of Southern Maine, Syracuse University (NY), Colby-Sawyer College (NH), and Tyler Technologies.
Kate is deeply committed to supporting students as they navigate the transition from college to career. She is especially passionate about collaborating with faculty and staff to integrate career development into the academic curriculum, ensuring students are well-prepared for life after graduation. She also works closely with employer partners to create meaningful recruitment opportunities for Husson students.
Originally from Falmouth, Maine, Kate enjoys spending time outside with family and friends, cooking, listening to live music, and cheering on her kids in football, basketball, hockey, softball and baseball.
Meghann Peterson, Assistant Director of Academic Services
My name is Meghann Peterson and I am the Assistant Director of Academic Services. I work with undeclared and conditionally admitted students and students on academic sanctions. I also help to oversee the Tutor Center. I love my job and have a passion for supporting students and helping them to reach their goals. When I am not in my office I enjoy being outdoors, reading, and hanging out with my dog Jayne. I also spend a lot of time on hobbies I am passionate about but am definitely a novice at, including gardening, baking, and interior design.
David Moleon, Assistant Director of Retention
I am originally from Bangor and have worked in higher education, admissions, and international education for over a decade, both in the U.S. and abroad. As the Assistant Director of Retention in the Center for Student Success here at Husson, I focus on student retention initiatives and co-advise our incoming Title III students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. I enjoy getting to know students, hearing their stories, and helping them find a path that feels meaningful and manageable.
Hale Roileacháin, Student Success Advisor
As a Student Success Advisor, I assist students with exploring their interests as well as declaring or changing their major. I also serve as the International Student Advisor, a Designated School Official, and a Husson Experience Instructor. I graduated with my Bachelor’s from the University of Maine at Augusta as a first-generation student before completing my Master's in Student Affairs and Higher Education at the University of Maine. I also hold a Master's in Global Policy and Peace and Reconciliation from the University of Maine. When I’m off campus I enjoy spending time with my pets and visiting other countries.
Rob Cannella, Student Success Advisor
As a Student Success Advisor, I work with graduate and professional students in the Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy programs. I also help coordinate graduate tutoring and teach the Husson Experience course. Before coming to Husson, I worked as a writing center director, tutoring center director, and English instructor. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Merrimack College and a Master of Arts in English from New Mexico State University. When I’m not working, I like to read, play video games, and spend time with my animals.
Rebecca Liberty, Career Coach
As the Career Coach for students in the College of Health and the College of Science & Humanities, I support students in their career development throughout college. This includes but is not limited to exploring major and career choices, developing professional skills such as networking and interviewing, identifying opportunities for work experience during college, finding a job as a graduate, and reflecting on the life they imagine for themselves. My own career journey has varied both professionally and geographically. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and two masters degrees in very different fields and locations, I have worked in pastoral ministry, nonprofit organizations, and higher education, earning my Career Services Provider certification from the National Career Development Association. After growing up in the Midwest and California, I'm delighted to have found my way to Bangor in 2012 and to Husson University in 2023.
Candace Chase, Title III Academic Advisor
As an Academic Advisor in Title III, I work within the Center for Student Success to assist students with developing and refining skills and habits that can help them thrive in the college setting. I believe that education should be accessible to all and embrace diversity and individualism in regards to that. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Husson University, and after graduating in '21, I decided to start my professional career there as well. When I'm not working, I enjoy being outdoors and creating new crafts!