Amy Jeffrey-Kennel, Director of Academic Coaching (515.961.1232)
Amy completed her undergraduate studies in English, Communication Arts, and English at Iowa State University and has a received a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). After spending much of her career in marketing communications, she shifted her professional focus to teaching in 2013. She taught at Lincoln High School in Des Moines, Iowa prior to coming to Simpson. Amy began her service to Simpson College as a TRIO-Student Support Services advisor. Now, as the Director of Academic Coaching, Amy's primary focus is facilitating coaching opportunities for students including Supplemental Instruction, content-area tutoring, peer-based coaching, professional academic coaching, and student success courses.
Amy lives in downtown Des Moines, Iowa with her husband, Jeff, and two high-maintenance cats. She's a mom to her adult son, Christian. In her time away from work, she loves walking, reading, writing, dancing, boating, and kayaking.
Karen Lynch, Director of Student Accessibility Services (515.961.1281)
Karen earned her degrees in Education and Speech & Hearing Sciences from the University of Iowa. After teaching in K-12 schools for many years, Karen focused on student support. In recent years, she has been an executive function coach and a passionate advocate for students, educators and families. Karen’s primary focus with her recent work has been supporting students with the transition from high school to college.
In her time away from work, she loves to spend time with her family and two dogs, Riley and Xena. Karen loves being outdoors especially hiking, biking, gardening and sailing. Karen also enjoys playing and listening to music.
One of Karen's favorite, meaningful quotes encompasses her approach to her work: “When we study together, we learn together, we work together, and we prosper together.” – Barack Obama
Colin Payton, Director of the Simpson Writing Center (515.961.1682)
"Read anything, write anything, speak on anything: These were my goals as a student, and my mission is to help Simpson students flourish with these communication skills, too. Building on my broad composition studies background, I train our excellent writing consultants to work with any student from any major at any stage of the composing process."
Yakira Sanders, Academic Coach (515.961.1281)
Yakira (she/her) has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from The University of Northern Iowa and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education from Iowa State University. Yakira served in various roles that allowed her to assist students with developing effective learning strategies to aid them in academic and personal success. She has a passion for helping students find their own path of success and supporting them along the way.
During her free time, she likes to attend music concerts, hang out with friends and family, travel, and listen to music.
Mollie Hinkle, Student Accessibility Services Coordinator (515.961.1322)
Mollie Hinkle is a recent Simpson grad from a quaint little town in Southeast Iowa. She majored in Philosophy and minored in History. While at Simpson, Mollie spent a lot of her time in the theatre department acting, designing props, and building sets. She also served as one of the founding members of ACES (Advocacy, Community, Education, Support), the student organization focused on creating community for disabled students and their allies.
As the SAS Coordinator, Mollie helps Karen oversee the accommodations process, holds space for students who need it, and co-advises ACES. She loves using her skills in art and design to bring the office to life, both on and offline. Mollie is excited to grow as a human in her role and help students beat the odds – because everyone is capable of great things.
Paul Hyatt, CARs Administrative Assistant (515.961.1325)
Paul graduated from Simpson in 2022, and decided he didn't want to leave. Come see him in Dunn 103 if you have any questions about CARs, or if you want to talk about life.