Roads Instructors

Roads to Success Faculty 2012-2013

Liane Kehaulani O'Banion, M.S., Assistant Director, Learning Center (1999-present)
Roads to Success, College Success Instructor
503.725.9549, obaniol@pdx.edu
M.S. Postsecondary, Adult & Continuing Education, Portland State University, 2000
B.S. Psychology, Minor: Special Education, University of Oregon, 1997
Liane began working at PSU in 1999 as Graduate Assistant in Undergraduate Advising & Support Center (UASC), working with the Academic Support Program (ASP). In 2010, she was appointed Assistant Director of the Learning Center where she is responsible for coordinating the campus-wide peer tutoring program, College Success courses, co-creation of the academic coaching program, and many campus leadership positions. She came to PSU after working at the University of Oregon for two years. Liane's interests include assisting under-prepared and struggling students in achieving their goals of a baccalaurette degree and in managing the various barriers that can occur along the way. She created the College Success curriculum in 2002 when she saw a need that wasn't being fulfilled by the University and felt that it was our job to TEACH students HOW to be students. She has attended numerous national and international conferences on teaching and curriculum development and the result is that today there are several sections of the course taught by different advisers via the Academic Support Program. In 2007, she presented at the International Conference on the First-Year Experience about the success the ASP has had in increasing retention and graduation of this at-risk population of students. In 2012, she was invited back to the International FYE Conference to present on the Learning Center's newly formed academic coaching program along with the coaching program from University Housing and Residence Life and the positive impact peer coaching can have on students transitioning to higher education. Liane gets her energy from students and loves to help solve complex problems. Her favorite time of year is Commencement, when she gets to personally witness the culmination of a students' hard work when they walk across the stage to receive their degree. Being a small part of that accomplishment in students lives is truly an honor. When she is not at the office, Liane is busy at home with her two young sons, Connor and Beckett or playing with her kitty, Bella. You'll see Liane at as many football and basketball games as possible as she is a die-hard sports fan. Go Viks (and Ducks, too)!

Courtney Sandler, M. Ed., Academic Success & Retention Coordinator- UHRL (2010-present)
Roads to Success Instructor
503.725.2483, sandler@pdx.edu
M. Ed., College Student Personnel, Western Carolina University, 2006
B. S., Communications, Western Carolina University, 2004
B.S., Marketing, Western Carolina University, 2004
Courtney started her journey at Portland State in Fall 2010. She came to PSU from North Carolina where she was born, raised and educated. Courtney has worked full-time in higher education for almost seven years focusing on a wide array or areas including residence life, student activities, Greek life, multicultural affairs, academic coaching, academic success and retention. Currently Courtney is the Academic Success and Retention Coordinator for University Housing and Residence Life. She works directly with University Success, an in-all academic support center, Academic Coaching, as well as academic support and retention initiatives. Courtney’s passion is to help students achieve success inside and outside the classroom. She also loves to help students seek their own passions and ways in life so they can reach their ultimate goals and happiness. When Courtney is away from the office she spends her time outdoors, camping, biking, hiking, hanging out with her dog and gardening. Being new to the area she loves to venture around and find new places in Portland. You may catch Courtney at PSU’s Saturday Market because she is a vegan/gluten free foodie!

Shoshana Zeisman, Ed.D., Coordinator of Services for Probationary Students, (2005- present)
Roads to Success, College Success Instructor
503.725.9548, zeisman@pdx.edu
Ed.D. Postsecondary, Adult & Continuing Education, Portland State University, 2012
M.A. Organizational Management, University of Phoenix, 2005
B.B.A. Finance, University of Texas, 1998
Shoshana began working at PSU in 2005 as Graduate Assistant in the Academic Support Program and then was hired in March 2007 as a permanent full-time Academic Adviser. She teaches College Success courses that focus on helping at risk students with study, time management and other skills that will lead to their success at PSU. Shoshana also works closely with students on academic warning and academic probation. Shoshana has a total of eight years of experience working in higher education including, experience working in Financial Aid and Career Services. She is currently working on completing an Ed.D. in post-secondary, adult and continuing education from PSU. In her spare time Shoshana enjoys playing with her dog, seeing live music, exploring Portland and the surrounding area, and watching college football. Of course she loves the Vikings, but the top spot in her football heart will always be reserved for her alma mater, the Texas Longhorns.

*( ) Indicates tenure at PSU, not necessarily in current job title.