Campus News
Meet & Greet: Kayla Hebebrand
Get to know the Success Coach from Oberlin's Center for Student Success.
February 27, 2026
Communications Staff
"Our office helps Obies understand themselves, create connections, and build practical skills," says Success Coach Kayla Hebebrand. She encourages all students to leave room in their packed schedules for "amazing surprises."
Student Success Coach Kayla Hebebrand joined Oberlin in January 2025, after previously serving as a licensed professional counselor in a Northeast Ohio private practice. As part of the Center for Student Success—which you can find in Stevenson Hall—she revels in the wide-ranging ways she in her colleagues are able to support the journey of very busy Obies. We caught up with Kayla to learn more about her work and her perspective.
Tell us about your primary responsibilities with CSS.
Most of my day consists of meeting with students one on one to discuss how they want to manage their time. Many of them are involved in multiple student organizations, athletics, have loaded course schedules, and have jobs on campus.
We discuss practical ways of balancing their priorities while also practicing self-care. Success coaching can also include Clifton Strengths assessment follow-ups for students to process their results and learn more about how they can apply their strengths in practical ways.
Our office helps Obies understand themselves, create connections, and build practical skills. Part of creating connections is identifying what types of social circles they want to invest their time in and what they value in connections. In order to understand ourselves, we need to identify what we value and how those values show up in our actions as we navigate our communities and individual journeys.
What's something people might be surprised to learn about the Center for Student Success?
Typically, what students first come to CSS for isn't the core issue. We go deeper as we build rapport. Also, on a fun side note: If a student sees a lot of yellow and sunflowers—bingo! They made it to my office!
If your office had a theme song, what would it be?
"Golden" by Jill Scott.
What makes Oberlin special to you?
Oberlin is so special to me because of all the trail blazers that came before me. All of the rich history that is part of Oberlin makes me grateful and honored to be part of this compassionate community.
What's your favorite Oberlin space and why?
The Science Center, because it is so bright and full of natural light!
What's something you've learned that you wish all students could know?
You don't have to have it all figured out! Leave room in the margins and some amazing surprises will come your way.
What do you enjoy doing away from work?
I love spending time with my wild orange cat Pua, volunteering at my church, writing poetry, and staying active!
Please share a fun fact about you or something you're good at!
I love traveling, especially internationally. This summer I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic.