Meet Your Advisors

Emily Emerick

Advisor

Emily has served as an academic advisor at Brigham Young University since 2016. She is passionate about helping students discover their strengths, clarify their goals, and create meaningful academic plans that support both their personal and professional aspirations. She especially enjoys helping students connect their interests with opportunities across BYU and encouraging them to think boldly about their futures. Her hope is that every student graduates confident that they chose the degree that was the right fit for them and prepared to make a meaningful impact.

Emily earned both her bachelor's degree in Community Health and her master's degree in Academic Advising from Kansas State University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her four daughters, hiking, being near the ocean, reading, and staying active outdoors. She often uses her commute as an opportunity to listen to books and continue learning.

Raquel Petrus

Assistant Supervisor

Raquel is passionate about helping students discover the tools and opportunities that will help them succeed. Her advising style is centered on listening deeply, building meaningful connections, and empowering students to write their own life story. She enjoys helping students explore their interests, dream big, and create an intentional plan for achieving their academic, professional, and personal goals. Her focus is helping students move efficiently through their programs while making the most of their university experience.

As a Haitian American, Raquel is an islander at heart and enjoys learning about different countries and cultures through travel and personal connections. She is multilingual and enjoys opportunities to speak and connect with others in different languages. In her free time, she enjoys cooking international foods, reading, laughing, and spending time near the ocean. She especially treasures time spent with her family.

Raquel is a BYU alumna with a bachelor's degree in Youth Agency Administration and a Master of Public Administration. She has worked at BYU since 2019 and enjoys supporting students as they navigate their educational journey.

Lesa Snyder

Academic Director

Born in Texas and raised in British Columbia, Canada, Lesa Snyder proudly combines Southern spirit with Canadian kindness. Since 2015, she's loved helping students discover their strengths, explore their passions, and create meaningful educational and career experiences.

As a member of the Kennedy Center advising team, Lesa enjoys connecting students with opportunities that build confidence, professional skills, and a sense of purpose. She earned a bachelor's degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development from BYU and a master's degree in Academic Advising from Kansas State University.

Outside of work, Lesa is the proud mom of five and loves family adventures, traveling, hiking, biking, reading, racquetball, and just about anything involving the outdoors.