Class of 2004
Interdisciplinary Individualized major (IIM) 'Kinesiology,' Psychology minor
Individualization, Activator, Positivity, Relator, Empathy

"As your coach, I will strive to uncover the most effective way to treat you the way you want to be treated. You are unique and have innate abilities to offer the world. Together we will dive a little deeper and develop your talents into strengths you can depend on. I hope you'll find my smile and excitement for the process keeps you energized as we unwrap the gifts within you. In short time, you'll be amazed at how you'll be able to set your intentions toward what you hope to achieve."

Miriam grew up in North Dakota and finished high school in Wisconsin. When she moved to Decorah in 2000 for college, she fell in love with the beauty of this region and the vibrancy of the people. After graduating in 2004, marrying her best friend Paul Skrade ’04, and giving birth to their twins, she moved to Ames, IA. There she obtained a Masters of Science in Exercise Psychology and then moved to Galesburg, IL where she was the Head Tennis Coach at Knox College. Miriam and Paul always intended to return to Decorah to pursue their careers and raise their children, Annalise and Daniel, and did so in 2015. Miriam started out as a tennis coach for Luther, but then took over the Luther College Strengths Program in 2017 and has felt privileged to serve the campus in this capacity.

Class of 2022
Accounting major, English minor
Woo, Communication, Individualization, Relator, Responsibility

“As your coach, I will show excitement about understanding your innate talents and help you feel comfortable and confident during our time together. I will listen actively and communicate effectively to help us identify a path that will lead you to develop your unique strengths as they apply to your life. After working together, I hope you will identify me as a loyal advocate that will be there to support you on your strengths-development journey!”

Megan was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, IA but has been very happy to call Decorah home during her time as a Luther student. After first being exposed to strengths in the fall of her first year at Luther, she has been passionately excited about strengths and the way they illuminate how each person is uniquely talented. She has enjoyed applying and sharing the strengths mindset in the classroom, extra-curricular activities, and conversations with peers and faculty. Learning about the strengths tool and cultivating an appreciation for the strengths mindset has truly helped Megan and the students she has worked with take major strides toward unlocking their true potential! In addition to her studies, she plays on the women’s tennis team, plays flute in the Symphony Orchestra, is a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Council, and loves to play intramural walleyball. She would love to help you learn and grow as you discover and cultivate your strengths!

Class of 2024

Visual Communication major

Strategic, Achiever, Positivity, Woo, Communication

Nancy grew up in Hue City, Vietnam. She has been happy to call Luther home. In addition to her position at the Career Center, Nancy is also a tutor at the Barry Writing Center, a student ambassador at the Admissions Office, and serves as the social media chair of the Cheerleading team. Nancy can’t wait to get to know you, your strengths!

Class of 2024

Psychology major, Music minor

Strategic, Communication, Connectedness, Ideation, Woo

Noah grew up in Minnetonka, MN, but has been proud to call Luther home during his time as a student. During a completely backwards year, Noah realized his passion for personality psychology and community-building and jumped headfirst into the strengths program. He hopes that through the program, he will be able to help students embrace the unique qualities, gifts, and passions that make them unique, while also figuring out how to work together and build a community of friendship and support. Apart from psychology, Noah loves music, and was granted the opportunity to be a part of Nordic Choir, Opera Scenes, and the a capella group Undeclared at Luther college. Noah also has a deep love of soccer and would be more than happy to discuss anything related to the beautiful game with you at any time! Noah is beyond excited to begin his journey with the Strengths Program and to help young students find their passions, embrace their individuality and find their place in the Luther community.