Meet the ACU Speaking Center Team!
Dr. Kholo Theledi
Director
Hi! I am the Director of the Speaking Center here at Abilene Christian University. I have served in this role for two years. I am an Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Critical/Cultural Studies in the Department of Sociology & Communication Studies.
I love live music, hiking, animated shows, and being with friends and family.
The best tip I can give you as a speaker is this: remember to center your audience throughout your speech preparation process – from the moment you determine you purpose to selecting your topic until the moment you leave the stage.
Make your audience glad that they came to listen to you speak!
Lillian Roark
Assistant Director
Hi! I’m Lillian Roark, the Assistant Director of the Speaking Center at Abilene Christian University. I earned my undergraduate degree in Business Management and am currently pursuing my M.A. in Communication at ACU. I love helping students become more confident and intentional communicators.
I’m originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and outside of the Speaking Center, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going on walks, and hanging out with my cat, Nugget.
My biggest tip for public speaking is to find your voice and use it. We all have experiences, ideas, and stories worth sharing with others. Public speaking allows us to find and develop our own voice, grow in confidence, and connect with the people around us. Don’t be afraid to share what you have to say!
Consultants
Seth O’Quinn
Consultant
Study Abroad Specialist
Hi! I’m a junior at ACU, majoring in Finance and minoring in Music. I’m originally from Keller, Texas, and I’ve been working at the Speaking Center since January 2025.
I enjoy music, and I play the drum set in the ACU Jazz Band. I also love spending time outdoors whenever I can.
Working at the Speaking Center has been a great experience. I enjoy helping people become more confident in their public speaking and watching them grow in their communication skills.
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Haley Bock
Consultant
Hi! I’m Haley Bock. I am from San Antonio, TX, and I am currently a sophomore here at ACU. I will be entering the nursing program in the Spring. I enjoy singing, leading worship at church, and baking sourdough in my free time!
As a worship leader of 6+ years, I understand being in front of an audience can be intimidating! My best advice for someone looking to improve their public speaking is simply repetition. The more times you face and overcome your fears, the easier it gets!
Joshua Fleitas
Consultant
Study Abroad Specialist
Hey, my name is Joshua Fleitas, and I’m a junior Applied Mathematics major.
I love to play piano and I love stories. This is my fourth semester working with the Speaking Center, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. It’s a very engaging job compared to your typical office job. I’m able to meet new people everyday, help said people with their confidence, and encourage them to be the best version of themselves.
As for a tip for anyone coming to visit the Speaking Center, remember that how you do anything is how you do everything. Give it your all!
Amelie Aquino
Consultant
Hi! My name is Amelie Aquino and I’m a sophomore majoring in Journalism and minoring in Film. I was born in Mexico, lived in Brazil, and now reside in Mansfield, TX. If I’m not at the bean or studying, you can most likely find me at the pool!
I am so excited to help others feel more comfortable giving their speeches and I’d love to help them better organize their information. Remember that there is no such thing as a perfect speech, solid outline = solid speech!
Jaden Frecka
Consultant
Hi! My name is Jaden Frecka. I am a junior Multimedia major from El Paso, Texas.
A tip I would give someone interested in improving their public speaking skills is to always remember you have a story to tell and people will be impacted by it.
Karissa Logan
Consultant
My name is Karissa and I’m a junior majoring in English and minoring in Bible. In my free time, I love to read and write, as well as cook for my family and loved ones. I’m so excited to be here at the Speaking Center! I love helping others grow in confidence with public speaking and performance and I’m so happy to have the chance to learn alongside those I will meet!
Ester Torres-Pinheiro
Consultant
Hello, my name is Ester Torres-Pinheiro, I’m a sophomore worship ministry major with a minor in education from Cypress, TX. My hobbies include making music, crafting, reading, and spending time with friends. I love to connect with people and empower them to feel confident in themselves, so I’m looking forward to meeting new people and helping them shine.
Remember that your voice matters!
Chloe Liles
Consultant
Hello, my name is Chloe Liles. I am a Junior at ACU, majoring in Communication and minoring in Psychology. I was born and raised in the great city of Houston with two amazing parents and four older siblings. My hobbies include singing, reading, and creative writing.
One tip I would give to those new to public speaking is to carefully organize your speech. Taking the time to structure a presentation well will save time and stress in the long run.
Mikhail Fortner
Consultant
A little bit about myself: I’m a senior English major with a Bible minor from Burnet, Texas. I live on a bit of land, which is super fun to be out in nature and among wildlife! I enjoy reading literature and poetry, playing guitar, and running! I’m a big Leif Enger fan, so if you ever get a chance to read his books, you should!
One of the simplest but most impactful pieces of advice for speaking: Remember to relax and slow down at certain points when speaking. Often, we get nervous or excited when speaking, and lowering your voice slightly and your pace of speech can be a greater emphasis for your audience.
Interested in working with us?
Apply via the ACU HR portal.
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