Staff Spotlight: Meet Haley, Helping Students Persevere
Bradenton, Fla. Aug. 22, 2025
Haley Yursky-Fischer, coordinator, Student CARE Services, Dean of Students Office
Haley Yursky-Fischer grew up in Sarasota near SCF and joined the College in January 2022 to give back to the community that helped shape her. Her passion for higher education and student support aligned perfectly with SCF’s mission to foster growth, opportunity and success. She has found purpose, belonging and growth at SCF.
Serving Proudly at SCF
In her role, Yursky-Fischer offers support to students who are experiencing outside circumstances impacting their academic success. Some common personal challenges students face include:
- Accessing mental health counseling.
- Finding resources for homelessness and/or food insecurity.
- Navigating the loss of a loved one.
- Getting academic assistance in the event of hospitalization or an accident.
She has led initiatives to strengthen student support systems, built trusting relationships with at-risk students, guided students toward academic and career goals and connected students to resources that have helped them persist and thrive.
Brené Brown, a researcher and storyteller, is someone she finds meaningful for her work. Brown’s insights on vulnerability and connection deeply resonate with her trauma-informed, student-centered approach, inspiring her to lead with heart and purpose.
Honoring Excellence at SCF
Yursky-Fischer has been selected for the 2025-26 Leadership Manatee Class. The class provides seven months of learning about Manatee County’s sectors, connecting with other leaders, and developing leadership skills to make a lasting impact in the community. She has also received the 2025 Manatee Young Professionals Award in the Non-Profit/Government category for her work at SCF. This recognition affirmed her commitment to supporting student well-being and advocating for fairness in education.
To her, SCF is more than just a college. It’s a community built on connection, resilience and opportunity. She is proud to be part of a team that values compassion, innovation and student-centered support.
Life Outside of SCF
When not at work, Yursky-Fischer enjoysspending time with her husband and their dogs, especially at the beach. Being near the water and outdoors helps her connect, recharge and stay balanced.

