Meet the Team

When and where did you attend college? I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Development from Pittsburg State University in 2005. I continued at Pitt State to receive my Master of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical in 2007.

How would you describe your career path in three words? Diverse, Educational and Challenging

What has been the most valuable lesson you learned from your education and/or career?  The most valuable lesson I have gained throughout my education and career is that working hard, taking initiative with your goals and enjoying your day-to-day can go a long way with feeling accomplishments with your career goals. Also, surround yourself with others who you enjoy working with and who compliment your work style.

When and where did you attend college or university?
I graduated from Pittsburg State University in 2007 with my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and again in 2018 with my Masters of Technology in Human Resource Development. #oagaag

How would you describe your career in three words?
Fun, Rewarding, and Relationships

My first real, “grown-up” job was as a legal assistant for a small law firm. I did this job for a few years, while I was starting a family, but I knew that I probably wouldn’t do it forever. In 2012, I joined the Career Services team as the office manager, and while working, I completed my Masters degree. Right at the time I graduated, I was presented with an opportunity to move into the Employer Relations role within the department. As an introvert, I wasn’t sure if this was a good fit, but I took the leap and was challenged in new ways and rewarded through great personal growth. I moved into a Human Resources role at PSU for a little while, but returned back to Career Development with the merge under the Student Success Center. I love what I do, working for my alma mater and helping students and employers make that ultimate connection.

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education and or career?
The most valuable lesson, and something I would share with students entering the workforce, is to find a career and company that aligns with your personal values and goals. As a full-time working parent, I value my career immensely, but my family is everything to me, so I’m thankful that I’ve found a place that not only supports that, but encourages it. You spend so many hours at work, so having a team around you that gives you positive feelings will make work an enjoyable place for you to be.

I also encourage students to really make efforts to step outside of their comfort zones. I’ve found the most growth in times of most discomfort.

When and where did you attend college or university?
I graduated from Pittsburg State University in 2010 with my Bachelors of Arts degree in Spanish.

How would you describe your career path in three words?
Unexpected, Fulfilling and Challenging

After graduation, I was unsure of what I wanted to do. I knew I didn’t want to teach or work as a translator, so I returned to a previous summer job as a cashier to give myself a few more months before I had to start making some big life decisions.  I ended up working for that organization for 10 years.  In those years, I was given the opportunity to help the HR coordinator with the recruitment and on-boarding process of seasonal employees. As an introvert, I never thought about a position in Human Resources, but ended up really enjoying it. When I was looking for a new job, I looked for roles that included aspects of hiring, training, and on-boarding new employees.  This brought me to working in Career Development at PSU as an Administrative Associate and then to my current position as Student Employment Assistant Director. I had always worked for very large public companies or private family owned companies so working in Higher Ed was another new experience for me that I had never really thought about going into before.  Every day is different and there are always new challenges to face which makes it exciting and rewarding to be able to continue to learn and grow.

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education and or career?
One lesson I’ve learned is to be flexible and keep an open mind.  You may not start your career in your dream job, but by keeping an open mind, focusing on the aspects of the job that you enjoy or the skills that you can develop there, can help you achieve your dream job even if it’s not in the same field.  I was devastated when I was laid off from a job that after being there 10 years, I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else or doing anything else.  The HR director reminded me that even as cliché as it sounds, everything happens for a reason and that while it was hard to think about in that moment, there were other and better opportunities available.   I ended up in a career that combined my favorite aspects of the job that I was doing, but allowed me to develop new skills and had opportunities for professional development and advancement, and ultimately I am much happier and enjoy the work that I do now.