Central Career Team
The staff in Barnes Hall are happy to assist students and alumni.
The staff in Barnes Hall are happy to assist students and alumni.
Executive Director (Central Career Services)
Erica was a first-generation college student and grew up in rural, Northeastern Pennsylvania. For over 15 years she has worked in higher education beginning her career in Multicultural Student Services and Residence Life. For the past 12 years, she has worked in Career Services, first at The Pennsylvania State University where she served as a career counselor, and then at Binghamton University in the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development. There she served as Senior Associate Director for Career Experiences and Education and guided career center initiatives that supported equity and inclusion, oversaw career consulting services as well as a credit-bearing internship program. Erica has also taught numerous courses focused on professional development, internships, and career exploration. In the fall of 2022, she took on the role Executive Director of Career Services at Cornell University. Erica earned a B.A. in Musical Theatre and Communications from Susquehanna University, a M.S.Ed. in College Student Personnel from Bucknell University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Theory and Policy with a minor in Comparative and International Education from The Pennsylvania State University. Her dissertation focused on the higher education experiences and post-graduation plans of college students from rural communities.
Erica loves working with college students and helping them connect to the opportunities and networks that will help them feel confident and achieve their goals. She is constantly seeking new and innovative ideas to support students’ career and professional growth and works to ensure equity is at the forefront of career education and opportunities for college students.
Top 5 Strengths: Individualization, Achiever, Maximizer, Arranger, Learner
Liaisons: Center for Teaching Innovation, Parent and Family Programs
Media: Inspired by students, new Exec. Director of Cornell Career Services takes helm; Career Development Toolkit wins national award for technology excellence; Unpacking the Hidden Curriculum of Career Services: The Cornell Career Development Toolkit
Assistant Director, Pre-Law and Pre-Graduate Advising (Central Career Services)
Alex grew up in Michigan and moved to upstate New York at first for graduate school. As a member of the Cornell Career Services team, he supports students and alumni who are considering law school and other graduate programs. He is glad to work with anyone at any stage of that process, from the first exploratory steps through to the hard work of researching programs and applying.
Alex has served as President of the Northeastern Association of Pre-Law Advisors (NAPLA) and as a board member of the Pre-Law Advisors National Council (PLANC).
Pronouns: he/him/his
CliftonStrengths: Empathy, Developer, Learner, Individualization, and Responsibility.
Liaisons: Cornell Law School; Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS); Undocumented and DACA Support; Veteran Resource Team
Career Associate for Professional Readiness (Pre-Law & Pre-Graduate) (Central Career Services)
Dana is a native of Syracuse New York and has worked in the higher education industry for over a decade. Dana comes to Cornell after spending the majority of her career at Syracuse University primarily in areas of Academic Advising and Admissions.
Dana has worked as an Academic Advisor in SU’s School of Management and School of Architecture. Dana has also previously served as the Assistant Director of Admissions at Syracuse College of Law.
Dana earned a BA in Business Administration from Sacred Heart University (where she also played soccer), and later continued her education at Syracuse University receiving her MS in Higher Education Administration.
Dana’s passion lies in supporting students reach their educational and professional goals. She enjoys the collaboration process and assisting students discover how their current skill sets can translate into future opportunities.
In addition to meeting with undergraduate students interested in law or graduate school, Dana also advises the Master’s in Legal Studies (MSLS) students in the Cornell Law School on career related topics. If you’re a MSLS student who would like to meet with Dana, please feel free to schedule an appointment.
Career Readiness Coach (Central Career Services)
Elaine is a first-generation college graduate who identifies as Asian American and is originally from Brooklyn, New York. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University at Buffalo and began her career in Operation Management at Amazon after graduation. She later completed her Master’s degree in Higher Education at Syracuse University.
Elaine is passionate about working with students to help them explore and develop their career paths. Her background in business provides her a unique perspective that she brings to her work with students. Cornell students and alumni interested in business, finance, consulting, or entrepreneurship careers should seek an appointment with Elaine.
In her previous role at Syracuse University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, Elaine worked with first- and second-year students in the WellsLink Leadership Program. She provided one-on-one meetings with students and weekly seminars to help them identify their academic, career, and personal goals. She is committed to empowering and guiding students with their exploration and development process.
Liaisons: A3C, First Gen and Low Income Support, Entrepreneurship, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
CliftonStrengths: Discipline, Harmony, Focus, Restorative, Analytical
International Career Development Coach (Central Career Services)
Erica is passionate about helping international students navigate education and employment in the U.S. She is originally from Ohio and began her career in higher education in 2014 while in graduate school in Dallas, Texas. Erica has served as an academic advisor and international student advisor (DSO and ARO) for students pursuing Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and graduate degrees. She couples her training in counseling with a deep understanding of the cultural and immigration-related pressures that international students experience. Her goal is to help students make confident and informed decisions while making the most of employment opportunities in the U.S. and abroad. She comes to Cornell Career Services from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Liaisons: Office of Global Learning, English Language Support Office, Black Student Empowerment (Dean of Students), Office of Spirituality and Meaning Making
Assistant Director for Career Exploration (Central Career Services)
Heather joined Cornell University’s Career Service team in 2017 where she focuses on empowering students with the skills and confidence to explore their careers. Before moving into the role of a career advisor and encouraging students to find their best-fit career paths, she was a member of the Cornell admissions team helping students find their best-fit college. As the Career Exploration Coach, Heather manages Cornell’s campus wide networking platform, develops partnerships across campus to support career development for Cornell students, and encourages exploring careers through connections with others. In addition to completing the Intergroup Dialogue Project (IDP) Advising Across Difference course at Cornell, she is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and is energized by the opportunity to administer the Strengths assessment through group workshops and individual meetings to help students recognize their strengths in their personal, academic, and professional experiences.
Heather grew up in Ithaca and earned her B.S. in Communication Disorders from Pennsylvania State University. As a first-generation college student, she is passionate about connecting students with resources and community and she is inspired and motivated by her work as a professional in higher education. When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, Heather will likely answer, “A multipotentialite.” Curious? Check it out.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Liaisons: Cornell Athletics, Office of Alumni Affairs, Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives (OADI), Cornell Commitment, Undergraduate Admissions at Cornell, Visitor Relations, Dining, Tatkon Center for New Students, West Campus House System.
Top 5 Strengths: Achiever, Empathy, Relator, Developer, Learner
Senior Associate Director (Central Career Services)
Jessamyn joined Cornell Career Services in 2019 as the Manager of the Career Exploration Unit. In addition to student appointments and workshops, she runs the Career Services liaison program, programming committee, and professional development committee.
Jessamyn earned Bachelors degrees in Psychology and Spanish from the State University of New York at Geneseo (SUNY Geneseo). She took two gap years to work as a research fellow in the Health Behavior Branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), focusing on adolescents and young adults. She completed her M.S. and Ph.D. from the Counseling Psychology program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has worked in counseling centers, disability services, and career services at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Grand Valley State University.
Jessamyn is a Certified Career Counselor (CCC) and has taught career courses and specializes in career assessments. As a counseling psychologist, Jessamyn is enthusiastic about integrating theory, research, and practice. She is particularly interested in the intersection of career and mental health. She enjoys helping college students define and achieve their career goals. In 2024 she became a certified Facilitating Career Development Instructor through NCDA.
Jessamyn grew up in Ithaca. She worked at Cornell Adult University summer programs and as a Research Assistant for Dr. Casasola in the College of Human Ecology.
Impostor Phenomenon: Jessamyn’s research investigates how the impostor phenomenon (“imposter syndrome”) impacts career and education outcomes. She has worked with individuals and co-lead group therapy on the topic. She has presented over twenty times on the topic for Cornell audiences and as an invited guest speaker for professional organizations or other universities.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Liaisons: Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS), Skorton Center for Health Initiatives, Office of Undergraduate Biology (OUB), Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC), Student Disability Services (SDS).
Top 5 Strengths: Input, Analytical, Discipline, Individualization, Deliberative
Media:
Career Services Awarded Article of the Year (NCDA 2021)
Career Development Toolkit Wins Technology Innovation Award (EACE 2022)
Career Development Toolkit wins national award for technology excellence
Unpacking the Hidden Curriculum of Career Services: The Cornell Career Development Toolkit
Employer Relations Program Assistant (Central Career Services)
Although she’s native to Upstate New York, after high school she ventured into Miami Florida for a handful of years. She graduated from Miami Dade College with an A.A. in Political Science as the President of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society in April 2022. Kayleigh simultaneously worked full time as an Operations Manager at a luxury residential property on South Beach where she enhanced her exceptional transferrable skills. A large part of who Kayleigh is, is her love for new cultures, new environments, and overall new experiences. Traveling to unfamiliar destinations is a lifelong commitment of hers – Boston, MA is her favorite city within the states; however, Kayleigh has a deep fondness for Europe, especially the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Full force indulgent into new environments brings a new sense of growth and she finds fulfillment with her efforts here at Cornell.
Advisor: The Wardrobe
Strengths: Deliberative, Restorative, Relator, Achiever, Responsibility
Liaisons: Off-Campus Living, Associate Dean of Students and Director of Latinx Student Empowerment
Manager of Employer Relations & Professional Readiness Programs (Central Career Services)
As associate director and manager of employer relations and professional readiness programs, Kim provides oversight and direction for employer relations, employment services (with special focus on employment opportunities targeted to students from all colleges and schools), career-launch programs, and many aspects of external relations. She develops and oversees programs to prepare students for the job-search process and for career entry, including the Calby Fellows Program.
Prior roles at Cornell University include serving as Cornell University’s Engineering Career Center associate director responsible for leading the College of Engineering’s Cooperative Education Program and for providing career development advice to Cornell University’s engineering students. She also oversaw the career development efforts for the Baker Program in Real Estate and was the assistant to the executive director of the Cornell Public Service Center. She spent 15 years in various management roles at Wegman’s Food Markets in Ithaca, Corning, and Rochester. Kim holds a Master of Business Administration in organizational management from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Applied Science in hotel and restaurant management from Rochester Institute of Technology. Kim has served in various board roles for United Way of Tompkins County, and is a founding member and advocate of the Elizabeth Amisano Ovarian Cancer Education Fund.
Top 5 Strengths: Strategic, Learner, Communication, Relator, Achiever
Liaisons: Learning Strategies Center
Director, Student and Campus Life Career Initiatives and Employment Experiences (Central Career Services)
Krista supports the Student and Campus Life division in developing a student employment program that encourages students to explore and grow professionally while supporting critical operations across all aspects of the division’s units. Krista is guided by 20 years of experience in higher education administration at Cornell, Colgate University, the University of Chicago, Dartmouth College, University of Massachusetts Amherst and Chatham College. Krista has sat on the NASPA Public Policy Board and the NASPA Region II Executive Board. Krista’s professional interests include the impact of student employment and civic engagement on student success outcomes and first generation student advocacy and empowerment. Krista holds a Bachelors of Urban Planning and Development from Ball State University and a Masters of Public Policy and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
Liaisons: Financial Aid and Student Employment, Housing & Residential Life
Strengths: Deliberative, learner, analytical, discipline, focus
Pre-Law and Graduate Programs Assistant (Central Career Services)
Originally from Jamestown, NY, Kristine received her bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in Audio Production. Before joining Cornell Career Services, Kristine worked at Eagle Broadcasting (Cayuga Radio Group) for several years. Kristine supports the Pre-Law/Graduate and Pre-Health Advisors in Barnes Hall as well as supervising national exams on campus. Outside of work Kristine enjoys raising her high-school aged kids, tending her flower garden, and baking.
Liaison: Cornell Store
Top 5 Strengths: Adaptability, Harmony, Arranger, Discipline and Consistency
Database Manager (Central Career Services)
Lisa joined Cornell Career Services in 1998. She has always enjoyed diving into new technologies and tweaking systems to best support the needs of her department. Lisa has supported the technological side of career services from the first days of moving from paper to online and installing an office web server, through the years of custom programming, to the advent of big apps that join staff and students to large networks of community and services.
Lisa attended Ithaca College on a National Merit Scholarship and earned a Bachelors in Speech Communication. She also holds a Masters in Theology and Youth Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Lisa has homeschooled her four children, is an active member of her local library’s board of trustees, and enjoys woodworking, gardening, hiking and reading.
Top 5 Strengths: Connectedness, Intellection, Relator, Achiever, Developer
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Public Service Careers Coach (Central Career Services)
Mia loves helping students throughout their college journey, especially when they’re grappling with the infamous question…”What should I do with my life?!”. After completing her Bachelors in psychology, Mia took a gap year to work before heading to Ohio State for a Masters in Higher Education & Student Affairs. She has since returned to her Western NY roots, working at universities to support students with everything from majors and jobs to holistic wellness and personal growth. As an activist for social and racial justice, Mia brings her dedication to equity into her job as well. She loves helping students consider how their passion for social change can translate into a fulfilling career. When she’s not at work or engaged in local activism, you can find Mia hiking with her partner and black lab, snuggled up with a book, or attempting new craft projects.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Liaisons: Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell in Washington, Cornell Outdoor Education, David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement, Education Minor, Environment & Sustainability Program, and LGBT Resource Center.
Top 5 Strengths: Input, Individualization, Learner, Communication, Restorative.
Summer Experience Funding Program Associate (Central Career Services)
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Mike joined the Career Services team in 2024. He has been dedicated to assisting college students for over 15 years. After serving as an AmeriCorps member at the University of Charleston (WV), Mike went on to earn a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia. Since U.Va., Mike has worked in higher education at schools including the Rhode Island School of Design, East Carolina University, Purdue University, and Miami University (Ohio).
Mike has served students within various functional areas such as residence life, community engagement, student conduct, student organizations, honors, academic advising, and admissions. Mike encourages students to engage in reflection, continue pathways of learning, and to ask questions. A proponent of experiential education, Mike values the journey of personal discovery. He completed his Ph.D. in curriculum studies with a focus in higher education and masculinity from Purdue University in 2020. As a practitioner-scholar, Mike enjoys listening to students share their story and provide assistance as they continue their journey.
Assistant Director of Data and Systems
Stephanie joined Cornell University’s Career Services office in 2023 focusing on data and systems needs. Before moving into this role, she worked for over 9 years as the Assistant Director of Admissions in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) Office of Admissions, also at Cornell. She recruited and admitted students to both the undergraduate and graduate programs in AAP. She was also the primary advisor for the student ambassador group in AAP where she advised current students on a variety of skills including working as a team and how to manage competing priorities.
Stephanie grew up just outside of Binghamton NY and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from Alfred University. As a First-Generation College student, she was the first in her family to complete both an undergraduate and graduate education. Outside of work, Stephanie’s passions are riding horses, working out and spending time with her family and two Shiba Inu’s.
Strengths: Restorative, Empathy, Deliberative, Futuristic, Discipline
Liaisons: Gender Equity Resource Center, Sorority and Fraternity Life, Institutional Research and Planning.
Executive Assistant to Executive Director for Cornell Career Services
Susan joined Cornell Career Services in January 2023 as the executive assistant to Erica Kryst. She has worked at Cornell for 16 years and has held various positions across campus. In addition to supporting Erica and managing office projects, Susan provides office coverage and helps students and staff that visit the office. Susan enjoys meeting new people, learning where they are in their education, and what they plan to do after Cornell.
Top 5 Strengths: Learner, Achiever, Discipline, Consistency, Restorative
Administrative Assistant
Thea is from New Jersey, where she graduated from being a Medical Assistant. Her passion for helping others has always been her priority. Before joining Cornell Career Services, Thea worked as a receptionist for several years where she amplified her customer service skills. Thea is a great communicator, detail-oriented, and honest person who is always willing to help others. Thea enjoys working with both students and alumni to align their goals towards the right path. In her free time she enjoys doing hair and makeup.
Assistant Director, Data and Systems (Cornell Career Services)
Stephanie joined Cornell University’s Career Services office in 2023 focusing on data and systems needs. Before moving into this role, she worked for over 9 years as the Assistant Director of Admissions in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) Office of Admissions, also at Cornell. She recruited and admitted students to both the undergraduate and graduate programs in AAP. She was also the primary advisor for the student ambassador group in AAP where she advised current students on a variety of skills including working as a team and how to manage competing priorities.
Stephanie grew up just outside of Binghamton NY and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from Alfred University. As a First-Generation College student, she was the first in her family to complete both an undergraduate and graduate education. Outside of work, Stephanie’s passions are riding horses, working out and spending time with her family and two Shiba Inu’s.
Strengths: Restorative, Empathy, Deliberative, Futuristic, Discipline