Central Career Team

Dr. Erica Kryst, PhD serves as the Executive Director of Cornell Career Services. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, she provides strategic leadership for career advising and education, employer engagement, and initiatives that prepare students for professional growth and success across the institution. Previously, Erica served as Senior Associate Director for Career Experiences and Education at Binghamton University, where she oversaw internship programs and led efforts to enhance student career readiness. She has also held roles in Career Services at The Pennsylvania State University, and in Residence Life at the University of New Hampshire. Erica has taught numerous courses on professional development, internships, and career exploration.

Erica earned her B.A. in Musical Theatre and Communications from Susquehanna University, her M.S.Ed. in College Student Personnel from Bucknell University, and her Ph.D. in Educational Theory and Policy from The Pennsylvania State University. Her doctoral research focused on the experiences and career aspirations of college students from rural communities. A first-generation college graduate, Erica is passionate about empowering students to pursue fulfilling careers and make meaningful connections.

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).

Originally from the Ithaca area, Anna obtained her bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Security Studies from Anglo-American University in the Czech Republic. Prior to working with Career Services, Anna worked at the Statler Hotel in Meetings and Events, where she demonstrated her commitment to high-quality service in student-focused environments.

Anna is passionate about helping students to reach their professional and academic goals, and fostering an inclusive environment. When she isn’t at work, you can find Anna spending time with her dogs, crafting, or curled up with a good book.

Clare advises students and alumni applying to national and international fellowships. She is the recipient of fellowships from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, the Fulbright Program, and Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts. She has worked in academic presses and libraries at the University of Iowa, the University of Cambridge, Yale University, and Brown University. Clare holds a BA from Carleton College, an MFA in Poetry from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and an MPhil in Eighteenth Century and Romantic Studies from Queens’ College, Cambridge.

Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Developer, Empathy, Positivity, Relator, Individualization

Elaine is a first-generation college graduate who identifies as Asian American and is 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

Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Discipline, Harmony, Focus, Restorative, Analytical

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.

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

Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Individualization, Relator, Empathy, Responsibility, Harmony

Featured Contributions:

• Presentation Getting Unstuck in your US Job Search (See video here)
• Podcast episode Success Beyond Borders: Navigating International Student Challenges and Resources on Cornell Brooks Career Talk (listen here)
• Podcast episode Success Beyond Borders: When Plans Shift on Cornell Brooks Career Talk (listen here)

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 CliftonStrengths: Achiever, Empathy, Relator, Developer, Learner

A North Carolina native, Helen got her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Shortly after graduating from UNC, she moved to Charlottesville, Virginia and began working at the University of Virginia Career Center, where she realized her passion for student affairs. She then completed her M.Ed. in Higher Education at UVA and worked as the Student Services Coordinator for the Higher Education Graduate Programs from which she had just graduated. Working with the Higher Education students solidified her desire to advise students as they find their interests, talents, and paths forward, and in the Summer of 2018, she joined the Engineering Career Center as an Assistant Director.

CliftonStrengths: empathy, consistency, connectedness, adaptability, harmony

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-led 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 CliftonStrengths: Input, Analytical, Discipline, Individualization, Deliberative

Featured Contributions:
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

Originally from Upstate New York, Kayleigh’s journey has taken her from Miami to Europe and now to Cornell, where she brings a global perspective and deep appreciation for new cultures and experiences. A graduate of Miami Dade College with an A.A. in Political Science, she served as President of Phi Theta Kappa while working full-time as an Operations Manager at a luxury residential property in South Beach—developing transferable skills in leadership, service, and strategic planning.

Now a young professional with a background spanning employer relations and high-end operations, Kayleigh thrives in cross-functional roles that blend event execution, relationship building, and operational efficiency. From leading university-wide career fairs and managing 300+ employer partnerships to overseeing daily operations across 10 departments, she brings precision, creativity, and a service-first mindset to everything she does.

Known for her clear communication, inclusive approach, and ability to deliver high-impact experiences, Kayleigh is passionate about career access, global engagement, and building strong, collaborative partnerships.

Pronouns: She | Her

Advisor: The Wardrobe

Liaisons: Off-Campus Living, Associate Dean of Students and Director of Latinx Student Empowerment

Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Deliberative, Restorative, Relator, Achiever, Responsibility

Krista leads the Office of National Fellowships, which is the hub of fellowship-related information, resources, education, and best practice guidelines for the Cornell campus. During her time with the Office of National Fellowships, she has advised hundreds of students on national fellowships, while also staying connected to the foundations, the national advising network and advisors and mentors across campus supporting high achieving students. 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. She has been on the NASPA Public Policy Board, NASPA Region II Executive Board, NAFA Conference Planning Committee and NAFA Study Group Planning Committee. Krista is passionate about supporting students to clarify their career goals related to the impact they seek to have in the world. Krista holds a Bachelor of Urban Planning and Development from Ball State University and a Master of Public Policy and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Specializations: Leadership Fellowships, Public Service & Governmental Fellowships, STEM Fellowships

Top 5 Clifton Strengths: Deliberative, Learner, Analytical, Discipline, Focus

Maranda creates and maintains Career Services content for the Career Development Toolkit, website, and CUeLINKS.  She additionally assists with telling the story of Career Services through social media. Maranda is a Kentucky native that holds an MA in Adult Education from the Western Kentucky University, an MS in Computer Science from Ball State University, and a BS in Computer Science from Georgetown. She has been working within higher education for over 20 years with her starting at Cornell in Spring 2023.  When she’s not at work you can find Maranda experimenting in her garden, spending quality time with her loved ones, or crafting something.

Pronouns:  She/Her/Hers

Liaison: Center for Teaching Innovation

Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Belief, Connectedness, Responsibility, Developer, Empathy

Melissa Bazley has advised Cornell Engineering students on academic, career, college transition, and personal issues for close to 20 years. She is particularly interested in leveraging educational technology to create efficiencies and improve learning outcomes for students. Melissa enjoys working with engineering students and faculty because of their dedication, strong work ethic, and drive to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international management, a master of science degree focused on college student development, and a master of education degree in instructional systems technology.

CliftonStrengths: Strategic, Intellection, Relator, Learner, Responsibility

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 adorable dog, 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 CliftonStrengths: Input, Individualization, Learner, Communication, Restorative.

Featured Contributions:

• Podcast episode Career Takes: Cover Letters & Resumes (listen here)
  

Recent Professional Presentations:

• “Empowering Students to Thrive by Aligning Identities, Values, and Career Decisions” presented at the NCDA Conference, June 2025

Awards & Honors:

• 2025 Cornell’s Student & Campus Life “Student Employee Supervisor of the Year” Award
• 2025 Northeast Association of Student Employment Administrators “Supervisor of the Year” Award

Stephanie joined Cornell University’s Central Career Services office in 2023 focusing on data, assessment, and system’s 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. While in AAP, she was part of the DEI Committee that included staff, faculty, and student members. In her current role, she serves as the Disability Representative At-Large on the Employee Assembly and as the Employee Assembly representative for the University Assembly. She also serves on the Central Career Services DEI Committee and is a liaison to the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, Gender Equity Resource Center, the Office of Institutional and Research Planning, and the Office of Institutional Equity and Title XI. She is also the co-chair of the Assessment, Evaluation and Outcomes NCDA committee.

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.

Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Restorative, Empathy, Deliberative, Futuristic, Discipline

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.