Experiential Learning Centers Team

How did you get to Middlebury? I was raised in Indianapolis, Indiana with my two sisters by my single mom. As a first-generation student, I loved my college experience and wanted to find a way to be a part of a college community as a professional. Incredible mentors along the way helped me navigate many personal and professional decisions.

Prior to joining Middlebury in 2016, I was privileged to serve students as director of the the career centers at Amherst College (2011-2015) and Colgate University (2007-2011). I served as chief health professions advisor and associate director at Dartmouth College (1998-2007) and began my career as a career advisor and residence hall director at Champlain College (1994-1998). After more than 20 years of work in liberal arts college career centers, I was drawn to Middlebury primarily to elevate the work of CCI with former executive director Peggy Burns and return to my favorite place in the world, Vermont.

Who do you work with? What is your favorite part of the job?I most enjoy working with colleagues to design opportunities that help students explore and pursue experiences that have the potential to be personally meaningful with regards to their learning and professional development. I get really excited when I hear how students are making connections with others in our community through mentoring and networking. My work engages a variety of collaborators across the Middlebury community, including alumni, employers, faculty, and staff and I learn something new every day.

What is the best career advice anyone has given you? Personal and professional networks will take care of you. Work to keep in touch and show gratitude.

What is your favorite campus resource?Midd2Midd and Handshake.

Interests/Hobbies: My husband, Jon, says that I think most about animals, particularly our Tela (English setter dog), Elsa (English springer spaniel dog), or Waylon (orange tabby cat). I volunteer for Girls Scouts as a troop leader. In my spare time I do painstaking-genealogy research. When it warms up in Vermont, I enjoy hiking and canoeing.

How did you get to Middlebury? My wife and I moved to Vermont during the pandemic. For her it was moving back. For me it was a welcome transition. I now have the great fortune to translate the skills I acquired over my last 10 years in nonprofit operations to Middlebury College.

Who do you work with? What is your favorite part of the job? I work with the wonderful team at the Experiential Learning Centers. My favorite part of the job is making their jobs easier, allowing them to expand their services and get even more creative in the services to students that the ELCs provide.

What is the best career advice anyone has given you? To spend less time trying to detail all of my goals. An outline works well and expression of an idea or goal to someone is a good way to get a better understanding of paths to achieve the goal.

“The act of explaining an idea to somebody else is a really good way to figure out how to tell the story.” – Malcolm Gladwell

What is your favorite campus resource? Peer Career Advisors. The Peer Career Advisors are amazing students that can help you with your first college resume, tips for interview prep, or just talk with you about your career goals and services the Career Center offers.

Interests/Hobbies: I enjoy reading. A back and forth between sci-fi, autobiographies, and horror has become the routine. Outdoor fun for me includes going for hikes with my sons and dog on various wonderful community trails throughout Vermont. Additionally I enjoy video games, specifically those with a heavy focus on interesting narratives and quality voice acting.

What brought you to Middlebury? I first came to Middlebury by way of the Institute in Monterey, CA where I earned my masters in international education. My degree culminated with a practicum at the University for Peace in Costa Rica (through a Midd alum connection!), and I returned to the Bay Area just before Covid lockdown. With the boom in online education post-pandemic, I joined a company that provided remote, career-focused learning. After several years in ed-tech, I was ready to return to my experiential learning and higher education roots and jumped at the opportunity to return to the Middlebury community in a new capacity.

What is the best career advice you have received? Be curious! Taking the time to ask clarifying questions can jumpstart critical thinking and deepen understanding. Whether it’s tackling a complex project at work, exploring potential careers, or meeting new people, being open to learning has helped me be a more effective team member, advisor, and networker.

Interests/Hobbies? I like to ski in the winter and hike and camp in the summer. I’m also an avid reader and will always welcome a bookish conversation. I grew up playing hockey and soccer and remain a big sports fan. I am excited to cheer on the Middlebury Panthers alongside my beloved Boston Bruins. At home, my husband and I love to cook, listen to music, and play cribbage and other board games.

Fun Fact about you. Growing up, I attended summer camp in New Hampshire for 10 years as a camper and counselor, and I even got married at a summer camp!

How did you get to Middlebury? I started my career in higher ed back in 2002 when I worked in Admissions at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA. Before that, I spent four years at The Putney School. From there, I worked at UNC Asheville in the Dean of Students Office, then at Warren Wilson College managing the Swannanoa Gathering. I joined the Career Center here at Middlebury after moving back home to Vermont in 2013. I’ve been happy to be closer to family and to support Midd’s phenomenal students.

Who do you work with? What is the best part of your job? Given my role in communications and outreach, I share stories from across the center and help develop systems that make our resources easier to find and use. I also have the pleasure of working closely with our student staff and collaborating with colleagues in Admissions and Advancement. My favorite part of the job is interacting with students on our social media accounts and sharing their job and internship stories.

What is the best career advice anyone has given you? One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is to prioritize growth over perfection. Early in your career, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to do everything flawlessly. But I’ve learned that real progress comes from being willing to take risks, make mistakes, and learn along the way. Each experience, whether a success or failure, adds to your toolkit and shapes who you become. I’ll sneak in a second tip: Follow what energizes you. If you can find a career that aligns with what lights you up, work becomes less about the paycheck (though that paycheck IS important) and more about fulfillment.

What is your favorite campus resource? Our automated emails from the Experiential Learning Centers! In my work, I see how much they help students stay informed and inspired. You’ll get tailored career advice, job and internship opportunities, and tips delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you’re exploring career options or ready to focus on a specific industry, our newsletters provide personalized content, updates on events, and exclusive opportunities. You can update your email preferences via this form.

Interests/Hobbies:Outside of work, I can be found slowly working my way through the ADK Firetower challenge, teaching myself to crochet, or exploring creative projects like pottery. I’m also learning to play hockey and love the energy and challenge it brings.

How did you get to Middlebury? I began my career in higher education in 1986 after graduating from Champlain College.  I landed my first job at the Dean of Students Office at Middlebury working for Erica Wonnaccott who was the first “Dean of Students” at Middlebury and was one of the first women in the country to hold such a position.  I have had many roles since leaving the Dean of Students Office at Middlebury.  I worked in the Residential Life Office, The Commons Office, Student Activities Office and now the Center for Careers and Internships where I enjoy supporting our Middlebury students in my role as Senior Internship Coordinator.

Who do you work with? What is your favorite part of the job? I work with our team of CCI staff, employers, alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and College Advancement.    The best part of my job is interacting with students, administering funding for their unpaid internship and hearing their stories after their internship experience.

What is the best career advice anyone has given you? Find something you enjoy doing.

What is your favorite campus resource? Middpoints.

Interests/Hobbies: Walking with my dog, Louie (Make sure to follow #DogsOfCCI on social media), boating on Lake Dunmore, skiing and spending time with my family.