HOW DID YOU GET HERE?

Before joining the CCO as a Career Consultant in December of 2021, I enjoyed a 7 year career at Andrean High School, teaching and coordinating a career exploration internship program for high school senior level students. Prior to my recent position with Purdue, I also enjoyed a twenty year career in higher education at Purdue University Northwest (Hammond Campus). My career in education began as the Assistant Director in Career Services. In this position, I was engaged in career counseling, coordinating the cooperative education program and assisting students with their job search. I also had the pleasure of managing employment, training and staffing in the Human Resources unit of the University. After several years in Human Resources, I moved to the academic unit of the University and managed a degree required experiential learning program. I worked with faculty, students and employers to provide practical, engaging learning experiences for students within and outside of the classroom. My experience in education has given me the pleasure to work with students, faculty and administrators in developing an educational environment that can spark interest, imagination and discovery.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WORKING AT THE CCO?

What I like most about working at the CCO is the people. Everyone that I have meet within the CCO is kind, professional and uniquely gifted in working within an educational environment. I also love the fact that working within the CCO allows me the opportunity to engage with students in assisting them to achieve their academic and career goals. Lastly, I have to mention that working at Purdue is my “dream job”! My Bachelor and Master degrees were awarded from Purdue University and then having worked at the Hammond campus for most of my career, I have always felt that Purdue is “home” to me!

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL JOB YOU HAVE EVER HAD?

Hmm…The most unusual job was probably when I taught nutrition and fitness classes to pre-school age children while in college. I would travel to various daycares, dress up in a bear costume to do an exercise/nutrition class with 3-5 year olds.

FUN FACT: 

I used to compete in ballroom dance.

FAVORITE THINGS: 

My four sons, my husband and my three dogs are my favorite “things”. I also love a good cup of tea, sunshine, dancing and dark chocolate!

QUOTE YOU LIVE BY: 

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand by Confucius

ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: My advice for students is to be true to themselves first and foremost. Seek out ways to experience and do what you are passionate about. Make sure to take time to not only achieve academic excellence within the classroom but to also find ways to apply that knowledge in the world.