Career Center Staff
Career Services Staff
Dave Merry, Associate Provost and Executive Director
In the position of Associate Provost and Executive Director of the expanded Center for Career Education and Professional Development, Dave works to generate and implement career-related initiatives and oversee programs in executive education and lifelong learning in alignment with the career/experiential learning goals of the Suffolk 2025 strategic plan.
Dave holds a BA from the University of New Hampshire and an MA in Student Development in Postsecondary Education from the University of Iowa. He is completing a Doctor of Education program at Northeastern University, with a concentration in Higher Education Administration; his in-progress dissertation focuses on implementing organizational change within career education centers to meet the challenges and opportunities of the changing world of work.
Career Education Staff
Kerrie Aborn, Director of Career Education
Kerrie Aborn has worked in higher education for more than fourteen years. As the Director of Career Exploration at Suffolk University, Kerrie Aborn is responsible for developing and implementing university-wide career education initiatives, including internship support, first-year and generalized career support, alumni career engagement, and the equity and access of our offerings. Prior to Suffolk, Kerrie held leadership positions at Curry College, Earlham College and Anderson University working in workforce development, experiential education, enrollment, marketing, advancement, information technology and community relations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Anderson University.
Caroline Milligan, Assistant Director of Career Education
Caroline joined the Career Center in 2024 and supports middle-year learner populations as they prepare for internship experiences. Prior to joining the Career Center, she spent three years at Northeastern University supporting the College of Engineering Co-op Department as a senior data and student services associate as well as a part-time lecturer for students conducting their first co-op search. She is well-versed in advising students as they develop their resumes, cover letters, interviewing skills, and professional communication skills. She is passionate about supporting students and integrating experiential learning and career education into the college student experience. Caroline is also a Suffolk alum, having received her BS in 2020.
Erika Marshall, Senior Assistant Director for Career Exploration
Erika started working in the Career Center in July 2021 after becoming a double gull from Endicott College, BS ‘19 and M.Ed ‘21. She knew early on in her undergraduate career that she wanted to work with college students and pursued that path by getting engaged in tutoring services and student affairs work, specifically in residence life. Erika is passionate about working with students outside of the classroom and supporting them as individuals in all areas of their life.
Janet Neely, Assistant Director of Graduate Career Education
As the Assistant Director of Graduate Career Education, Janet Neely provides a world-class career education experience for Suffolk graduate students at all career stages and is committed to ensuring successful career outcomes for every graduate student. She has extensive experience in higher education career development and a parallel career in theatre. Ms. Neely has worked at Rutgers University, New England School of Law, Boston University-Questrom School of Business, The Boston Conservatory, Roxbury Community College, Emerson College, and Salem State University. She holds an MFA and an MA in Theater Education and Applied Theater from Emerson College, an MEd in Counseling Psychology from the Graduate School of Education, Rutgers University, an MA in Theatre Arts from Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, and a BA in History and Theater from Douglass College, Rutgers University.
Jenny Joseph-Hayle, Associate Director of Alumni Career Engagement
As an alum and adjunct faculty member, Jenny Joseph-Hayle remains committed to providing resources for students and alumni as the Associate Director of Career Alumni Engagement. She has over 10 years of professional experience in health care financing, public service (for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York) and consulting. Jenny enjoys sharing industry knowledge with the Suffolk community through lectures, hosting collaborative events with other student organizations and serving as a volunteer as a Suffolk graduate ambassador. Ms. Joseph-Hayle holds a MPA’13 from Suffolk and a Bachelors in Sociology from San Francisco State University.
Stephen Meno, Ed.D., Associate Director of Experiential Career Education
In his role as the Associate Director of Experiential Career Education, Stephen manages the Career Center’s internship funding programs and serves as a university resource for assessment and data tracking initiatives. Prior to joining Suffolk, Stephen worked in the fields of workforce development, economic development, and urban planning. He earned a Doctor of Education degree from Plymouth State University, a Master of Regional Planning degree with a focus on economic development from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology and English from Tufts University.
Career Equity and Access Staff
Ade Igbineweka, Director of Career Equity and Access
Ade has spent the past 15 years in education and developmental services. Her career started with supporting adults with physical and mental health disabilities, and transitioned into teaching and being a student development specialist. She has been privileged to support people in their areas of development and achievement. In the last 6 years, she has served as a Success Coach, Academic Advisor and Career Specialist with an equity and inclusion lens, engaging students and colleagues in workshops and programming, developing processes that allow students become value-added individuals in their career pursuits. Ade has earned a Bachelors and Master degree in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She has succeeded as a first generation graduate by building relationships, and she looks forward to building strategic partnerships to further student success at Suffolk University with a deep focus for underserved student groups and identities.
Vicky Lee, Associate Director of Career Equity, Access, and Global Career Development
A former international student turned higher education professional, Vicky Lee (she/her) is passionate about creating a more welcoming environment for diverse student populations and offering equitable opportunities to students from all walks of life. Prior to Suffolk, Vicky served as the Global Career Consultant at the University at Buffalo, and as the International Student Advisor and Student Engagement Coordinator at Michigan State University. She also worked in an international summer school in Scotland as one of the few foreign-born staff members. From advising international students and families to cultivating lasting relationships with globally-minded employers, international education has always been at the core of her career. Vicky holds a bachelor's degree in Human Development & Family Studies from Michigan State University and a master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University. With hopes of better understanding the scope of human resource development and online instruction, she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Adult Education at Buffalo State College. When she is not working at the Career Center or completing her coursework, you will find her exploring her new city, trying new cooking recipes, watching sports, reading, and planning her next trip.
Career Communities Staff
Sarah M. Burrows, Ed.D., Director of Career Communities
Sarah Burrows, Ed.D., Director of Career Communities, believes that engagement, networking, and professional relationship management are keys to launch and advance one’s career. She has held various roles in Higher Education, at Providence College as the Senior Associate Director, Center for Career Education, at Lasell University as Director of Internship Programs and at Simmons University as a Communication faculty member and Internship Program Director. She has developed a professional development badging program, created protocols and curricula for internship programs, taught Communication courses and conducted assessment of learning outcomes from work-integrated learning. Sarah serves as the VP of Research on the board of CEIA, and as a Regional Vice-Chair for the U.S. for the WACE-International Research Community. Sarah earned a B.F.A. from the NYSCC at Alfred University, an M.S. from Simmons University, and an Ed.D. from Northeastern University. Sarah enjoys reading, lap swimming, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Amy Whitish-Temple, Assistant Director of Career Communities - Marketing, Analytics, Advertising & Public Relations
Throughout her career, Amy Whitish-Temple has been dedicated to developing and building relationships with partners with the goal of helping students access academic and career opportunities that will enrich and transform their lives. Prior to joining Suffolk University’s Center for Career Equity, Development, and Success, Amy worked as a University Recruiter in industry, partnering with managers to hire the future workforce and delighting in connecting each candidate to a rewarding role, in which they would thrive. Developing and managing long lasting and strategic relationships to attract and select the most skilled and diverse talent for internships and early career roles and coaching and supporting students are what Amy finds most fulfilling. Prior to university recruiting in industry, she held roles in Higher Education including university relations and recruiting, admissions, academic placement, and international education. Outside of work, Amy enjoys running with her local running club, traveling (she has worked and studied in four different countries), and spending time with her family, including her dog, Blanca.
Alicia McCormick, Senior Assistant Director of Career Communities – STEM & Sustainability
Alicia McCormick (she/her) loves empowering students to achieve their goals and fulfill their potential both within and beyond the college experience. She is excited to learn about the passions of Suffolk students and help them navigate their career journeys. Prior to Suffolk, Alicia worked for the Honors Program at Northeastern University, where she advised students in the College of Engineering and Bouvé College of Health Sciences and coordinated a student-alumni mentoring initiative to foster professional development and networking amongst members of the community from all industries. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Boston College and an M.Ed. in Higher Education from Vanderbilt University in Nashville. In her free time, she enjoys baking, going to concerts (especially country!), trying new restaurants, and spending time with her 1-year old puppy, Theo.
Laura Marchant, Senior Associate Director of Career Communities – Accounting, Finance & Data Analytics
A native Bostonian, Laura has 15+ years’ experience in career development and recruiting. She helped play a pivotal role in developing the Career Center’s on-campus recruiting program, and she maintains valuable connections among hiring managers from a variety of industries. Laura established and manages the Employer Advisory Board as well as oversees a multitude of career related events and workshops both on and off campus. She has also been instrumental in helping students launch their careers through her advising and classroom instruction. Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Boston College, and both of her children attended Suffolk University. When not calling upon the human resources community, Laura enjoys tennis, gardening, and vegetarian cooking.
Lauren Gray, Senior Associate Director, Career Communities - Human Services and Social Impact
Lauren joined Suffolk University in 2017 after working for 10 years in the non-profit sector as an employer relations specialist and career counselor. Prior to that, she served the homeless community as a member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Sacramento, CA. In her current role, Lauren engages with employers, organizes events, coordinates job shadowing, and most importantly, advises students on a variety of career development topics. She also has experience as an instructor in the Sawyer Business School’s Career Links program. She holds a B.A. in English from the College of the Holy Cross, an M.S. in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University, and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Suffolk University. She lives in Jamaica Plain with her husband and their cat Gatsby, and enjoys attending musical theater performances and sporting events.
Morgan Brittney Austin, Senior Assistant Director of Career Communities – Journalism, Media & Communication
Morgan has a passion for conveying messages, whether it’s through written copy or being a reliable resource for sound advice. Her B.A. in Communication - Journalism from Lasell University lead her to a career in content writing, producing website and social media copy for a range of industries including healthcare, youth programs, career and employment, and more. Before joining Suffolk, Morgan worked at various marketing agencies, brands, and startups, fostering her skills in copywriting and relationship-building with clients and colleagues, alike. She is eager to bring her industry knowledge into the role as the Assistant Director of the Journalism, Media and Communication Career Community in the Center for Career Equity, Development and Success. Morgan also sits as a board member for a youth mentoring program in her hometown, Brockton, MA. When she’s not working or volunteering, you can find her with a book in one hand and a coffee in the other.
James Hubbard, Assistant Director of Career Communities - Public Administration, Government & Law
James joins Suffolk University after working for 11 years as an upper elementary classroom educator. Over the course of his career, his teaching experience has given him the opportunities to chair academic departments, coach middle school athletics, develop original literacy and American history curriculum, and partner with local organizations to bring experiential learning opportunities to his schools. However, he is most passionate about uplifting his students, helping them to build healthy and resilient growth mindsets, and empowering them to achieve their goals. With a longstanding interest in community service and public administration, he is now thrilled to support Suffolk students as they explore career paths in public affairs, government, and law. James has a bachelor’s degree in History from Colby College in Maine and a masters degree in Creative Writing from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. In his free time, James enjoys exploring hiking trails with his wife, reading outside in his favorite parks, spending time with his family, and filling the pages of his journals with research and reflections.
Casey Marcelin, Assistant Director of Career Communities, Healthcare & Wellness
With over six years in higher education and five years in healthcare, Casey Marcelin holds a BA in Business Administration and Management and is dedicated to helping students unlock their potential and achieve their goals. She believes networking and professional relationship management are key to launching and advancing one's career. Casey has worked at Northeastern University, leading custom learning programs and developing educational products to help students build career skills. Her healthcare experience includes administrative roles at Massachusetts General Hospital and in patient-centered care advocacy. A Boston native, she enjoys running, reading, and practicing and teaching yoga.
Kyle Mendelsohn, Assistant Director of Career Communities - Humanities & the Arts
Kyle Mendelsohn joins Suffolk University with a background as both an arts administrator and artist. He’s held various roles in event planning and operations at institutions such as Simmons University’s Trustman Art Gallery, the New Art Center, and Washington DC’s Hillyer Art Space. During his time at Simmons University he managed a robust gallery fellowship program focused on providing professionalizing opportunities to students. He’s passionate about encouraging students to pursue creative degrees and helping these individuals achieve success in their fields. Kyle has taught photography courses in Greater Boston and beyond. He is a published writer and photographer and has exhibited his work in group shows across New England.
Jaida Fonfield, Assistant Director of Career Communities - Management and Entrepreneurship
Jaida Fonfield brings a unique blend of academic and professional experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s in International Business. Her entrepreneurial journey began at 18 when she founded her own women’s suit company, Sinclaire. After graduation, Jaida worked as an Account Executive at a global marketing agency, managing one of the agency's largest accounts, helping connect brands and people. Alongside her master’s studies, she honed her creative business skills part-time as a program member of Massachusetts College of Art and Design’s Creative Economy Business Incubator. Additionally, she served as a project sponsor for four courses at Northeastern University's Experiential Learning (XN) program, collaborating with expert faculty and talented students to address critical business challenges for her business.As a child drawing was her escape, but business sparked her curiosity. Jaida aspires to combine her creative abilities with business acumen to bring innovative solutions to real-world problems. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and values quality time with friends and family.
Career Operations Staff
Matthew Hendricks, Director of Operations
Matthew Hendricks serves as Director of Operations. Most of his duties involve developing project strategy and overseeing departmental logistics and administration. Matthew believes that learning outside of the classroom can be as powerful as the experience gained in the classroom. This belief has served as the foundation for a career devoted to co-curricular learning, student success, and retention efforts. Matthew began his career at the University of Texas at Arlington, eventually serving as the Director of Programming and Marketing. Before coming to Suffolk, Matthew held the title of Assistant Dean of Students in the College and Senior Director of College Programming and Orientation at the University of Chicago. Matthew holds a B.A. in Psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University and a M.S. in Human Resources Management from UT-Arlington. In addition to developing innovative programming, Matthew has focused on organizational development and improving operational efficiencies in an effort to delivery the highest quality support to students.
Hayley Conard, Associate Director of Operations
Hayley Conard is on the Career Center's Operations Team as the Associate Director of Operations. Hayley holds a BS in Marketing from Roger Williams University ’17 and an MBA from Suffolk University ’23. Hayley enjoys exploring new and effective ways to maintain streamlined operations for the Career Center staff, students, alumni, and other stakeholders. She loves a challenge and is always up to find the best solution. Hayley works closely with the back-end of Handshake, Employer Relations, WorkDay Financials & Contracts, Event Management, and other day-to-day or long-term projects.
Brianna Franklin, Assistant Director of Operations for Career Programs & Events
Brianna joined the Center for Career Equity, Development & Success professional staff in August 2022. She is a Suffolk alumna, double major in Psychology and Sociology with a concentration in Crime & Justice and a minor in Women’s & Gender Studies. Brianna has a deep connection to the Center as a former RAMP mentee and Career Ambassador where she helped students foster career readiness skills and goals. Upon graduating, she accepted a full-time position in the Center as an Administrative Coordinator where she performed a wide range of duties including supporting center operations, event coordination, supervision of the Career Ambassador Marketing Team, and revitalization of our Signature Programs: RAMP and Job Shadowing Experience.
In August 2023, Brianna became the Assistant Director of Operations where she now takes the lead role in the planning and organizing of the event support work that the Operations Team does each day, including coordinating large-scale events such as Career Fairs and Networking Events. Additionally, Brianna will continue her work in supporting Signature Programs, organizing the Center’s event marketing on social media, distribution of marketing materials, and supervision of the student marketing team.
Justine Sennett, Coordinator of Event Operations
Justine graduated from Bryant University in May 2022 and holds a Bachelors Degree with a major in Communication and an Entrepreneurship minor. At Bryant, she also worked in the Office of Student Event and Orientation Programs. Justine is passionate about helping students achieve their goals by connecting them with the appropriate Career Advisor, Career Ambassador, or other great resources.
Lorda Joseph, Front Desk Associate
Lorda Joseph is a Suffolk alumna from the class of 2023. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Media and Film: Production. As a student she was a student leader, HUB Scholar, Orientation Leader and Rambassador after studying abroad in Madrid. Lorda is excited to join our team and welcome students to the career center as the front desk associate. Her favorite part about studying at Suffolk was the community she made as a student leader. Lorda is also an avid music listener and television watcher so please share your favorite show to binge and music suggestions when you see her!