Meet the Team

I’m a bilingual (Spanish) career coach passionate about helping students, alumni, and community members achieve academic and career success. As a first-generation college student, I explored five majors before finding my path in Speech Communication at Rock Valley College, where I joined the speech team and learned that uncertainty about your major is completely normal.

My journey includes working multiple jobs while in college, interning at IBM, and being active in student organizations like the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS). I later earned a bachelor’s in Communications and PR from Illinois State University and a master’s in Communication Studies from Governors State University, where I held graduate assistantships and engaged in projects spanning admissions, student life, secondary education advising, after school enrichment programming for middle and high school students and community initiatives on community policing cross training and addiction studies.

Professionally, I’ve worked in higher education (such as recruiting, advising, TRiO or community outreach), financial aid, human resources for a Fortune 50 company, and now I dedicate my experience to guiding JJC students, alumni and community members through career exploration, resume and interview preparation, and more. I’m certified in Strong Interest Inventory, Mental Health First Aid, and DEI in the workplace.

Outside of work, I have eclectic interests in music, humor, poetry, travel, food and poetry. For example, I’m currently into Native rap music like Hallucination, Mongolian metal music like Hu, Vahtang beatbox, Andrew Dykes, We are the Storm, or EDM music. For poetry, I currently like Celia Martinez.

Hello! I am an enthusiastic higher education professional and have been helping college students since I was 19 years old. Born in Indianapolis, IN, and earning my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Indiana University (with a brief stint dealing cards at a casino in Niagara Falls, NY), I have always enjoyed speaking with people and learning more about them, wherever they may be. Before coming to Joliet Junior College and Chicagoland, I worked all over, as many things such as an academic advisor at Butler University in Indianapolis and Purdue University in Lafayette, a hall director at Syracuse University, and I got my Master’s in Higher Education Administration while working in Orientation Programs at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. As evidenced by my own career path, I enjoy exploring career options with students and community members and am always excited to hear about (and share) students’ achievements. Outside of work, I enjoy being a foster parent and spending time with my partner.

I was born and raised in Chicago, residing now in Plainfield. I possess a Bachelor’s in History and a Master’s in Human Resources Management,

Throughout my career, I’ve helped students in their career journeys by providing career exploration, career assessments, career coaching, resume workshops, and interview preparation. In addition, I’ve also provided unique opportunities for students to network with potential employers by conducting program-specific career fairs and professional seminars. I also enjoy meeting with students in their classroom by conducting classroom presentations focusing on the services provided by the Career Services Department. Schedule an appointment with me to discuss your career goals.

I am a seasoned career development professional and proud central-Illinois native, having earned a bachelor’s in Psychology and English from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a master’s in Higher Education Administration and Policy from Northwestern University. Prior to working at JJC, I served as a career advisor at the University of Chicago, where I specialized in one-on-one advising and program management for transfer, rural, and veteran students. I started out as an admissions counselor at Northwestern University, leading recruitment events and working with students from diverse backgrounds as they navigated the path to higher education. In my role as a Career Coach, I support undecided students and career-changing community members as they explore career options and identify next steps. Much of my work involves meeting career seekers where they are through one-on-one coaching, empowering them to feel more confident about their future by strengthening professional skills and building effective resumes. I also lead professional development workshops and programs that provide students with real-world experience, including the Majors Fair and Job Shadowing Program. In my free time, I love to explore bookstores, do crossword puzzles, and spend time with my husband, young daughter, and two cats. During my lunch breaks, you’ll find me walking around campus while listening to my favorite podcasts – feel free to say hello!

I am a higher education professional with a strong background in student success, communication coaching, and career development, and I hold a Master’s in Communication Studies and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Prior to joining Career Services at Joliet Junior College, I served as an Admissions Advisor at JJC and worked as a professional tutor in public speaking. I also supported students at the College of DuPage as an academic coach and tutor in writing, reading, and public speaking, developing the communication-focused coaching approach I now use to help student employees prepare for the workplace. In my role as Student Employment Specialist, I help student employees build essential professional and communication skills while partnering with supervisors to create positive, career-focused work environments. I also provide individualized guidance in resumes, interviewing, and job-search strategies, drawing on my expertise as a Certified Interview Coach to help students articulate their strengths with clarity and confidence. Outside of work, I enjoy reading classical literature, traveling, and staying active through balanced fitness routines.

I am the Secretary of Career Services.  Here to assist you in English or Spanish with appointments or resources for students, staff, and community members. My main goal is to provide great customer service with a smile.

I bring over 15 years of experience in career services across both public and private higher education, focused on preparing students for successful transitions from college to career. I have extensive experience supporting diverse student populations at all stages of their academic journey and advancing initiatives that promote academic success, career readiness, and workforce alignment.

My leadership centers on building strategic employer partnerships, strengthening career development programming, and leveraging innovative tools and technologies to enhance student outcomes and postgraduate opportunities. I am deeply committed to creating meaningful connections between education and industry and welcome engagement with employers interested in recruiting and partnering with students from Joliet Junior College.

As an innovative and student-centered leader, I prioritize lifelong learning and professional growth. I hold multiple professional credentials, including certifications in career services, résumé writing, and career assessment tools such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Hogan. I earned a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership in Higher Education Student Services from Lewis University and a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication from Aurora University.