Our Story
 

John is a Career Engagement Specialist at Ithaca College, where he focuses on supporting health sciences and pre-health students. Though newer to CNYCDA, he previously served two terms on the board of the Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers (EACE), including a term as President. He is also a past Trustee of Ithaca College and currently co-chairs the institution’s Middle States reaccreditation efforts. Outside of work, John is active in music as a member of the band Loose Change and in improv comedy with ComedyFLOPs. He lives in Caroline, NY, with his wife, Nancy, and their seven cats. Why CNYCDA? John joined CNYCDA at the recommendation of his Ithaca College colleagues. After leading an improv workshop for the association in spring 2025, he immediately connected with the group’s positive energy. He values the organization’s student-centered approach and its members’ shared commitment to student success.

Christy has served as the Director of SUNY Oneonta’s Career Planning and Networking Center (CPNC) since 2023. She holds several certifications and degrees, including a “Cultivating Leadership”Certificate from SUNY Oneonta, a “Facilitating Career Development Certification” from the National Career Development Association (NCDA), a “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” Certification from Cornell University, an MFA in Performance and Choreography from Arizona State University, and a BA in English and Dance from Hamilton College. In her previous career as a performing artist and choreographer, Christy has taught and performed nationally and internationally, most notably as a Fulbright Scholar in Lisbon, Portugal in 2019. Why CNYCDA? Christy recently accepted the position of Chair of the CNY CDA’s Professional Development Committee, after serving as a Committee member for only six months. Since serving on the Committee, Christy has produced and facilitated a virtual panel discussion for the CNY CDA membership at large. She sees her work with CNY CDA as an expansion of her work with SUNY CDO (where she serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Raffle Committees). Conversation, resource sharing, and allyship inform and inspire Christy’s involvement and service with both of these State organizations.

Alex grew up in Michigan and first came to Central New York to pursue a master's in history. He currently serves as Assistant Director for Pre-Law and Pre-Graduate Advising in Cornell Career Services, where he supports students and alumni who are considering law school and other graduate programs. He has previously worked as a pre-law advisor, academic advisor, instructor, and coordinator of the Individualized Major Program at Binghamton University. Alex has also served as President, Secretary, and Conference Chair of the Northeastern Association of Pre-Law Advisors (NAPLA) and as a board member of the Pre-Law Advisors National Council (PLANC).

Jonathan currently works at Ithaca College’s Center for Career Exploration and Development as the Career Engagement Specialist serving students in the Park Center for Business & Sustainable Enterprise, IC's AACSB-accredited School of Business. As a member of CNYCDA, Jonathan has served on the Events & Student Engagement Committee and enjoys the camaraderie and professional development opportunities the organization provides. He’s excited to help ensure the financial sustainability of this amazing institution. Jonathan joined the IC Career Center team in March 2022 with 10+ years of experience in higher education as a career readiness specialist and educator focused on engaging diverse learners in career development, job search strategies, and skills for employment. Prior to joining IC, Jonathan worked in special education post-secondary transition programs at the University of Rochester and at The College of New Jersey. Jonathan holds a Master's degree in History from SUNY Brockport and completed a Bachelor's degree in History with Secondary Education at SUNY Geneseo. Within Ithaca College School of Business, Jonathan oversees the Professions Program, helps plan and lead Meet the Firms trips that allow students to visit employers in cities like New York and Boston, coordinates Career Connections industry guest speakers, and hosts career development events such as Professions Week and Career Opportunities Week. Jonathan is also embedded in the World of Business first-year course and delivers lectures of career development topics for all incoming students. Jonathan also coordinates Pre-Law Advising for students interested in law school, connecting students with faculty advisors and hosting special events geared toward law school and legal careers. He serves as co-advisor of Ithaca Pre-Law Society, a student-run organization for those interested in a career in law and related fields.

Chris currently serves as an Internship Facilitator in the Career Planning and Networking Center within the School of Education, Human Ecology, and Sport Studies at SUNY Oneonta, a role he has held since July 2024. In this position, he supports students in connecting academic learning with experiential opportunities that prepare them for meaningful career pathways. He is also a lecturer in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, where he has taught since August 2023. Why CNYCDA? Although relatively new to the field of career development, Chris brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, providing a strong foundation in student engagement, teaching, and mentorship. CNYCDA offers Chris an opportunity to continue learning from experienced professionals, strengthen connections with colleagues across the region, and remain engaged with best practices in career development. He is enthusiastic about contributing to and supporting the ongoing growth and success of CNYCDA.

Lauren Gill is the Career and Certification Counselor in Syracuse University’s School of Education, where she supports students and alumni in achieving their career and teacher certification goals. A 2022 graduate of SUNY Oswego and former high school English teacher, she brings experience from both K–12 and higher education settings. Lauren is passionate about helping future educators navigate their professional journeys and is grateful for the resources, connections, and growth opportunities she has found through CNYCDA. She looks forward to continuing to learn, collaborate, and grow alongside her colleagues in the field.

Melanie is the Coordinator of Career & Transfer Services at SUNY Corning Community College. She finds joy in helping students celebrate the little victories in life and providing opportunities for hands-on exploration of career fields. Utilizing gamification and networking, Melanie enjoys providing fun, creative and interactive programs for students and employers. Networking is an area of great strength and she excels at bringing together students & community. Outside of work, she volunteers with the Corning-Painted Post High School Band Boosters and PTA, is an Advisory Board member for ELNOST (Expanded Learning Network of the Southern Tier), and teaches Lifeguarding, First Aid & CPR through the Red Cross. Why CNYCDA? CNYCDA is a FUNomenal organization that allows working with colleagues to create innovative and inspiring opportunities, resources, or connections that provide staff the ability to support the students at home campuses. Melanie has taken advantage of professional development funding opportunities, attending both the PennACE conference and the EACE conference. CNYCDA provides an outstanding opportunity to grow, both personally & professionally within the field.

Coming Soon!

Mia loves providing holistic support to students, especially when they’re grappling with “What should I do with my life?!”. After a few years around higher ed, she became the Public Service Careers Coach at Cornell University in 2019, focused on careers in non-profits, government, and other social-change-driven roles. As a local activist for social and racial justice, Mia brings her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion into her job as well. She has served as co-chair of Cornell Career Services’ DEI Committee for two years, received the DEIB Champion Award from CNY CDA in 2024, and continues to serve on committees and take on projects to support marginalized students. In her free time, Mia enjoys hiking with her partner and dog, snuggling up with a book, and attempting new craft projects. Mia joined CNY CDA in spring 2021 to connect with other professionals in the region. She has loved living in western and central NY throughout her life, and loves career development, so it’s a perfect combo! Mia also appreciates the opportunity to plan collaborative student programming with CNY CDA colleagues – harnessing the alumni connections from multiple schools can create unique opportunities for a wider audience.

Kevin began his career as a high school alternative education teacher and TESOL teacher, which sparked his love for equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their background. After a few years, he transitioned to higher education, coordinating a youth mentorship program for SUNY Oswego in which he has college mentors participating in real world experiences within local public schools. The heart and soul of what is incorporated in his program is belonging for everyone. Each and every student, both mentor and mentee, will have a safe place to connect, lead, learn and grow.