Don Kjelleren, Executive Director
(he, him, his)
Email Don.
As the Executive Director of the ’68 Center for Career Exploration, I oversee the remarkable work and direction of the department. It is my honor to lead such a talented team dedicated to the career exploration needs of Williams students. Our collective goal is to create the finest liberal arts Career Center anywhere, accessible to all students, and relevant to every interest.
I graduated from Dickinson College with a degree in Economics and Political Science and earned an MBA in Marketing from the Katz Graduate School of Management at the University of Pittsburgh. Before Williams, I worked at the Career Services Office at Middlebury for 17 years and have had several professional positions in the industry.
In my free time, I enjoy outdoor adventures in the Berkshires and Green Mountains and traveling domestically and abroad. Special geographies and activities include Lake Champlain paired with cycling, snorkeling, and immersing generally in expansive landscapes. A recent favorite book is Robert Sapolsky’s Determined, and podcast favorites include BBC Global News and Huberman Labs. Feel free to reach out; I’m always game to discuss career education and supporting student success!
Our Career Education Team
Janine Oliver, Director of Career Education
(she, her, hers)
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Set up an appointment with Janine.
As the Director of Career Education, I oversee advising at the ‘68 Center, including the career advising team, peer advising team, health professions team, and entrepreneurship and innovation team. In my advising role, I’m a generalist – and will meet with students with any career interests at any stage of their exploration.
I am an idealist who is driven by designing and implementing systemic solutions. I majored in English at Princeton and got an MA in Mental Health and School Counseling from the University of New Hampshire. My background as a special education teacher, mental health counselor, experiential educator, and confused college student informs my daily work in advising students and in program innovation. During my time in higher ed, I have spent a year at Colgate working with Career Services and the Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education and ten years at Hamilton, where I led the Career Center’s curriculum development and delivery and was part of a steering committee that focused on integrating advising across the college through the ALEX program.
A native of New Jersey, I’ve hopped around from the Boston area to seacoast New Hampshire to central New York, and am so happy to have settled in the beautiful Berkshires with my partner and two red-headed kiddos. I enjoy attempting to grow berries and herbs, cooking without recipes, baking and decorating cakes, and planning ambitious crocheting projects (like temperature blankets). Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or email me at [email protected] any time!
Sharon Gonzales, Associate Director/Director of Health Professions Advising
(she, her, hers)
Email Sharon.
As the Associate Director/Director of Health Professions Advising, I support current students and alumni as they explore and navigate their journey toward a career in the health professions. Preparing for admission to medical, dental, veterinary, nursing, PA or other professional schools can be daunting, and my role is to help demystify the process and offer guidance at each step of the way.
I graduated with a BA in theatre from Stephen F. Austin University and then worked in theatre education in NYC and taught high school theatre in Texas for many years before transitioning to higher education. I developed experience advising students in pre-health at The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy and most recently at Bennington College as the Director of the post-bac premedical program.
I grew up in north Texas and though I often miss Tex-Mex and bbq, I’ve found happiness here in the northeast where seasons exist. I have two amazing teenage kids who make me laugh every day, a feisty but friendly cat, and an adorable Bordoodle pup. My favorite ways to spend a day include: yoga, hiking, pottery, theatre, film, travel, and anything involving food. You can reach me by email at [email protected].
Hope Ross Gibaldi, Associate Director/Director for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
(she, her, hers)
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As the Director for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the ‘68 Center for Career Exploration, I organize events, programs and initiatives related to entrepreneurship and innovation. I also do 1:1 advising with students who are exploring entrepreneurship, or have ideas they want to get off the ground. My goal is to give as many students as possible exposure to (and maybe fall in love with) entrepreneurship, and build their skills and experience in problem solving, creative and innovative thinking.
I graduated from Drew University in New Jersey with a BA in Spanish and Anthropology, and recently got my MBA from the University of Massachusetts Isenberg School of Management. I am also a Mount Greylock Regional High School graduate! I am happy to join the team at Williams College in this role as it merges my loves of entrepreneurship and higher education. I am an entrepreneur myself, and come most recently from a non-profit entrepreneurial support organization based in Springfield, MA.
I love spending time with my friends and family, board games, reality TV, being in nature, delicious food, and supporting local small businesses! Feel free to get in touch with me here: [email protected]
Robin Meyer, Associate Director/Director of Business, Finance & Consulting
(she, her, hers)
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Set up an appointment with Robin.
As the Associate Director/Director of Business, Finance & Consulting, I am here to guide you through every step of your career journey. I’m all about opening doors you might not even know exist and showing you that the business world is a big, exciting place that goes way beyond investment banking and consulting. Together, we’ll explore a universe of opportunities in areas like HR, marketing, sales, operations, and business strategy, to name just a few…and a vast variety of industries.
Before joining Williams in 2003, I enjoyed seven years in the Pacific Northwest while working at the University of Puget Sound. My academic path took root at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. Afterwhich, I followed my passion for counseling and higher education administration and earned my master’s degree within the Minnesota State University system. I am also certified as a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF).
My quest for knowledge didn’t stop there; I’ve also delved into post-graduate studies in disability services, learning differences, and neurodiversity at the University of Connecticut and Landmark College in Vermont. If you have any questions about navigating disability and accessibility in the workplace, I’m your go-to person.
I’m a creative soul. I love international travel, food, and culture. In my free time, you will find me painting, creative fiber art, playing my trusty ukulele, and learning Portuguese.
Alexa Icenia, Associate Director/Director for Inclusive Career Exploration
(she, her, hers)
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Set up an appointment with Alexa.
As the Associate Director/Director for Inclusive Career Exploration, my current ventures are centered on cultivating brave spaces for ever-evolving self-exploration around social identities and purpose. As an Afro-Latina who has had the privilege of diverse, intersectional social experiences within social work, education, and criminal justice, and so my work emphasizes advocating for equity and innovation in all areas within active community spaces. Current and continued work efforts are to facilitate change and expose the disadvantaged/underrepresented populations to opportunities.
My experiences as a social impact strategist and creative entrepreneurial director include using multimedia and the arts as a medium for the marginalized for community empowerment and engagement. I am an alum of Florida International University, with an M.S. in Urban Education and Leadership and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.
Suzannah Haasbroek, Assistant Director of Arts, Communications, and Entertainment
(she, her, hers)
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As the Assistant Director of Arts, Media, and Entertainment at the ‘68 Center for Career Exploration, I am here to assist students interested in a variety of career paths in those industries. I also assist students interested in the education field. With such a broad range of industries, my work often includes assisting students with very broad areas of interest and revealing opportunities they didn’t know existed. In particular, I enjoy working at the intersection of educational access and diversity, equity, and inclusion. I believe career exploration is for everyone, and enjoy working with you to close any knowledge or access gaps that may be limiting you. I am here to provide students with the level of support they feel they need, whether that’s meeting repeatedly and often or just every once in a while. I am a Certified Career Services Professional (CCSP).
A graduate of Agnes Scott College with a B.A. degree in French and History, I spent six years teaching French at both the elementary and high school levels in Atlanta-area public schools. I also completed an AmeriCorps Service Year, providing social media and website design support to a non-profit organization in New Hampshire focused on domestic violence prevention. Most recently, I was a career advisor at my undergraduate institution, Agnes Scott College, a small historically women’s college in the Atlanta area. In that role, I managed our curriculum for first-year career exploration and created a student peer advising cohort as well as creating and managing a career-ready free clothing closet that met the needs of a gender and size-diverse student body.
In my free time, I enjoy many forms of art and music; I’m an enthusiastic fiber artist and love learning new skills in that area. I also enjoy musical theater, dance, and play a few musical instruments myself. I’m also a parent; I love hanging out with my family, which includes my spouse, toddler, and furry friends. Feel free to get in touch with me here: [email protected]
Dale Osef, Assistant Director of STEM and Health Careers
(he, him, his)
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Set up an appointment with Dale.
As the Assistant Director of STEM and Health Careers in the ‘68 Center for Career Exploration, I help students studying related (and other) fields achieve their professional goals. I am dedicated to enhancing the student experience through meaningful exploration of STEM and Health. This can be achieved through participation in research, internships, volunteerism, and other opportunities.
My excitement for this work is inspired by my ten years of career development experience. I have previously advised in a law college, a public liberal arts college, and an R1 university. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Vermont and a Master’s in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University. I am also certified as a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) by The Center for Credentialing in Education.
In my free time, I enjoy cooking, watching sports, listening to music, being outdoors, and spending time with my amazing friends and family. I am a proud native of the Jersey Shore and have had the pleasure of spending many long summer days at the beach. Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or via email at [email protected].
Carolyn Clayton, Career Advising Administrative Specialist
(she, her, hers)
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As the Career Advising Administrative Specialist, I support the day-to-day work of the Career Advisors, Health Professions Advising, and the Entrepreneurship team at the ‘68 Center, assisting with overall process improvement, event planning, and front desk operations.
I graduated with a BFA in fine art from Carnegie Mellon University in 2009 and a MFA from the University of Michigan in 2016. Born and raised in Northampton, I have always considered Western Massachusetts home. I found myself called to the Berkshires after graduate school, landing in North Adams in 2017. Since then, I have eagerly participated in the local arts scene, operating an artist residency program called the Walkaway House, alongside my partner, in our historic home downtown, including a small gallery on Eagle Street.
I also live at the Walkaway House with my partner and four year old, where we love hosting a variety of visiting artists each month. I enjoy making sculpture and installation art, working on home renovation projects, and trail running in the beautiful Berkshires with my energetic pit-mix, Eva.
Our Operations & External Relations Team
Leigh Sylvia, Director of Operations & External Relations
(she, her, hers)
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As the Director of Operations & External Relations, I serve on the Center’s leadership team and provide oversight of employer/external relations, funding programs, communications and events, data collection and analysis, and overall process improvement for the ‘68 Center team.
I earned an M.Ed. in Human Services & Counseling from DePaul University and a B.A. from Penn State University. After a brief time in advertising, I have worked in higher education career services for over 15 years at multiple institutions (9 years here at Williams). My roles have ranged from student/alumni advising, mentoring program development and management, and operational leadership.
I am originally from southeastern Massachusetts, and after time spent in multiple cities including Chicago and NYC, love calling Berkshire County “home” with my family. I enjoy all things mountain and beach, seafood, road trips, and moonlight as a self-proclaimed TV/film critic from my couch (all genres welcome, my Netflix algorithm is very confused). Please feel free to connect with me @[email protected]
Scott LaChapelle, Associate Director of External Relations
(he, him, his)
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As the Associate Director for External Relations, I manage relationships, recruiting strategies, and student engagement activities for employers from a wide array of industries and locations. I also work closely with the Williams Alumni Engagement and Development offices as many of our employer contacts are Williams alums who are passionate about hiring and mentoring current students.
I graduated from the Rhode Island School of Photography, and I have a BA in Political Science from UMass Dartmouth. Before joining the higher education field, I worked in several different industries, including high-end retail and consumer banking. Since 2002, I’ve held various roles in the career centers at Brown, Harvard, Amherst, and Williams. In addition to managing employer/external relations, I enjoy launching and running career services software, as well as training and developing new staff members.
I grew up in a semi-rural town on the southern coast of New England near the beaches of Westport and Newport I’ve lived in the cities of Providence, Boston, and Northampton, MA. I moved to The Berkshires with my wife in the summer of 2021, and we’re continually exploring all that’s on offer here. I also enjoy many different outdoor activities, and I love engaging with and supporting the arts. My greatest passion is taking in (and often dancing to) small venue live music at all hours of the day and night.
Stephen Biegner, Assistant Director of Operations & Funding Programs
(he, him, his)
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As the Assistant Director of Operations & Funding Programs, I support the ‘68 Center by overseeing our budgets, managing the Career Access Fund and the Alumni Sponsored Internship Program, streamlining office workflows and processes, and maintaining the ‘68 Center’s data infrastructure in Airtable.
I graduated with a BM in classical voice from the Manhattan School of Music (MSM) and was a freelance choral musician in NYC for a number of years. I started working in admissions at MSM, eventually becoming the assistant director before moving on to work in the music department at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Directly before coming to Williams, I was the program manager at the Institute for Music Leadership at the Eastman School of Music, where I was also responsible for overseeing budgets and streamlining workflows leveraging new technology.
I grew up in Western Mass, living and working in Easthampton, Northampton, and South Hadley, before spending almost a decade in Manhattan, where I met my wife. We moved to New Jersey, then Rochester, NY, and had two wild and wonderful kids along the way. I enjoy running long distances, cooking and consuming any noodle-based dish (and other food is ok too, I guess), reading, poetry, puns, and nerding out about & singing choral music (especially from before 1700). Feel free to get in touch with me here.
Dawn M. Dellea, Employer Relationship & Internships Manager
(she, her, hers)
Email Dawn.
I’ve worked at the ’68 Center for Career Exploration since August 1996 (28 years!) in various roles: Counselor Intern/Program Coordinator, Assistant Director/Career Advisor, and Pre-Law Advisor, and Manager of Alumni & Parent Engagement Programs that included managing the ‘68 Center’s two signature internship programs, our summer funded internship program, the Alumni Sponsored Internship Program and our winter study course, formerly SPEC 21 Career Exploration, Winter Study Internships!. As of July 1, 2024, I have moved to a newly created role as the Employment Relationship & Internships Manager.
As a very proud first-generation non-traditional college graduate, I began my educational journey at Berkshire Community College (BCC). While attending BCC, I was elected to the BCC Board of Trustees as the Student Trustee. After graduating from BCC, I enrolled in Northeastern University and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Political Science. During that time, I was a very active student leader. I gained professional experience at the U.S. Department of Labor, the Office of U.S. Senator John Kerry-Boston Office, and The Boston Municipal Research Bureau. While working at Williams, I earned a Master of Education Degree from Cambridge College.
I am a huge fan of music and theatre, and my three favorite local venues in the Berkshires are Tanglewood, Barrington Stage Company, and The Colonial Theatre, designated as a National Historic Treasure, Save America’s Treasure Program of the National Park. Community service is important to me. I’ve served on local non-profit boards and worked on several local campaigns for mayor and city council. If you have questions about ASIP or SPEC 21: Career Exploration: Winter Study Internships!, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Nicole Allen, Communications & Events Specialist
(she, her, hers)
Email Nicole.
As the Communications and Events Coordinator, I support the ’68 Center staff by assisting with events, managing our office-wide communications calendar, producing our weekly Sunday Newsletter, and running our Instagram.
I graduated from Simmons University in 2018 with a BA in Public Relations and Marketing Communications. I’m a Berkshire County native but have lived in Boston and Los Angeles. Before my start at Williams, I had many jobs, from leading marketing initiatives at a crepe cafe to coordinating communications for a lifestyle content creator!
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching reality TV, hanging out with my cat, Nova, and listening to comedy podcasts. Feel free to get in touch with me here.