Meet the Team

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.

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.

As the Assistant Director of Career Education System & Program Administration, Alex focuses on internship data, funding initiatives, as well as optimizing processes and systems. Prior to joining the Career Center, Alex spent 7 years at Northeastern University spanning several roles including Data Manager & Employer Relations Assistant, Data Analyst for Khoury College of Computer Sciences, and Senior Data Analyst for Business Research and Global Expansion in the Global Network and Strategic Initiatives Office.

Alex holds an MBA with concentrations in Marketing & Marketing Analytics from Northeastern University, an M.A. in International Education Management from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, and a B.A. in Japanese Language and Literature from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

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.

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.

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.

As a two-time Suffolk alumna, Aki holds a B.S. in Psychology with a Paralegal Certification and a dual Masters in Mental Health Counseling, and Crime and Justice. Her professional background spans clinical practice, program leadership, and student engagement, equipping her with a strong foundation in communication, systems thinking, and evidence-based program design. Having been an international student for eight years herself, Aki offers a nuanced perspective that merges theoretical knowledge with the lived experience of navigating career development globally. She leverages this foundation to develop and implement strategies that yield measurable results, foster institutional partnerships, and create impactful opportunities for Suffolk’s diverse student body.

As the Assistant Director of Global Career Strategy and Partnerships, Aki Vivekanandan will collaborate on initiatives to expand and elevate career readiness for Suffolk’s international and domestic student populations. Her role includes cultivating strategic partnerships, promoting innovative programming, and advancing equity-driven frameworks to prepare students for an increasingly complex and interconnected professional environment.

In addition, she will center support for the general team as we engage international students. She will partner with the Career Communities team as we continue to develop employer engagement strategies for those who prioritize hiring international students locally and abroad. She will also work with the Career Education team to advance our workshops and programming centering the students. She will be the point person and liaison to the Center for International Education and Study Away as well as the INTO Partnerships on campus. She will also join me on the committee for International Education Committee- Student Support.

Aki is passionate about ensuring that Suffolk graduates are positioned for both immediate success and long-term impact in their chosen fields.

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.

A native of Boston, Laura brings more than two decades of expertise in career development and recruitment, with a proven track record of building impactful programs and fostering industry partnerships. She played an integral role in shaping the Career Center’s current model, cultivating trusted relationships with hiring managers and campus recruiters across the accounting and finance sectors. Among her many contributions, she was a driving force behind the creation of the Career Closet, which has since grown into a thriving and highly valued resource for students.

Laura is the founder and current lead of the Employer Advisory Board, and she oversees a wide array of career-focused events and workshops both on and off campus. Her strategic guidance and instruction—both in advising sessions and classroom settings—have been instrumental in helping students successfully launch their professional journeys.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Boston College and is the proud parent of two Suffolk University alumni. Outside of her professional life, Laura enjoys watercolor painting, tending to her garden, and exploring the art of vegetarian cooking.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Rivers (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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.