Meet the Team

I am proud to serve in my role as the Associate Director for Experiential Learning and Campus Inclusion. Leading a dedicated team, I work to ensure that every student has access to transformative experiences across campus and receives ongoing support as they transition beyond graduation.

My responsibilities include developing strategies for the career center to provide essential resources, guidance, and support to campus stakeholders. I also focus on communicating the tangible impact of experiential learning on our students’ future readiness to enter the workforce.

In this capacity, I drive initiatives that bridge the gap between students, industry partners, and campus collaborators, fostering experiential learning opportunities and connections. I work to create an ecosystem where we all work collectively to provide all Gators the opportunity to develop the skills needed to excel in a 21st century tech enable and global workforce.

I am the Manager of Experiential Learning and Campus Inclusion within the Career Connections Center. My hope is to use my expertise to connect our students to meaningful experiential learning opportunities through internships and global learning, so that they are ready to accept and produce in the career fields of their choice upon graduation. In an effort to tell the University of Florida’s story, I’ll be connecting with campus partners to track, report and highlight the wonderful experiential opportunities that are being offered to aid our students in their career readiness so that they can land the internships and jobs of their choice pre/post-graduation.

I was a first-generation college student who has a long-lasting passion for education and learning. I am currently a Manager for Integrated Career Solutions, with the goal of utilizing technology to increase access for University of Florida students to career development tools and resources, with a specific focus on community-focused technologies.  Furthermore, I am the team go-to gal for Gator Network and LinkedIn. Outside of work, you can find me rollerblading, painting, writing poetry, or at the beach.

Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or email me at altenburg.m@ufl.edu to collaborate and learn more about the educational technology used at the Career Connections Center.

Strategic | Individualization | Relater| Learner |Developer

I am a Senior Career Readiness Coach here at the University of Florida. I develop workshops and resources that promote the success of all UF students; my goal is to uplift and support students and alumni as they are exploring their career potential. I offer students insight on how to explore career paths, find experiential learning opportunities, and overcome imposter syndrome.

I’d love to help you with personalized career support, especially if you’re exploring different paths or are unsure of where to go with your major. Don’t hesitate to reach out, and be sure to visit the student populations page for “Exploring Students” to find tailored resources to guide you along the way.

My advice to all students is to reframe how you look at rejection – try and see being rejected as an opportunity. A rejection is a redirection. It is perfectly valid to be disappointed by rejection, but also try and find optimism in having millions of other opportunities available to you. Everyone deals with rejection at some point in their life. How you redirect your path afterwards makes all the difference.

In addition to career coaching, I also work in the equine assisted therapy field. I love to ride horses, make pottery, and explore Florida springs in my free time.

As the Sr. Associate Director for Integrated Career Solutions I oversee the marketing, data, and technology solutions for the offices within the Career and Integrative Partnership portfolio. Our team manages the Career Connections Center’s Career Planning on Your Own initiative that aims to increase the accessibility of career readiness tools for all Gators!

My name’s David and I am an assistant director for Career Pathways and career coach for Business, Public Service, and Tourism. I’m here to help students and alumni interested in these industries explore potential career paths; gain experience through internships, volunteering, research, global engagement, or other opportunities; make connections to expand your professional network; and prepare for your next steps through developing your resume, cover letter, interview, or other professional skills.  Outside of work, I love to watch movies and TV, read, travel, and visit Walt Disney World with my wife, Danie, who also works at the Career Connections Center, and I am also a UF student working on my Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration.

Reach out to me or schedule an appointment for help exploring or developing your career in Business, Public Service, or Tourism.

Hello Gator Nation! I’m Sarah, and I serve as the Career Coach for Human Services, Consulting, and Education. Within my role, I support the Gator Nation by conducting career planning appointments, facilitating career-based workshops, and creating educational resources centered on career development and professional branding. I also provide outreaches to classes, campus partners, and student organizations!

In my role as a Career Coach and previously as a sixth-grade schoolteacher, I have always strived to create spaces for students to maintain autonomy and “center themselves” within their professional journeys. I hold the belief that career is a process — meaning there’s no set path to reach a particular career, it’s all about the experiences you have along the way to reach that ideal path for yourself. 

Schedule an appointment with me for all your career and professional development-related inquiries!

I am a Manager for Career Pathways working with the Architecture, Manufacturing, Natural Resources, and Agriculture Pathway. I provide customized support and resources for students in any major who are exploring careers within architecture, design, construction, environmental conservation, manufacturing, and other related industries.  As a first generation college graduate, my goal is to remove barriers to accessing information and experiences critical for making informed career decisions.

Schedule a one-on-one appointment with me or request an outreach for your student organization. 

I am the Career Systems Manager at the Career Connections Center! My focus is on managing the systems and technology we use, onboarding and training our staff with exciting, new technologies, and using data to empower the great work that we do. I’m always on the the lookout for emerging trends and ways to make our work more effective and impactful.

Hi! My name is Kai Williams and I am the marketing assistant for the Career Connections Center.

I currently serve as the Senior Associate Director for Career Foundations. In this role, I provide leadership and strategic vision for the center’s foundational student career services. I focus on a “student first” mindset to employ innovative ideas for supporting University of Florida students during their time as a Gator. In addition, my area supports career development initiatives throughout the entire student life cycle. This includes leveraging resources and services to engage students early in conversations surrounding career planning. I also work to plan our strategies for connecting with campus partners, including faculty, to ensure that career is infused throughout the University of Florida student experience.

Having over a decade of experience in career services, I have been privileged to hold multiple roles throughout my time at the Career Connections Center- all with the underlying mission to serve students. I am committed to personalizing services, as well as creatively scaling our work to be most accessible to UF students. I am always looking for a new way to connect with students and tell the stories of the impact that our work has on our Gator community and beyond.

I am a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) and am a double Gator- with my graduate degrees from the College of Education, and my undergraduate degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. I am personally passionate about mentorship, teaching, supporting new supervisors, and advocating for the unique needs of women leaders. In my free time, I love to travel, cook, and spend quality time with my husband, my daughter, and our dog, Gracie.

In my role as the Associate Director for Career Pathways and Education at the University of Florida’s Career Connections Center, I provide leadership and spearhead strategic initiatives to shape and elevate the C3’s Career Pathways model. Proactively removing barriers to industry education, this model empowers students to explore diverse career and skill development opportunities, regardless of their majors.

I am a Certified Master of Career Services (CMCS) and a Certified Facilitating Career Development Instructor (FCD-I) accredited by the National Career Development Association. I have the privilege of delivering extensive training to new and experienced career development professionals through an intensive 120-hour Facilitating Career Development curriculum. This experience-based curriculum teaches essential skills needed for the future of work. Engaging in dynamic conversations with fellow career development professionals to share insights and nurture their evolution into exemplary practitioners is a passion of mine

In my role as the Senior Assistant Director for Career Engagement, I lead the early career engagement initiative for the Career Connections Center of the University of Florida. My passion lies in guiding individuals toward their goals, and I am fortunate to embody this passion daily as a dedicated career coach. My focus is on providing support to both UF students and alumni, offering personalized one-on-one career coaching sessions and customized workshops. Together, we delve into the realm of career possibilities, foster experiential growth, expand professional networks, cultivate skill sets, and chart out their subsequent steps.

Beyond my role as a career coach, I develop the strategic vision that nurtures the career development for first-year, second-year, and transfer students at UF. This vision is aimed at raising students’ level of awareness of career development and professional growth within the University of Florida. In this capacity, I collaborate with industries to offer experiential learning opportunities for early learners. Additionally, I engage in the important work of educating, consulting, and advising K-12 educators and administrators, equipping them with insights into the evolving landscape of work and strategies for embedding career and professional development into the curriculum.

Moreover, I am responsible for the planning and coordinating of center-wide events that bring the UF community together. These events include the Majors & Minors Fair, the Faculty and Staff Career Symposium, and the prestigious University of Florida Career Influencer Awards.

Hi, I am the Assistant Director for STEM at UF; my goal is to help UF students find personal and professional success. When I’m not at work, you can find me running a trail, camping at a state park, taking road trips, or doing home improvement projects. I work one-on-one with students and also develop programs to help STEM students prepare for future success. Reach out to me for personalized career support and check out the STEM page for additional tailored resources.

Welcome Gators! My name is Danie Adams and I am the Career Engagement Career Coach. Within my role, I provide one on one career planning appointments to students interested in all Career Pathways at the University of Florida. In addition, I supervise our Career Engagement Career Ambassador team and oversee our Express Drop-in and Outreach Services. My focus is to provide resources and career education to all students whether they are first–year exploratory students, students entering the final semester of their graduate programs, or anywhere in between.

As Manager for Career Pathways for Healthcare and Health Sciences,  I strive to provide support and assistance to students exploring and pursing careers in both individual and public health.

I grew up in southeast Louisiana, and as a transplant from one swamp to another, I enjoy all the wonderful outdoor activities Gainesville has to offer.  I also enjoy facilitating interactive workshops, giving students the opportunity to learn and practice relevant career skills.  Students and alumni can also meet with me for individualized support.

Set up a career planning appointment with me, connect with me on Gator Network, or feel free to email me with any career-related questions.

Erin came to career services with 20+ years of experiences as Human Resources professional with multiple global companies such as Motorola, Deloitte, and Microsoft. In her current role, she provides strategic and operational leadership to build relationships with campus partners, employers and the community to expand internship and employment opportunities for Gators. Erin is a certified career service provider and a SHRM senior certified professional. Erin graduated from Beijing Normal University with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degree of Psychology.

Erin believes the only way we can grow as professionals is through our experiences and understanding the power of team. She feels privileged to work with enthusiastic employers and take the lead to focus on connecting employers to diverse talent across the university.

Beline Lafayette is the Manager for Industry Engagement. She leads employer educational activities, employer engagement strategies, employer communication and recruiting operations. Beline graduated from the University of Florida with her bachelors degree in Tourism, Events and Recreation Management.

As Career Design Learning Specialist for Advanced Degrees, I have the privilege of working with outstanding UF graduate students on their career planning and preparation. I also collaborate with staff and faculty across campus to help integrate career planning into the classroom experience. I am originally from the Midwest, and have been in Florida for two years. I have a PhD in Teaching and Learning from the University of Iowa, and have worked as a high school teacher, summer camp theater director, tutoring center coordinator, and now with the C3. I enjoy spending time with my wife and two dogs all around Gainesville, cooking, and reading. Come see me if you are a graduate student trying to figure out your next steps, or a faculty member looking to support your students’ career planning. 

I am a Career Pathways Coach with a focus on STEAM – that’s STEM with the Arts spliced in. I aim to help everyone I work with strive toward the career goals that align with their ideal self.  This looks not just like creating resumes and looking up job opportunities but also exploring what gaining experience and creating connections look like. I am a UF alumni who majored in Psychology. I also minored in Classics, and completed courses the Pre-Dental track. Fun facts about me, my favorite way to catch up with my siblings is to get online and game with them and I love doing escape rooms. My role is to be a co-pilot in the journey of finding personal and professional success. You got your brilliant skills and ambition and I’ve got my listening ears on. Let’s go!

Hi! I am the Career Coach for Early Engagement here at C3! I specialize in helping first and second year students take their first steps in the career development process. Through our coordinated programming and outreach initiatives, I aim to provide expert coaching services and help guide students through the early stages of their career.

While earning my Bachelors Degree from American University in Washington, D.C., I competed on the Division I swim team and served as an Assistant Coach for Nation’s Capital Swim Club. After graduation, I continued to coach for NCAP and earned a spot on staff at Georgetown University.

As a national level swim coach, I learned how to mentor and develop athletes of all ages and abilities.  Through my swim coaching years I continued to search for “real” world jobs across an array of industries including fitness tech, education, communications, and even craft beverage! I have gone through the job-hunt process many times and held an almost incalculable amount of roles throughout my career in hopes of finding the perfect fit.

Here at the University of Florida is where I belong. I have since learned how to translate my skills from the pool deck to the Career Connections Center to help students realize where they want to go, and guide them towards that place.

So whatever your career goals are, I am confident we will achieve them together!

My name is Kyle and I am the Career Pathways Coach for the Healthcare and Health Sciences Pathway. In this role, I provide customized resources and support to students and alumni who have a focus in these industries. Outside of work, I am an avid golfer and sports enjoyer! As a first generation Gator alum, I am very passionate about helping the Gator Nation continue to grow and succeed. I look forward to having career conversations with students and providing them with the necessary resources to see them prosper. Please do not hesitate to reach out and connect!

Click here to schedule an appointment with me!

I am the Assistant Director for Career Pathways – Artificial Intelligence and my focus is to equip all UF students for success in the AI-integrated workforce.  I am also the Founding Advisor of the Artificial Intelligence Student Advisory Council (AI-SAC), a vital community I urge all students interested in AI to engage with. I am originally from Miami but I now live in Ocala where I love to garden both indoors and outdoors. Connect with me to setup an appointment on how to develop AI competencies, click here to join AI-SAC, and reach out to me directly if you are interested in going on a Career Trek.

Hi there! I’m Peter, your Industry Engagement Liaison. In my role, I primarily assist with strategy, operation, and service quality to facilitate connections between employers and talented students, indirectly supporting students in their career journey. With a focus on fostering industry engagement and managing stakeholder relationships, I work tirelessly to ensure that our partnerships benefit both employers and students alike. As a member of the industry team at the Career Connections Center, I play a vital role in creating opportunities for students by cultivating strong relationships with employers. My commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all students have access to these opportunities. From approving job postings to conducting company research, I facilitate seamless interactions between employers and students, offering strategic consultation to meet employers’ talent needs. By fostering employer networking opportunities on campus and serving as an account manager, I provide personalized support to employers, nurturing relationships that ultimately benefit our students’ career prospects. Empowering students indirectly through these employer connections is at the heart of what I do. Let’s connect and work together to create impactful opportunities for students in their career journey!