Communities & Connections
Career Success uses a "Communities & Connections" model. This model has a team of student-facing Career Coaches that work directly with students through coaching appointments, Career Communities programming, and more, to help the students identify steps and ways to prepare for their lifetime of opportunity. Our Industry Connections team does just what you would expect... they create connections with employers seeking top talent!
Both teams are supported by our Administration team, and our Student Support team. Our Administration team helps with business and technology functions, leadership and communication and more.
Stephanie Ford, PhD (she/her/hers)
Director, Career Communities
(614) 247-6020
ford.82@osu.edu
Stephanie has been with the College of Arts and Sciences Center for Career and Professional Success since August 2005. Prior to joining the office, she was the Director of the Career Center at Wittenberg University and held a Career Counselor position with Ohio State’s Career Counseling & Support Services office from 1997-2000. She has a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Southern Illinois University/Carbondale and has worked in Higher Education, holding positions in counseling, career services, human resources, and course instruction, since 1990. Her bachelor’s degree is in Psychology from The Ohio State University. Stephanie provides primary leadership to the Career Communities Team. In this role, she oversees the career coaching service and delivery of events aimed at supporting students in the discovery of career options and maximizing their success when searching for resume builders and career employment. She also works in collaboration with the Director of Industry Connections to lead The Buckeye Advantage initiative aimed at supporting students in the development of their readiness competencies.
Michelle Norris, MA, MEd, LPC
Career Coach
Norris.83@osu.edu
Michelle joined the Center for Career and Professional Success in June of 2023. She holds both a BA and MA in Political Science, from John Carroll University and Western Illinois University respectively. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Ohio, having earned an MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ohio University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education at Ohio State, with research interests in career longevity and the Future of Work. Michelle has a passion for career counseling and coaching in the higher educational realm, having worked in the past with students at University of Pittsburgh and Marietta College. She is eager to intentionally and reflectively engage with students at Ohio State, as they explore their career possibilities and strive to meet their professional aspirations and goals.
Michelle provides career coaching for students in the following Career Communities:
 |
Healthcare and Wellness |
 |
Science and Research |
Barbara C. Harvey, MS
Career Coach
(614) 247-6456
harvey.669@osu.edu
A native of Chicago, Barbara earned a B.A. in Applied Behavioral Science and an M.S. in Community Counseling from National Louis University in Illinois. She joined the Center for Career and Professional Success in 2019, bringing her experience in community mental health and her experience working with continuing education for adult learners at NLU. Barbara is excited to encourage students to explore and embrace opportunities that allow them to stretch and grow their professional goals.
Barbara provides career coaching for students in the following Career Communities:
 |
Entrepreneurship | ||
 |
Visual, Written and Performing Arts |
Madelyn Kindig, M.A.
Career Coach
kindig.13@osu.edu
Madelyn joined the Career Success team in October of 2022. Although originally from northern Indiana, Madelyn has lived and worked in Germany, Czech Republic, and Italy within the last seven years. She earned her B.A. in World Language Studies with a focus in German and history from Indiana University South Bend, M.A. in Germanic Languages and Literatures from The Ohio State University, and a certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Trinity College London. Madelyn also gained experience in areas such as intercultural competence, higher education, translation, editing, and business. Madelyn enjoys empowering students to build and use their skills to help envision their professional goals. She looks forward to working directly with students in their career communities to foster an environment of compassion, curiosity, and confidence.
Madelyn provides career coaching for students in the following Career Communities:
 |
Finance, Consulting, Management and Sales | ||
 |
Technology, Data and Analytics |
Megan D'Angelo, M.Ed (She/her/hers )
Career Coach
614-247-9386
dangelo.94@osu.edu
Megan joined the Career Success team in November 2021. After graduating from Bowling Green State University with a B.S. in Dietetics in 2018, she completed her M.Ed in College Student Personnel at Ohio University in 2021. She has gained experience working with campus programming, career and leadership development, first-year student programs and classroom instruction. Megan is excited to serve as a resource while providing encouragement and empathy for students as they pursue their career goals.
Megan provides career coaching for students in the following Career Communities:
 |
Journalism, Sports, Entertainment and Production | ||
 |
Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations |
Lori Bolton
Career Coach
After 14 years away from OSU Lori has returned to career services. She previously worked in Career Services at The OSU Marion Regional campus, in the College of Medicine and with the College of Public Health. She spent time as an academic advisor working with all majors and preparing students to transition from high school to college, transfer from two-year programs to four-year programs, and enter the workforce or move on to professional degree programs. Lori believes that students’ diverse backgrounds and experiences are their greatest strengths, and she will work with each student to cultivate, promote, and celebrate their individual talents. Her education includes both a MS in Education with a focus on higher education counseling and a BS in Business Management with a minor in communications. Lori is a lifelong Ohioan and considers herself to be a National Park geek, visiting over twenty parks so far.
Lori provides career coaching for students in the following Career Communities:
 |
Education, Non-Profit and Social Services | ||
 |
Government, International Affairs and Public Policy |
Amy Louise, LSW, MSW
Career Services Office Department of Economics
614-247-6704
Amy joined The Ohio State University staff in June of 2022. Currently, she directs all career related activities for undergraduate students in the Department of Economics. She received her BA in English at Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho and followed it with secondary education coursework and certification in English and Spanish in the state of Oregon. In 2018, she earned her master’s degree in social work at OSU. Her previous work experience is in teaching English and foreign languages and in the social services field. In 2020, she earned her Facilitating Career Development certificate from the National Career Development Association and is now focused on helping students successfully transition from college to work. Amy loves to learn and is on a lifetime journey of discovery! One of the best things on that journey is meeting new people, showing them their strengths, and empowering them to be successful. Amy hopes to be encouraging as well as helpful as she works with the students here, and she looks forward to getting to know each you!
Amy provides career coaching for Economics majors and minors.
Career Coaching Appointments Available, AU 2022
Monday: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Virtual or phone appointment
Wednesday: 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Virtual, phone, or in-person appointment
Thursday: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Virtual, phone, or in-person appointment
Scott Kustis, MBA (he/him/his)
Director of Industry Connections
(614) 292-6961
kustis.1@osu.edu
Scott joined the Center for Career and Professional Success in October 2005 as a career prep advisor, and eventually moving into an assistant director role. In this role, Scott advised students on ways to build their resumes and professional competencies. He also coordinated the annual Ohio State Spring Career Fair, and served as the manager for employer relations.
In August 2018, Scott was appointed to the newly established role of Director of Industry Connections. In this role, Scott leads his team as they build relationships with businesses and brands interested in hiring high caliber and diverse talent, ready to help organizations tackle their 21st century challenges.
Scott connects with industries that are seeking talent from the following Career Communities:
Shirley Wu, MA (She/Her/Hers)
Assistant Director of Industry Connections
Shirley joined the Career Success team in July 2023, returning to her roots as both an OSU Arts and Sciences alum and Ohio native. Her previous experiences include career-technical education, campus programming, and student mentoring and advising for minoritized students. She graduated with dual bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Linguistics from The Ohio State University, with a minor in Chinese. She obtained her Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration, specializing in Policy and Equity, at the University of Louisville. She champions her Arts and Sciences background for its wealth of potential and opportunity, and advocates for industry connections to better facilitate the career and professional success of students pursuing an arts and sciences education.
Shirley connects with industries that are seeking talent from the following Career Communities:
Aaron Klein, M.Ed.
Assistant Director of Industry Connections
klein.795@osu.edu
Aaron joined the Career Success team after working in international education at The Ohio State University and Texas A&M University. His previous experiences include managing international internships and programs, collegiate athletics, residence life, and new student programming. A native of Illinois, Aaron received his B.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism and his M.Ed. in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Ohio State.
In his role, he develops meaningful relationships with industry in order to enhance career and professional success for students pursuing an arts and sciences education.
Aaron connects with industries that are seeking talent from the following Career Communities:
- Technology, Data and Analytics
- Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations
- Journalism, Sports, Entertainment and Production
Andrew Freeman, MHI (He/Him/His)
Assistant Director of Industry Connections
freeman.752@osu.edu
Andrew joined Career Success in 2022, coming to us from The OSU Wexner Medical Center. His own career includes 20 years in the events industry in Columbus and Seattle, and as a volunteer performer with community choruses in both cities. Andrew has served as president of two non-profit boards, and as interim executive director of an arts organization. His experiences and skills provide a vast and diverse network from which he can draw, to connect industry communities with ASC students.
He holds a bachelor’s in liberal studies from Bowling Green State University, and a master’s in healthcare innovation from The Ohio State University. Andrew is honored to create opportunities for ASC students cultivating their success and to connect them with professional communities seeking top talent.
Andrew connects with industries that are seeking talent from the following Career Communities:
- Visual, Written and Performing Arts
- Government, International Affairs and Public Policy
- Education, Non-Profit and Social Service
Maggie Kruth, M.S.Ed (she/her/hers)
Internship Specialist
Kruth.2@osu.edu
Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Maggie graduated from Miami University in 2018. After earning her Masters in Education from Johns Hopkins University and teaching high school English for two years in Dallas, TX, Maggie returned to Ohio to be closer to family and friends. Maggie has been part of The Ohio State Community for just over a year, working with students as a Career Coach. She is passionate about bringing empathy and understanding to the table in order to support and advocate for students and their needs.
Christian Schaefer, BFA (He/Him/His)
Employer Engagement Coordinator
Christian joined the Career Services team after working in the advertising and hospitality industries. Born and raised in the Columbus metro area, Christian earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Wright State University and a Digital Marketing Certificate from Colorado State University (Pueblo). He has worked in administrative and director positions for live performances and catering events. In his role, he will be assisting with hospitality and concierge services for employer outreach events, along with coordinating in-person, virtual, and hybrid employer-to-student engagements.
Tricia Zelaya-Leon, PhD (she/her/hers)
Assistant Dean
For over 20 years, Tricia Zelaya-Leon has served students and the field of higher education in multiple capacities. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, she earned her BS in Spanish Education and her MA in Higher Education, both from Ohio University. She began her professional career in housing at Ohio State, during which time she also completed her PhD in Higher Education and Student Affairs. From there, Tricia took her leadership to large and small institutions across the country, holding positions in graduate education, student development and assessment, and student success. Most noteworthy have been her contributions to the field of career services, where she has dedicated herself to implementing intentional initiatives that better prepare today's college graduates for meaningful and productive career success. She is an active contributor to the field through her scholarship and engagement within the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and local and regional executive boards. Tricia most recently served as the Director of the Center for Career and Professional Development at Kalamazoo College in southwest Michigan. She is thrilled to rejoin the OSU community, and to help Arts and Sciences students apply their learning and skills to meaningful and rewarding careers! When not at work, you can find Tricia baking, watching sports, and enjoying time with her family.
Stephanie Ford, PhD (she/her/hers)
Director, Career Communities
(614) 247-6020
ford.82@osu.edu
Stephanie has been with the College of Arts and Sciences Center for Career and Professional Success since August 2005. Prior to joining the office, she was the Director of the Career Center at Wittenberg University and held a Career Counselor position with Ohio State’s Career Counseling & Support Services office from 1997-2000. She has a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Southern Illinois University/Carbondale and has worked in Higher Education, holding positions in counseling, career services, human resources, and course instruction, since 1990. Her bachelor’s degree is in Psychology from The Ohio State University. Stephanie provides primary leadership to the Career Communities Team. In this role, she oversees the career coaching service and delivery of events aimed at supporting students in the discovery of career options and maximizing their success when searching for resume builders and career employment. She also works in collaboration with the Director of Industry Connections to lead The Buckeye Advantage initiative aimed at supporting students in the development of their readiness competencies.
Scott Kustis, MBA (he/him/his)
Director, Industry Connections
(614) 292-6961
kustis.1@osu.edu
Scott joined the Center for Career and Professional Success in October 2005 as a career prep advisor, and eventually moving into an assistant director role. In this role, Scott advised students on ways to build their resumes and professional competencies. He also coordinated the annual Ohio State Spring Career Fair, and served as the manager for employer relations.
In August 2018, Scott was appointed to the newly established role of Director of Industry Connections. In this role, Scott leads his team as they build relationships with businesses and brands interested in hiring high caliber and diverse talent, ready to help organizations tackle their 21st century challenges
Addie Cheney
Director, Graduate Student Professional Success
614-247-1781
cheney.45@osu.edu
As the inaugural Director of Graduate Student Professional Success, Addie will facilitate outreach and provide leadership in initiatives that integrate employers and alumni into graduate student career-related support services, such as skill development trainings, consultation, resource development, and enhanced connections with hiring organizations and/or PhD alumni. Addie will establish partnerships across campus to support and co-construct an ideal future service structure that will aid graduate students moving into a wide range of professional practices.
Addie holds a bachelor’s degree in German Studies from Miami University of Ohio and is a proud alumna of The Ohio State University’s College of Arts and Sciences, having earned a Master of Arts in Germanic Languages. She is currently pursuing a second masters in Workforce Development here at Ohio State.
Danelle Bradley
Business Operations Associate
614-425-4997
Bradley.747@osu.eduDanelle joined Career Success as our Business Operations Associate in August 2022, bringing prior IT experience from Liberty HealthShare. Danelle graduated from Tiffin University in May 2021 with a B.S. in Computer Science. She is currently pursuing a M.S. in Data Analytics at Tiffin University. In her role, Danelle will identify and integrate new and emerging career management technology to enhance student success, collaborate with the team to complete website edits, work with marketing manager to create educational Handshake marketing collateral, and improve excellence in event-related technology. She also provides operational and administrative support to the Industry Connections and Career Communities teams to facilitate efficient connection between students and employers.
Hansen Rallis
Office Associate
Hansen joined the College of Arts and Sciences Center for Career and Professional Success in November of 2022. Having graduated from The Ohio State University from the College of Arts and Sciences with an English degree, he has direct experiences with the processes and services he will now help provide. Hansen looks forward to providing administrative and operational support to the staff and students, allowing them to achieve their goals and encourage them to push beyond their limits. He also Loves meeting new people and is excited to get to know everyone.
Jacob Sigafoos
Marketing Manager
Jacob Sigafoos is a seasoned professional with vast experience in social media management, content creation, and digital marketing. He has consistently utilized his expertise in video production, mentoring, and strategic planning to deliver impactful results throughout his career. His educational background reinforced his practical skills, with a bachelor's degree in communications from Wittenberg University and a Broadcasting Diploma from The Ohio Center for Broadcasting.
Starting as a Film Instructor at Ohio Media School, Jacob not only taught digital video content creation but also mentored students, enabling them to hone their film production skills. While teaching, Jacob also had the opportunity to work as a freelance creative with companies such as Bath & Body Works, Blizzard Activision and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Jacob rose through the ranks and became the Video and Photography Manager at Lubrication Specialties Inc, where he developed multimedia content, managed social media platforms, and oversaw graphic design projects. His attention to detail, creativity, and technical skills helped ensure that the company's visual assets were effective in communicating key messages.
Furthermore, as the Marketing Production Manager at Scholar House Media Digital Marketing, Jacob orchestrated multiple marketing initiatives and delivered cohesive messaging, making a substantial impact on clients' campaigns.
Hunter Nelson
Reporting and Analytics Specialist
Hunter joined the College of Arts and Sciences Center for Career and Professional Success in May of 2023. Originally from Mansfield Ohio, he earned his BA in Political Science from Bowling Green State University in 2021 and later a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from The Ohio State University in 2023. In his role, Hunter will research and utilize data to enhance center outcomes, maintain active analytics of event and program usage, coordinate and implement goals, fulfill data requests, and provide operational and analytical support to the team. Hunter is excited to serve as a resource to the team as they work with students to fulfill their career and professional goals.