north carolina career development association |
PresidentStacey Huffman (she, her, hers), MA College Student Development & Student Affairs; Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths CoachAssistant Director for Career Exploration, University of North Carolina at WilmingtonAt UNCW, I encourage our students to reflect on their unique interests, values, strengths, and personality traits to find academic majors and career paths that will set them up for success and personal fulfillment. I currently serve as the liaison to our deciding students, transfer students, and early college high school students & graduates. When I'm not working directly with students, you will most often find me over in University College collaborating with our awesome academic advisors to plan fun, interactive events for our first year students & sophomores that connect them with alumni and members of the local community. I love the community of support and encouragement that NCCDA offers. This organization helped me to establish my identity as a career development practitioner back when I was in graduate school and continues to foster growth in me, both personally and professionally. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to give back to the organization that has meant so much to be throughout the years. linkedin.com/in/staceyhuffmanPresident-Elect & Conference ChairBelinda J. Wilkerson, Ed.D, GCDFIndependent Educational Consultant, College Counselor, Counselor Educator | Founder/Owner of Steps To The Future, LLC, Montessori School of Raleigh and Providence College Dr. Belinda J. Wilkerson, the founder of and principal counselor at Steps To the Future, LLC, helps families eliminate random acts of college planning. A lifelong educator, she held teaching, school counseling and counselor educator positions in Rhode Island before relocating to North Carolina. Active in her community, she is the former Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland County Public Library and information Center and provides college and career workshops for the GEARUp Program at Fayetteville State University. The former VP of Ethics and Professional Practices for the Independent Educational Consultants Association, she served on the IECA board for six years and is a member of the Black IECs Affinity Group. Currently, she serves on the IECA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Connect with her on LinkedIn and subscribe to the STEPS YouTube channel at bit.ly/stepsCC, where Dr. Wilkerson conducts informational interviews with Black and brown career professionals as part of the “Representation Matters” playlist. A first-generation college student, her interest in career awareness, career development and career exploration began at an early age with her interest in a teaching career. Married with two adult sons, she enjoys reading, traveling and listening to podcasts. linkedin.com/in/belindawilkersonPast PresidentAmy Willard (she, her, hers), MA Counseling, NCC, MBTI, ATD Master TrainerAssociate Director, Wake Forest University
Amy Willard has over 10 years of higher education career development experience. She is an associate director of career and professional development in the Office of Personal and Career Development (OPCD) at Wake Forest University. Prior to joining the OPCD staff, she was the manager of promotions and activities at Graylyn International Conference Center marketing the center and facilitating team building events. She started her career as a Spanish teacher teaching grades 3 through 12. She is creatively strategic and versatile with a strong work ethic dedicated to preparing liberal arts and sciences students to be career- and life-ready through innovative practices. Amy employs solutions-focused, and cognitive-behavioral therapies coupled with a client-centered, strengths-based approach. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and an Association of Talent Development (ATD) Master Trainer. In addition, she is certified to administer and interpret the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Amy received her B.A. in Spanish Literature and Language from North Carolina State University, and a M.A. in Counseling from Wake Forest University. TreasurerBeth Hwang, M.Ed., NCC, Gallup Strengths Certified CoachDirector, StrongPoints, Meredith CollegeBeth is a higher education enthusiast with a B.A. in Economics from Meredith College and a Masters of Education in Counseling from NC State University. As someone who struggled to identify a career path, she discovered a passion to help others navigate their career journey. The work she does in StrongPoints utilizes the CliftonStrengths assessment to assist students in using their natural talents to be successful in their academics, careers, experiences, and finances. Previous experience in corporate human resources, career counseling, and being a Certified Strengths Coach prepares her to help individuals identify strengths, interests, and values to successfully complete their education and find fulfilling careers. Additionally, she volunteers with Hire Heroes USA to assist veterans in their transitions to civilian work life. linkedin.com/in/bethhwangSecretaryCarmen White, M.Ed., CPRW
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Legal Recruiting Regional Manager (Charleston, Charlotte, Raleigh, Research Triangle Park), K&L Gates
Flannery Clair is a career counselor and recruiting professional. Flannery joined K&L Gates in August 2022 to help foster connections between law students and employers. Flannery previously served on the Office of Career Planning team at Meredith College for 3+ years, where she honed her counselor and employer outreach skills. As a native North Carolinian, Flannery is excited to continue on the NCCDA board and remain connected with the North Carolina career development community from Washington, DC.
Flannery received a Master of Arts in Counseling from Wake Forest University and a B.S. from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!).
linkedin.com/in/flanneryclair
Employer Relations Coordinator, Meredith College
As an employer relations professional, Andrea focuses on building relationships with employers and campus partners to share meaningful career-related opportunities with college students. As a strengths-based higher education professional, Andrea believes in the importance of encouraging students to recognize and utilize their unique abilities so they are empowered to reach their goals. She loves helping students discover how their passions and interests connect to career opportunities.
Andrea is a native of Indiana, completing both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in her home state before relocating to North Carolina. She earned a BA in English from Anderson University (Anderson, IN) and an MA in Student Development Counseling and Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Emily Gomez earned a Master of Science in Counseling with a specialization in Career Counseling from California State University, Sacramento. Her work has spanned 4-year institutions, community college settings, and the non-profit sector. She enjoys supporting job seekers in transition, whether it be planned or unplanned, to get to their next step in life. In her current role, she oversees a program supporting federal job seekers and empowers more than 300 new clients every month. Ms. Gomez was the 2020 NCCDA Outstanding Program/Professional recipient and selected for the 2021 Leadership Academy Cohort.
linkedin.com/in/gomezemilyClinical Counselor, NC A&T State University
Atticia Bundy earned her MS and PhD at UNCG. NCCDA was one of the first divisions she joined. Atticia's dissertation was on a career topic (rural women dislocated workers), and she has been interested in career counseling for many years. She operates from the belief that career counseling IS personal counseling. Currently, Atticia is working as a clinical counselor at NC A&T State University and often collaborates with other departments, including Career Services. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors, reading, spending times with friends, family, and her companion animals. Atticia also has a passion for volunteering for animal rescue groups.
linkedin.com/in/atticiabundyElizabeth is currently the Career Development Coordinator at Green Level High School in Cary, NC. Prior to this position she was a high school counselor at Panther Creek and Apex Friendship. She spent 18 years in the classroom teaching marketing education and remains involved with DECA, a student organization for marketing, management and entrepreneurship. Elizabeth got her masters at NCSU and she loves college baseball - Go Pack!
Byron J. Dickey is a Double Eagle graduate of the illustrious North Carolina Central University. In 2017, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry Business-Voice. Then again in December of 2021, graduated with honors with a Master of Arts in Counseling Education: Career Counseling and Placement. He plans on furthering his career in career services with plans on obtaining his Doctorate in Higher Education Administration and Organization Leadership. His ultimate goal is to stay in student affairs in Higher Education and eventually become a Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. He recently started a position at NCCU with the Career and Professional Development Center, as their Career Development Coordinator. Some of his primary responsibilities include, advising and counseling students concerning employment opportunities and careers, coordinating and supervising career planning programs for first year students, as well as scholars within the Student Accessibility Services/TRIO AcceSSS Program. Byron’s goal is to increase collaborative partnerships to create more inclusive and meaningful programming for the university. Having a background in mental health services, this new role allows Byron to merge his passions into one and make a strong impact at NCCU. In his spare time, he enjoys making music and spending time with his family.
Amy has over 15 years of education experience, and over 10 years in the Business Sector with Human Resources, Publishing, and Corporate Education and Development. She has a background teaching Graphic Communication Industrial Technology in the 6-12 (NJ), Community College of Morris (NJ), and Illinois State University (ISU).
Amy currently serves as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Career Development Consultant for the NC Department of Public Instruction where she provides leadership, professional development, curriculum development, consultation, and advocacy to the NC Career Development Coordinators (CDC), CTE Directors, and other stakeholders to ensure NC students are career and college ready. She is certified NCDPI National Career Development Association's "Facilitating Career Development" (FCD) licensure course instructor for new NC CDCs.
linkedin.com/in/amypsbethedifferenceRam comes from the world of Engineering and Information Technology. He is from New Orleans, but has lived in the Triangle area for over 30 years. He has worked in private industry, and in academia as an instructor, tutor, and advisor. Over the years, he developed a passion for helping students with career development. In 2021, he graduated with a M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Development from NC State University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, watching hockey (Go Canes!), and spending time with family and friends.
Ms. Karen Ingram is a National Board-Certified Teacher (NBCT) with over two decades of experience in the educational field. Her background includes a broad range of working in education – from the elementary classroom to the collegiate level. In addition to classroom experience, she has served in multiple leadership roles including district CTE Coordinator, school improvement team, Regional Coaching Coordinator, Regional Coaching Champion, Regional CTE Administrator’s Group Treasurer and as a school district’s Lead Career Academy Director. Ms. Ingram’s prior experience includes serving in Wake County Schools, Raleigh, NC, where she was selected as one of only two NBCTs from the district to participate in the “Standards-Setting Session” for the CTE discipline. She was also selected as the first Teacher of the Year for the City of Medicine Academy during the 2008-2009 school year. Ms. Ingram holds an undergraduate degree in Organizational Management from St. Augustine’s College, a Master’s Degree (M.Ed.) in Business and Marketing Education Curriculum and Instruction from NC State University, and a K-12 Administration license earned at Gardner Webb University. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership – Learning, Design, and Technology from UNC-Charlotte. Ms. Ingram loves to read, conduct research, travel, watch old movies and spend time with friends and family in her spare time.
Dr. Nadia Chamberlin is the Assistant Dean of Career Services and Professional Development of Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. She leads a comprehensive and integrated career and professional development center focused on Sanford students. Dr. Chamberlin has served in the higher education arena since 2001 in numerous academic and administrative roles, including: Associate Director of Employer Engagement and Recruiting with Career and Leadership for MBA and Alumni at Kenan-Flagler Business School of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Associate Director of University Career Services at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Assistant Vice President for International Education, Interim Dean of Student Development, and Adjunct Faculty Member at Upper Iowa University; Assistant Director for International Students and Scholars and Assistant Director of International Programs at University of Northern Iowa; and Academic/Career Advisor, Financial Aid Advisor and Adjunct Instructor in Political Science at Hawkeye Community College. In addition to her administrative roles, she has taught undergraduate, graduate, and non-credit courses both face-to-face and online.
Dr. Chamberlin earned her PhD in Educational Leadership from Iowa State University, her MA in Public Policy from the University of Northern Iowa, and her BA in International Law and English from Taurida National Vernadski University. Over the years, she has served on numerous university committees, and was an active member of several community and professional organizations. Dr. Chamberlin is a recipient of several grants and awards, including 2021 North Carolina Career Development Association Outstanding Professional award, 2020 Student Affairs Assessment award, 2013 Fulbright International Education Administrators seminar grant, 2013 Germany Today special information program grant from DAAD, 2011 Cedar Valley Business Monthly 20 under 40 award, and 2009 City of Waterloo Human Rights Special Recognition Award. In 2015, she co-authored a peer-reviewed article, “A Comparative Student of Student Engagement, Satisfaction, and Academic Success among International and American Students,” and she has had the pleasure of presenting at local and state conferences and leading a wide variety of trainings and webinars.
linkedin.com/in/nadia-korobova-phdDuke Wallin, M.Ed.
Career Development Coordinator/Student Support Services, Dare County School System
Duke Wallin works in the Student Services office at First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills, NC. Duke has over 25 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, coordinator, facilitator and advisor. Professionally, he belongs to the NCCDA, the National Career Development Association's (Ethics Committee), American Association of Adjunct Education and both the NC and national chapters of the Association for Career Technical Education.
At First Flight, Duke works collaboratively with administrators, students services personnel, teachers, parents, business/industry, post-secondary institutions, military, community organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure the delivery of career development services for all students. The coordinator works both in public and behind the scenes to help students secure educational goals & success.
Duke received his associates in broadcasting from Finger Lakes Community College, Bachelors of Science in Vocational Education & Communications and Masters in Career Technical Education Administration from the State University of New York at Oswego. He currently is mid-way through an education doctoral program in Global Training and Development at Northcentral University.
Duke is a proud pet parent of one . . . Abby (cat). The rest of my human family lives in New York state and Pennsylvania. His hobbies include coffee shops, being a foodie, dining out, outdoor recreation, watching Netflix, listening to music, weekend travel and of course, the beach. One additional fun fact, he has a great collection of fancy socks (over 300 pairs).
I have had the pleasure of working in higher education for the past nine years in very diverse roles. I have worked in admissions and student and administrative services at Virginia College (Greensboro), Duke University, and UNC-Chapel Hill. Most recently, I have worked both behind the scenes and directly with students in institutional research and accreditation at Wake Technical Community College, and as a Career Counselor – Intern at Durham Technical Community College. I recently graduated with a Master of Arts in Career Counseling from North Carolina Central University in December 2019. I have a passion for helping clients and students, life-long learning, career and professional development and most of all counseling. I am an ambitious counselor dedicated to those I serve. I am looking forward to what the future holds in workforce and career development counseling.
linkedin.com/in/morganbrayKelsey has been a member of NCCDA for 3 years and is currently serving as the National Career Development Month Co-Chair for the second year in a row. She has a little over five years of experience working in education as an elementary school teacher. Wanting to further her education experience, she completed her Master’s Degree in Career Counseling in December 2019.
She is currently working as an EC/Intervention teacher, where she is able to provide students with the necessary tools and skills to help them succeed. She enjoys interacting with others and using their skills and interests to find careers they are passionate about. She hopes that by being part of this team, she can continue to grow in both her professional and personal career journey.
linkedin.com/in/kelsey-hines-415394121/Continuing Education Committee Member
Jamie Johnson, MS Counseling, CCC
Counselor/Owner, Paths2take Consulting
Jamie’s passion is helping others find their purpose/passion. She loves helping others navigate through the career development process. She has been in the field of Career Development for over 30 years. She has worked in business, education and non-profit settings helping others with their career/life development. She received her Master’s in Counseling from the California University State, Northridge in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling and her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications. She is a Certified Career Counselor (NCDA) and certified in the Strong Interest Inventory and a MBTI Master Practitioner. She runs her private practice in Career Counseling, Paths2take, part-time and works full-time as a Career Advisor for the University of Phoenix.
On weekends, she spends her time serving as a Cantor at a Messianic Jewish Synagogue and plays percussion in the praise and worship band. She loves animals and is currently rescuing feral kitties from the streets of Kannapolis. She has three kitties, Max, Prince, and Tigger (rescued from the streets) and Rami a Straight Egyptian Arabian.
Cindy has 20+ years of counseling and career development experience and recently transitioned from higher ed to private practice. She holds professional counseling licenses in North Carolina (LCMHC) and Michigan (LPC), in addition to certifications in coaching (BCC), career counseling (CCC), and career development facilitation (GCDF). She’s passionate about supporting others in creatively achieving their life goals at every stage. She graduated from North Carolina State University and Central Michigan University. In her free time, she's an avid traveler and enjoys boating, biking, quilting, and sharing time with friends and family at the beach!
Crystal Waters a Lewiston-Woodville, North Carolina native has a distinguished higher education career with over 15 years of experience coaching and supporting students for lives of impact. She was recently named Placement Coordinator in the Talent Acquisition Division at UNC Health Care where she serves as the direct liaison between stakeholders to include internal employees returning to the UNC Health Workforce, Case Management, hiring managers, recruiters, HR Business partners, and Employee Relations regarding the job placement process. Crystal Waters is the point of contact for employees seeking a new position due to Worker’s Compensation, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Reduction in Force. Prior to joining the Talent Acquisition Division at UNC Health Care, Crystal served as the Senior Coordinator, Career Services and Student Life at Duke University School of Nursing as well as the Part Time Temporary Career Coach/Counselor for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Office of Career Services.
Waters also served at East Carolina University Office of Career Services as the Senior Career Counselor, working closely with the College of Nursing, College of Allied Health Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, and Brody School of Medicine leadership on efforts regarding on and off campus recruiting activities, alumni and employer relations, career education programming and individualized culturally appropriate coaching services. Campus wide programs, under her direction, included the 1st Health and Wellness Virtual Career Fair, "MY WORTH" Salary Negotiation Series, and the Pirate Nurse Expo. Waters was featured in the "Woman to Watch" Pitt County (Greenville, NC) Women's Journal for her professional highlights in 2019 and received the "Forty Under Forty" East Carolina University Leadership Award in 2020.
Over the years, her research, teaching, public engagement and scholarly presentations have focused on integrating technological resources that facilitate career exploration, skill development, internship and job search strategies. Prior to joining the UNC System, Crystal Waters served the North Carolina Community College System at Martin Community College and Central Carolina Community College. In 2015, Waters formed a committee with Martin County NCWorks and Martin Enterprises to address the deficiencies identified by employers and job seekers. The "GET THE LIFE YOU LOVE" Job Fair and Career Expo was developed as an ingenious way to address the needs for career readiness and to promote workforce development within the local NCWorks Career System and to provide an opportunity for increased employer education in the Eastern North Carolina counties of Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Martin, and Pitt. This initiative was recognized by the Region Q Workforce Development Board and was awarded the Sam Carson Award.
Crystal Waters was chosen to serve the The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) as a Virtual Certified Career Coach in 2021 along with the North Carolina Career Development Association as a volunteer of the Strategic Plan Committee. In 2019, Elizabeth City State University Chancellor Dr. Karrie G. Dixon awarded Crystal Waters the "Forty Under Forty" Leadership Award, one of the highest honors granted by the Office of Alumni Relations and Engagement, which is awarded to young alumni who have made significant contributions in the arts, entertainment, healthcare, sciences, education, law, business, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, public service or government. She also was selected in 2021 by the Institute for Educational Excellence at Duke University School of Nursing to provide teaching strategies for preparing nursing students of color for the future workforce. In Fall 2021 and Spring 2022, Waters developed the Career Resource Center at Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) and provided strategic vision and leadership to create the largest career fair in DUSON history with actively participating healthcare organizations both locally and nationally known.
Crystal Waters is a culturally competent and service oriented vibrant doer with a strong work ethic dedicated to providing oversight and leadership in the areas of career counseling, disability and accessibility services, student engagement and multicultural affairs. Waters is a member of the National Career Development Association and the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Crystal Waters received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Elizabeth City State University, a Master of Education in Psychological Studies from Cambridge College, and a Master of Science in Counselor Education from East Carolina University. She is a Certified Career Counselor (CCC), member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, and a Worship Leader for LifeHouse Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Crystal prioritizes time for family and friends, enjoys singing, traveling and interior decorating.