NCCDA 2024-2025 Executive Board
PresidentEmily Gomez, MS Career Counseling, CCC
President-Elect & Conference ChairKaren Ingram, Ed.D., NBCT
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator/Curriculum & Instructional Management Coordinator (CIMC), Hickory Public Schools |
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. 
Communications (Newsletter & Social Media Chair)
Karen Parker, GCDF, CCSP, CCTC
Career Success Manager, NGT Academy | Founder/Owner of Career Parkway
Karen Parker is a Career Success Manager at a post secondary vocational school and founder and owner of Career Parkway and has recently launched the Roadmap to Job Searching youtube channel. She has earned her Global Career Development Facilitator, Certified Career Services Provider, and Certified Career Transition Specialist certifications. As a relentlessly curious individual, she continually discovers the newest and most innovative career information, constantly expanding her knowledge.
Karen graduated cum laude from Salem State College with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. She believes that the escalating costs and diminishing access to higher education should not hold you back from your career dreams. She advocates for the recognition of skills, experience, strengths, and alternative learning methods as valid and valuable routes to achieving career goals. Karen encourages individuals to pursue their ambitions regardless of their educational background, promoting a more inclusive and flexible approach to career development.
linkedin.com/in/karenparkernc
Communications (Website & Email Chair)
Andrea Wogoman, MA Student Development Counseling and Administration
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.
Best Practices Grant Chair
Dr. Regina Gavin Williams
Assistant Professor of Counselor Education and Director of the Career Counseling Program, North Carolina Central University
Dr. Regina Gavin Williams is an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education and Director of the Career Counseling program at North Carolina Central University. She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor (NC), qualified supervisor (NC), national certified counselor, and a licensed school counselor (GA). She is the 2023 recipient of the Ella Stephens Barrett Award for Excellence in Professional Leadership (North Carolina Counseling Association). Her research focuses on the college and career readiness, adult self-sufficiency, and mental health of youth in foster care, with a secondary research focus related to the intersection of career development and diversity. Her role as a mom inspires her advocacy work on the community stakeholder advisory board for a UNC-Chapel Hill study entitled, ACURE4Moms. Dr. Williams was also appointed by NC Governor Roy Cooper to serve as the Chair of the North Carolina State Youth Advisory Council.
linkedin.com/in/regina-gavin-williams-ph-d-ncc-lcmhc-qs-6a0a04102
Community Outreach Chair
Mallory Harris
Curriculum & Instructional Management Coordinator, Kannapolis City Schools
Mallory Harris earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her work has spanned various roles with the Kannapolis City Schools Career and Technical Education department including Culinary Arts and Hospitality Teacher, Career Development Coordinator and presently, CTE Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator (CIMC). In her current role, she oversees and supports 25 CTE educators or coordinators in ensuring equitable and accessible academic experiences for all KCS grades 6-12 students that sit in Career and Technical Education classes. In 2019, Ms. Harris was on the team that won the NC Governor's Innovative Partnership Award for WIN Partnership, a pre-apprenticeship program that places engineering and carpentry students in experiential learning experiences with Wayne Brothers Companies.
Member-at-Large/Membership Co-Chair
Kelsey Hines, BS Elementary Education, MA Career Counseling
EC/Intervention Teacher, The Expedition School
Kelsey has been a member of NCCDA for 5 years. She has over 8 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.
Member-at-Large/Membership Co-Chair
Victoria Hamill
CTE Director, Beaufort County Schools
Victoria Hamill is an Eastern North Carolina native and graduate of East Carolina University. She holds multiple licensures in education, a BS in Hospitality Management, and Masters in School Administration. She has 12 years of classroom experience and has held support and administrative positions at K-12 schools for 13 years. She is currently serving as the Director of Career and Technical Education (Workforce, Innovation, and STEM) for Beaufort County Schools.
Member-at-Large/Government & PR
Amy Policastro Schroeder, M.Ed., GCDFI, FCDI, SCDAI, CCSP, MBTI, TC
Education Consultant - Career Development, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction NCDA Government Relations Committee Member
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/amypsbethedifferenceMember-at-Large/Archives
Role currently vacant.
Professional Recognition Awards Committee Member
Brian Calhoun
Associate Professor of the Practice, Wake Forest University Department of Education
Brian Calhoun is an Associate Professor of the Practice in the Department of Education at Wake Forest University. He teaches classes with the College to Career series in the undergraduate college. His professional interests include career counseling and development, and he serves as a member of the National Career Development Association research committee. Mr. Calhoun also serves as a senior faculty fellow in a first-year residence hall. His research agenda focuses on career interventions that assist students with developing and learning more about their career options in the world of work.
linkedin.com/in/bmcalhoun
Professional Recognition Awards Committee Member
Rhonda Kosusko, MA Career Counseling
Associate Director, Elon University Student Professional Development Center
Rhonda Kosusko is Associate Director in the Student Professional Development Center at Elon University and has over 25 years of experience as a career counselor/consultant working with college students and other adults in transition, including assisting clients with career decisions, career planning and the internship/job search and graduate school application processes. Her specialties include individual career counseling, teaching career-related courses, workshop development and presentation, and event and program coordination. She also serves as chair of the Career Exploration and Education Department at the university and teaches the Life After Elon course, which focuses on preparing students for life post-graduation. Rhonda has been involved in NCCDA for many years, previously serving as President, Past President, President-Elect & Conference Chair, and on the Professional Recognition Awards Committee. Rhonda received the Roy N. Anderson Award in 2013.
Professional Recognition Awards Committee Member
Duke Wallin, Ed.D.
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 27 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, coordinator, facilitator, and advisor. Professionally, he belongs to NCCDA, the National Career Development Association's (Ethics Committee), the American Association of Adjunct Education, and both the NC and National chapters of the Association for Career Technical Education.
At the secondary level, Duke works collaboratively with administrators, student 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. As a coordinator, he works both in public and behind the scenes to help students secure educational goals & success. Very passionate about education, Duke coordinates 10+ programs promoting exploration and exposure to careers
Duke received his Associate in Broadcasting degree from Finger Lakes Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Vocational Education & Communications, and a Master's in Career Technical Education Administration from the State University of New York at Oswego. He received his terminal degree, a Doctorate of Education in Global Training and Development through National 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 400 pairs).
National Career Development Month Co-Chair
Elizabeth Bartell, M.Ed., GCDF, NCC, NBCT-R
Career Development Coordinator, Central Academy of Technology & Arts
Elizabeth has been an educator for over 20 years. She is a National Board Certified Teacher Renewed (in school counseling), has her Global Career Development Facilitator license, National Certified Counselor license and earned her Masters degree in School Counseling from Winthrop University. She started her career as a school counselor serving elementary, middle and high school students and then transitioned into the Career Development Coordinator (CDC) position continuing in Union County Public Schools in Monroe, NC for the past 10 years.
Elizabeth assisted in planning the CTE Spring CDC/SPC SW Regional mini conference from 2021-2023, was selected as the CTE SW Regional CDC Champion for 2022-2023 and also served on the NCDPI CTE Honors Review Team fall of 2023. Additionally she has participated at the CTE Summer Conference for CDC’s as a presenter and session facilitator. She became a member of NCCDA two years ago and thoroughly enjoyed the professional development offered along with the opportunities to network with other career development professionals. Elizabeth joined the NCCDA conference planning committee this past year to help organize the spring 2024 conference and is looking forward to serving and continuing to collaborate with its members in the future.
In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys singing, music, theater, reading and traveling! She is originally from Florida, is a huge Florida Gator fan (UF is her undergrad alma mater), has 4 children and one grandchild!
linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-bartell-m-ed-gcdf-ncc-nbct-r-33963722
National Career Development Month Co-Chair
Allison Gibson, M.Ed, GCDF
Career Coach, Southeastern Community College
Allison is a Career Coach at Southeastern Community College, bringing over a decade of diverse experience in education to her role. With a background spanning from teaching to school counseling, Allison's journey has culminated in her current position as a dedicated career coach.
She holds a master's degree in school counseling from North Carolina State University, supplementing her expertise with the recent attainment of her Global Career Development Facilitator credential. Her educational foundation includes an undergraduate degree in Business and Marketing Education, also from North Carolina State University.
In her capacity as a Career Coach, Allison actively engages with high school students and staff, fosters relationships with industry partners, and collaborates closely with SCC colleagues to bridge connections between academia and the workforce.
Returning to her roots in Columbus County, Allison is enthusiastic about contributing to the community where she was raised. Beyond her professional endeavors, she takes pride in caring for her beloved golden doodle and mini dachshund.
During her leisure time, Allison indulges her passion for exploration by traveling, trying out new restaurants, and cheering on her alma mater at NCSU games.
linkedin.com/in/aagibson1127
Continuing Education Committee Member
Jamie Johnson, MS Counseling, NCC, 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.
Continuing Education Committee Member
Cindy Haeck, M.Ed., NCC, LCMHC, CCC, FCD-I
Career Coach, Wilmington Career Counseling
Cindy has 20+ years of experience as a high school and community college counselor, career development coordinator, academic and career advisor, as well as non-profits. She routinely volunteered to serve on school improvement, SACS accreditation, student success committees and other initiatives designed to promote a quality educational experience for students and staff. Since retiring from the State of NC, she has been engaged in part-time private practice as a career coach in Wilmington, NC. She continues to be passionate about supporting and empowering students and adults in creating their best life story, whether choosing a college or identifying occupational fit.
She completed the M.Ed. in Counseling (Agency and School) at North Carolina State University and B.S. Psychology at Central Michigan University. As a lifelong learner, she completed the NCDA Career Development Facilitation Instructor training in 2022 and remains active in several professional and community organizations. She’s meets monthly with the NCDA Private Practice constituency group, and attends local, state, and national conferences that focus on mental health and career development.
Traveling, quilting, crafting, yoga, swimming, walking, biking, wine tasting, coffee with friends, family gatherings at the beach and her grand dog round out her days!
Continuing Education Committee Member
Katie Peterssen, M.Ed., NCC, LCMHC-A
Program Director, MMS Career Services, Duke University Fuqua School of Business
Katie Peterssen has more than 15 years of experience helping individuals explore pathways and strategies to meet their career and academic goals. An expert in career and professional development, she has a knack for recognizing and cultivating strengths in individuals and within teams. Katie has served in various leadership roles on the NCCDA board, including as President from 2020-2021, and is certified to facilitate the EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360 assessments. Katie serves as the Program Director for MMS Career Services at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and as Co-Founder of Ignite Career and Leadership Development, LLC. She has lived up and down the East Coast, earning her BS in Information Design and Corporate Communication from Bentley University and completed her MEd in Counselor Education at North Carolina State University. Published in 2023, Katie co-authored, An Innovative Approach to Career Counseling: Theory and Practical Application.
linkedin.com/in/kpeterssen