Victoria Rayel, Co-President

In the last 15 years I've worked in career services from non-profit and higher education to private practice and outplacement services. The thread that connects all of my experiences together is the energy and satisfaction I get from supporting professionals across ages, stages, industries and professions to discover a rewarding career that brings energy and joy to their life. The CCC was a primary part of my transition into career services and I'm forever grateful for the robust learning, development and networks I gained along the way.

Before getting into career services, I started my career as a Technical Recruiter, then transitioned to Finance Operations at State Street Corporation. After completing a master’s program at Northeastern University, I worked as the Career Program Manager and Employer Relations Director supporting first generation/low-income college students at the nonprofit Bottom Line. I later took a role at the Boston University Questrom School of Business as the Assistant Director for Undergraduate Career Services, and was later promoted to Director of Undergraduate of Career Management- I worked in this capacity until June 2021. During my tenure as Director, I started my career coaching practice in 2018, Victoria Rayel Career Development Specialist, LLC. Currently, I work full-time as a VP Delivery Lead at Keystone Partners and I manage a side business as a Private Practice Career Counselor supporting clients in career change.

Anastasia Lopez, Co-President

I have worked in career development since 2011, where I got my start in career services and coaching at Western Michigan University (WMU), where I also pursued my graduate degree. After I completed my Master’s in 2013, I moved back to the Pittsburgh area where I’m originally from, to work at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) as a Career Consultant for the Arts & Sciences, Pre-Business, and Careers Abroad. I then worked at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), to work in Workforce Development, helping underemployed populations from immigrants and refugees, veterans, people with disabilities and other diverse groups find gainful employment. In 2019, I took a role for three years at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) where I had two Directorship roles, one being in Career Services and the other in Student Engagement; I still teach a Job Search course at CCAC as an Adjunct Professor. Currently, I work at Pitt again, this time as a Professional Development Faculty Instructor and Director of Career Development and Recruitment for the Dept. of Economics. I am a Certified Master of Career Services, a Certified Start Smart and Work Smart Salary Negotiation Facilitator, completed NACE Career Coaching Intensive, and a MBTI Certified Practitioner. I am married to my wonderful husband, Fernando since 2011; and we have a lovely daughter named Maya, a son named Santiago and an adorable black cat named Zorro. I have been a member of the Board with the CCC since 2020 and served in various roles in the past from marketing/social media, volunteer coordinator and secretary as well as various committees. It is an honor to continue serving as Co-President with the CCC!

Michele Rapp, Co-President

As a career coach, I enjoy helping people find new possibilities for their lives, sharing resources, and offering encouragement. For many years, I provided career coaching, workshops, and a speakers’ series for MBA and Masters students at Suffolk University. Early on, I joined the CCC and found it helpful for my learning and for meeting others. For several years, I hosted a career counselor’s book group.

While working with a career counselor, I heard about the emerging life coaching field and enrolled in training and certification with the Co-Active Training Institute. My current work is at Northeastern University as the Associate Director in Alumni Career Strategy, where I provide career coaching, organize webinars and networking events, and oversee our online networking platform.

I have found tremendous value in the CCC over many years and am excited to serve on the Board. I look forward to contributing to vibrant programs, collaborating with colleagues, making new connections, and furthering our association’s continued success.

Andrea Horton-Meriçli, Treasurer

My first taste in the career counseling arena was in 2002, where I worked for Big Lakes Development Center in Manhattan, KS and later at Goodwill Central Texas in Austin, TX. Both organizations allowed me to help individuals with disabilities obtain and keep employment, fueling my passion for nonprofits. I then went into various teaching roles, including teaching in low-income schools and teaching English as a Foreign Language in Istanbul, Turkey.  I now work as a career counselor for a local nonprofit and get to combine my passion for helping refugees and immigrants, low-income individuals, and those facing educational gaps to help them reach their career and higher education goals. My experiences have allowed me to improve my skills in volunteer recruitment and management, event planning and management, relationship management, DEI advocacy, and program development. I am excited be on the CCC board, not only to offer some diversity in membership for the type of career counselor focus, but to help grow the CCC’s membership, promote their DEI initiatives, and help plan and administer great professional development workshops and events.

Amy Whitish-Temple, Secretary

Amy currently works at Suffolk University’s Center for Career Equity, Development and Success where she’s the Assistant Director of Marketing, Analytics, Advertising, and PR Career Community! Prior to that, she was a University Recruiter with Fidelity Investments and held various University Relations or Partnership roles with Enterprise Ireland, Academic Programs International (API), and Harvard University.

Laurie Stickels, Co-Coordinator of Professional Development Seminars 

I have been a member of the Career Counselor’s Consortium for many years.  My first professional seminar was for those new to the career counselling professional and the principles, models and exercises from that seminar continue to provide the foundation of my work with clients.  The CCC has consistently provided current information and tools relevant to the changing career landscape. In addition, the network of career professionals is a rich source of inspiration and friendship.  I have worked in the Career and Professional Development group in Human Resources at Harvard University for over twenty years.  I create and deliver a range of career development programs and initiatives to promote career development and internal mobility for Harvard staff.   I am experienced in a range of assessment tools; including the Myers Briggs Type Indicator Step One and Step Two, FIRO B, StrengthsFinder and Career Anchors.  My Master’s Degree ins Organizational Communication is from Emerson College and my Bachelor’s Degree in Neurobiology and Behavior is from Cornell University. I recently completed the Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching program at William James College. 

Adesuwa Igbineweka, DEI Coordinator

As a first gen college graduate, it is a delight to be a career coach and DEI practitioner. I enjoy working with students to explore who they are and what they want as they seek to bring value into the workforce and earn a return on their college investment. I bring 10+ years of experience as a student development specialist and residential counselor for adults with mental and developmental disabilities.  I currently work as the Director for Career Equity and Access in the Career Center at Suffolk University.  

Joining the CCC was a big deal for me because it allowed me the opportunity to be part of a professional community that was local and provided the additional value of networking and learning with colleagues who have a vast range of knowledge and interest. In the last two years I have enjoyed serving as the treasurer and collaborating with the board to host the first virtual conference. This also was an exciting time to join the conference as an organizer and the most cherished honor of being a presenter, sharing with colleagues the value of preparing students for a diverse workforce. I am eager to continue serving on the board as treasurer as well as lead the CCC’s DEI initiatives for the current year. 

Morgan Austin

With a combined passion for career education and the dynamic world of journalism and media, I leverage my skills and experience to empower students at Suffolk University. As the Assistant Director of Career Communities, I guide students in the Journalism, Media & Communication Career Community program by providing personalized career advising, crafting engaging events, and forging strong industry partnerships.

Before working in higher education, my professional career started off in digital marketing at several Boston-based marketing agencies and in marketing departments at brands such as Monster.com. It was at Monster where my interest in career development led me to pursue a career path directly impacting students. My goal is that through every career coaching experience, a student finds one new way to unlock their potential.

I’m excited to bring my dynamic background in both digital branding and professional branding to my role on the CCC board and work alongside like-minded individuals who want to see others succeed.

Keisha Edwards

Following more than 15 years working in corporate communications, public relations, and media, I pivoted in a new direction and changed careers. Now, for more than 11 years, I have served in career services and career strategy, helping more than 6,000 people navigate, plan for, and execute on their career vision. I have contributed to boutique-style career services firms, education management providers, high-tech training and upskilling organizations, and outplacement and career transition companies, while also serving clients independently in private practice.

I am currently a Delivery Lead and Vice President with Keystone Partners, focusing on career transition and outplacement services, and serving individuals impacted by corporate reorganizations, restructuring, or layoffs. I lead a team of professional career coaches, and we collectively support people from various industries, at all levels, and in multiple functions and verticals.

I am a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC), Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP), and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) from the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC). I am also certified in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and am an alumnus of Tennessee State University (Go, Big Blue!) and California State University – Dominguez Hills. My disciplinary interests include work-life resilience, equity and inclusion, neurodiversity, multigenerational career support, and the future of work. I have a heart for career changers, those facing career considerations uniquely impacted by their identities, emerging professionals, and experienced professionals over the age of 40.

I reside in Metro Atlanta with my husband, two daughters, and two cats. In my limited downtime, I am an avid reader and can always be found with a book in hand.

Anne Grieves

I love my work as a career coach and always strive to help others find a career/job they will find equally fulfilling. My passion for working with people started in high school when I took an after-school job as a waitress at The Magic Pan. On any given shift, I looked forward to hearing stories from many different people from many walks of life. After earning my B.A. in Sociology (Skidmore College) and subsequently an M.A. in Higher Education Administration (Columbia University), I realized that my VIPS (values, interests, personality, and skills) were a perfect fit for career coaching and team building/facilitation. Through assessments, in-depth conversations, and developmental programming, I guide individuals, groups, and teams to identify and achieve their career and life goals, maximize their personal and professional potential, and experience a deeper sense of fulfillment.  My top Strengths are Positivity, Woo, and Input. Midway through the pandemic, I realized my “Woo” needed a bit more nourishment, so I joined the CCC board. I am excited to meet new people and engage in meaningful discussions with others that share a similar interest and purpose in helping others find fulfilling work.

Erik Pavesic

Erik currently works at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as an Assistant Director for Career Advising and Training! Prior to that he worked at Plymouth State University, Dartmouth College, Southern New Hampshire University, University of Hartford, and some HR roles with ComPsych. He has served on a Board before with the New Hampshire College and University Council and is a current Freelance Career Coach and Training Facilitator where he uses LEGO Serious Play. He’s a Certified Career Services Provider, an MBTI-Certified Practitioner, a Global Career Development Facilitator, a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, and graduated from the Management Leadership Institute from NACE.

Ethan Selinger

I have worked in the field of higher education/career services for 6 years. I was drawn to Career Advising because I wanted to help people find their calling and build confidence in pursuing the careers of their dreams. I currently work as a Co-op Faculty Coordinator at Northeastern University, working primarily with students entering the field of Computer Science as career changers to prepare for co-op, internship, and full-time positions.

In my opinion, building a strong, structured, and caring community of professionals committed to learning and supporting one another is essential to career growth and overall happiness, regardless of career. The CCC provides this for us as Career Advisors, and I am excited to be on the CCC Board and play a role in both building new and supporting current CCC offerings for our community.

Sabrina Woods, Past President & Board Member 

Being on the board of the CCC, early on in my career, really helped me to grow into who I am today. With close to 20 years of experience I’m now back to help guide the organization into its next stage. While I really loved the work that I did at NU and Harvard, what gets me the most excited these days is tapping holistic and mindfulness-based practices to help people with career transitions. Although I can’t leave out that I’m also fed by the energy that comes from running workshops. Some favorite topics include the Myers Briggs, Linkedin and believe it or not Neuroscience (at least how the brain responds to stress).

For more info: www.sabrina-woods.com.

Julia Volynsky

Julia is the Membership and Operations Manager at the Career Counselors' Consortium Northeast. She can help you with issues related to finances, billing, membership, and events.  Though she is new to the world of career professionals, she has spent almost 15 years working in education administration, specifically in admissions and financial aid. Julia is very excited to learn about all the aspects of the CCC and bring her strengths and perspective to this role. 

Email Julia at info@careercounselorsne.org.

Anastasia Lopez (Co-President), Victoria Rayel (Co-President), Andrea Horton-Mericli (Treasurer), Anne Grieves (Secretary), Adesuwa Igbineweka (DEI Coordinator), Jean Papalia (Co-PDS Coordinator), Laurie Stickels (Co-PDS Coordinator), Priyanka Bishnoi (Board Member at Large), Ethan Selinger (Board Member at Large), Montgomery Thomas (Board Member at Large), Sabrina Woods (Past President and Board Member at Large)

2022-2023 Board of Directors

Sabrina Woods (President), Victoria Rayel (Co-President),  Adesuwa Igbineweka (Treasurer), Anastasia Lopez (Secretary, Marketing & Social Media), Jean Papalia (PDS Coordinator), Priyanka Bishnoi (Board Member at Large), Anne Grieves (Board Member at Large), Andrea Horton-Mericli (Board Member at Large), Ethan Selinger (Board Member at Large), Laurie Stickels (Board Member at Large), Montgomery Thomas (Board Member at Large)

2020-2021 Board of Directors

Sabrina Woods (President), Laurie Stickels (Secretary), Adesuwa Igbineweka (Treasurer), Michael Conte (Board Member at Large), Anastasia Lopez (Marketing & Social Media), Jean Papalia (PDS Coordinator), Sheryl Rosenberg (Newsletter Editor)

2019-2020 Board of Directors

Sabrina Woods (President), Laurie Stickels (Secretary), Adesuwa Igbineweka (Treasurer), Sarah Breen (Board Member at Large), Michael Conte (Board Member at Large), Briana Pena (Marketing/Social Media Committee), Gloria Choi (Junior Board Member)

2018-2019 Board of Directors

Becky Smith (President), Cindy Richard (Interim Vice-President), Divya Das (Secretary), Michelle (DuBow) Goldberg (Board Member at Large), Briana Pena (Marketing/Social Media Committee Co-Chair), Emily Brown (Treasurer and Marketing/Social Media Committee Co-Chair), Becky King (Programming Committee Co-Chair), Heather Fink (Membership Committee Co-Chair), Mariellen Fidrych (Programming Committee Co-Chair), Jen Siegel (Membership Committee Co-Chair)