Mary Bergeron
Associate Director, Career Development
Mary Bergeron is an Associate Director of Career Development and proud Isenberg alumna. Mary brings nearly two decades of experience in Product Management, Consulting, Program Management, and People Development. With a background leading high-impact teams across the Healthcare Technology, Consumer Technology, and Consulting industries she has a wealth of experience achieving measurable results, driving strategic initiatives, mentoring, and leadership. Mary has mentored and coached many students, UMass alumni, direct reports, and colleagues helping them to shape their careers. She also draws on her own experience launching a successful career from UMass Amherst, where she served as a Teaching Assistant for Management 301 and as a House Council President in Cance dormitory. Mary strives to create meaningful, student-centered coaching experiences that empower students to discover their strengths, tell their stories, and take confident next steps into the workforce.
Noelle Bieda
Associate Director, Employer Relations
Noelle joins the Chase Career Center team with a background in talent acquisition and corporate recruiting. She is eager to use her skills to support Isenberg students and enhance the on-campus recruiting experience. Prior to this role, Noelle worked as a Corporate Recruiter at Barton Associates Inc. where she managed the direct staffing needs of their internal sales and corporate positions. Noelle received her B.A. in Business from Saint Anselm College in 2017.
Lauren Casaceli Abad
Associate Director, Career Development & Marketing
Lauren Casaceli Abad is an Associate Director of Career Development & Marketing, and proud Isenberg alumna. Lauren has a background in advertising and marketing focusing on strategic planning, brand management and marketing communications programs for clients in the higher education, financial services, healthcare and non-profit industries. In addition, she has a Master’s Degree in School Counseling. As a student, Lauren was an active member in the Isenberg community as a leader in the Women in Business Club and a founding member of the Women of Isenberg Conference. She appreciates how students’ unique interests, values and goals shape their career journeys. Lauren is thrilled to return to Isenberg to support students in their career development!
Chelsea Connelly
Associate Director, Graduate Career Development
As the Associate Director of Graduate Career Development, Chelsea (she/her) is excited to support students on their career readiness journeys. Whether strategizing the job or internship search, finetuning a resume or cover letter, or better understanding how to effectively network – she is here to help them navigate it all. With a combined background in teaching and career counseling, Chelsea is passionate about connecting students with employers and meaningful opportunities that assist them in progressing in their career goals. She earned her B.A. in English/Secondary Education from Westfield State University in 2015 and an M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Bay Path University in 2020.
Specialties and Interests
Specialized Masters ProgramsBrian Hentz, PhD
Faculty, Business Communication Program
Specialties and Interests
Cover Letters/Presentations/Professional BrandingLea Herrick
Associate Director, Outreach & Employer Relations
As the Associate Director of Outreach & Employer Relations, Lea is focused on cultivating professional development opportunities and connecting students with external partners for networking and career growth. She is working to provide Isenberg students with both on and off-campus experiences, including corporate visits and networking opportunities. Lea works to continuously build relationships with Isenberg alumni and other partners who contribute essential career connections to current students. Lea has been working with Isenberg for seven years in advising, student engagement, and career success roles. She is also a proud alumna, earning both her MBA and BA in Marketing degrees from Isenberg.
Trista Hevey
Executive Director, Graduate Employer Relations & Outreach
As Executive Director of Graduate Employer Relations & Outreach, Trista is concentrated on strategic efforts to advance employer engagement and career services across masters programs at Isenberg. Responsible for corporate partnerships and student career development opportunities that result in industry exploration and advancement. Trista’s overall goal is to set students up for career growth and successful outcomes during and upon completion of their studies. Trista has been with Isenberg for 12 years working in areas of business development, alumni relations, and corporate recruitment. She has earned a dual-degree BA in Computer Information Technology & Media Management from Elms College and MBA from Isenberg, UMass Amherst.
Bonnie Jurgensmier
Career Development Coach
Bonnie joined the Office of Career Success as a Career Development Coach, bringing five+ years of dedicated experience in providing empathetic and compassionate support to undergraduate students. After receiving a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Connecticut, Bonnie previously worked in Career Advising for the American Job Center, providing one-on-one coaching for individuals’ educational and employment journeys. Bonnie is committed to helping students discover their passions and achieve their lifelong career goals!
Alaina Kendrick
Associate Director, Graduate Career Development
Alaina joined the Office of Career Success in January 2023 as a Career Coach and currently serves graduate students pursuing a Specialized Master’s Degree in Business Analytics, Accounting, and Finance. Alaina is passionate about supporting students in exploring their career goals and enjoys being a positive and motivating mentor for Isenberg students. Prior to coming to Isenberg, Alaina earned her BA in Accounting, as well as her MBA, from Assumption University’s Grenon School of Business and started her early professional career as an Audit Associate at KPMG.
Specialties and Interests
Specialized Masters ProgramsDan LaBonte
Assistant Director, Career Development
With over 15 years of experience advising and supporting students, Dan has developed a comprehensive approach to working alongside undergraduates as they explore and launch their careers. He joined UMass in 2016 in a human resources organizational development role, moved to Isenberg’s Undergraduate Programs Office as a program coordinator in 2021, and transitioned to the Office of Career Success in 2023. Prior to UMass, Dan worked in student affairs at Wesleyan University and Roger Williams University. Additionally, he has work experience in commercial fisheries management and aquaculture. Dan earned his B.S. from Roger Williams University and holds an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University. When not in the office, he is likely sharing a bike ride with his children, admiring impressionist works at a museum, or enjoying the local food scene.
Holly Lawrence, PhD
Assistant Dean, Office of Career Success
As the first Assistant Dean of the new Office of Career Success, Holly Lawrence comes with experience from the academic field of business communications and the practical area of career and professional development. The former Director of the Business Communication Program, she has been teaching undergraduates and graduate students as well as leading a variety of initiatives within Isenberg for over 20 years. Her most recent projects include leading the IConnect site development, bringing life design into more of the School’s core curriculum, and expanding the reach of Isenberg career and professional development services.
When asked what her favorite part of her job is, Holly responds without hesitation — “working with some of the best students in all of higher education! Isenberg students are smart, enthusiastic, dedicated, and ready to work. Helping them meet their career goals is one of the best feelings possible.” Holly earned her PhD in 2008 in Composition and Rhetoric from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She holds a BA from George Mason University’s Writing Program.
Silas McClung
Career Development Coach
Silas McClung is a Career Development Coach with over four years of experience in consulting, public affairs, and higher education. He has worked on projects in the Professional Services, Global Foundations, and Technology, Media & Telecom sectors. Silas is passionate about helping students discover what success means to them in their professional lives. He is committed to preparing students for a lifetime of leadership in meaningful career opportunities. Silas holds a B.A. from Sewanee: The University of the South.
Haley Parker
Office Manager
As Office Manager, Haley has a human-centric, empathetic approach to problem solving, and brings a decade of customer service and clerical experience to the Chase Career Center. Before joining the Office of Career Success team, she earned her B.A. from Muhlenberg College in 2017, where she studied theatre and music performance. You can find her most days at the front desk, where she can be reached for in person inquiries and assistance, as well as via email at hparker@isenberg.umass.edu.
Beth Pellettieri
Associate Director, Graduate Career Development
Beth Pellettieri, Associate Director, Graduate Career Development, serves as the dedicated career coach for MBA students at Isenberg. She meets with students one-on-one to discuss career pathways, imposter syndrome, resume rewrites, networking and job search strategies, promotion negotiations, LinkedIn optimization, and more. Before working at Isenberg, she ran a coaching business for five years, focusing on career coaching, business development, content creation, and work-life balance. She also supported direct health care providers at Mass General Brigham’s Cooley Dickenson Hospital in Northampton, MA. Before coaching, Beth worked as a project manager for a health literacy company, served as co-director of a non-profit, and worked with hospitals around Baby Friendly initiatives. Beth has an M.P.H. from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a B.A. in International Affairs from The George Washington University.
Beth supports career advising appointments for current Online MBA & On-Campus students- In-person or virtually.
To schedule an appointment with Beth:
MBA students – Click here
Melissa Salva
Executive Director, Undergraduate Employer Relations & Operations
As Executive Director of Undergraduate Employer Relations & Operations, Melissa is focused on empowering Isenberg undergraduates to develop the insights, experience and connections to pursue personally meaningful careers throughout their lives, as well as providing a best-in-class recruiting experience for Isenberg’s employer partners. She has worked at Isenberg for over thirteen years, starting as a Career Advisor in 2012. Prior to joining Chase, Melissa spent 12 years working in corporate human resources, including university relations, executive development, and learning and development. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and her M.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of Virginia.
Rachel Snyder
Director, Graduate Career Development
Rachel (she/her) has worked for the Chase Career Center since 2016, first joining the team as an Assistant Director and Career Coach working with undergraduate populations. Currently serving as the Director of Graduate Career Development for Specialized Masters programs, Rachel is passionate about helping students achieve their career goals and realize their full potential! Prior to joining the Chase team, Rachel gained expertise in career development and human resources within non- and for-profit organizations. She earned her MBA from the Isenberg School of Management and her BA in Communication from the University of New Hampshire.
Rachel supports career advising appointments for current MS Sport students.
To schedule an appointment with Rachel:
MS Sport Students – Click Here
Specialties and Interests
Specialized Masters ProgramsAmanda Upton
Associate Director, Undergraduate Career Development
