Get to Know Our Career Coaches

Aaron comes from Indianapolis, Indiana where he spent most of his high school years closely involved with music. During his time at IU earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Aaron continued to pursue his musical interests by working as a music educator various high school bands in the Indianapolis area. His work with his music students inspired him to pursue a career where he could help students full-time. Now a graduate student, Aaron is working on his degree in Counseling to become a professional Career Coach. To stay close to the arts, Aaron also volunteers time with the Office of Entrepreneurship and Career Development within the Jacob’s School of Music. In his spare time, Aaron enjoys playing saxophone, guitar, video games, and occasionally skateboarding.

Kaitlynn is currently a senior majoring in Spanish.  She is also pursuing a certificate in Nonprofit Management and minors in French and Global and Comparative Education.  She graduated from Westfield High School in Westfield, Indiana, where she was the first student to simultaneously take two languages for four years.  Her passion for these languages and the cultures of those who speak continued to grow throughout high school and is fostered through her studies.  She discovered her passion for global education as a high school student; through her involvement in an IU chapter of a nonprofit organization, she has helped to combat the global education crisis in Uganda through fundraising, advocacy, and awareness.  Kaitlynn is hoping to combine her interest in nonprofit management, global education, and languages by working with nonprofits that deliver education to children in West Africa and Latin America.  When she’s not busy trying to save the world, Kaitlynn enjoys spending time with dogs, friends, and family, and doing service projects in Bloomington.

Randi is a proud product of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She received her undergraduate degree in music education with a concentration in trombone and subsequently taught music at various schools in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. She then shifted gears by completing her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration at Boston College while also working full-time in fundraising and with the Boston College Bands. After settling in Bloomington in 2012 (and vowing never to move again), she worked in a research center in the School of Education at IU. She is extremely excited to work with students on their career development in the Walter Center for Career Achievement. In her free time, Randi likes to run, cook, and spend time with her family.

Suzanne is a proud Indiana University alum and has spent the last 20 years in Chicago working in higher education, media sales, client relations, and the theatre and film industries. She is passionate about combining corporate knowledge with her improvisation background to encourage self-discovery in career and life path. She spent time working with such companies as Second City, WGN-TV, J. Walter Thompson, and our home Bloomington stations of WTIU/WFIU. She utilizes improv principles to help individuals express their own unique story; as well as to provide team building and communications consulting to corporate and nonprofit companies such as Altria, Gap, Inc., and The Brain Arts Center of Chicago.

I believe career includes the work we do, the life we live, and everything in between. I am thrilled and grateful to partner with students in creating their career and life path. Never hesitate to reach out and build your network: You will grow as a person, bring community everywhere you go, and might walk into that next chapter of your life.

I’m the Senior Academic Advisor in the Media School, which means I do academic advising and career coaching, as well as co-teach the media careers class ASCS-Q296. I’m happy to help you find opportunities to connect your professional, personal, and academic goals at IU, and to make the most of those experiences in internship searches, job searches, and graduate school applications. If your questions are primarily about classes and IU opportunities, please make an academic advising appointment here.

Kimberly was born in Norwood, Massachusetts. Her father worked with the military, so she moved quite a bit, first to California, then Virginia, and back to California. She completed her Bachelor of Art degrees in Sociology and Spanish Literature at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Studying abroad in Granada, Spain and interning at the World Trade Center in Denver with the Latin American Trade Specialist were highlights of her undergraduate career.

Kimberly worked in administration and marketing before moving to Laramie, Wyoming to complete her Master’s in Business Administration at the University of Wyoming, where she also directed the summer session and became passionate about working with students in higher education. She later discovered a passion for coaching while working at the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, coaching volunteers to raise funds for children who need life-saving organ transplants. A lifelong learner who loves adventure, Kimberly seeks new challenges and opportunities to grow. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with family, cooking, camping, reading, working out, watching her son play sports, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and spending time with her labs.

What values have shaped your career goals?

From a young age, I always knew I wanted to “help people,” a guiding principle which has led me to be a mission-driven professional throughout my career.

Lauren is originally from Dayton, OH and thought she wanted to be a Middle School English teacher when she enrolled at Wright State University.  Throughout Lauren’s undergrad experience she was an active member in the Greek Life community holding various leadership roles such as the Academic Achievement Coordinator for her sorority.   After completing her student teaching at a local middle school she found that her passion wasn’t in K-12 education but working with college students.  She decided to pursue a career in Higher Education.  Her experience with changing careers inspired Lauren to focus her studies further on career development.

Before joining the Walter Center team Lauren worked at Indiana University East where she was an Academic Advisor and Career Development instructor for undecided students.  Lauren is the President of the Career Development Professionals of Indiana and an active member of Midwest Association of Colleges and Employers.

She spends her free time with her dog Paden and family.  Lauren loves traveling, experiencing new cuisines, and has a passion for the Olympics.  Her goal is to travel and attend a summer Olympic Games.

Rachel likes to say that she’s done a Midwest tour throughout her life having lived in Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and now Indiana. Rachel is an alumni of Miami University having graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing in May 2015 and is now a proud Hoosier Alumni having graduated from IU with a Master of Science degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs in May 2017.

During her time in undergrad Rachel discovered the realm of student affairs immediately while working in Orientation and First Year Experience Programs and ultimately decided to pursue a career in the field. While in graduate school at IU, Rachel completed an assistantship in residence life as well as a practicum and internship with the Office of First Year Experience Programs. Throughout undergrad and graduate school Rachel loved learning about the passions and career dreams of her students which inspired her to pursue job opportunities in career services. When Rachel is not working with students she enjoys spending time with her dogs, attempting crafting projects from Pinterest and trying to relive her old dance days by taking Zumba classes.

Carrye Simmons comes from a small town by the name of Lowell in northwest Indiana. Carrye comes from a family of Purdue fans but she decided to go against the norm and attend college elsewhere. She came to Indiana University with intentions of joining the Kelley School of Business but after her first semester she decided that particular path wasn’t for her. Carrye grew up with a love for history and has always been intrigued by cultural connections and interactions, both passions she wishes to continue with into her career future. After exploring a few classes and getting involved through university events, Carrye has decided on double majoring in Arts History and Folklore, and minoring in Arts Management, with the hopes of pursuing a career in Museum Curating or Art Consulting out of Chicago.

Andrea is a Midwestern girl at heart, having grown up in Ohio. Performing in theatre her entire life, she thought her dream job was to become a Broadway star. Upon completion of high school, Andrea decided to forego the unstable life of an aspiring actress and graduated with a degree in sociology. She attended graduate school, pursuing school counseling, to specifically concentrate on college and career preparation for young adults. While at the University of Dayton, Andrea worked in various roles in career services. It was through this wide array of experiences that Andrea’s passion for career services and assisting others with their personal career development was solidified. She takes a holistic approach to career counseling, assisting others in aligning their emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs with their career goals. Andrea’s interests include visiting friends and family, musical theatre, pop culture, viral YouTube videos, and Cleveland sports. Andrea is thrilled to be a part of Indiana University!

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
First a cheerleader – I loved their energy and the joy they brought to the crowd. Then, an actress – I’m still passionate about the arts. Finally, a teacher – it’s amazing how life comes full circle sometimes!