Strengths:
Input, Ideation, Restorative, Learner, Empathy
Contact Valerie for:
- Information about CCPD’s vision and strategic plan
- Faculty and staff partnerships
- Development of new initiatives
- Design your Path PE/Wellness course
About:
Valerie leads the center’s efforts to expand career opportunities for students through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and data-driven decision-making. She collaborates with faculty, alumni, and employers to integrate career development into the student experience, to ensure that all students gain the skills, connections, and confidence to pursue meaningful careers. With over 20 years of experience in education, administration, and program development, Valerie brings a collaborative and student-centered approach to her work. She holds an M.S.W. from Boston University and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan. She is actively involved in national career education networks and continually seeks innovative ways to enhance student career readiness. Outside of work, Valerie enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt Longjohn ’93, and their two adult children (and grand-pets). She finds joy in performing with the Blendings Vocal Ensemble, swimming laps at the Y, and taking long walks in the woods.
Rachel Wood
Associate Director
Email Rachel
Visit Rachel on LinkedIn
Schedule a Career Coaching Appointment on Handshake
Strengths:
Intellection, Individualization, Achiever, Responsibility, Harmony
Contact Rachel for:
- Graduate Outcomes and CCPD Data
- Externship/job shadow programs
- Classroom presentations
- Career coaching appointments
- Website maintenance
About
Rachel is a mom, wife, professional educator, board-game player, when-solo-driving pop singer, #ExcessiveHashtagUser, and thrift shop enthusiast. She enjoys helping students and alumni make connections between their interests, skills, and goals to find meaningful career paths for their lives “after K.” She especially enjoys teaching, professional document creation and revision, mock interviews, and helping people utilize technology to develop both themselves and their networks. She knows when it’s time to get serious while most admiring those with a healthy sense of humor. Rachel earned both an undergraduate teaching degree in English and a Master of Arts in Counseling Education/Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University.
Richard Sylvester
Assistant Director, Experiential Opportunities
Email Richard
Visit Richard on LinkedIn
Schedule a Career Coaching Appointment on Handshake
Strengths:
Intellection, Strategic, Input, Learner, Analytical
Contact Richard for:
- Career Coaching appointments
- Professional document critiques
- Interview preparation
- Answers to questions about internship stipends
- Campus Employment questions
About
Richard started at K in January of 2016. A Michigan native, Richard has BS in Political Science and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling both from Andrews University. Richard has studied abroad in Australia, Fiji, China, and Tibet. He is an avid sports fan, a voracious reader and also enjoys writing, cooking and traveling.
Alejandro Alaniz ’18
Assistant Director
Email Alex
Visit Alex on LinkedIn
Schedule a Career Coaching Appointment on Handshake
Strengths:
Individualization, Learner, Achiever, Includer, Input
Contact Alex for:
- Career Coaching appointments
- Professional document critiques
- Interview preparation
About
Alejandro graduated from Kalamazoo College in 2018. A Rio Grande Valley native, Alejandro has a Spanish BA and is working on his MA in Educational Leadership. Alejandro has worked in several different capacities within education, from a middle school English teacher to a high school college prep teacher. He is an avid reader, MARVEL enthusiast, Disney fan, and Netflix binger. He also enjoys spending time with his two puppies, Milo and Bella.
Strengths:
Achiever, Developer, Positivity, Relator, Arranger
Contact Keri for:
- Assistance posting opportunities for K students
- Career Studio information and questions
- Handshake student account questions
- Questions about Employer Connection Fair
- Career Coaching appointments.
About
Keri began working for Kalamazoo College in March of 2018. She obtained her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Central Michigan University and her Master’s in Business Administration from Western Michigan University in Business Management. She has worked in several different industries throughout her career and has recently rejoined the workforce after staying at home with her two children for ten years. She is an avid reader, scrapbooker, crafter, and sports fan. She also enjoys cooking and baking for her family.
Anahi Barajas ’26
Career Advisor
Hometown:
Weslaco, TX
Major:
Business and Critical Ethnic Studies
Other on-campus involvements:
LSO, Intern at the IC, Orientation Program Assistant
Bernice Mike ’26
Career Advisor
Hometown:
Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Major:
Psychology and Theatre Arts
Other on-campus involvements:
Social Media Ambassador, Festival Playhouse Sceneshop Worker, Film Club, involved in various campus plays
Litzy Hernandez ’26
Career Advisor
Hometown:
Los Angeles, CA
Majors:
Studio Art
Other on-campus involvements:
Working for Office of Admissions
Grace Westerhuis ’26
Career Advisor
Hometown:
Traverse City, MI
Major:
Business and Spanish
Other on-campus involvements:
Business DSA and President of The Professional Women’s Club
Eric Pasternoster ’26
Career Advisor
Hometown:
Oxford, MI
Major:
Business & Sociology
Other on-campus involvements:
Varsity Lacrosse, Krock Club, President of Marketing Club
Zahra Amini ’26
Career Advisor
Hometown:
Kalamazoo, MI
Major:
Computer Science and Business
Other on-campus involvements:
Working for the Office of Student Activities, Presidential Student Ambassador, Orientation Program Assistant, President of the Woman of Color Alliance
Brigid Roth ’26
Career Advisor
Hometown:
Kalamazoo, MI
Major:
Biology with Minor in Psychology and a Neuroscience Concentration
Other on-campus involvements:
DSA of Biology Department, TA of Psychology Department, and Sexual Peer Educators at K (SPEAK)
Randa Alnaas ’27
Career Advisor
Hometown:
Tripoli, Libya
Major:
Business and Theater Arts
Other on-campus involvements:
President’s Student Ambassador / Volleyball Club Leader
Sarah Guerrero Gorostieta ’28
Career Advisor
Hometown:
Bensenville, IL
Major:
English and Political Science
Other on-campus involvements:
Resident Assistant, Co-President of the Latinx Student Organization, and reporter for The Index
Maya Alkema ’26
Photographer
Hometown:
Kalamazoo, MI
Major:
Business
Other on-campus involvements:
Cross Country, Track & Field, & Business Dept Peer Consultant
Ash Rodriguez ’27
Photographer