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Cornell University

Advisor and Staff Bios

Read the bios of Barnes Hall staff below and see here for bios of student staff. You can find contact information for the other career advising staff on our Campus Career Network page. 

Barnes Hall staff

Kayleigh Bermudez

Recruiting Operations Assistant

210 Barnes Hall

Although I’m native to Upstate New York, I have ventured into Miami Florida for the last four years. I graduated from Miami Dade College with an A.A. in Political Science as the President of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society in April 2022. I simultaneously worked full time as an Operations Manager at a luxury residential property on South Beach where I enhanced my exceptional customer service skills. A large part of who I am is my love for new cultures, new environments, and overall new experiences.

Mia Ferraina

Public Service Careers Coach (Non-profit, Government, Education, Sustainability, & Gap Year)

103 Barnes Hall

Mia loves helping students throughout their college journey, especially when they’re grappling with the infamous question..."What should I do with my life?!”. After completing her Bachelors in psychology, Mia took a gap year to work before heading to Ohio State for a Masters in Higher Education & Student Affairs. She has since returned to her Western NY roots, working at universities to support students with everything from majors and jobs to holistic wellness and personal growth. As an activist for social and racial justice, Mia brings her dedication to equity into her job as well.

Beth Fiori

Fellowship Coordinator

103 Barnes Hall

A native of the Finger Lakes area, Beth has guided students through scholarship competitions for over 20 years. She arrived at Cornell as a doctoral student in German Studies after earning master's degrees in psychology and in German. The most common cocktail party response she hears to that is, "Oh, so you can read Freud in the original." Well, yes, but that's not her thing.  Reading, nature, and animals are her things, as well as a recently discovered interest in opera.

Erica Ford

International Career Development Coach

103 Barnes Hall

Erica is passionate about helping international students navigate education and employment in the U.S.  She is originally from Ohio and began her career in higher education in 2014 while in graduate school in Dallas, Texas. Erica has served as an academic advisor and international student advisor (DSO and ARO) for students pursuing Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and graduate degrees.

Heather Fortenberry

Career Exploration Coach

103 Barnes Hall

Heather joined Cornell University’s Career Services in 2017 where she focuses on empowering students with the skills and confidence to explore their careers. Before moving into the role of a career advisor and encouraging students to find their best-fit career paths, she was a member of the Cornell admissions team helping students find their best-fit college.

Kristine Goggan

Pre-Law and Graduate Programs Assistant

103 Barnes Hall

Originally from Jamestown, NY, Kristine received her bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in Audio Production. Before joining Cornell Career Services, Kristine worked at Eagle Broadcasting (Cayuga Radio Group) for several years. Kristine supports the Pre-Law/Graduate and Pre-Health Advisors in Barnes Hall as well as supervising national exams on campus. Outside of work Kristine enjoys raising her high-school aged kids, tending her flower garden, and baking. 

Liaison: Cornell Store

Top 5 Strengths: Adaptability, Harmony, Arranger, Discipline and Consistency

Alex Jablonski

Assistant Director, Pre-Law and Pre-Grad Advisor

103 Barnes Hall

Alex grew up in Michigan and moved to upstate New York at first for graduate school. He joined Cornell Career Services in 2022, where he supports students and alumni who are considering law school and other graduate programs. He is glad to work with anyone at any stage of that process, from the first exploratory steps through to the hard work of researching programs and applying. Prior to Cornell, he completed a Master's in History at Binghamton University and worked there for more than ten years as an instructor, Pre-Law Advisor, and coordinator of the Individualized Major Program.

Erica Kryst, Ph.D.

Executive Director, Cornell Career Services

103 Barnes Hall

Erica was a first-generation college student and grew up in rural Pennsylvania. For almost 15 years she has worked as a higher education professional, beginning her career in Multicultural Student Services and Residence Life. For the past 10 years, she has worked in Career Services, first at The Pennsylvania State University where she served as a career counselor, and then for the past 5 years in the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development at Binghamton University.

Jessamyn Perlus, Ph.D.

Senior Associate Director

103 Barnes Hall

Jessamyn joined Cornell Career Services in 2019 as the Manager of the Career Exploration Unit. In addition to student appointments and workshops, she runs the Career Services liaison program, programming committee, and professional development committee. 

Thea Riddick

Administrative Assistant

103 Barnes Hall

Thea is from New Jersey, where she graduated from being a Medical Assistant. Her passion for helping others has always been her priority. Before joining Cornell Career Services, Thea worked as a receptionist for several years where she amplified her customer service skills. Thea is a great communicator, detail-oriented, and honest person who is always willing to help others. Thea enjoys working with both students and alumni to align their goals towards the right path. In her free time she enjoys doing hair and makeup. 

Cassidy Rourke

Employer Relations Program Coordinator

210 Barnes Hall

Originally from Michigan, Cassidy received her B.S. in Sports Management from Western Michigan University. Whilst at WMU, she served as a manager for the Division I Women's Basketball program for two seasons and helped establish a men's and women's club volleyball program as head coach and president. In 2018, she moved to Elmira, NY to pursue her master's degree in General Management from Elmira College while also being the graduate assistant for the Division III Women's Field Hockey program.

Krista Saleet

Director, Student and Campus Life Student Employment Experience

103 Barnes Hall

Krista supports the Student and Campus Life division in developing a student employment program that encourages students to explore and grow professionally while supporting critical operations across all aspects of the division’s units. Krista is guided by 20 years of experience in higher education administration at Cornell, Colgate University, the University of Chicago, Dartmouth College, University of Massachusetts Amherst and Chatham College. Krista has sat on the NASPA Public Policy Board and the NASPA Region II Executive Board. Krista's professional interests include the impact of stud

Kimberlee Swartz

Manager of Employer Relations & Professional Readiness Programs

210 Barnes Hall

As associate director and manager of employer relations and professional readiness programs, Kim provides oversight and direction for employer relations, employment services (with special focus on employment opportunities targeted to students from all colleges and schools), career-launch programs, and many aspects of external relations. She develops and oversees programs to prepare students for the job-search process and for career entry, including the Calby Fellows Program.

Susan Walter

Executive Assistant to Executive Director for Cornell Career Services

103 Barnes Hall