Our Staff
Our Mission
Empower Great Danes in their career decision making through coaching and collaboration with employers and alumni networks.
Noah Simon
Director
Education:
Noah graduated from St. Lawrence University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master’s degree in Counseling from The College of St. Rose.
Office Life:
With over 20 years’ experience providing career services in both academic and private sectors, Noah currently serves as the Director of Career and Professional Development. In this role he oversees the office that provides the full gamut of career development services to undergraduate, and graduate students; serves as a University Faculty Expert; maintains and cultivates relationships with employers and alumni to enhance opportunities for students.
Out of Office Life:
In his spare time you can find Noah with his family. Whether it’s on a football field, basketball court or dance studio there’s a good chance he is with his wife Marianne, ’05, PsyD from UAlbany and his children, Josh, age 14 and Olivia, age 11.
Jermaine jharris@albany.edu
Associate Director for Employer Relations
Education:
Jermaine graduated from University at Albany with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Master of Arts in Liberal Studies.
Office Life:
Jermaine oversee the employer relations team, the coordination of employer outreach and engagement, and managing the university career platform Handshake. He believes it is important that students be aware of all the opportunities and resources available in regards to career and professional development whether a career fair, site visit, open interviews, employer hosted event or competition students must remain proactive in their career path endeavors.
Out of Office Life:
Jermaine is an avid exerciser, gamer, foodie. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, and participating in community service events.
Cathy Parker (She/Her)
Associate Director of Career Education
Education:
Cathy Parker has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY New Paltz.
Office Life:
Cathy manages the team that provides all the career advising. In addition, she also does presentations on professional etiquette, networking and personal branding, diversity issues, Clifton Strengths for Students, MBTI and other career related topics. Before coming to the University, she worked for IBM and other computer companies. She has over 20 years’ experience working in the computer industry as an engineer, marketing manager, and corporate coach. She is a certified in MBTI, Clifton StrengthsFinder, and as a Life Coach.
Out of Office Life:
Cathy is an avid reader of both cozy mysteries and obscure philosophy. She also enjoys playing the guitar, singing, and creating collages.
Roberto Peguero
Education:
Roberto received his Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies form Syracuse University, which afterward, he received his Masters of Education in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University, as well as, a graduate certificate in Non-Profit Management. Additionally, Roberto received a Masters of Theology with an emphasis on Discipleship Ministries and Administration.
Office Life:
Roberto, in his role strives to build career related relationships with alumni that in turn will produce meaningful applied learning opportunities for UAlbany students through company site visits, career readiness skills programs, and other career exploration activities.
Out of Office Life:
Roberto is the Eastern Region Director for Social Action for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. In this role Roberto provides leadership to thousands of members in states ranging from Maine to Virginia, and including the U.S. Virgin Islands in the areas of social and political action. A proud Afro-Latino, Roberto traces his roots back to Quisqueya, West Africa and Spain. His favorite sports teams are the Syracuse Orange, Dallas Cowboys, NY Knicks, and NY Yankees!
Albert Maya (He/His)
Assistant Director for Student Employment
Education:
Albert graduated from Gloucester County Community College with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Critical Sexualities from Rutgers, New Brunswick, and achieved a Master’s of the Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Office Life:
Albert started his career in Higher Education in Residence Life & Student Conduct. At UAlbany, Albert endeavors to provide students with effective, gainful, and rewarding employment. He also serves as a member of the Employer Relations team, striving to connect Great Danes to engaging careers. Albert looks forward to connecting with students and providing them with opportunities to grow and find themselves via the world of work.
Out of Office Life:
Originally from Southern New Jersey, Albert enjoys walking his dog, Duke, around the many trails in the area with his fiancée, Amy. He also enjoys tabletop & video games, reading, tinkering with technology and trying new & exciting foods around the Capital Region.
Jessica Pugliese
Assistant Director, Employer Relations
Education:
Jessica is proud two-time UAlbany alumna. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Anthropology and Masters of Arts in Communication.
Office Life:
Jessica’s passion lies in bridging the gap between talented students and prospective employers. She works diligently to understand the aspirations and skills of UAlbany students, and then connects them with organizations that value and seek their unique abilities. By fostering strong partnerships with employers, hosting career events, and offering tailored guidance, she aims for students to not just find jobs, but launch careers where they can truly thrive.
Out of Office Life:
Family-oriented, caffeinated, and active! Outside of work, you’ll find Jessica either spending time with loved ones, drinking coffee, or on her Peloton app. She also loves to learn about different cultures, languages, and food.
Sarah Gelfand
Assistant Director of Career Education
Education:
Sarah has two Bachelor of Science degrees from SUNY Brockport (Sociology and Communication) and a Master’s in Student Affairs Administration from the University at Buffalo.
Office Life:
Sarah’s goal is to help empower you with the tools and confidence to enter your career and internship search. Sarah approaches her work from a strengths-based perspective and knows with a little bit of support and guidance, you will achieve your goals. Sarah works with our Peer Career Advisor (PCA) program, offers workshops and career counseling in addition to being part of the Career Champions Program.
Out of Office Life:
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys catching up on Pop Culture, spending time with her loved ones, reading, and sending high-fives on the Peloton leaderboard. Ask her about her rescue dog, JoJo!
Vincia Phillip (She,Her)
Assistant Director of Career Education
Jackie Bennett (she/her)
Secretary
Education:
Jackie is pursuing her degree in Individualized Studies.
Office Life:
In her role, Jackie manages the day to day activities at the front desk, ensures friendly customer service and supervises our work study students. Jackie is very passionate about organization and customer service and applies these strong skills while training and supervising.
Out of Office Life:
Jackie is an enthusiastic walker, reader, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Anna Gentile
Graduate Assistant
Education
Anna is currently pursuing her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University at Albany. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University at Buffalo.
Office Life
Anna is a graduate assistant in the office. She provides career counseling to undergraduate and graduate students on various topics related to career and professional development. She also conducts workshops on career development for students.
Out of Office Life
In her free time, Anna enjoys playing piano, reading books, and spending time outside.
Taylor Karnilaw
Education:
Taylor is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at UAlbany. She earned her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from UAlbany in 2021 and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Soka University of America in 2017.
Office Life:
Taylor is a graduate assistant in the office. She is happy to help you critique your resume, learn how to search for jobs and internships, explore majors and build essential skills for career success.
Out of Office Life:
Taylor enjoys exploring new restaurants and spending time outdoors.
Madison LeVea
Education:
Madison is currently pursuing her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from UAlbany. She received her Master’s in Criminal Justice from UAlbany in 2022. In 2021, Madison graduated from Binghamton University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish.
Office Life:
Madison is a graduate assistant in the office. She is putting her counseling skills to work in career development for undergraduate and graduate students. This includes resume critiques, job and internship searching, career and major exploration, and networking.
Out of Office Life:
Madison loves going to the movies and indulging in film. She also enjoys travel and reading, preferably doing both at the same time.
