Tiffany Bassett
Career Design Consultant

English was my best subject in school, so it felt natural to major in English in college. At the time, it felt like this gave me lots of options: I could teach, pursue journalism or law, write a novel, and the list went on! Closer to college graduation, the options suddenly overwhelmed me. With so many options, how could I decide?
This decision weighed heavily on me, so I went to see my academic advisor. He helped me evaluate all the factors that went into my decision of what to do after college, like career trajectory, proximity to family, earning potential, etc. I asked him how I was supposed to make such a difficult decision which, at the time, felt permanent. He said, “You know, I love my job as a professor, but when I go home at the end of the day to see my family I think ‘This is my real life.’” He encouraged me to think of my career as part of a whole life—what he called “real life”—instead of as defining my life.
I ultimately chose to pursue a PhD in English and was relieved that I finally made the Big Decision! But, that decision didn’t turn out at all how I planned. After struggling in that program for a few years, I realized it was time to make a new choice. The choice to leave my PhD was equally as hard as my choice to pursue one. But this time, I had my advisor’s advice in the back of my mind. It helped to remember that my career choices were part of my life, but they didn’t define my life.
Since then, I worked in supply chain logistics for a little while and now I work here, at the Career Design Center as a Career Design Consultant. When I’m not at work, I continue to build out my whole life, including picking up lots of new hobbies which add color and joy to it. In the past few years, I learned to knit mittens, to sew my own clothes, to bake sourdough bread, to garden and to tap dance. Ask me about which hobby I’m going to try next.
Ed Brodka
Career Design Consultant

The Laughing LinkedIn Guy
I LOVE MY JOB! Why? Because I get to use my talents every day to help students and alumni ultimately find a major, internship, job, or career they will love too. I know what it’s like not to be sure about your future. I started out at UB as a Physical Therapy major because I wanted to help people, and it had to do with science. Well, after my first Chemistry exam, I was no longer a Physical Therapy major. So I thought, “Maybe I could help people without taking classes like Chemistry,” so I switched my major to Psychology and Communication.
I went on for a Master’s degree in Communication at UB and did an internship at a bank in the training and development department. That taught me that I would instead work at a university than a bank and that I could train and coach students instead of bankers. This has brought me to the Career Design Center for over 16+ years, doing what I love, and I’ve become a LinkedIn super user!
When I’m not helping people design their life, I like making people laugh–so much that I even took a course in standup comedy and have done Standup in a few comedy clubs. I love humor and helping students use LinkedIn. Ask me why laughter is so important.
Career Communities:
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Specialties and Interests
LinkedIn | Laughter Yoga | Group Learning | NetworkingJasmine Foster
Career Design Consultant

The Culture Connoisseur
On my journey to becoming the next Oprah, I discovered an influencing side hustle and love for helping students design their lives. Who knew the little girl with a Barbie camcorder and obsession with talk shows and asking too many questions would become a Career Design Consultant? Finding Higher Education by accident opened my eyes to a career that allows me to learn new stories, experience diverse cultures, and use my influence to make sure no voice is left behind.
Combining my love for entertainment, crafting, communication, and social justice, I can transform lives by day and influence by night. Whether it’s conversing about current events, suggesting a clutch life hack, or DIY-ing a project, I’m your guide to life! I still ask too many questions. I will never stop keeping up with the latest trends. But most importantly, I will never stop exploring and will always encourage others to do the same. Ask me about what I recently pinned on Pinterest.
Specialties and Interests
Personal branding | TikTok | 🛠 DIYJenna Hubbard
Associate Director, Operations + Special Events

The Vertical Farmpreneur
My Dad told me to go into public relations. ✅ My advisor told me to get a minor. ✅ The little girl who loved making prototypes out of recyclables ♻️ and painting ❄️ the snow with watered-down food coloring would get degrees in public communication, creativity and innovation ➕ be the first in her family to get a master’s degree.
I’ve done a lot throughout my career to get where I am today.
✅ I’ve created and pitched my own internships.
✅ Founded two businesses.
✅ Traveled to China to train 70 teachers to infuse creativity into curriculum.
✅ Worked full-time in higher education fundraising, alumni relations, enrollment, marketing, data, career development and brand strategy for 13+ years.
A couple of years ago, I read the book Designing Your Life because I’m obsessed with Design Thinking and technology, which led me to vertical farming and a serious annoyance with our broken food system.
I’ve spent the last couple years developing my own small batch indoor vertical farm called Growcery, where I grow over 90 lettuce and herb plants with no soil or pesticides in my home.🌱 My career has been messy, but I believe in taking risks, and getting scrappy and creative, while trusting my ability to learn something new. Ask me about my favorite meals I make using my home-grown vegetables and plants.
Specialties and Interests
Brand + Trends Strategist | Design Thinking | Tech | Project Management | Vertical FarmingLauren Johnson
Career Education Strategy Lead

The Singer/Class Clown
You’re fired! Hard to believe, but hearing that phrase was a real turning point for me, in a good way!
During my first two years after college, I felt extremely lost. I hadn’t spent any time really thinking about what I wanted to do, what I was good at, and how I wanted to make a difference. So instead, I tried different things. I was a social worker, a teacher, an editor, and a headhunter. These jobs kind of fit, but not really.
Working as a headhunter felt like sales, which wasn’t me at all, but while I was there, I realized my energy was ignited by listening to the dreams of others and supporting them as they define and achieve their goals. I’ll never forget my boss saying to me, “we don’t do that here!” It took getting fired that lead me to a lightbulb moment regarding how I wanted to work with people. So, I went back to school to get a Master of Education in Counseling.
I wish I could say it was smooth sailing from there, but managing life and career often take unexpected turns. The necessity to embrace uncertainty and the need to take risks without being 100% sure of the outcome is all part of the journey.
Things don’t always go as planned, but staying open-minded and trying new things can be a good strategy for finding your way even when you doubt yourself.
I’m now the Associate Director for Career Education and Academic Initiatives for the Career Design Center, helping students design their careers and lives after college. In my spare time, I love to make people laugh… through my singing! Just kidding, that’s a joke! Ask me about how my stand-up comedy routine in front of 600 people turned into one of my most embarrassing, and most rewarding, moments.
Career Community:
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Specialties and Interests
Life Design | Healthcare, Public Health, Life + Lab Sciences | Singing | Comedy | Theatre | 🐶 My puppy, RekaHolly Justice
Career Design Consultant

In college I had a conversation that expanded my thinking; I saw that I could make a career out of my interests and even capitalize on my own anxieties. Super intrigued, I scheduled career conversations with four professionals in the field to learn more. With new confidence, I pursued becoming a Career Coach. As a successful Coach I love my work and am constantly learning. I believe in cultivating experiences outside of work to re-energize and for me that means horseback riding, backpacking in national parks and running.
Specialties and Interests
Specialty 1) Career Coaching Data Analytics, Technology + Engineering, 2) Helping students to explore major and career options through a lens of values, strengths and interests and 3) Career Counseling Theories and Coaching techniquesLauren Khoury
Student Operations Coordinator

The Reader
While I am still a young professional, I have had my fair share of changes during my career journey so far.
Heading into college, the only thing I knew was that I wanted to be far away from home, landing me at The University of Alabama. (Roll Tide!) While I fell in love with football and the southern charm, I didn’t quite fit in with the biology program that I had enrolled in. After a sob-fest in my advisor’s office and a run-in with the College of Communications and Information Sciences department, I ended up as a public relations graduate.
When I wasn’t studying for exams or celebrating National Championships, you could almost always find me in the student union, where I worked as an events manager. Through years of last-minute reservations, I gained a strong network of connections within the university and an appreciation for Higher Education’s atmosphere.
After graduating as a First-Generation college student, I still wasn’t sure what I wanted as a career. I took on part-time roles while shadowing industry professionals to learn more about the field of public relations, but always came back to the joy I felt at the student union.
I took a leap back into Higher Education, which landed me in the Career Design Center as the Student Operations Coordinator. Here, I help run the student employment program and can feel the impact I make each day. Outside of the office, I love to read, embroider, and be dragged onto hikes by my friends. Ask me what book I’m reading right now!
Hunter Lane
Senior Career Associate for Internships

The Competitor
Basketball, tennis, baseball, football, softball, golf- you name the sport, I’ll watch it. I graduated with a degree in sport administration from the University of Louisville (Go Cards!) in 2018 but unfortunately struggled finding a sport-related job out of college. Therefore, I began exploring full-time opportunities with my employer at the time, UPS. Fast forward 8+ years with UPS and nearly two years calling Buffalo home and I finally came to the realization that I needed a career change.
Higher education has always been of interest to me, and I think the Career Design Center’s mission thoroughly aligns with my personality, skillset, and career goals. I am eager to positively impact and continuously improve the event experience for all UB students.
In my free time, I love to play tennis, volleyball, and anything remotely competitive. My roots are southern, and the beach is my favorite escape. I have a weird obsession with caesar salads and am always seeking out the newest restaurant in the city. Ask me about my favorite wing, pizza, or Italian joint in Buffalo.
Wayne Porterfield
Career Design Consultant

The Baseball Pro
As a former Division 1 student-athlete, I developed skills in goal setting, focus and teamwork. Teamwork is such an important life skill, especially in a team sport. We’re always working with players to help them improve, mature and get stronger.
Now, I reflect on my life, and I see myself applying these skills in my role as a Career Design Consultant. As a member of the Career Design Center team, I help educate, coach, and build confidence within our UB students.
I absolutely love to coach people. For the past 20 years, I’ve coached baseball for players between the ages of 6-20, and I enjoy teaching and making an impact on people’s lives. And as a former D-1 baseball player, I’m very competitive. How competitive? Ask me how often I let my kids win.
Career Communities:
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Specialties and Interests
Career Coaching | Interviewing | Networking | ⚾️ Red Sox Baseball FanCarl Remmes
Career Design Consultant

The Closer
”Go to the places that you’re uncomfortable with.” It’s something that was taught to me by Drill Sergeant Douglass during basic training in the U.S. Army. It was a scary sentiment to me at first, but as I looked back at my life, I considered this what led me to some of my most pivotal and defining moments. Recognizing areas that I have been reluctant to grow in and approaching them in small steps has led to overall tremendous growth.
My career journey has been directed by moments where I have come to a crossroad of indecision. They’ve typically appeared when I feel that I’m just “not meant to be doing” what I was doing, or I wanted to try something different. This feeling has led me to work as a behavior specialist, serving in the military, working with at-risk youth and counseling individuals struggling with addictions and mental health. Now, I’ve found my next adventure at Career Design Center being a Career Design Consultant. I absolutely thrive when I am helping others get to their next steps, regardless of if it concerns choices of tomorrow or a few years from now.
Outside of work, I am normally having fun with my little boy. I love to paint, create, garden, and exercise. As an 80’s kid, I’ve always had a love for gaming (video and board games) and use them as a source of stress relief. Cooking is a big part of my life as well! Ask me about some great seasonal recipes!
Career Communities:
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Specialties and Interests
⚖️ Government, Law, International Affairs + Policy | 🧭 Major + Career Exploration | 🎤 Podcasts | 🎮 Gaming | 🥋 fitnessDave Ferris
Career Design Consultant

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to work in education. And I am truly fortunate, as I absolutely love my job! The journey to be in the career I love certainly wasn’t without its share of barriers. As I graduated with my master’s degree during the Great Recession, I had to pivot quite a bit into other areas of employment and take a detour for part of my career journey. This altered course would prove to be beneficial as it helped to hone and cultivate many other skills, but most importantly forged significant resilience within me.
The journey and the people we meet along the way shape us into who we are. Luckily, I have had inspiring and influential teachers and mentors along the way, however no two people are as impactful as my parents. My experiences and career have allowed me to embrace the unexpected, foster adaptability, and to lead and mentor in a variety roles. I wake up every day blessed that I am able to help students discover and design their career paths, and maybe even pass on a few pieces of wisdom that were bestowed upon me.
Beyond my career, I love spending time with my kids and family more than anything. We love to get out, explore new places, revisit the old favorites, create traditions, laugh, and just do as much as we can with one another. In the less hectic moments, being forever curious and a lifelong learner, I am always reading and/or writing. And although I do love all sports, basketball is at the top for me. I love everything basketball; the history of the game, watching it, playing it, and discussing all topics surrounding it. Ask me who my favorite player is AND ask me who I think the GOAT is.
Mara O'Shei
Instructional Support Technician

I don’t think I’ve ever actually known what I wanted to do with my life. I enjoyed being a student, and the challenges of always learning something new. But when it came to choosing a career, I just assumed that one day the choice would appear out of thin air, and I would be happy with it.
Many ideas came and went throughout the years. A veterinarian, an agent for professional athletes, a lawyer, and even a librarian. And while I did spend some time in law school after receiving my bachelor’s degree, that wasn’t where I ended up.
When I became a school librarian, I thought I had officially found ‘that thing’. This was it, right? For the rest of my working life, I would assist students with achieving their research goals. Until I realized that you don’t have to do the same thing forever. You can learn and grow out of one area and into the next.
Which led me here. As an Instructional Support Technician, I can hone my skills and interests with technology. Every day I am challenged into further growing as a person while still helping others along the way.
Outside of work, I try to be outside as much as possible. I was always the kid that enjoyed running through the woods and exploring. I love to camp, hike, run, fish, swim, and pretty much any hobby you can think of while outside. When the rain or snow is too much for me though, I enjoy playing board games with my family or reading a new book.
Ask me about my latest outdoor adventure!
Gregory Sampson
Operations Assistant

I am the operations assistant at the Career Design Center. I enjoy working in this role. Every day there is an opportunity to improve myself and the services we provide in this department.
I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and was educated in the region’s public schools. I went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English, graduating in 1998 and entering a workforce during an era when, like now, technology seemed to dominate all aspects of our economy and culture. In that environment I held a variety of writing and editorial positions, along the way honing my skills to meet the needs of our brave new employment market.
The economic shift of the new millennium, combined with my changing interests, motivated me to pursue a degree in law. The work that followed carried me to government positions in Vermont, the Republic of Palau, and Washington, D.C. From there, I moved to Buffalo with my wife, Jaime, and our two children to be closer to my family of origin. In Buffalo I again evolved professionally, this time managing the business affairs of an automotive shop that specialized in restoring and maintaining a wide range of classic vehicles.
During the COVID-19 pandemic I focused on full-time parenting while Jaime continued her career. During that time, I found caring for our family was just as meaningful to me as anything I did in any office, government building, or service shop. Then, as the pandemic response waned and economic demands again shifted, I was hired at the Career Design Center, which has worked out well. Here, I can work with the care and attentiveness that make my efforts worthwhile and my colleagues are some of the best I could ever have imagined.
I am a storyteller, so ask me about some of the challenges I’ve faced in the life I’ve laid out here. Or tell me something about yourself. Or ask me what my current favorite car is. I’ll try to give you a well-reasoned opinion.
Gina Bellavia
Graduate Career Design Consultant

Doing an internship my last semester of college led me to completely abandon my plans to become a therapist. The internship showed me that I was not a good fit for that type of work. I immediately began applying to Master of Education programs so that I could pursue a career in teaching, something that had always interested me.
After graduate school, I spent several years as a teacher. One day, while watching one of my colleagues, I became keenly aware of how much she loved her work and how she was completely in her element while teaching. It struck me that, although I enjoyed certain aspects of my job, I too could have a career that would truly light me up and energize me. I had just become eligible for tenure, which would have given me job security, but I decided to take the risk and leave teaching.
That leap led me on a path to many different jobs and also back to graduate school for a PhD. When I reflect on my career history, I realize that the thread running through it all is a passion for education. In addition to pre-K – 12 education, I have worked in educational publishing, health and nutrition education, and educational research, but the areas that have drawn me in multiple times are higher education and career education. Now, as a Graduate Career Design Consultant, I am excited to work at the intersection of these two fields by helping graduate students design and pursue their career paths.
In my free time, I enjoy nurturing another passion: growing vegetables and herbs. I love to be outside watering them and checking on their progress. Equally fun for me is researching recipes that contain the foods I’ve grown and preparing them for people. Each year I like to experiment with new plants and meals. Ask me what I plan to grow next!
Jenell Spitale
Associate Director, Experiential Learning & Student Employment

Is the third time really the charm? It just may be, as I find myself at UB for the third time in my life – first as an undergraduate student studying Spanish language and literature, then as the Student Services Advisor in the School of Social Work and now I am back in the Career Design Center to help grow experiential learning and student employment opportunities on campus. It is exciting to have come full circle, but getting to this point in my career has not been a linear process.
I started out my college career with plans to become a high school Spanish teacher but ended up exploring numerous professional interests and industries over the years, from cosmetology and medical interpretation to working in banking and education technology, and I have gained skills and experiences that are transferable and quite helpful in serving students today. While these experiences may all look completely unrelated, the common thread among them all is meaningful work that allows me to help others, which I find to be a motivating and rewarding way to engage in the world of work.
Outside of work, I’m usually adventuring with my son and spending time with family or practicing self-care, which often includes reading, journaling, spa days and working out. I am a first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and while my competitive sparring days are behind me, I enjoy MMA cardio classes alongside weight training and Pilates. Doing all of that training means I’m often working up an appetite, and I enjoy singing along to music while cooking my family’s favorite dishes. Ask me about what’s on the menu or my playlist!
Steven Simpson

The Relator
For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn towards team activities and environments. As a former college athlete, a musician and active member with my family in our community, I have thrived most when connecting, collaborating and learning with and from others.
I have experienced two pretty distinct chapters in my career first as a marketer within the media industry where I had the opportunity to live and work in various regions across the United States, and more recently as a Careers professional within higher education. I have found the common thread across these experiences has been that service to the betterment and growth of the community and others is at the core of both industries and the people who choose to work within them.
I grew up in the Buffalo area before pursing my BA in Communications at St. John Fisher College, and then eventually heading further across the I90 to earn an MS in Media Management and MBA at Syracuse University. Many of my closest friends to this day are those I first met during those times.
When I’m not collaborating with our talented Career Design Center team to engage and support our students, alumni and employer partners, you can find me playing my guitar, biking, golfing, reading and learning about history or watching F1, soccer, baseball and hockey events.
Specialties and Interests
Marketer | Certified Career Coach | Non-Profit Volunteer | Guitar | Sports Enthusiast
Cara Morse

It’s good to be home! But it sure took a while to get here. 14 years to be exact. I always planned to go to UB. I planned to complete my undergraduate degree and thought I would go straight into a master’s program. I planned to become a child psychologist and maybe someday run my own practice. But as I neared the end of my bachelor’s program. . .I hit a wall. I burned out. I ended up in a puddle of tears on the floor. I still had a strong desire to help people but could no longer envision a career that required me to continue my education; even one semester further. Luckily for me, I had laid solid groundwork. I had the support of a developing network that I had already begun to create. I consider the start of my career, my senior year internship with the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor at a local children’s residential facility. My supervisor during this process recommended me for a position in one of their Community Based Programs. This led to an incredibly fulfilling 14-year career working in my community with children and families.
The network I continued to build led to each and every turn my career has taken: 4 job changes and multiple role changes within organizations. All the people I made connections with over the years supported and encouraged my transitions into different positions. This network was often the reason I found open positions and those who would say “put me down as a reference”.
In 2022, I decided it was time for another change. A big one! I applied for the role of Relationship Manager here in the Career Design Center. Everything I have done up to this point felt like it fit. All the years of connecting with people, building relationships (sometimes under the most difficult of circumstances) and expanding my network led me to this point in my career. And my network was right there behind me. The people in my network fully supported my career change, even those who were directly affected by my leaving, which made all the difference in the difficult decision to start over. Today, I am thrilled to be back home at UB where it all started.
Hannah Danielski
Events Coordinator

I graduated from SUNY Brockport in 2020 with a degree in public relations and a dream of working in the music industry planning concerts. I wanted to give back the experiences I have had to others and make a difference through events, but due to the pandemic, my plans had to be on hold. After graduation with the ongoing pandemic, it was tough to find a job that aligned with my goals. I didn’t know where to start in the search as in-person events were not happening and I wanted to do something that still aligned with my career goals. I really got down on myself that I wasn’t on the linear path of finding the perfect job out of college.
The time from graduation to now has taught me so many things about myself both personally and in my career that I don’t think I would have been able to learn if everything worked out the way I had thought. I was able to really learn what I wanted in my career and that it is okay to make changes, and nothing is meant to be a certain way.
Since landing this job as the Event Coordinator at the Career Design Center, I am eager to be able to make a difference for students through programming and to help them with achieving their goals after graduation. I am excited to be a part of the greater purpose that higher education provides and create experiences to help students succeed.
When I’m not at work, you’ll find me trying new restaurants around Buffalo, watching a documentary, or at a Disney Park. I love all things Disney from the history and the experience and the movies and shows. If you ever need any fun Disney facts or just want to talk about the latest Marvel movie, I’m your person!
Meg Recktenwald

Theresa Gerard

Having one passion is overrated.
I’m a proud multipotentialite—which is just a fancy way of saying I can’t pick just one thing to be passionate about. During college at UB, choosing a major felt like deciding on a single ice cream flavor for life—an impossible task. So, I went all in: double major in Psychology and History, two minors, and a Journalism certificate (because why not?). Eventually, I had to narrow it down, and Psychology and History became my focus. They gave me a solid foundation, but even after graduating during the pandemic, I still didn’t have all the answers.
I tried being a behavior technician, a deeply rewarding role, but it didn’t feel like “the one.” That’s when I remembered UB’s Career Design Center, where a life-changing appointment in 2018 left me reassured that it’s okay not to have just one passion. My best friend, after hearing about it, said, “You should do that!” The idea stuck, and I returned to school to earn a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, determined to help students navigate their own uncertain paths with the same clarity and confidence I’d found.
Now, as a Career Design Consultant at UB, I get to pay it forward. I help students embrace their inner multipotentialite and see the beauty in exploring diverse interests. I also remind them that passions can change over time, and as a lifelong learner, I’m always open to trying new things and discovering new passions myself. When I’m not pursuing my passion of helping students, I dive into my other joys: making people laugh, puzzling, reading, hiking, cooking or trying something new. Whether it’s picking a major, considering careers, or navigating life’s curveballs, I remind students that not having a singular passion isn’t a flaw—it’s an opportunity to create a life that’s dynamic, fulfilling, and uniquely personal.
Tommy Linares
Employer Relations Associate

Hi there! I’m originally from Honduras but grew up on Long Island, and I’ve called Western NY home ever since coming here for college. I’m a SUNY Fredonia graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice and minors in Philosophy and Leadership Studies, though my career took a delightful detour into Higher Education.
My love for meaningful connections started with many student leadership roles; Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, Peer Advisor, you name it! Those experiences showed me how fulfilling it is to help others thrive. After earning my Master’s in Higher Education at UB, I stayed to work in residence life, orientation, and now as an Employer Relations Associate at the Career Design Center.
When I’m not at work, I’m probably moving! I love running, swimming, or doing/teaching yoga. I’m also a proud vegan, an overthinker of life’s big questions, and a fan of long walks and warm tea.
Here’s the thing – I’m still figuring life out, and I believe that’s part of the magic. Let’s chat about your journey, or mine!