Meet the Team

Erica is the Director of WVU Career Services, providing leadership and strategic oversight for the career center and the Student Employment Program. In her role, Erica manages the department’s daily operations, drives strategic initiatives and program development, ensures compliance, and fosters strong partnerships within the college community. She is pivotal in offering students essential career development resources and guidance, helping them explore diverse career paths, understand the importance of career readiness, enhance their job search skills, and create valuable connections with potential employers.

With 25 years of experience in higher education, Erica has dedicated over 12 years to Career Services, where she has made a significant impact by taking on diverse roles to address the evolving needs of the office. She has empowered students to realize their career aspirations through personalized guidance, workshops, and resources, assisted employers in identifying and recruiting the best talent to fulfill their organizational goals, and provided administrative oversight for the office.

Before joining WVU, Erica worked at Allegany College of Maryland as the Program Coordinator in Continuing Education, where she focused on delivering impactful courses and training for workforce and professional development, and community enrichment programs. Earlier in her career, she served as the Coordinator of Central Stores at Owens Community College, successfully managing business and financial operations for the college community.

Erica holds a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), a bachelor’s degree in business management from West Virginia University, and an associate’s degree in business from Garrett College, showcasing her unwavering commitment to excellence and drive to make a positive impact.

As the Program Director of Employer Relations at West Virginia University, Ali Anderson leads Career Services’ efforts to cultivate and strengthen strategic partnerships between employers and the Mountaineer community. Originally from Delaware, Ali earned two degrees from WVU before returning to serve her alma mater.

Throughout her tenure, she has built connections with K–12 schools, recruited new students to WVU, and supported first-year students through teaching and advising. As a first-generation college student, Ali understands firsthand the importance of community and connection throughout the college experience.

In her current role, she collaborates with industry leaders to design recruitment strategies, facilitate campus engagement, and create meaningful opportunities that benefit both students and employer partners. Her mission is to ensure every WVU student has access to career pathways, mentorship, and real-world experiences that launch them into successful, fulfilling careers.

Educational Background

• B.S., Biometric Systems Engineering, West Virginia University
• M.A., Higher Education Administration, West Virginia University

Caleb Arnold is a Career Development Specialist for undecided students, providing personalized support and guidance around major and career exploration.

A native of Knoxville, TN, Caleb brings a robust background in student services across both higher education and the nonprofit sector. He has served students in a variety of capacities, including advising, mentoring, student life, residence life, admissions, and event management. His experience spans both undergraduate and graduate education, including work in medical education.

Caleb’s passion lies in helping young adults navigate one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—chapters of their lives. Whether students are torn between majors or don’t know where to begin, he provides encouragement, insight, and practical tools to help them discover their purpose and pursue their goals.

In his spare time, Caleb enjoys spending time with his wife, hosting friends and family, watching Atlanta Braves baseball, and playing pickleball.

Education:
B.S., Psychology – Lincoln Memorial University
MBA, Business Administration – Lincoln Memorial University

Khrystyna Pelchar is a Peer Career Coach who is currently pursuing her PhD in Political Science. In her role, she provides guidance on internship and job search strategies, offers feedback on resumes, CVs, and cover letters, and conducts mock interviews both virtually and in person. Additionally, she leads workshops focused on career readiness, assists with career fairs, and collaborates with the marketing team to enhance student engagement and professional development opportunities.

Her academic research focuses on comparative politics, democratic governance, security, and cooperation. Khrystyna has co-authored publications in “Problems of Post-Communism” and a PONARS policy memo. She combines her academic expertise with practical career development skills to provide accessible support to the West Virginia University (WVU) community.

Kelly Stewart began her higher education career at West Virginia University (WVU) in 1995 and has since established a strong professional foundation in career development and education. Since joining WVU’s Statler College in 2023, she quickly distinguished herself and earned the Outstanding Staff of the Year Award for 2024–2025. Currently, she is directing the establishment of the Career and Professional Development Center for Engineering, Computing & Technology students within the Student Performance Administration Office. With over 18 years of experience as an educator and Career Development Specialist, Stewart is highly skilled in coaching, mentoring, and teaching college-level instruction. Renowned for her expertise in career readiness, she is passionate about helping individuals achieve their professional career aspirations.

In her previous role as Program Coordinator and Teaching Instructor for the Fundamentals of Engineering Program (FEP), Stewart played a pivotal role in enhancing student success. She managed initiatives focused on engagement, academic coaching, and out-of-class experiences while also teaching first-year seminar courses. Prior to FEP, she spent 16 years at the WVU Career Services Center, serving as a Career Development Specialist, Operations Manager, Teaching Instructor, and Career Counselor.

Stewart’s most recent credentials include certification as a Gallup Global Strengths Coach, completed certificate with the 14-month Effective College Instruction program by the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), and a certification in Motivational-Based Interviewing. Her dedication has earned her the WVU Go Beyond Employee Values Recognition Coin. Additionally, Stewart served for 12 years as an Adjunct Faculty Instructor in the WVU School of Sport Sciences, specializing in Coaching and Performance Science.

After an impressive four-decade career in competitive cheerleading, Stewart retired from the sport in December 2022. Her roles included Rules Interpreter, Clinician/Facilitator, Head Safety Judge, Cheer Judge, and Official of the Year for the West Virginia Secondary Schools and Activities Commission (WVSSAC). She co-founded and directed the WVU Competitive Cheer Club, who has won three national championships. Earlier in her career, she coached and choreographed high school varsity, junior varsity, middle school, and church youth teams earning numerous county, state, and national awards. During her college years, she was selected as the NCA Collegiate All-American Cheerleader.

Stewart holds a Master of Science and Bachelor of Arts from WVU, as well as Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees from Fairmont State University. As a proud first-generation college graduate, she exemplifies the transformative power of education.

Jason Walker is the employer relations specialist for WVU’s Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources Career & Professional Development Center. Jason brings a wealth of experience in higher education, workforce development, and student success to his role as the Employer Relations Specialist. With a strategic mindset and a proven track record of building impactful partnerships, Jason focuses are connecting students and alumni with meaningful career opportunities while enhancing employer engagement at the regional, state, and national levels.

Previously serving in roles with WorkForce West Virginia, WVU’s Reed College and Media, and Salem University, Jason’s initiatives focused on enrollment, student retention, curriculum design, and learning management systems. His collaborative and data-driven approach has consistently improved outcomes for both students and institutions.

In his current position, Jason will focus on developing and strengthening employer relationships to support internships, co-ops, and full-time employment opportunities for the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral students. His work includes coordinating recruitment events, building partnerships with industry leaders, and aligning employer needs with student capabilities, fostering a stronger bridge between academia and the workforce.

Jason holds an MBA from Salem University and is currently pursuing an Ed.D at WVU. He is passionate about student development, employer engagement, and creating pathways that prepare graduates for success in an evolving job market.

Danica Ryan brings her expertise as a Career Development Specialist to the College of Creative Arts and Media by helping students with career readiness. In this position she coaches students in career decision-making, experiential learning, full time professional positions and internship opportunity job search, graduate/professional school applications, and career planning. She strives to build a strong rapport with students, instilling the importance of career planning early in their academic career, and beyond. Danica meets with students through group settings, individual appointments, and drop-in hours for reviews of resumes, cover letters, professional documents, and interview techniques.

Danica joined WVU in January of 2019 as a Career Development Specialist (CDS) in the WVU Career Services office. Previously, as a Graduate Assistant for Career Services and in the CDS role, she helped students prepare for their careers beyond college through individual training sessions, workshops and presentations.

In 2021, she was the recipient of a WVU Values Coin from the College of Creative Arts in the areas of Curiosity and Service. In May of 2024 she was honored with the “Accessibility Advocate Award” for her partnership with the Office of Accessibility Services in creating an employer panel titled “Demystifying Disability.” Danica has a Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling and dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Communication Studies from WVU. She is a National Certified Counselor and has a WV state license for School Counseling.

Danica previously worked in public education as a school counselor for more than 7 years, working at all grade levels from Pre-K to 12th grade before coming to WVU. Her experience includes public speaking, supervision of student counselors from WVU, curriculum development and implementation, team building, and school-wide program development for student achievement. One of her favorite events as a school counselor was a career day collaboration and research opportunity for students.

Brittany Gillespie, MSEd, MBA
Eberly Career Development Center – WVU Eberly College of Arts & Sciences

Brittany Gillespie is a dedicated Career Development Specialist at West Virginia University’s Eberly College of Arts & Sciences, where she leverages her expertise to empower students and alumni in their professional journeys. With a robust background in employee relations, coaching, and data analysis, Brittany is committed to enhancing career development programs and fostering meaningful relationships between students and potential employers.

Since joining WVU in August 2022, Brittany has successfully coached and mentored countless individuals, focusing on the development of professional communication skills and personalized career planning. She has led initiatives to create impactful educational programs that respond to the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, ensuring that students are well-prepared to excel in their chosen fields. Brittany actively collaborates with high-level administration to strategize the growth of the career development unit, showcasing her strong relationship-building capabilities. Her work includes benchmarking the effectiveness of outreach efforts and continuously improving learning strategies based on data-driven insights.

Prior to her role at WVU, Brittany served as a Human Capital Consultant, where she worked closely with executive leaders to implement best practices across various organizations. Her experience also includes managing employee performance, developing change management strategies, and conducting HR audits to ensure compliance with industry standards.

Brittany holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Fairmont State University, as well as a Master of Secondary Education, focusing on secondary and adult education, from Grand Canyon University, and a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences from Glenville State University.

In her free time, Brittany enjoys engaging with the local community and participating in professional development initiatives that aim to uplift and educate others. She is passionate about helping individuals harness their potential and find fulfillment in their careers.

On days off, she can be found outdoors hiking or rafting with her family and dog, gardening or restoring her 1920s home, or engrossed in a novel with her cat.

Rachel was appointed as one of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Career Development Specialists in 2024. She is originally from Westampton, New Jersey and moved to Morgantown in 2013. Rachel graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education Health Education in 2017. With that degree, she was a high school Health Teacher in Grafton, WV. Rachel also pursued a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Marshall University which she completed in December of 2021. She utilized that degree to be a high school School Counselor in Morgantown, WV for 3 years. She lives in Morgantown, WV with her husband and two corgis. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching/attending sports, and decorating cookies!

Rachel aims to help students learn, prepare, and develop skills and materials that will increase their success in their Career Search. Let’s Go!

Rachael is the Student Experience Coordinator in the Office of Student Success. She has been with the University for twelve years with a background in employer relations and project management.

Rachael is a native of West Virginia hailing from a small town in the norther panhandle. When she isn’t at work, Rachael is enjoying time with her husband and two sons finding their next adventure.

Educational Background

• B.A., Communication Studies, West Virginia University
• M.S., Industrial and Labor Relations, West Virginia University

Courtney is a Higher Education Professional and Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, as well as a U.S. Navy Veteran who served primarily at Ft. Meade, MD, as a Cryptologic Technician (CTR) and earned the Information Dominance Warfare pin designation in the military intelligence field. Originally from San Antonio, TX, Courtney is a first-generation double UT San Antonio Alum, having completed her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. With years of management and leadership experience, beginning with a role as an associate movie theater manager, military, and higher education experience, Courtney has a proven track record of collaborating with and empowering students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

Courtney’s professional interests include Design Thinking, Career Development, Solution-Focused approaches, and CliftonStrengths. Passionate about student success, Courtney embraces a teaching philosophy centered on mutual respect and empowerment, believing in the reciprocal nature of learning between educator and student. Committed to fostering a love of learning, Courtney strives to provide engaging, experiential learning opportunities that equip individuals with the fundamental skills and career competencies necessary for success in academics and beyond.

Mallory Napolillo serves as the Career Development Specialist at West Virginia University’s Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her role within the Davis College is to focus on career development. She completes this focus through counseling students in their career endeavors, working on career development initiatives, collaborating with faculty to meet any in-class needs, coordinating Davis College events to foster employer connections, and networking with employers to build lasting relationships with the Davis College and its students.

Mallory’s journey in higher education began at West Virginia University in the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in 2020. There, she completed a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal and Nutritional Sciences in 2023. After graduation, Mallory chose to attend graduate school for one year at the University of Florida before ultimately transferring back to WVU to complete her masters. Mallory obtained a Master’s of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design from the Davis College in 2025. Post graduation, Mallory began working as the Career Development Specialist for the Davis College in May of 2025.

Mallory’s hometown is Morgantown, West Virginia. Mallory was born a Mountaineer fan, and she still bleeds gold and blue! In her free time, she enjoys visiting state parks in West Virginia and hanging out with her two cats, Banjo and Fiddle.