Mary Santoro
Senior Director of Career Services
Mary Santoro, Senior Director of Career Services
Mary holds a Master of Science degree in Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Roger Williams University. Her professional journey includes diverse roles within the Center for Career and Professional Development.
In her current role as the Senior Director of Career Services, Mary passionately engages with students, guiding them through confidence-building exercises and comprehensive career coaching sessions. Her commitment extends across the spectrum of professional development, overseeing advisory functions and operational aspects within the Center for Career and Professional Development. Collaborating closely with external stakeholders, Mary establishes vital connections to facilitate students’ access to impactful internship and job prospects.
Sierra Zschirnt
Director of External Relations
Sierra Zschirnt, Director, External Relations
After graduating from Salve Regina University with a degree in Administration of Justice Sierra worked for a luxury, wedding and event planning company in Newport Rhode Island for 5 years. In that 5 years Sierra also served as the Director of Development for the non profit the Confetti Foundation. Sierra currently serves as Roger Williams University Director of External Relations. She works to establish new and grow existing, alumni and employer partnerships to help develop programs and events that support and enhance students’ professional skills.
Maisie Jelley
Associate Director of Career Services
Maisie Jelley, Associate Director of Career Services
Maisie Jelley earned a M.S in Leadership from Roger Williams University and a B.S. in Business Management with a minor in Sports Management from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Maisie was a Student- Athlete on the Women’s Division III soccer team. After graduation, Maisie landed at Roger Williams University, where she worked as an Admission Counselor for Northern New England and most recently the state of New Jersey.
Learn more about Maisie’s advising practices and philosophy [HERE]
Rena Piller-Thurston
Assistant Director of Experiential Learning
Rena Piller-Thurston, Assistant Director, Experiential Learning
Rena Piller-Thurston earned a M.S. in Leadership and a BA in History from Roger Williams University. She began her career in a curatorial position and later a development position at the Newport Historical Society. Following her time at the Newport Historical Society, she worked at the Preservation Society of Newport County, managing their Annual Fund. Rena returned to RWU in 2004 to work in the Office of Institutional Advancement and later the Honors Program. She took over coordination of the internship program as the Assistant Director, Experiential Learning in the Center for Career & Professional Development in April 2018.
Gisele Egenberger
Career Advisor
Gisele recently graduated from Roger Williams University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Public Health. She is eager to continue her journey with the CCPD, after previously spending three years as a Career Communications Assistant. Now as a Career Counselor, she works directly with students in the Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts, and Education along with undeclared students. She is dedicated to helping students discover their passions, explore career possibilities, and build confidence in their next steps. Gisele is excited to give back to the RWU community that shaped her own experience and continue growing within the CCPD.
Rian Jackson
Career Advisor
Rian earned a B.A. in Psychology with minors in Human Resources Leadership and Management and English Literature at Roger Williams University. As an undergraduate student at Roger Williams University, Rian was highly involved on campus, especially in her student job at the Career Center where she discovered a passion for career services and working with students. Now, Rian continues her professional journey at the Center for Career and Professional Development, where she is excited to work with students in developing their career and life skills.
Learn more about Rian’s advising practice and philosophy [HERE]
Michelle Spreda
Career Advisor
Michelle Spreda, Career Advisor
Michelle earned a B.A in Psychology with a concentration in Developmental Psychology and a minor in Health from Eastern Connecticut State University and an M.B.A in Sports Leadership from Johnson & Wales University. After graduation, Michelle worked as a YMCA Youth Program Director responsible for all youth programming including; summer camp, youth sports, school-age enrichment programs, family events, and teen leadership programs. From 2015 to 2023, Michelle served as the Director of Intramural and Club Sports at Johnson & Wales University where she worked closely with both Student Engagement and Athletic departments. Additionally, Michelle has spent the last 6 seasons on the sidelines as the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Roger Williams University guiding the team to back-to-back Commonwealth Coast Conference Championships in 2022 and 2023 for the first time in school history. Michelle is excited to continue her professional career in higher education at Roger Williams with her passion for coaching and mentoring college students to achieve their goals post-graduation.
Learn more about Michelle’s advising practices and philosophy [HERE]
