Mary Santoro
Director of Career Services
Mary Santoro, 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 before assuming advisory responsibilities for the Cummings School of Architecture and School of Engineering Computing and Construction Management.
In her current role as the 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.
Specialties and Interests
LEADERSHIP & EXTERNAL INITIATIVESKevin Deeb
Career Advisor
Kevin Deeb, Career Advisor
Kevin Deeb earned a B.A. in Educational Studies with a double minor in Psychology and Business Management from Roger Williams University and recently an M.Ed. in School Counseling from Providence College. Throughout the past six years of undergraduate and graduate school. Kevin has been working on university campuses in a variety of student focused areas including student programming, career development, student conduct, residence life, cultural programming and academic advising. Now, Kevin is excited to channel his passion and commitment of helping others in a professional role at RWU. He is thrilled to mentor students as they discover their passions and develop their skills as leaders and citizens in our emerging society, in addition, he is assist in allowing students to grow in their professional, academic and personal lives throughout their time at RWU and beyond.
Specialties and Interests
Early College Transition & Senior OutcomesCallie Flanagan
Career Advisor
Callie Flanagan, Career Advisor
Callie earned a Bachelor of Communications ’22 with a concentration in Graphic Design and a minor in Marketing at Roger Williams University. After graduating, Callie has previous experiences as a freelance graphic designer with areas of expertise in social media marketing, brand identity and marketing. In addition, Callie has worked professionally as a graphic designer, specifically in the jewelry design field. Now, Callie is excited to bring creativity, and passion into a professional career in higher education at Roger Williams, and is very excited to assist students and alumni in career advancement.
Specialties and Interests
ALUMNI RELATIONS & MARKETINGMaisie Jelley
Career Advisor
Maisie Jelley, Career Advisor
Maisie Jelley earned 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. Maisie is a candidate for a Masters of Science in Leadership from Roger Williams University in Fall of 2024.
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
Rena Piller-Thurston
Assistant Director of Experiential Learning
Rena Piller-Thurston ‘97, Assistant Director, Experiential Learning
Rena Piller-Thurston graduated from Roger Williams University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Leadership at University College. After graduating with her BA, she began 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.
Specialties and Interests
External RelationsSierra 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.
