Tammy Craig, M.A., L.C.P.C., N.C.C., D.C.C, Director

Tammy Craig is the Director of the Career Development Center and has been an adjunct lecturer for undergraduate and graduate programs at the University of Illinois at Springfield. She has seven years of experience in higher education and eight years of experience in mental health and career counseling specializations. Tammy earned her Bachelors degree in Social Work and Master of Arts degree in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois at Springfield. Tammy also is credentialed as an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Distance Credentialed Counselor. As a facilitator, Tammy has presented at a number of career workshops, professional development seminars, classroom presentations and conferences. As Director, Tammy lead the CDC in 2005 to begin providing online career services and programming to accommodate the needs of all UIS students; implemented the Paraprofessional Student Leadership program in 2006; and created the GOALS program concept, which was launched in the fall of 2007, to promote an integrated approach to career development to be used by students, alumni, staff and faculty.

Gale Kilbury, Career Counselor

Gale joined the Career Development Center as a Career Counselor in 2005. Gale has a unique professional background combining more than 26 years experience in career development, mental health, management and professional nursing. She received her Masters in Human Development Counseling from UIS and is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Distance Credential Counselor (DCC) and a Registered Nurse. As a Career Counselor at UIS, she is interested in working with students, alumni, and community members in exploring and pursuing their career aspirations.

Jennifer Jenkins, Office Supervisor and Testing Coordinator

Jennifer serves as the Secretary for the Career Development Center. She came to UIS in 2003 as a freshman from Carbondale to participate in the Capital Scholars Honors Program. Jennifer graduated in May 2007 from the CAP program with a Bachelors of Arts in Communication. When she is not at the Career Development Center you can find her traveling the world or sleeping on her couch.

Amanda J. Fox, Communication Program Coordinator

Amanda joined the Career Development Center in July of 2007 as the Communication Program Coordinator. In this role she serves as Webmaster, leads marketing efforts for the CDC and provides technology-related services. A University of Illinois at Springfield graduate, Amanda has providing marketing, Web development and consulting services for corporate, not-for-profit and public sector clients. She was the recipient of a Master Communicator Award in 2006 for her work in creating a statewide Elder Abuse Awareness Campaign.

Cynthia Greene, Employer Relations Recruitment Coordinator

Cynthia is an alum of UIS and holds a Master of Arts Degree in Communication. She has been a business owner and Chamber of Commerce member in the Springfield area for a number of years, and brings a unique employer perspective to her position. Cynthia works closely with our Academic Departments, Alumni, Students and Employers in coordinating UIS recruitment efforts. She welcomes the opportunity to personally assist employers with their recruitment needs.

Valarie LeSeure, Pre-Professional Counseling Graduate Student

Valarie is a graduate student in the Human Development Counseling department studying to become a professional counselor. She has been employed in the Career Development Center for more than a year. She has worked in the CDC as a Paraprofessional Staff/ Career Outreach Specialist, Career Specialist, and is currently the Pre-Professional Counseling Graduate Student.

Craig Pelka, Lead Career Outreach Specialist

Craig Pelka is the lead Career Outreach Specialist at the UIS Career Development Center. In addition to the activities of the rest of the specialists, Craig plays a role in the training and supervision of the Career Outreach Specialists. He has been a part of the Career Development Center team since August of 2006. Craig is in his 3rd year as a Sociology/Anthropology student, minoring in Environmental Studies. Some of his career interests include environmental activism, wildlife rights, LGBTQ equality, and other social issues. Craig’s career goals include working for a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization, mainly focused on making positive change. Craig welcomes any questions about careers, his own career path or anything else you want to know!

Nathanael Arthur, Career Outreach Specialist

Nathanael Arthur is a sophomore majoring in Political Studies and minoring in History. He has been a Career Outreach Specialist with the Career Development Center for just over a month, and is always willing to help you critique your resume or search for online resources.Nathanael is involved with some campus clubs; most of his time is spent with the Christian Student Fellowship and the College Republicans. He enjoys hanging out with friends, running, and reading. He would like to be a college professor of Political Studies, specifically teaching American Government or Illinois Government and a politician. He looks forward to helping you in your search for a career.

Kristen Parsell, Career Outreach Specialist

Kristen Parsell is a second year student at UIS. Originally from the Chicago area, she is adjusting to the open land and corn. Kristen is majoring in social work and plans on returning to Chicago to pursue a Master’s Degree and eventually work as a school social worker. Kristen is very active in the Student Activities Committee, and is currently serving on the executive board for SAC. She enjoys doing community service and volunteering. Some activities she is involved with include tutoring and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.