LACS Staff
Director
Dr. Katharine Brooks, Director
Coaching Team
| Tatem Oldham, Pre-Law Advisor | Erica Prenger, Career Coach |
| Dana Downey, Senior Career Coach | Jessica Sitler, Career Coach |
| Wm. Chris Lee, Career Coach | Matthew Vitemb, Career Coach |
Marketing & Outreach Team
| Robert Vega, Assistant Director |
Daniel Amin, Student Assistant |
| Monica Gully, Program Coordinator / Employer Outreach |
Administrative Team
| Amira Sounny-Slitine | Tess Pepmiller, Administrative Assistant |
Dr. Katharine S. Brooks, Director
Office: FAC 18
Phone: 512.471.7900
Email: k.brooks@austin.utexas.edu
Mailcode: G6200
Managing the overall operations of the career center including the budget, personnel, programs, and services.
Additional Areas of Interest/Expertise
Author, "You Majored in What? Mapping Your Path from Chaos to Career (Plume, 2010). Blogger for Psychology Today. Designs career coaching training for career center personnel nationwide through the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE). Developer and course instructor for courses relating a liberal arts education to the workplace. Former school psychologist, college counselor, social worker, and human resources manager.
Education and Training
Ed.D. in Educational Psychology, and M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from West Virginia University. BA in Sociology & Anthropology from Gettysburg College, PA. Nationally Certified Counselor. Licensed Counselor in Texas. Certified Distance Career Counselor.
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
None. I'm doing the career I love.
Best piece of career advice?
No matter the source of your paycheck, you are always self-employed.
When not at work I enjoy...
The Texas music scene, playing guitar, banjo & hammered dulcimer, mixed-media art, and watching movies.
Robert Vega, Assistant Director
Office: FAC 18
Phone: 512.471.7900
Email: r.vega@austin.utexas.edu
Mailcode: G6200
Manage office operations, logistics, marketing and communication. Manage all recruiting activities and employer relations. Course Instructor for LA internship courses. Graduate school advisor for students interested in advanced liberal arts degrees.
Education and Training
MA in International Relations from Boston University, including study in England and France. BA in Political Science from the University of Houston.
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
Running a backpacker's hostel on a beach in the South Pacific or in Southeast Asia.
When not at work I enjoy...
Dinners with friends and planning my next trip. If I can travel three times a year I'm a very happy person.
Tatem Oldham, Pre-Law Advisor & Career Coach
Office: FAC 18
Phone: 512.471.7900
Email: t.oldham@austin.utexas.edu
Mailcode: G6200
Helping students decide if they want to go to law school and guiding them through the process of applying. Also, resumé and personal statement critiques, and helping liberal arts students with the career decision-making process
Additional Areas of Interest/Expertise
Experience as a psychotherapist in both group and individual settings. Extensive training and five years' experience with the foster care system in Texas.
Education and Training
MEd in Educational Psychology, and BA in Communication Studies, both from The University of Texas at Austin. Advanced Certification in Conflict Mediation; 30 hours+ training in child abuse prevention and Child Protective Services. Licensed professional Counselor in Texas.
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
Part-time therapist, part-time philanthropist.
Best piece of career advice?
99% of excelling is perseverance. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
When not at work I enjoy...
Reading; family time.
Monica Gully, Program Coordinator
Office: FAC 18
Phone: 512.471.7900
Email: monica.gully@austin.utexas.edu
Mailcode: G6200
Manage student and employer communications regarding all LACS resources and services, including our career database, courses, events, workshops, and interview days. Coordinate comprehensive event and guest management services for all career-related events, including career fairs. Provide career coaching services to students and present employment-related workshops. Support web-based career courses with administrative, student, and programmatic assistance.
Education and Training
B.A. in English and Plan II Honors from the University of Texas at Austin
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
Higher education policy development.
Best piece of career advice?
There’s more than one way to do what you love – take the chance to do something different.
When not at work I enjoy...
Watching and performing in theater, reading, quality time with my friends and family, and playing with my dog, Phoebe.
Dana Downey, Senior Career Coach
Office: FAC 18
Phone: 512.471.7900
Email: d.hicks@austin.utexas.edu
Mailcode: G6200
Translating Liberal Arts degrees into skills and stories that are marketable in the working world. Strategizing and planning with students for next steps. Helping students overcome their "stuck" places in their career journey and job search. Utilizing the internet and social media to connect with opportunities. Branding students through resumés and cover letters and social media tools. Supervising and training the career coaches to do all these things with excellence.
Additional Areas of Interest/Expertise
international mental health. financial sector. investment industry. decision science. emerging markets. counseling and social services. the international job search. personal and spiritual development. cultural trends. philosophy of social science. graphic design.
Education and Training
Graduated with M.A. in Counseling from the The University of Texas at Austin. Received B.S. in Family, Youth and Community Sciences, with minors in Spanish Linguistics and Non-Profit Management from the University of Florida. Six years of career advising experience. Lived abroad in the United Arab Emirates and Djibouti.
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
Teaching public health and career development courses at a university in Northern Africa or the Middle East.
Best piece of career advice?
"The greatest tragedy to befall a man is to have sight but lack vision." -Helen Keller
When not at work I enjoy...
reading. being still. graphic design. writing/journaling. drinking tea. good conversations. people. contemplative prayer.
Erica Prenger, Career Coach
Office: FAC 18
Phone: 512.471.7900
Email: e.prenger@austin.utexas.edu
Mailcode: G6200
Helping undergraduate and graduate students identify strengths and opportunities; crafting employer-ready resumé and cover letters; coaching students to talk and think about their skills, previous experiences, and educational background in ways that will translate in to the career world; researching employers, jobs, and internships in an effort to uncover a career plan and job search strategy.
Additional Areas of Interest/Expertise
I am passionate about health and education. My doctoral studies focus on health literacy and the connections between interpersonal communication and health. I also enjoy teaching. I have had teaching (training) roles in corporate, collegiate and government settings all generally focused on helping people improve their communication and conflict resolution skills.
Education and Training
I am currently pursuing a PhD in Communication Studies. I have an M.A. in Communication from San Diego State University and a B.A. in Communication/ Minor in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Other training includes Advanced Certification in Mediation, and previous experience as a career coach/ coursework advisor.
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
Hosting a television travel show or writing for a travel magazine or National Geographic
Best piece of career advice?
Don’t get so wrapped up in or overwhelmed by planning out your life that you miss the moments and opportunities that could change your life.
When not at work I enjoy...
Spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, travelling, watching movies, football and college basketball.
Matthew Vitemb, Career Coach
Office: FAC 18
Phone: 512.471.7900
Email: matthew.vitemb@austin.utexas.edu
Mailcode: G6200
Helping Liberal Arts undergraduates identify strengths and opportunities; crafting employer-ready resumé and cover letters; coaching students to talk and think about their skills, previous experiences, and educational background in ways that will translate in to the career world; researching employers, jobs, and internships in an effort to uncover a career plan and job search strategy.
Additional Areas of Interest/Expertise
Four years experience as a writer and editor.
Education and Training
Currently pursuing a MSSW in Clinical Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin. BA in Critical Theory from Bard College.
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
Working in a human service nonprofit helping clients to improve their quality of life, become their own advocates, and get involved in their communities.
Best piece of career advice?
Know that you have the power to work toward your own personal vision of success, and practice recognizing value in all the experiences you have along the way.
When not at work I enjoy...
Having fun with friends, swimming, and reading.
Jessica Sitler, Career Coach
Office: FAC 18
Phone: 512.471.7900
Email: j.sitler@austin.utexas.edu
Mailcode: G6200
I have the pleasure of meeting with dynamic and interesting students to assist them in their career planning endeavors. Their enthusiasm is contagious as we work toward setting goals to prepare them for future success.
Additional Areas of Interest/Expertise
Mentoring, Special Populations, Teaching abroad
Education and Training
Currently pursuing a Masters of Education in Higher Education Administration. Appalachian State University - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing, minor in Interpersonal Communication
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
Travel blog writer
Best piece of career advice?
Push yourself out of the comfort zone you've created. Outside of it is where the magic happens.
When not at work I enjoy...
Turbo kickboxing, kayaking the river, dancing, live music, serving at the Austin Stone, cooking with friends and being in the sun.
Wm. Chris Lee, M.Ed., Career Coach
Office: FAC 18
Phone: 512.471.7900
Email: wclee@austin.utexas.edu
Mailcode: G6200
Helping Liberal Arts undergraduates identify strengths and opportunities; crafting employer-ready resumé and cover letters; coaching students to talk and think about their skills, previous experiences, and educational background in ways that will translate in to the career world; researching employers, jobs, and internships in an effort to uncover a career plan and job search strategy.
Additional Areas of Interest
Trends in secondary schooling, college readiness and matriculation, educational policy analysis and program evaluation.
Education and Training
Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Policy & Planning at The University of Texas at Austin. Received Master's in Education Administration & Policy from The University of Georgia, and Bachelor's of Science in Social Science Education from Kennesaw State University. Previously served as a high school economics teacher for several years.
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
Owning and operating an educational international travel firm.
Best piece of career advice?
Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. - President Barack Obama
When not at work I enjoy...
Working out, international travel, spending time with friends and family.
Amira Sounny-Slitine, Front Desk Manager
Office: FAC 18
Phone: 512.471.7900
Email: amira@austin.utexas.edu
Mailcode: G6200
Facilitate daily LACS activities by managing the front desk, supervising student workers, and providing support for recruiting and administrative teams. Promote LACS programs and initiatives throughout the year.
Education and Training
B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences from Texas State University
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
An owner and director of a distinguished Child Development Center specializing in services for low income families and children with disabilities.
Best piece of career advice?
Feeling comfortable and confident in yourself is the key way for others to feel comfortable and confident in you.
When not at work I enjoy...
Going to concerts, shopping, baking, watching movies, taking my dog on fieldtrips and going to the San Marcos River with my friends and family.Tess Pepmiller, Administrative Assistant
Office: FAC 18
Phone: 512.471.7900
Email: tcp@austin.utexas.edu
Mailcode: G6200
Providing administrative support for LACS staff and assisting with daily operations. Managing the resource library and subscriptions for student use.
Education and Training
B.S. in Interior Design from Kansas State University
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
Computer drafting for an architecture or engineering firm.
Best piece of career advice?
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” – Andy Warhol
When not at work I enjoy...
Wandering through the library downtown, listening to NPR on the weekends, driving around Austin, and learning to cook.
Watching and performing in theater, reading, quality time with my friends and family, and playing with my dog, Phoebe.
Daniel Amin, Recruiting Assistant
Office: FAC 18
Phone: 512.471.7900
Email: d.amin@austin.utexas.edu
Mailcode: G6200
Assist recruiting team in engaging with employers and promoting relationships between the University and professional contacts. Play a support role in planning and facilitating career events.
Education and Training
Currently pursuing degrees in Plan II Honors, Business Honors, and Finance at The University of Texas at Austin.
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
Directing movies with epic battle scenes.
Best piece of career advice?
Don't wait for opportunities to fall in your lap - create them yourself.
When not at work I enjoy...
Spending time with friends and family, watching Premier League soccer, cooking.
