About Us

Mission

The Center of Student Experience and Career Development Mission Statement

The Center for Student Experience and Career Development at Framingham State University strives to:

  • Serve as a student-focused resource that is critical in student engagement by providing inclusive, consistent and supportive practices.
  • Encourage students to engage in involvement opportunities to cultivate a sense of belonging and help build skills needed to be academically, professionally and personally successful.
  • Emphasize inclusive excellence in programming and community building through respectful exchange of ideas, purposeful social interaction, and ethical decision-making.
  • Promote accountability and self-efficacy skill development through club leadership, event planning and student employment.

Meet The Team

Sara Gallegos, Ed.D.

Executive Director (She/Her/Hers)

Sara oversees the The Center for Student Experience and Career Development working with the wonderful staff and students that make getting involved at Framingham a memorable experience for any FSU student. Sara earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from New Mexico State University, a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration & Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University. When not at EXP, she spends her free time with her husband Tom, daughter Ana, their dog Norman, and cats Elphie and Mia.

Lauren O'Neill

Associate Director (She/Her/Hers)

Lauren O’Neill is the Associate Director of Career Development at Framingham State University. She received her Master of Public Affairs from Brown University, with a focus on nonprofit leadership and social innovation, and her Bachelor of Arts in History from Worcester State University. Lauren is a board member of the League of Women Voters – Worcester Area, sits on the Alumni Association Advisory Board at Worcester State University, and is an alumni of Leadership Worcester. When Lauren isn’t working, she volunteers at her local cat shelter on weekends, spends time with her husband and toddler (and many pets), and enjoys reading thrillers and gardening.

Jill Gardosik

Internship Coordinator (She/Her/Hers)

Jill serves as the Internship Coordinator for both the State University Internship Incentive program and The Washington Center program.  She has been serving the Commonwealth since 2012 in the Department of Workforce Development.  Prior to joining DWD she worked as a Human Resources Generalist for Advent International, a leading global private equity firm located in Boston focused on mid-market structured leveraged buy-outs.  During her tenure at Advent, she supported 375 employees throughout 18 offices in 17 countries on 4 continents.  Jill earned a BA in Communication Arts with a concentration in Corporate & Organizational Communication from Framingham State University, and a MS from Suffolk University in Adult and Organization Learning.  Additionally, Jill is a Certified Professional Resume Writer.

Emily Abel

Career Counselor (She/Her/Hers)

Emily is available to assist FSU students and alumni with all aspects of their career development and preparation. Prior to joining the office of Career Development in 2018, she served as an academic advisor at FSU specializing in working with first-generation college students. Before joining FSU, she worked with non-profit organizations to connect college students with meaningful civic engagement and service learning opportunities in Boston, MA and Syracuse, NY. During her graduate studies she also served as a career counselor in the Career Development Center at MIT. Emily earned her Bachelor's degree from Ithaca College in Organizational Communication and her Master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Suffolk University.  Emily is a proud first-generation college student and outside of work can be found spending time with her family and their energetic dog.

JoAnne Amann

Career Counselor (She/Her/Hers)

JoAnne has extensive experience in both higher education and corporate career services. Prior to joining Framingham State University in 2014, she has worked as a career counselor at Worcester State University and Simmons University. Currently, she provides career guidance to undergraduate and graduate students in addition to FSU alumni. Also, JoAnne has broad experience in career management, training, and individual one-on-one career counseling gained during her 18 years with Drake Beam Morin, (DBM) an international human resource consulting company best known for its outplacement and transition services. JoAnne has a Bachelor of Science in Social Welfare from Adelphi University and a Master in Education in Adult Education from Worcester State University.

Kayleigh Novac

Finance Manager (She/Her/Hers)

As the Finance Manager at The Center for Student Experience and Career Development, Kayleigh oversees the budgeting and spending of student organizations; anything from Amazon orders, to petty cash, and all things Banner behind the scenes. If you ever have a question or need help with anything related to your org and money, she is your go to. Kayleigh is a Framingham State University alum having graduated in May 2019 with a Bachelor's Degree in Management. When she’s not on campus, she’s obsessing over her son Noah, or probably at Target.

Gina Pacitto

Program Coordinator (She/Her/Hers)

Gina is the Program Coordinator for The Center for Student Experience, specializing in financial advisement and supervision for all student groups. She serves as the Advisor for the Framingham State Activities Board, while overseeing student event planning and vendor outreach. After graduating from Nichols College in 2018 with her BSBA, she pursued a career in student affairs. Outside of the EXP, you can find her camping up north, or even snowboarding with the FSU Ski Club.

Emily Hendrickson

Administrative Manager (She/Her/Hers)

As the Administrative Manager at The Center for Student Experience and Career Development Emily handles the center's administrative tasks. She graduated from Framingham State University in 2017 with a Bachelors Degree in Communication Arts. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her orange cat Bean.