Our Team

Keith joined Sacred Heart in 2019 as Executive Director bringing 10+ years of experience in higher education– focusing on student career-readiness and expanding the quality and quantity of professional opportunities available to students.  Keith was drawn to the innovative and transformational culture of the SHU campus. In 2018, Hassell was included in Fairfield County Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty” listing that recognizes and celebrates rising stars in Fairfield County. Additionally, Keith was one of the founding board members of THRIVE – the Bridgeport Regional Emerging Leaders program, where he accepted the 2016 BRBC Rising Star Leadership Award on behalf of the group.

Hometown: Manalapan, NJ 

Childhood Dream Job: Architect 

Favorite Quote: “Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved”  William Jennings Bryan

Advice for SHU Pioneers: College is one of the most exciting times of your life, enjoy it but make the most of the experience! Don’t leave with any regrets!   

Annie graduated from Sacred Heart University in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  She spent time at Sacred Heart as an intern in the Admissions department and upon graduating, she started her career at FactSet in Norwalk, CT as a Recruiting Coordinator.  Annie spent just under eleven years recruiting college graduates into various entry level rolls.  She joined Sacred Heart University in January 2018 to take what she had learned in the corporate recruiting space to work with students to better their career and professional development.  Annie works specifically with students in the Jack Welch College of Business and Technology and spearheads employer relations initiatives for the office.

Hometown:  Fairfield, CT 

Childhood Dream Job: Olympic Swimmer

Favorite Quote: “Good, better, Best. Never let it rest. Till your good is better, and your better is best”

Advice for SHU Pioneers: Try new things! Be open minded. Have fun. Challenge yourself.  

Amy Novak joined the Center for Career & Professional Development in 2021, after 15+ years of dedication to SHU, most recently as the Director of Student Activities.  As a two time alum, graduating with both her bachelors and master’s degrees, Amy has extensive experience working in higher education promoting student mentorship, leadership, engagement and retention.  Amy currently spearheads the revamped Discover YOU program, guiding students through the process of identifying a major and/or career that matches up with individual interests.

Hometown: Jamestown, RI

Childhood Dream Job: A choreographer and artist

Favorite Quote:  Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.

Advice for SHU Pioneers: “Find your balance. Step out of your comfort zone and take advantage of new beginnings, opportunities and the ability to grow.”

Cicely started her career as a Sales Administrator and then a Regional Sales Representative with a printing company based in New Hampshire. Eventually, she transitioned into a recruiter role across multiple industries before landing at Yale New Haven Health.  Having worked in Human Resources for the majority of her career has provided a very unique skillset to prepare the current Students and Alumni of St. Vincent’s College at Sacred Heart University for their various careers in healthcare. 

Hometown: Fairfield, CT 

Childhood Dream Job: Ballerina & Fashion Designer

Favorite Quote: ”Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”- Michelle Obama

Advice for SHU Pioneers: Network with everyone that you come in contact with, since many careers start with a connection that you had during your time at Sacred Heart University.

A graduate of Villanova University, Sheila brings considerable experience and knowledge in the area of campus & corporate recruiting. She is the former Vice President of Equities Americas Campus Recruiting for Goldman, Sachs & Co. and the former Equities Americas Campus Recruiting and Training Head for Credit Suisse First Boston, New York as well as a Corporate & Campus Recruiter for Kidder, Peabody & Co., New York. 

Hometown:   Wilton, CT

Childhood Dream Job:   Meteorologist

Favorite Quote:  What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us – Maria Shriver

Advice for SHU Pioneers:   Make the most of each day.  The years will fly by!

Patti has been with the university for 11 years, previously serving the Undergraduate Admissions Office as Associate Director before transitioning to Career Development in 2014. During her years in undergraduate admissions, Patti has successfully orchestrated a robust junior planning night program for local high schools, managed the Student Ambassador program, developed a higher education internship program, and served on The New England Association for College Admission Counseling’s (NEACAC) Annual Conference Committee.  Since her transition to Career Development, Patti has fostered faculty and employer partnerships leading towards intentional professional development including graduate school readiness and alumni-centric programming. Patti is dedicated to exploring and increasing experiential learning opportunities and increasing career readiness competencies for SHU students across all disciplines. Patti has her M.Ed. in Higher Education from The Pennsylvania State University where she researched modernized approaches to the college student experience, employability of future generations, and advancements towards greater societal success through higher education. She received her B.A. in Sociology from Merrimack College. She is a certified professional resume writer through the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC) and completed NACE’s, Career Coaching Intensive training.  In her free time, she enjoys traveling and boating with her husband, daughter, and two Goldendoodles. 

Hometown: Shelton, CT 

Childhood Dream Job: Astronomer 

Favorite Quote: Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts – Winston Churchill 

Advice for SHU Pioneers: Pursue your passions and success will come naturally. Seek the advice of others, early and often. 

Amanda completed her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Political Science and French and Francophone Studies at William Smith College, part of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, in Geneva, NY. After graduating and working at Hobart and William Smith Colleges for two years, Amanda pursued her master’s degree in College Student Services Administration at The College of Saint Rose. After completing her master’s, Amanda served as the Assistant Director and then Associate Director of Career Planning at Russell Sage College in Troy, NY for just under 7 years. Amanda works with SHU students interested in pursuing a career in the health professions.

Hometown: Guilford, CT

Childhood Dream Job: Geologist

Favorite Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”- Eleanor Roosevelt 

Advice for SHU Pioneers: Take advantage of your time at Sacred Heart- before you know it, you’ll be crossing that commencement stage! Get involved, explore, take chances, and have fun!

Justin attended Southern Connecticut State University for his undergraduate degree, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. During his time at SCSU, he also studied music theory and composition. Justin went on to attend SUNY Stony Brook, where he graduated with his master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. While achieving his master’s degree, Justin focused on career counseling and academic advising and was accepted as a Graduate Intern here at the Center for Career & Professional Development. Shortly after graduation, Justin joined the team here at SHU as the Assistant Director of Career Education. Justin works with students interested in pursuing a future in business, finance, sports, arts, and their affiliates.

Pronouns: he/him

Hometown: Shelton, CT

Childhood Dream Job: Musician

Favorite Quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretzky” – Michael Scott

Advice for SHU Pioneers: Try new things and never be afraid to take risks!