Our Team

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 roles.  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 Isabelle Farrington College of Education and Human Development 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. She works with students in the College of Arts & Sciences and School of Communication, Media & the Arts, and spearheads the marketing initiatives for the department.

Hometown: Jamestown, RI

Childhood Dream Job: Artist

Favorite Quote:  “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try”

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

A graduate of Iona College, Heather has her MBA in Human Resource Management and her BBA in Management.   She has over 7 years of experience in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition roles.  Some of those years were spent at Indeed as an Emerging Talent Recruiter where Heather worked to hire interns and full time University Graduate positions for the company.  Heather has recruited for many business functions within corporate throughout the years and is excited to bring that experience to Sacred Heart students.  Heather works with students in the Jack Welch College of Business and Technology.

Hometown:  Wilton, CT  

Childhood Dream Job: Professional Baseball Player for the New York Yankees

Favorite Quote:  “There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do – and I believe that” -Derek Jeter

Advice for SHU Pioneers: Be curious! Ask questions. Try something new.  You’ll never know if you don’t!

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!

Steve graduated from Ithaca College in 2010 with a degree in Screenwriting. After a short career in TV & film production, he switched his focus to University Recruitment and Outreach.  Over the next decade, Steve hired, mentored, and ran day-to-day operations for intern and recent graduate programs at companies such as LAIKA Studios, DreamWorks Animation and Indeed. He met specifically with international student groups to advise them on interviewing skills and offer timelines. Throughout his various roles he worked closely with in-house immigration and legal team services to ensure smooth transitions in converting interns to full time US based hires. Steve continues to stay current on visa and immigration timelines and requirements during the visa approval process.  Steve joined Sacred Heart in September 2024 to support international students in their career journey and supports all undergraduates, graduates, and alumni in all colleges.

Hometown: Syracuse, NY

Childhood Dream Job: Screenwriter

Favorite Quote: “…you fix what you can fix and you let the rest go. If there ain’t nothin to be done about it it ain’t even a problem. It’s just a aggravation.” – Cormac McCarthy, No Country for Old Men

Advice for SHU Pioneers: Never be embarrassed to ask for help when you need it! We’re all in this together.

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!

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.

Justin earned his master’s degree from SUNY Stony Brook in Higher Education Administration with a focus on career counseling and academic advising, and his bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University in English Literature and Creative Writing. Justin initially joined SHU’s Center for Career & Professional Development as a Graduate Intern in 2021 and shortly after, returned to SHU’s career team as Assistant Director of Career Education in 2022. Justin primarily works with undergraduate students pursing a degree in business in the Jack Welch College of Business and Technology.

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!

Connie is a double Alumna of Sacred Heart, graduating with both her Bachelors degree in Health Science and Masters degree in Strategic Communications and Public Relations. Before transitioning over to the Center for Career & Professional Development, she was a graduate assistant for the office of Student Activities and then spent two and a half years as the Assistant Director of Student Engagement and Involvement here at SHU. Having advised and mentored students through the college transition and involvement outside of the classroom, Connie will provide support to students who are navigating their first couple years at SHU; helping them to make the connection between their major, interests, and career opportunities.

Hometown: Patchogue, NY

Childhood Dream Job: Teacher

Favorite Quote: “I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it” Vincent Van Gogh

Advice for SHU Pioneers:  Make the most of your four years at SHU and utilize all the campus resources SHU has to offer!