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Keynote Speakers

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

Marty Apodaca, LPCC-S, CCC, NCC

2024-2025 President, National Career Development Association

2024-2025 Past President, New Mexico Career Development Association

Manager of Career Counseling, University of New Mexico Office of Career Services

Biography:

Marty Apodaca is the Career Counseling Manager at the University of New Mexico’s (UNM) Office of Career Services where he assists in the growth and development of the Career Development Facilitators. Marty has worked in the field of career development for over a decade and is the current President of the National Career Development Association and Past President of the New Mexico Career Development Association. Marty has publications in the Career Development Quarterly, Career Planning and Adult Development Network, and Career Convergence. Marty has also been published in the Journal of Individual Psychology, Teaching and Supervision in Counseling, and ACA’s VISTAS web magazine.

Marty is a Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified Career Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and an endorsed counseling supervisor. Originally from Dexter, NM, Marty has called Albuquerque home for the past 20 years and is devoted to promoting career development for the UNM community, the State of New Mexico, and through advocacy at the national and international level. A passion of Marty’s is exploring and presenting on the interconnections of career and mental health and the implementation of the Career Construction Interview when working with clients. Outside of work, Marty enjoys spending time with his wife, family, friends, and bulldog.

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Evolving Career Development in Revolutionary Times: Navigating Mental Health in an Ever-Evolving Career Landscape

Presentation Description: In a rapidly changing world, career development professionals face unprecedented challenges and opportunities to shape the future of work. This session explores how global shifts—such as technological advancements, changing workforce dynamics, and evolving client needs—have direct impacts on our clients, and our own, mental health. Participants will delve into the latest trends transforming career development, exploring innovative tools and techniques to stay current and effective.

Friday, June 6th, 2025

Cynthia Marco-Scanlon, Ph.D., LPCC-S

2015-2016 President, National Career Development Association

2009-2010 President, Ohio Career Development Association

Clinical Therapist, Kenneth De Luca, Ph.D. and Associates

Biography: 

Dr. Scanlon is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor. She holds a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision, and a master’s degree in Counseling. Over the past six years, she has been a clinical therapist with a private practice utilizing her career and mental health expertise with a wide variety of adult clients.  She has been a counselor and administrator at John Carroll University, while supervising many masters and doctoral students through their clinical internships. Dr. Scanlon has enjoyed adjunct instructor positions at the NEOMED School in Rootstown, YSU and JCU in the graduate counseling programs. 

Professional leadership positions have included many years of board involvement and President of both the Ohio Career Development Association, and the National Career Development Association, and mentoring professionals in the career and counseling field to expand their portfolio to join and become involved in professional organizations!  While president of NCDA, she spearheaded the credentialing services offered to career professionals worldwide, and was the first NCDA Credentialing Director.  Dr. Scanlon’s interests include working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem issues, as well as grief and loss issues. Special interests also include challenges associated with life and career transitions including balancing family and work life, adjustment disorders, relationship issues, geriatric challenges, workplace concerns, academic/major selection, and career selection and satisfaction. Through mindfulness, life design, narrative therapy and cognitive behavioral interventions, Cynthia works collaboratively with clients to reach their goals.   

Cynthia loves sharing her experiences as guest lecturer at regional and national workshops and conferences, and is always energized by learning from others in the field! Because of her career expertise, Cynthia has been interviewed by many popular magazines and on-line venues such as Redbook  and Cosmopolitan magazines, Thrillist, EverUp and NBC News.

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Presentation Description: Career practitioners may see clients that have experienced some type of life challenge or transition: anticipated or not, voluntary or involuntary -and our client may be experiencing depression, anxiety and reduced self esteem, over a period of time. They come to us for help. In the past, career work was not considered "counseling" - yet as practitioners we assist clients in dealing with the stress/crises and reactions to challenges. A discussion of the interconnectedness of career and mental health will be covered along with several interventions for practitioners. Career work and counseling -we have come a long way!

Friday Opening Session

Richard Fajardo, MBA, M.A., LPC, NCC

2024-2025 OCDA President, Archives Co-Chair, and Website Co-Chair

Career Development Coordinator, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Career Development Office

Biography:

Richard Fajardo has been working full-time in Higher Education since April 2019, serving in Career Services roles for Ashland University (2019) and The Ohio State University (2021-present) and as a Clinical Counselor for Ashland University (2019-2021). In addition, he has worked in other scholarship, graduate assistant, and internship roles for Xavier University, Bowling Green State University, University of Mount Union, John Carroll University, and Notre Dame College. Other experiences in the Higher Education, Career Services, Clinical Counseling, and Vocational Rehabilitation fields include freelance contract work with Evergreen Mentorship, At The Core, Creative Rehab, Varsity Tutors, and The Language Company. Prior to working in Higher Education, Richard was a ‘businessworld journeyman’, gaining valuable experience in industries including Market Research, Banking, Business Development/Sales, Human Resources/Recruiting, and Medical/Legal Records Collection. While he learned a lot working in a number of different short-term high-growth organizational environments, his favorite work is providing 1:1 and small group support to help people find answers, solve problems, and grow as their best selves.

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Table Talk: Seasons of Change in Career Development

Presentation Description: Current OCDA President Richard Fajardo will lead a table talk opening session to allow conference attendees to reflect together on past successes of the career development field, current best practices, and future possibilities. Will time travel adventurers such as Marty McFly, Doc Brown, or The Avengers make an appearance during this time traveling session? Probably not, but let’s have a good time, good conversations, and good fellowship!

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Breakout Sessions

Breakout Session 2

Thursday, June 5th from 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Presentation: Cultivating Courage: Values-Driven Leadership In Tumultuous Time

Presenter: Jelisa Dallas, M.S.Ed., Executive Coach, Go Brave Coaching and Consulting

Biography: Jelisa Dallas, M.S.Ed., is a Courage Cultivator, Thought Leader, 3X self-published Author and Higher Education Professional with over 13 years of experience in education. As the CEO of Go Brave Coaching and Consulting, Jelisa equips human services professionals and organizations with strategies for courageous living. With certifications in Workplace Belonging and Mental Health First Aid, Jelisa is committed to fostering holistic development through soul– mind, will and emotions– nurturing practices. Her approach cultivates a culture of belonging where individuals and teams embrace authenticity, advocate for themselves, and appreciate their own and others' contributions.

Presentation Description: As technology reshapes our world, the need to lean into our humanity has never been greater. Cultivating courage—disrupting self-sabotage and building emotional intelligence for holistic growth—is an internal process with external impact. This workshop explores how values-driven leadership can guide decision-making and strengthen altruistic behaviors. Participants will develop strategies to align their personal values with professional actions, fostering brave, ethical leadership in the workplace and beyond. By embracing authenticity and intentionality, attendees will be equipped to lead with resilience, purpose, and boldness amid constant change.

Presentation: The Playful Path to Trust: Build Psychological Safety Through Improv

Presenter: Katie Drown, PMP, Co-Founder, WitWorks

Biography: Katie Drown is a seasoned stage performer with over 14 years of experience in improv comedy. She first immersed herself in Columbus, Ohio’s growing comedy scene in 2014, quickly establishing herself as a professional performer and educator. Before co-founding WitWorks, Katie spent a decade working in tech mobility startups, including Uber and Spin. At Spin, she led a global Learning & Development program for three years, where she saw firsthand the power of improv principles in strengthening communication, leadership, and team dynamics. Inspired by this, she created WitWorks to help businesses and individuals build stronger, more connected teams. Katie finds immense joy in designing and facilitating improv-based workshops and training for corporate teams, adult improv enthusiasts across Ohio, and college improv troupes nationwide. She currently performs in three of Columbus’ most acclaimed improv shows: TBD the Musical, Ladies Who Lounge, and ROT.

Presentation Description: Psychological safety is the secret ingredient of high-performing teams, but how do you actually build it?

In this engaging, hands-on session, you’ll experience the power of applied improvisation to create trust, foster open communication, and encourage risk-taking in learning environments.

Through interactive improv exercises, we’ll explore practical ways to reframe failure, support team creativity, and embed psychological safety into your facilitation and leadership.

Walk away with ready-to-use techniques to build safer, more innovative workplace cultures—while having fun in the process!

Presenters and Biographies: 

Newton Kimberly, MPA, Career Catalyst - Arts, Humanities, Social Impact, Ohio Wesleyan University

Newton is a Career Catalyst at Ohio Wesleyan University working directly with students in the Social Impact and Humanities/Arts Career Communities. He received his Bachelors of Arts from Ohio Wesleyan University studying Sociology and Psychology in addition to his MPA from Cleveland State University. His passion is finding out the best way to blend empathy, nerdy fandoms, and career coaching into a system that prioritizes the student. He is the biggest nerd you will ever meet and would love to learn what you are nerdy about!

Michelle Norris, M.Ed., LPC, GTA Buckeye Careers, Student Employee Experience Program (SEE), The Ohio State University

Michelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Ohio and is currently pursuing a PhD at The Ohio State University in Counselor Education, with a focus on career design and occupational wellness across the lifespan. She is concurrently pursuing a Master of Public Administration and Leadership at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. At present, Michelle works with Ohio State’s Buckeye Careers Student Employee Experience Program, developing and implementing mental health and well-being programming for student employees and their supervisors on OSU’s main and regional campuses.

Sarah JanTausch, M.S., Founder, SRJ Coaching and Consulting

Sarah JanTausch (Jan-Tosh) is the founder of SRJ Coaching and Consulting (valuesbasedcareers.com). She is an Executive & Career Coach, Speaker, and Trainer who works with individuals to create Values-Based Careers and to unlock the hidden job market. She coaches individuals on career pivots, Generosity-Based Networking (TM), and aligning total vocational impact with personal values. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in Politics & Government and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University. Sarah is an active member of the National Career Development Association having served as a member, State Coordinator, and upcoming Co-Chair of the NCDA Government Relations Committee. 

Before her work in the career development industry, she served Ohio’s Governor and Lt. Governor in various leadership roles including Statewide Outreach Director and Regulatory Policy Advocate. She led a team and advocated for effective regulatory, education, and economic policy. She has served on several nonprofit and public boards and is active in her hometown of Delaware (Ohio) including the Delaware Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, a domestic violence shelter called Turning Point, and the City of Delaware’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.

Presentation Description: This session explores how government regulations impact career development and work-life balance. Career development practitioners will learn how to navigate these policies to better support clients in balancing personal and professional goals. Additionally, the session will address how government initiatives are preparing individuals for the future of work. Participants will gain practical insights into integrating regulatory knowledge into their counseling/coaching practices, fostering career growth while promoting work-life integration for clients.

Note: This is a nonpartisan session focused on providing vital resources and advocacy for career counselors/coaches and our clients.

Presentation: Honoring Our Roots: Transforming Career Development to Empower Particular Populations and Ensuring Workplace Equity

Presenters and Biographies:

Crystal Newman, B.S., Career Coach, National Center for Urban Solutions TEC (NCUS TEC)

Crystal Newman is an accomplished professional with a multifaceted background in program coordination, career coaching, education, and staff training. With a robust track record in fostering skill development and facilitating career advancement, Crystal excels in designing and implementing comprehensive trainings tailored to enhance individual capabilities and meet organizational objectives. Her deep understanding of diverse educational methodologies and training strategies positions her uniquely to contribute to community and social services organizations. Eager to empower individuals and communities alike, Crystal is committed to fostering supportive learning environments that empower students and clients, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Aymee Chevallard, Project Coordinator, National Center for Urban Solutions TEC (NCUS TEC)

Aymee Chevallard is the Project Coordinator for the NCUS TEC Fiber Optics Program. She began her career in Workforce Development at the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services, where she guided numerous participants in overcoming barriers to achieve self-sufficiency. With extensive experience supporting individuals facing various challenges, including substance use disorders, Aymee is deeply committed to empowering students, clients, and families through career development and support services, helping them build brighter futures and achieve lasting success.

Presentation Description:  This presentation explores the evolution of career coaching and development, highlighting the foundational theories and strategies that have been adapted to empower diverse and marginalized groups. Attendees will learn best practices for supporting these populations through their career journeys and discover actionable strategies to advocate for workplace equity. By honoring the roots of career development while embracing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), this session equips participants with tools to foster access, empowerment, and transformation in their practices and organizations.

Breakout Session 3

Friday, June 6th from 11:00am - 12:00pm

Presentation: C.H.A.N.G.E. Agents: Caring for Team Culture in a Transforming World

Presenters and Biographies: 

Gina Watts, MSW, MPA, CDFI, Co-Principal, Aretta Elaine

Gina Watts is a highly accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in higher education, strategic management consulting, and non-profit leadership, marked by her ability to drive impactful change across diverse sectors. Holding graduate degrees in Public Administration and Social Work, she has excelled in roles such as Executive Director of Mission at Vineyard Columbus, where she managed 15 departments and fostered community partnerships, and as a key contributor to Maxwell Leadership, developing youth empowerment curricula and leading national and global campaigns. Her expertise in relationship-building, coupled with her speaking, coaching, and training skills, has solidified her reputation as an influential and respected force in education and community leadership, earning her numerous accolades for her dedication to empowering youth and their communities worldwide.

Nikki Mills, MPA, Co-Principal, Aretta Elaine

Nikki Mills is a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in youth development and non-profit leadership, focused on cultivating thriving communities through education and social-emotional learning. As the Director of Mission Operations at Vineyard Columbus, she co-leads 15 teams, leveraging her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and Master's in Public Administration to drive impactful initiatives. Known for her expertise in team management, training facilitation, and strategic planning, Nikki excels in building effective operational frameworks and fostering positive organizational cultures. A sought-after speaker and trainer of trainers, she utilizes data-driven approaches and strategic problem-solving to enhance team dynamics and effectiveness, making her a respected leader at local, state, and national levels.

Presentation Description: In a world of constant change—AI innovations, shifting technologies, and the fight against burnout—how do we protect and nurture a thriving team culture? This interactive workshop equips career development professionals with actionable tools to foster resilience, empathy, and adaptability in their teams. Through dynamic activities, thought-provoking discussions, and a powerful framework (C.H.A.N.G.E.), you’ll discover how to prioritize people while navigating change with purpose. Walk away inspired, energized, and ready to be a true agent of change for your team!

Presentation: Hacking HR with AI: Supercharging Career Development in the Digital Age

Presenters and Biographies:

Emily Douglas-McNab, MHR, MBA, MEdID, SPHR, pHCLE, LSSBB, CAC, Co-Founder and Chief, Experience Management Institute

Emily Douglas-McNab is a seasoned human resources and organizational development leader with over 20 years of expertise in compensation strategy, human capital management, and process improvement. As Co-Founder and Chief at the Experience Management Institute (EXMI), she has led compensation and strategic human capital initiatives for over 300 school districts, state agencies, and private organizations. Emily’s expertise spans designing market-based compensation systems, guiding HR leaders in data-driven decision-making, and addressing emerging challenges such as AI's impact on pay structures. She serves as a Senior Lecturer at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, teaching graduate-level Total Rewards courses, and contributes as a peer reviewer for WorldatWork’s Journal of Total Rewards. A frequent keynote speaker and consultant, Emily holds an MBA and an MLHR from Ohio State, along with SPHR/SHRM-SCP certifications and specialized credentials in compensation analysis. Her passion lies in helping organizations develop organizational strategies that are both equitable and competitive in today’s evolving workforce landscape.

Erin Howell, MBA, pHCLE, CDMP, PCM Digital Marketing, LSSGB, Co-Founder and Chief, Experience Management Institute

Erin Howell is a marketing, communications, and strategy expert with over 15 years of experience in branding, digital marketing, and organizational communications. As Director of Marketing & Operations at the Experience Management Institute (EXMI), she specializes in developing and executing communication strategies that support compensation studies, workforce planning, and employee engagement initiatives. Erin works closely with school districts, government agencies, and private organizations to ensure that complex compensation data is communicated clearly and transparently, enhancing stakeholder understanding and engagement. Her expertise in digital and print marketing, content strategy, and audience engagement makes her a valuable asset in aligning communication strategies with organizational goals. Erin holds an MBA from Western Governor's University and multiple certifications, including a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and dual certifications in Digital Marketing (PCM and CDMP). Her passion is taking leveraging cross-industry best practices and making an impact.

Presentation Description: The job search process is evolving faster than ever, and AI is at the forefront of transforming hiring, recruitment, and career development. In this session, discover how you—and your clients—can "hack" the HR system using AI-powered tools to optimize résumés, navigate Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and be strategically positioned for career success. Learn how to leverage AI for job searching, personal branding, interview preparation, and networking, all while avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're a career coach, counselor, or job seeker, leave with actionable insights to stay ahead in today’s AI-driven job market.

Presentation: Everyone's a Career Champion

Presenters & Biographies:

Sarah Grace McCollough, M.S., Assistant Director for Career Services, University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash College

Sarah Grace McCollough serves as the Assistant Director for Career Services at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash, where she leads a growing team supporting 5,000+ regional UC students in their career development journey. With a Master of Science in Student Affairs in Higher Education, Sarah Grace specializes in empowering first and second-year college students to secure entry-level internships, co-ops, and full-time employment opportunities. Since working in this role, Sarah Grace has strategically implemented a "Career Champions" program designed to maximize impact and support UC Blue Ash faculty/staff become advocates of how to utilize the Career Services office and 24/7 resources. 

J.D. Fye, B.A., Program Coordinator for Career Services, University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash College

Presentation Description: Discover how UC Blue Ash transformed its career services reach through an innovative "Career Champions" program. Learn how our small career services team expanded our on-campus impact by training faculty, staff, and campus partners to become career development advocates. This presentation explores the strategic implementation of our “Career Champions” program that equipped campus partners with career coaching skills and resources. In this presentation, we will share practical insights on program development, partnership building, and creating a campus culture where career development becomes an integrated part of the student experience rather than an isolated career services endeavor.

Presenter: Lisa Bradley-Glenn, Ed.D., MBA, CDP, Assistant Vice President - Special Programs, Projects & Outreach, James A. Rhodes State College

Biography: Dr. Lisa R. Bradley-Glenn, Ed.D., serves as the Assistant Vice President of Special Programs, Projects & Outreach at James A. Rhodes State College, where she leads faculty, community, and career development initiatives. Her strategic leadership was instrumental in the college receiving the Community Enrichment Corporate Leadership Award in 2022. With extensive experience in both K-12 and higher education settings, Dr. Bradley-Glenn is dedicated to fostering professional growth across diverse educational landscapes. As a motivational speaker, she has presented at organizations including the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), NAACP, Honda of America, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and James A. Rhodes State College. Additionally, she serves as a Peer Reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission and Quality Matters. Her commitment to community service is evident through her youth mentorship and fundraising efforts, which have secured significant resources for underrepresented students to explore college opportunities. Dr. Bradley-Glenn's dedication has been recognized with awards such as "The I Have A Dream Award" (2022) and "The Teachers Appreciation Award" (2023).

Presentation Description: Cultural Competency in career development has evolved from basic awareness of diversity to actively integrating inclusive practices. Over time, career counseling has expanded to include diverse populations, embedding DEI initiatives that advocate for workplace equity. This presentation will examine best practices for supporting diverse populations.

Breakout Session 4

Friday, June 6th from 2:30pm - 3:30pm

Presenter: Ankit Shah, M.Ed., M.A., CEO, Inclusive Employee Consulting, LLC

Biography: Ankit has more than ten years of experience in the culture & engagement, talent management, career management field within higher education, healthcare, and K-12 settings. He had the privilege of assisting underserved as well as underrepresented populations in his entire professional journey, specifically in the lens of P-20. Now, due to his diverse educational and professional journey, he can use all his experiences to work with the multi-generational professionals to assist with their diverse talent management, culture, and engagement needs across organizations and industries. Ankit currently serves as the Vice President for the Central Ohio Belonging Consortium and leads their overall membership and programming efforts for the organization. He also serves on the Workforce Development Committee at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Ankit holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from University of Toledo and a MEd in Higher Education Administration with specialization in Student Affairs from North Carolina State University. He graduated with his second master’s degree, MA in Workforce Development & Education with specialization in Adult Education & Human Resources Development from The Ohio State University.

Presentation Description: As organizations continue to experience variety of disruptions in the workplace due to remote and hybrid work environments, organizations are trying to figure out how to effectively create an inclusive work environment. Due to our multigenerational workforce, there are challenges that many businesses are facing which is directly impacting employee engagement, retention, and organizational productivity. Come and join an interactive conversation, where we will learn together how to effectively communicate and engage with our multigenerational colleagues within our workspace to improve collaboration and to build positive professional relationships.

Presenter: Kyle Patrick Smith, MBA, CEO & Founder, HRKyle

Biography: Kyle Patrick Smith is an Amazon Best-Selling Author, thought leader, and expert in talent acquisition and management with over 25 years of experience. As the founder of HRKyle LLC, he helps organizations attract, develop, and retain top talent through strategic consulting in hiring, leadership development, and employee engagement. With an MBA in Human Resources, a Bachelor’s in Psychology, and an Associate’s in Business Management, along with further studies in Counseling, Performance Psychology, and Organizational Dynamics, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his work. His keynote speeches inspire audiences with actionable insights, and his expertise is showcased in his books, Recruiting is Easy and Get the Job You Love, as well as on the HRKyle Podcast, YouTube channel, and online radio station. Learn more at hrkyle.com.

Presentation Description: In this presentation, we will explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping career readiness, development, and growth. As technology becomes an integral part of every industry, job seekers and career development professionals must adapt to a new digital era. This session will discuss how AI impacts the job search, networking, learning, and career growth, while offering practical strategies to navigate these changes effectively. Attendees will leave with actionable insights into how they can empower themselves and others to thrive in a tech-driven world, enhancing both career success and long-term professional development.

Presenter: Mary Steiner Iiames, Ph.D., LSC, Program Director and Assistant Professor, Winebrenner Theological Seminary

Biography: Dr. Mary Steiner Iiames is currently an assistant professor and the Director of the Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling Program at Winebrenner Theological Seminary. Dr. Iiames practiced as a public school counselor for 31 years. She teaches both Legal & Ethical Issues in Counseling and Career Counseling in Winebrenner’s counselor education program. She enjoys presenting on the topics of law and ethics related to professional counseling in various settings. Additionally, she provides pro-bono career development, decision-making, and guidance for emerging adults in her community.

Presentation Description: This will not be boring reading of the 2024 NCDA Code of Ethics! We will take a thorough look at the ethical standards that inform our professional practices. Working with individuals (especially minors!) can cause some messy situations! Tricky case studies will be used to help participants apply the code of ethics and determine best practices. An Ethical Decision-Making Model will be introduced to help with the application process. Throughout the workshop, participants will be able to share their experiences, ask questions, and consult with their professional peers.