Coaching Team: Undergraduate and Specialized Masters

Albert (Al) Knoblach is a Career Coach who works on the Career Management team at the W. P. Carey School of Business, specifically partnering with students in the Master of Finance program and undergraduate Finance, Economics, and Financial Planning degree programs. Al strives to meet students where they are by maximizing their potential through self-reflection, networking, and persistent focus on achieving career goals. With several years of higher education experience, Al has served as a career coach and mental health counselor, at multiple institutions including The Edwin Herr Mental Health Clinic, Penn State’s Central Career Services Center, Penn State’s Mechanical Engineering Department, and the University of Nebraska – Lincoln College of Business Career Center. Outside of higher education, Al has over 2 decades of experience working in the pyrotechnics industry shooting and manufacturing professional display fireworks. Al completed two degrees at The Pennsylvania State University, obtaining a B.A. in Psychology in 2017 followed by a M.Ed. in Counselor Education in 2020.

Chase Kurbat is a Career Consultant who works on the Career Management team at W. P. Carey School of Business, working directly with students in the Master of Real Estate Development program and Undergraduate Marketing and Management. Chase is deeply committed to helping students build their professional tool kit through experience reflection, strength identifying, and goal setting. Her mission is to empower individuals in their growth process while they progress from an academic environment to an impactful career.

Chase has over 8 years of experience working in education settings such as Title 1 districts, Special Education, Montessori, and now in Business at the university level. She has differentiated instruction on a K-12 level for both general and special education, designed multiple cross curriculum programs with an emphasis on transition, and built the foundation for an interactive and online education platform during the pandemic.

Chase Kurbat holds a B.A. degree in Education from Arizona State University with a dual certification in Special Education and General Education

Erika Teran is a Career Coach on the Career Management team at W. P. Carey School of Business, working directly with students in the Master of Business Analytics and Information Systems Management programs, as well as undergraduate students in the Business Data Analytics, Statistics, and Information Systems programs. Erika is passionate in developing interpersonal relationships and embracing a holistic approach to create an integrated learning environment that is inclusive of each unique students needs and interests. She strives to support students in understanding the importance of their personal narrative, values, and identity and how that translates into their professional toolkit.

With several years of higher education experience, she has served students in undergraduate admissions, community engagement, career services, academic advising, and financial aid. Prior to joining W.P. Carey, Erika worked for Baruch College leading a career leadership program aimed in providing early career prep to sophomore level, Black and Latino/a/e/x identifying students. Erika Teran is a double alumna of Montclair State University holding a M.A. in Counseling with a focus in Student Affairs/Higher Education, B.A. in Family Science and Human Development, a minor in Psychology, and Certificate in Child Advocacy and Policy.

Elizabeth Tirkas is an Associate Director on the Career Management team for the W. P. Carey School of Business, where she leads the undergraduate student-facing team that specializes with the Bachelor of Arts Business student portfolios.  She begun working with Career Management in 2016, where she specifically partnered with undergraduate Accountancy, Computer Information Systems, and Business Data Analytics students. Elizabeth has seen first-hand how students that engage in the career management process can benefit in their development, accomplishing their goals, and ultimately strong employment opportunities.  She works closely with employers to determine market needs and trends, which she then shares with her students to help them develop their career strategy. Elizabeth fully invests in the career development of the students and career professionals that she works with.  She has over 10 years of experience in higher education, everything from academic advising, to service-learning curriculum development, to international programs, to study abroad, and to Fraternity and Sorority Life.  She sees all of these experiences coming together to be able to aid students in their development and connect with their career journey.  Elizabeth holds a B.A in Journalism from the University of Wyoming, and a M.A. in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University.

Jenni Hailer is a Career Coach on the Career Management team at W. P. Carey School of Business, working directly with masters and undergraduate students in Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics.

Jenni is passionate about making meaningful connections and a difference in student’s lives. She is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in event planning, administration, education, and entrepreneurship. She fosters positive relationships and is dedicated to supporting students along their career journey.

Jenni’s educational background includes a Master’s of Education degree with an emphasis in Counseling from Northern Arizona University. She also holds a Post Baccalaureate Initial Teacher Certification in Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Arizona State University.

Katie Malles is a Career Coach on the Career Management team at the W. P. Carey School of Business, working specifically with undergraduate business students in the Sustainability, Global Agribusiness, Business Health Care, and Food Industry Management degree programs, as well students in the exploratory/undecided business tracks. Katie’s passion for working with students sparked from her time serving as a Resident Assistant while in her undergrad. She is committed to working with students on their professional and workforce development, helping them to find their voice and build their personal brand/narrative. Prior to joining W.P. Carey, Katie worked for the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at ASU where she was recognized for her work with graduate students by earning the Graduate College’s first ever Award for Excellence: Outstanding New Staff Member. Katie is a Sun Devil through and through, having earned a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication and M.Ed. in Higher and Postsecondary Education from ASU, as well as a Barrett, the Honors College alumnus.

Lurissa Brown is a Career Coach on the Career Management team at the W. P. Carey School of Business, working directly with students in the Master of Science in Accountancy and Taxation programs and Undergraduate Accountancy. Prior to working at W. P. Carey, Lurissa was a Designated School Official (DSO) at ASU’s International Students and Scholars Center, advising international students for over five years on maintaining compliance with immigration regulations. Currently, she leverages her experience advising students on optimizing their global business skills to guide them through their career journey.  Lurissa was born in Panama City, Panama, and always looks for new opportunities to make a positive impact on all students.  She enhances the student experience through a balance of career coaching and networking strategies, which strengthens their competitiveness in the job market and promotes the W. P. Carey brand. Lurissa holds a B.S. in Spanish with a Certificate in Translation and an M.A. in Public Administration from Arizona State University.

Olivia Del Viscio is an Associate Director on the Career Management team at the W. P. Carey School of Business where she leads the Bachelor of Science & Specialized Masters student-facing team. She joined Career Management in 2021 as a Career Coach, partnering with undergraduate Business Sustainability and Human Resources student populations. Olivia is a positive, service-oriented leader who strives to support all students, including those hailing from underrepresented backgrounds and/or identities. She believes that creating a collaborative coaching environment will ultimately help students to reach their career goals. Prior to joining W. P. Carey, Olivia worked in education abroad with a focus in program development and admissions. Driven by her professional and personal dedication in building inclusive spaces in higher education, Olivia served in a variety of volunteer roles for organizations such as The Forum for Education Abroad and the National Association for Study Abroad, and currently sits on the W. P. Carey DEI Council. Additionally, she is certified in both Customer Success Management and Education Abroad Advising. Olivia holds a B.A. degree in English from Gustavus Adolphus College and is pursuing her M.Ed. in Higher and Postsecondary Education at Arizona State University.

Thelma Molieri is a Career Coach on the Career Management team at W. P. Carey School of Business, specifically partnering with undergraduate students in Business Administration, Human Resources, and Retail Management. She is passionate about seeing others evolve into the amazing people they are destined to be, and higher education is the catalyst to that platform of growth and awareness. Thelma has 14 years of Higher Education experience and a background in event and retail management, including her time as a stylist and personal shopper in Beverly Hills, California.  Thelma has a Master’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Entrepreneurship and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing. She holds two Graduate Certificates in Event Management and Leadership.

Triné Nelson is the Director of Career Management team at W. P. Carey School of Business, with a specific focus on supporting the teams serving our undergraduate, specialized masters, and MBA students. In her time at W. P. Carey, Triné was instrumental in mapping out the undergraduate journey to implement a targeted series of career courses to increase the career capabilities of students as they prepare to enter the market. She believes that designing foundational career content will enhance students’ professional development and allow career coaches to execute a tailored program for their portfolios of students. Triné has almost 20 years’ experience in career services and was awarded the Certified Professional Resume Writer designation from the Professional Association of Resume Writers. Triné holds a B.S. in Family and Human Development from Utah State University and an M. Ed. Learning Design and Technologies from Arizona State University.

Sharon Ducati is a Career Coach on the Career Management team at the W. P. Carey School of Business, specifically partnering with undergraduate Law, Global Leadership, Global Politics, Public Services & Public Policy, Tourism, and Business Language & Culture students. She works to support students in aligning their values and vision with determination, to build a successful career.  In an ever growing complex and connected world, she encourages students to develop a resilient mindset and capacity for interpersonal skills. Sharon focuses on engaging students with their goals, constructing their career management strategy map from the beginning of their journey, and offering them a clear, yet adaptable pathway for strong opportunities in their desired field.  Sharon is an entrepreneur and small business owner with direct experience in business startups and management, online commerce, and motivational career coaching at private colleges. Sharon holds a BS in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University.

Samantha Hill is a Career Coach on the Career Management team at the W. P. Carey School of Business, working directly with students in the Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics, Master of Taxation and Data Analytics, and undergraduate students in Accounting. Samantha believes in the potential of each student and strives to guide them as they realize how their unique skills help foster their personal and professional growth.

Samantha has over a decade of teaching experience in the primary public education setting, working specifically with students with learning and intellectual disabilities. She thrived on using the students’ strengths to help them find success in their general education classrooms. Samantha was also responsible for leading a team of professionals who provided various levels of support to students.

Samantha earned her Bachelor of Science degree in special education and rehabilitation from The University of Arizona, and her Master of Education degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University. Samantha holds a Principal Certification as well as Cross Categorical and Elementary Teacher Certifications.