Career Center Team

Dan Naegeli is the Senior Associate Director at Frisco. Dan earned an M.S. in Community Counseling from the University of Central Arkansas and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He likes helping UNT students find the start to their professional careers and seeing their excitement when they land that job or internship. When he’s not at UNT, he enjoys golf, swimming, and working on projects around the house. The best piece of advice he received was, “Always try to have fun in everything you do. If you do that, the good times will be great, and the bad times won’t be terrible.” He has been described as responsible, supportive and fun.

Want to learn more about what the Career Center has to offer? Email Dan at dan.naegeli@unt.edu.

Chaun’ta Laurent is the Senior Administrative Specialist. Chaun’ta earned an A.S. in Business from the University of Phoenix She likes helping UNT students by listening to what they need. When she is not at UNT, she is cooking, baking, planning parties, and traveling with her children. The best piece of advice she received was, “Do what makes you happy, there is no greater self-fulfillment.” She has been described as goal-oriented, independent, and true-hearted.

Want to learn more about what the UNT Career Center has to offer? Email Chaun’ta at chaunta.laurent@unt.edu.

Corey Davidson is the Assistant Director, Technology & Experiential Programs for the UNT Career Center. He supports students in the following Colleges: Education; Health and Public Service; Music; and Liberal Arts and Social Sciences – most majors. Corey earned a B.A. in English from the University of North Texas. He likes helping UNT students because so many students come into the office stressed and overwhelmed by the thought of trying to plan their careers. He loves being able to help them break down the process and remove some of that stress. When he is not at UNT, he enjoys spending time with family, reading books, drinking coffee, playing and listening to music, and drinking more coffee. The best piece of advice he received was, “Pursue what you are passionate about.” He has been described as a context seeker who works from intellection and a place of humor whenever possible. Want to find out more about our internship programs related to majors within the Colleges of Education, Health and Public Service, Music, and Liberal Arts and Social Sciences?  Students can schedule an appointment through Navigate. Want to find out more about what technology we are using to ensure the success of our students? Email Corey at corey.davidson@unt.edu.

Hello there! My name is Sarah Spath, and I am an Internship Specialist at the UNT Career Center. I support students interested in finding internships whose majors fall within the following Colleges: Engineering; Information; Merchandising, Hospitality, and Tourism; Science; Visual Arts and Design; and Liberal Arts and Social Sciences – Communication Studies, International Studies, and Journalism majors only. I received my Bachelor in Business Administration and Masters of Accounting from the University of Michigan in addition to my Masters of Higher Education from UNT. I like working with UNT students because of their openness, drive, and persistence. I learn from students as much as they learn from me. Every student has a unique background and perspective that has brought them to UNT, and I enjoy learning about their stories. When I am not at UNT, I enjoy going for walks, dancing, baking, indulging in reality shows, playing board games, traveling (when it is safe to do so), and spending time with the people that mean the most to me. The best piece of advice I have ever received is to focus on what makes me happy. It sounds so simple, and I’ve heard it time and time again, but it has taken a while for me to truly understand how important it is to design your own life to continually refill your energy and happiness to sustain through the inevitable stressors and pressures that life may bring. If I could describe myself in 3 words, they would be: empathetic, passionate, and analytical. I feel all the emotions very strongly and pick up on others’ energy. I am fiercely dedicated to the things I am passionate about and motivated by those passions to make a positive impact on the lives of other people. However, although I am fairly in tune with my emotions, I also have another side to me that is analytical. I have always been very detailed and organized and appreciate structure and plans.

Students can schedule an appointment through Navigate or email Sarah at sarah.spath@unt.edu.

Patricia Chastain is the Associate Director of Student Employment. Patricia earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She likes helping UNT students grow from their student employment jobs into careers. When she is not at UNT, she enjoys photography and travel. The best piece of advice she received was, “When given the opportunity to jump off a cliff, do it, something will catch you.” She has been described as passionate, strong, and adventurous.

Want to find out more about Student Employment opportunities, events, and policies? Email Patricia at patricia.chastain@unt.edu.

LeAndra DiNicola is the Student Employment Coordinator. LeAndra earned a B.B.A. from Northwood University. She likes helping UNT students because they are the reason faculty and staff are here and she believes in providing excellent customer service to the entire UNT community.  In fact, having a student come in discouraged by the job search process and being able to help them locate, apply and land an on-campus position makes her day! When she is not at UNT, she is often gardening, reading, spending time with family, and her many rescue pets. The best piece of advice she received was, “Do the job you have now to the best of your ability. Always have pride in a job well done no matter how big or small.” She has been described as short, sassy, and customer-service oriented.

Want to find out more about our student employment opportunities, events, and newsletter? Email LeAndra at Leandra.Dinicola@unt.edu.

My name is Hannah and I am a Career Services Coordinator for Student Employment at the Career Center! I’m an alumnus of UNT, having earned my B.A. in General Studies (concentrations in Emergency Management, Family and Development Studies, and Geography/Geology). When I’m not at the Career Center working behind the scenes to help students gain vital job experience they can translate to future career skills, I’m at home with my wife Natalie and 2 dogs – Letty and Dax. I love to play video games, go fishing, garden, and create things! If you ever want to talk about on-campus student employment, synthwave, or visual novels, I’d love to chat!

Want to learn more about what the UNT Career Center has to offer? Email Hannah at hannah.eblen@unt.edu.

Deidre Leslie is the Associate Director for Career Education and supports the Career Coaches. Deidre earned an M.B.A. Strategic Leadership from Amber University and a B.S. in Business and Public Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas. She likes helping UNT students on their journey to graduation and ultimately assisting students with their successful transition to the workplace. It is very rewarding for Deidre to support students while they develop marketable skills critical to their professional success. It’s a pleasure to witness students have their “Aha Moment” when they can identify and articulate their skills and accomplishments and then be offered that special employment opportunity. When she is not at UNT, she is maintaining her status with her nieces and nephews as the “Coolest and Best Auntie.” She enjoys attending their dance and music recitals, theatrical productions, sporting events, and sleep-overs, going on family vacations, enjoying family lunches/dinners, shopping with her nephews and nieces, and having long conversations with them about anything and everything. The best piece of advice she received was, “You become what you believe. Having positive thoughts will give positive results.”  She has been described as professional, confident, reliable, realistic, and fair.

Want to find out more about how Deidre can help you? Her office is located in Sage Hall, Suite 202, and students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Sean McNamara is an Assistant Director and supports the College of Liberal Arts and Social Science majors. He earned M.Ed. in Counseling from UNT and a B.A. in History from Seton Hall University. He likes helping UNT students because UNT students are such hard workers, with a wide range of experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. He enjoys listening to their stories and helping them translate that into a career they will love. When he is not at UNT, he likes to read, spend time outdoors, watch movies, and travel whenever he can. The best piece of advice he received was, “No great success was ever achieved without failure. The idea that one failure isn’t the end but a lesson has helped me to be brave enough to try new things even though I’m not certain to succeed.” He has been described as kind, determined, and curious.

Want to find out more about how Sean can help you? His office is located in GAB, Room 220. Current students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Marcy Bishop-Lilley is a Career Coach and supports the College of Visual Arts and Design and the College of Music. Marcy earned an M.F.A. in Painting and Drawing from the University of North Texas and a B.A. in Art Education from University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She likes helping UNT students by facilitating an environment n which students can find and acknowledge their strengths to pursue their dreams. When she is not at UNT, she is brunching, traveling, snuggling her puppies, and gardening with her husband. The best piece of advice she received was, “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing gonna be all right.” She has been described as creative, calm, and thoughtful.  

Want to find out more about how Marcy can help you? Her office is located in Sage Hall, Suite 202. Current students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Susan Bradley is a Career Coach and supports the College of Science. Susan is currently working on a Ph.D. in Adult Education from the University of Arkansas, earned an M.B.A from Southern Methodist University and a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Arkansas. She likes helping UNT students because they are passionate about their futures and their education. When she is not at UNT, she is spending time with family and friends, including her four-legged family members, traveling, and reading novels. She is glad to have the opportunity to apply her experience in the business world, including owning her own business and working in leadership positions for Fortune 500 companies, to helping college students learn how to identify and achieve their career goals.

Want to find out more about how Susan can help you? Her office is located in Hickory Hall, 283B. Current undergraduate and graduate students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Laura Garza is a Career Coach and supports students at the College of Engineering (CENG) and College of Information (COI) at UNT Discovery Park.

Laura earned an M.S. in Counseling from Troy University and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Maryland.  She also earned a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity-Threat Detection through Webster University in 2017. Laura enjoys helping UNT students explore their majors and potential career paths which line up with their natural preferences. When she is not at UNT, she loves traveling. The best piece of advice she received was “Luck favors the prepared.” She has been described as a listener, creative, resourceful.

Want to find out more about how Laura can help you? Her office is located in Discovery Park, Suite C-111. Undergraduate and graduate students can schedule an appointment with Laura through Navigate.

I am a passionate Career Coach that supports Journalism, Media Arts, and Converged Broadcast Media.  When I was in college, I had a professor by the name of Dr. Chiplan. He introduced this poem that has been my guiding light ever since. I committed it to memory the same day and strive to live it out through every interaction!

I pledge myself to trace my past
To learn from it, so I can last.
I pledge to learn, I pledge to teach
So others I may reach.
I pledge myself to always lift,
To give my life it’s greatest gift
I pledge my body and my soul
To never stop short of my goals
Eric Green I shall forever be
I will strive to set others free.

From a UNT Sophomore Journalism student: “In my brief time knowing Mr. Eric Green, I have been able to gain tremendous confidence regarding my career path and who I am as a person. I initially met him via zoom expecting to get extremely basic career advice and maybe a few helpful links that would’ve guided me in the right direction. However, Mr. Green was quick to give me actual opportunities to better myself and all I had to do was utilize them. I guarantee that having Mr. Green in your corner of supporters will propel you sizably in your career journey.”

My office is located in Sage Hall, Suite 202. Current undergraduate and graduate students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Amy Hicks is a Career Coach, and supports all UNT Alumni and Toulouse Graduate School career services. Amy earned an MBA from Texas Woman’s University and a Bachelor of General Studies in Criminal Justice and Health Studies from Texas Woman’s University. Amy likes helping students and alumni by exploring opportunities and identifying strengths and skills to create action steps for professional growth. She works with clients to create connection strategies and effective documents, and to fully utilize tools and resources. Amy also teaches Professional Development Strategies in the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. When she is not at UNT, she enjoys being a mom to three fantastic children, exploring nature and the outdoors, and listening to all types of music. The best piece of advice she received was, “just be yourself” and ”spend the time on it if you love it – learn how to change, eliminate, or become more efficient with other things so that you can.” She has been described as inquisitive, encouraging, and energetic.

Schedule an Appointment

Would you like to meet with Amy? Appointment options include in-person, phone, Zoom, and email. Alumni can schedule an appointment through Handshake. For assistance with appointment scheduling (including Handshake and Zoom), go to Schedule an Appointment.

Janice Lader is a Career Coach and supports the College of Health and Public Service. She earned an M.Ed. in Student Affairs from Regent University and a B.A. in English from Regent University. She likes helping UNT students because she enjoys getting to know students and helping them to identify career paths based on their interests and goals, and then establishing the route necessary to successfully reach their destinations. When she is not at UNT, she is spending time with her daughter and two dogs, going to concerts and live theatre performances, working on her creative writing, and taking on DIY projects at home. The best piece of advice she received was, “If you bang on enough doors, one is bound to open.” She has been described as compassionate, motivated, and creative.

Want to find out more about how Janice can help you? Her office is located in Sage Hall, Suite 202. Current students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Dee Wilson is a Career Coach and supports the College of Merchandising, Hospitality & Tourism (CMHT). Dee earned an M.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of North Texas and a B.B.A. in Business Administration & B.S. in Government from Texas Woman’s University. She worked 10 years in CMHT teaching the professional development course, processing internship approvals, conducting employer outreach to develop employment opportunities with industry recruiters, and coordinating career events. Dee likes helping UNT students because she enjoys seeing students succeed in developing themselves, discovering their passions and finding a career that is rewarding to them. When she is not at UNT, she spends time with her family, watches and attends sports events, watches movies, and goes to concerts/plays. The best piece of advice she received was “Be humble and listen more than you speak while showing interest in others.” She has been described as caring, detail-oriented, and dependable.

Want to find out more about how Dee can help you? Her office is located in Chilton Hall, room 333, and students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Margaret Oaikena is a Career Coach and supports First Year students. Margaret earned an M.Ed. in Counseling from Texas Christian University and a B.S. in Psychology from Texas Christian University. She likes helping UNT students to discover their gifts, talents, and skills. She believes it is rewarding to come alongside students and help them to recognize their potential.  When she is not at UNT, she is traveling, going out to eat, and spending time with family. The best piece of advice she received was, “Whatever you do, do your best at it.” She has been described as introspective, encouraging, and kind.

Want to find out more about how Margret can help you? Her office is located in Sage Hall, Suite 202, and current students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Brian Hirsch is the Senior Associate Director and supports the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. Brian earned an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, a M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Personnel Administration from Southern Mississippi University, and a B.S. in Zoology from LA Tech. He likes helping UNT students because they are very coachable, they are very hard workers, and they care about what they do when they go out into the “world.” When he is not at UNT, he enjoys reading and hanging out with his family. The best piece of advice he received was “You need to learn to laugh at yourself.” He has been described as dedicated, focused, and a learner.

Want to find out more about how Brian can help you? His office is located in the Business Leadership Building – BLB 037. Current undergraduate and graduate students can schedule an appointment through Navigate, and alumni can schedule an appointment through Handshake.

Beth Kent is a Career Coach and supports the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. Beth earned a BBA in Management from Michigan State University.  Beth likes helping UNT students because she believes all students can find their ‘success’ when we take time to coach and guide them on developing their skills and talents, teach them to follow their passions and challenge them to be leaders.  When she is not at UNT Beth enjoys working in her yard and gardens, doing anything outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.  She has two grown successful kids and loves to travel to Colorado to visit her daughter and go hiking when she can.  The best piece of advice she received was “Life is short, take time to smell the roses and live with purpose!”  She has been described as detail oriented, strong and a good listener.

Want to find out more about how Beth can help you? Her office is located in the College of Business, BLB 037 and students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Destiny Price is a Career Coach. She supports the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. She earned an M.S.A. in from Ohio University and a B.B.A. in Marketing from the University of Texas at Arlington. She likes helping UNT students because she loves seeing students win. When she is not at UNT, she enjoys working out and spending time with family and her micro French bulldog. The best piece of advice she received was, “Identify a problem then work to become the solution.” She has been described as passionate, determined, and giving.

Want to find out more about how Destiny can help you? Her office is located in the Business Leadership Building – BLB 037, and students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Amy Ferman is the Associate Director for Employer Development. Amy earned an M.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of North Texas (Go Mean Green!) and a B.A. in Communications from Stephen F. Austin State University. She has worked for UNT for 20 years and previously worked in the Registrar’s Office and the College of Business Academic Advising Office. She likes using the network she has formed over the years to help guide decisions and create meaningful relationships for students. She loves working with employers who are loyal to UNT because of our students’ work ethic. When she is not at UNT, she is exploring Denton’s Downtown Square and enjoying its shops and restaurants. She has been described as caring, determined, and helpful. Check out Amy’s blog A Case for Getting Involved Outside of Your Career Center.

Want to find out more about how you can recruit UNT students? Email Amy at amy.ferman@unt.edu or call 940.565.2622.

Philip Aguinaga is the Assistant Director for Events and Employer Services. Philip earned an M.Ed. in Counseling and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Texas. Previously at UNT, he worked as an academic counselor and has spent years helping students develop their careers. Now at the Career Center, he enjoys helping UNT students find meaningful connections to potential employers by coordinating various events and fairs on campus. When he is not at UNT, Philip is spending time with family, watching sports, and listening to podcasts. He has been described as knowledgeable, understanding, and dedicated.

If you want to learn more about UNT’s career events, please email Philip at Philip.Aguinaga@unt.edu.

Tammy van der Leest is the Employer Development Coordinator. Tammy earned a M.A. in Organizational Management with a concentration in International Business from Ashford University and a B.S. in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Tammy likes helping UNT students to turn all the hours of studying and hard work into a great job offer! When she is not at UNT, she is traveling, kayaking, and out having fun with her kiddo. The best piece of advice she received was, “Get your education!” She has been described as energetic, fun, and curious.

Want to find out more about how you can recruit UNT students? Email Tammy at tammy.vanderleest@unt.eduor call 940.369.8656.

Bri McCarthy is the Interview Coordinator for Employer Services. Bri earned a M.Ed. in Higher Education and her B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Texas. She likes helping students connect with employer opportunities and creating new events for the Career Center. When she is not at UNT, she is working out, trying a new recipe, or watching movies. The best piece of advice she ever received was “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable, because that’s how you grow.” She has been described as kind-hearted, adaptable, and a lifelong learner.

Want to learn how you can host interviews on campus, or reserve an interview suite for a quiet interview? Contact Bri at briana.mccarthy@unt.edu.