Meet the Career Services Team
Michael Caldwell
- Career Advisor
- (360) 992 - 2056
- mpcaldwell@clark.edu
- I'm a proud first-generation college student and educator with a passion in teaching, learning and enacting equity in public schools. In my undergraduate studies, I attended Portland State University and earned my Bachelor's of Science in Sociology with Honors. I focused broadly intersectional identities and equity in present-day society. My honor's thesis focused on hints of same-sex identities and attractions in hit children's movies.
I have had the privilege to work with TRiO pre-college programs for a little over five years cumulatively, where I was an Academic Advisor who supported students to be the first in their families to attend college. I also have a Master's in Teaching from The Evergreen State College where I received my certifications in English and Social Studies for middle school. I taught for nearly four years, starting right before the pandemic, before I returned to higher ed again with TRIO before I made it here to Clark.
In my free time, I love to sing karaoke, play boardgames with my family, love on my three cats who are my children and go on adventures around the Pacific Northwest.
Michael Caldwell
Aaron Campbell
- Assoc Dir-Career & Student Suc
- (360) 992 - 2048
- aacampbell@clark.edu
- Preferred name: Aaron (he/him)
Degree(s):
Master of Arts – Student Affairs Administration (2020) from Lewis & Clark College
Bachelor of Arts – English and History (2010) from the University of Vermont
Clark Employee since January 2023
I have a unique combination of experiences in higher education. Prior to coming to Clark, I served as the Head Track and Field Coach and the Director of Intramurals at Lewis & Clark College, where I oversaw all aspects of both programs. I began my career at Emory University, and I have experience in leadership, supervision, budget management, program management and development, assessment, and student progress monitoring. In addition to my work in athletics and coaching, I have developed co-curriculum and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs for higher education institutions.
Student experience and success are the essence of my work. I am dedicated to cultivating the most rewarding and intentional outcomes for all students. Clark College does this every day, and I am fortunate to be a part of this community.
Outside of Clark College, I enjoy seeing all the Pacific Northwest has to offer. I love exploring the Columbia Gorge, visiting food cart pods, and spending time at my local farmers market. If you see me off campus, I will probably be wearing Nike, eating New Seasons fruit snacks, and carrying my current book (see my email signature for what I am reading).
Aaron Campbell
Trisha Haakonstad
- Career Advisor Lead
- (360) 992 - 2154
- thaakonstad@clark.edu
- Trisha holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies and Business Administration from the University of San Diego, and a Master of Science degree in Higher Education Leadership and Policy from Portland State University. Within her graduate program she completed a specialization in Post-Secondary, Adult and Continuing Education, with emphasis in adult learning and student development. She also holds a graduate certificate in Student Affairs, and Training & Development. She has worked in higher education in a variety of roles as a mentor, program assistant, student success coach, and instructor. She was a student success coach working with a variety of adult students pursuing undergraduate degrees, where she helped students develop the skills needed to be academically successful, guiding them to achieve their educational and career goals and most recently the Instructional Support Student Navigator for the Health e-Workforce Consortium for Clark College in Vancouver, Washington.
Favorite Resource: mindfulness resource calm and finding inspiration on Pinterest.
Favorite Quote: “Set aside your doubts. Quiet the thoughts that say you aren’t good enough, important enough, capable enough to begin. Tell them you can’t listen because today you trust yourself. Today, you believe in your heart. Today you tell the small voice inside you’re giving it a chance. Be bold, be strong, fight on.” M.H. Clark
Trisha Haakonstad
Alex Kison
- Workforce And Student Engageme
- (360) 992 - 2964
- akison@clark.edu
- Name: Alex Kison (she/her/hers)
Assignment: Workforce & Student Engagement Navigator (Career Services)
Clark College Employee: Since February 2022
Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Community Health, Eastern Washington University
I have been supporting students and job seekers in their career endeavors for over 6 years. My experiences prior to Clark include serving as a Career Navigator/Admissions & Placement Counselor for Job Corps and a Curriculum Advisor for Spokane Community College, as well as roles in recruitment and business development. I enjoy working with the inclusive Clark community, especially students, and connecting them with equitable employment opportunities. When I'm not meeting with job seekers and employers, I enjoy being out in nature, traveling, and listening to podcasts.
Alex Kison
Niira Krupnick
- Program Specialist 4
- (360) 992 - 2391
- nkrupnick@clark.edu
- Degrees:
Master of Science (in progress) – Teaching & Curriculum from Portland State University
Bachelor of Arts- Psychology with Women & Cultural Studies Minor from California Polytechnic University Humboldt
Clark Employee since September 2021
I have a wide array of experience that has given me a broad view of career possibilities and skills across many fields.
I have worked with individuals throughout the lifespan, from birth to seniors, in the areas of social work, education, recreational therapy, and vocational supports. I have had an emphasis on Special Education, Early Interventions, community-based supports, and extra focus working with individuals from systemically non-dominant groups. With my experience providing direct support in case management, the classroom, and as a supervisor and site manager in non-profit agencies, I offer a unique perspective as individuals prepare to enter the work force.
I participate in many forms of dance and perform Middle Eastern dance. I lead a group of dancers experiencing disabilities in addition to my work at Clark. I enjoy live music, creating art, volunteering with a dog rescue, hiking, camping, paddle boarding, swimming, and other adventures with my partner and dog. I have also competed in many triathlons, bike races, and distance running events and I am happiest when I am moving around in nature.
Niira Krupnick
Emily Meoz
- Associate Dean of Advising, Career, and Student Success
- (360) 992 - 2505
- emeoz@clark.edu
- (she/her)
Degrees:
Master of Arts, Education – Counseling & Guidance, emphasis in Student Affairs/Higher Education Counseling from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Bachelor of Arts – Political Science from University of Washington
Clark Employee Since May 2022
Prior to joining the Penguin Nation at Clark College, I served as Director of Advising at North Seattle College, following several years at the University of Washington Bothell in academic advising and advising leadership roles. I began my career in higher education as an academic advisor at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo, after I earned a Master of Arts in Education. As a graduate student at Cal Poly, I worked in Residence Life, Athletics, the Disability Resource Center, International Programs, and in STEM career counseling at Alan Hancock Community College.
I am committed to improving equitable access to educational opportunities and support systems for students that help them achieve their personal and career goals. It is a privilege to dedicate my career to building better pathways and bridges for students at Clark College.
I am grateful to live in the Pacific Northwest and I spent my time outside of Clark raising two little kids and spending time with family.