Welcome to the Career and Professional Development Center Rattlers!
Our team is made up of professionals with expertise in different areas, as much as we want to get to know you, we want you to know who we are! Take a look at our team’s bio’s to get to know us a bit more.
Lindsey Kowalik
Gilbert Palomo
Sharon Huerta
Taylor White
Vanessa Jimenez
Mark Petrie
Senior Director
Lindsey (she/her) joined the St. Mary’s University in Spring of 2018. Since joining the Career Center team she has been excited to work with students as they define their career objective and discover opportunities, in order to take the reins of their future and do.
Lindsey earned a Bachelor of Music from Old Dominion University in Vocal Performance (minor in Philosophy of Religion), and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance (Opera) from Texas State University.
During her off-time, Lindsey enjoys spending time attending concerts, reading, gardening, and cycling.
CliftonStrengths: Input | Intellection | Individualization | Empathy | Ideation
Associate Director of Employer Relations
Gilbert Palomo plays a key role in connecting students and graduates with job opportunities, internships, and other career development experiences by cultivating and sustaining strong partnerships with employers, businesses, and industry organizations. With 20 years of experience in higher education, workforce development, and career services, Gilbert is dedicated to empowering students and professionals through early career programs, workforce readiness initiatives, and collaborative employer partnerships.
Gilbert has a deep understanding of workforce development ecosystems and has worked extensively with secondary schools, workforce entities, civic organizations, and trade associations to ensure educational programs meet industry demands. He has played a crucial role in facilitating connections between students, academic institutions, and employers, and in developing workforce strategies that address skills gaps across various sectors.
Gilbert holds both a Master’s in Social Work and a Master’s in Business Administration. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys martial arts, smoking craft barbecue, and spending time with his three children.
Career Coach
I joined St. Mary’s University in the summer of 2024 as the centers newest Career Coach – I believe in the power of knowledge sharing, networking, and equity, and am eager to assist students in reaching their goals and building their networks.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Justice and Citizenship, and a minor in Education and Youth Studies, and am currently working on my Masters in instructional Design and Technology from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.
I have a passion for the outdoors, equity work, music, and travel – In my spare time I enjoy doing activities with my loved ones and fur baby Benito, I am eager to work with the St. Mary’s community.
Ella/they
Administrative Assistant
Taylor joined St. Mary’s University in the Spring of 2023, and is currently the Administrative Assistant for the Career and Professional Development Center!
Taylor earned an Associates of Arts in Music from Tyler Junior College in May 2019, and a Bachelor of Music from Sam Houston State University in Music Therapy with a minor in Psychology in December 2022. She enjoys helping others and working alongside students, staff, and faculty to help them achieve their professional goals! Along with being an administrative assistant at St. Mary’s, she also works as a music therapist within the San Antonio community.
When not working at St. Mary’s or visiting clients, you can find Taylor sitting outside with a book, enjoying a coffee with friends, or learning to play some of her favorite songs on the guitar!
Graduate Career Coach
Emily joined St. Mary’s University in Fall 2024 as the Graduate Career Coach and is excited to guide students as they navigate their career journeys. With her background as a technical recruiter, Emily brings valuable insights into the job search process and a passion for helping students feel confident in their job search and professional development. She loves working one-on-one with students, helping them craft their resumes, prepare for interviews, and explore opportunities that align with their goals.
Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Russian from Trinity University and is thrilled to be part of the St. Mary’s community. Outside of work, she’s a big fan of baking, reading, and spending quality time with her two cats.
She’s looking forward to connecting with students and helping them find the career path that’s right for them!
STEM Coordinator of Student Engagement and Industrial Outreach
Vanessa joined St. Mary’s University in the Fall of 2021. From her past roles in education and nonprofits, she believes in helping students reach their goals by building their skills, strengthening their networks, and developing strategies where students can define, discover, and do.
Now as the STEM Coordinator of Student Engagement and Industrial Outreach with her background as a first-generation college student, she is excited to help students in their career development.
Vanessa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Justice and Philosophy from Wellesley College and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Integrated Science from Our Lady of the Lake University.
Outside of work, she has a spouse, Chris, three children Belyn, Jonah, and Tessa, and three dogs, Coco, Doodle, and Rosie that fill her days. In her free time, she enjoys time in nature, hiking or gardening, reading, binging on her favorite shows, and finding new adventures. She looks forward to meeting you and being of service to the St. Mary’s Community
Senior Career Coach
Mark helps students navigate the journey from college to career by providing pragmatic guidance and a holistic approach to professional development. Fostering a deep commitment to student growth, Mark empowers students to clarify their goals, refine their professional skills, and build confidence as they prepare for life after graduation. His coaching style is student-centered and grounded in empathy, practical advice, and actionable strategies that help students advance toward meaningful and fulfilling futures.
Mark holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in English and Political Science and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University, as well as a Master’s in English from the University of New Orleans.
Outside of work, Mark enjoys hiking, exploring art exhibits, playing basketball, and reading literature. He also cherishes time with his son—whether at the park or teaming up for their favorite video games.
