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
Mark Petrie
Taylor Shaw
Vanessa Jimenez
Samantha Jimenez
Senior Director
Lindsey (she/her) joined the St. Mary’s University in Spring of 2018. Since joining the Career Center team she has had the opportunity to work with so many incredible students, organizations and classes. Animated by a desire to share all that is interesting, relevant, and funny, she loves working with the Career team to find unique ways for Rattlers to live their life in 3D!
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.
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.
Administrative Assistant
Taylor joined St. Mary’s University in the Spring of 2023, and is currently the Administrative Assistant for the St. Mary’s University 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. Along with being a staff member, she is also a current graduate student at St. Mary’s University, working towards her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She enjoys helping others and working alongside students, staff, and faculty to help them achieve their professional goals. When she is not at St. Mary’s, you can find Taylor browsing at a local bookstore, enjoying a coffee with friends, or jamming out at a concert!
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
Career Coach
Samantha helps students navigate and evolve their workforce development and preparation.
From her education, she believes it is important to possess knowledge of all workforce ecosystems through an intersectional lens. She is passionate about helping students acquire similar knowledge to define their career objectives and discover opportunities.
Samantha holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Social Psychology.
Outside of her professional work, Samantha enjoys attending concerts, traveling, and embracing new experiences.
