WCBA Center for Career Management - Meet the Team

Meet the Team

Christina O'Connell, Executive Director
Christina is the Executive Director of the WCBA Center for Career Management. She started in the WCBA in 2013 as an internship coordinator and became the Director of the Center once it was established in August 2016. Christina works with employers in establishing an internship program or promoting their internship program through posting positions as well as assists employers in posting full-time positions in Handshake. She also assists students in their career development throughout their college career as well as plan a variety of professional development events each semester. Christina holds a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, Master of Science in Education: Counseling with a concentration in Student Affairs Leadership and Practice degree, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, all from YSU.

Abby Conrad, Assistant Director
Abby started as a coordinator in the WCBA Center for Career Management in fall 2017.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Allegheny College as well as her Master of Education in School Counseling from Slippery Rock University.  Abby has nearly ten years of experience between her time at Slippery Rock University and YSU, working one-on-one with students and alumni to meet their many career needs, including career exploration, resume help, interview practice, and internship and job search strategies.  She is a strong advocate for all students and will do whatever it takes to enhance their educational experience and give them the best opportunities for success. As the Assistant Director, Abby also assists with all professional development events as well as building relationships with employers.

Aleah Coppin, Coordinator
Aleah started as a coordinator in the WCBA Center for Career Management in spring of 2025. She is a two-time graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a concentration in Interpersonal Communication and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies, and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs. Her background combines supporting alumni, students, and assessment practices. As a graduate student, she focused on career exploration and development and Q-methodology, a research method combining qualitative and quantitative research approaches.  As the Coordinator, Aleah plans and implements programs and services for students and alumni for professional development and career preparation. She is deeply invested in student success, focusing on accessibility and reliability of resources for students to utilize during their college experience into their professional one.

Linda Cascarelli, Administrative Specialist 2
Linda has been working in the WCBA since 2007 after a successful career as a travel agent. As an administrative specialist in the WCBA Office of Student Services, Linda assists both the Center for Career Management and Academic Advising. Linda is the main contact for Handshake and will help you make an appointment, register for an event, assist with scheduling an interview, just to name a few. She is also the main event planner for many of the events in the Student Services Center and sets up the WCBA on-campus interview schedules.