Meet the Career Development Center Staff
Lizabeth Doherty
Liaison for the School of Art and the School of Humanities
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Liz has a bachelor's degree in human services from Elmira College and a master's degree in
educational psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to her current
role at MVCC, she worked as a college advisor and coordinator of the first-year experience.
In the Career Development Center, she especially enjoys helping students explore majors
and careers, and discover how to develop their strengths and apply them to their career.
Additionally, Liz teaches psychology, is a Safe Space trainer, and the lead advisor
for MVCC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter. She and her husband have two young boys and two
dogs. Liz enjoys live music, spending time outdoors, creative projects, and reading.
Tom Fletcher
Liaison for the School of STEM-Career and the School of STEM-Transfer
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Tom is excited to join the Career Development Center team. Tom has an associate degree
in hotel technology from SUNY Delhi, a bachelor’s degree in business management from
the SUNY College of Technology in Utica/Rome (now SUNY Poly) and a master’s degree
in counseling from SUNY Oneonta. Tom brings significant higher education experience
in admissions and enrollment management from SUNY ESF, SUNY Canton, and SUNY Morrisville.
A resident of Oneida County, Tom is excited to assist MVCC students on their career
journey and help employers find talented MVCC graduates to fill their workforce needs.
Tom and his wife have two adult children and enjoy traveling, relaxing with family
in the Adirondacks, hiking, skiing, golf, pickleball, and bowling. They are both huge
sports fans of SU sports, the Buffalo Bills, and the NY Yankees.
Gianna LaBella
College Services Associate
Gianna is a proud alum of Mohawk Valley Community College, where she earned associate
degrees in Digital Media & Marketing and Liberal Arts & Sciences. She then earned
a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from State University of New York at Oswego.
Before becoming a full-time staff member, Gianna worked part time in MVCC’s Career
Development Center where she learned how the office fosters a supportive educational
environment through career-focused initiatives. She assists students by booking appointments,
answering questions about available services, and connecting them to campus resources.
She also supports employers and staff members by creating social media content and
promotional materials for career and campus initiatives. Gianna is passionate about
helping students feel supported and connected to opportunities that align with their
goals and interests. Outside of work, she is a big music lover who enjoys attending
concerts and discovering new artists and live events.
Sara Miller
Liaison for the School of Public and Human Services
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Originally from Central New York, Sara returned to the Utica area in 2011 after completing
her bachelor's degree in history from SUNY Cortland and master's degree in history
from Indiana University. Prior to her role in the Career Development Center, Sara
has close to 10 years of experience working in higher education in various capacities
— teaching, as an admissions counselor, and as the coordinator of international student
services at MVCC. As the liaison to the School of Public and Human Services, Sara
enjoys the opportunity to connect with regional employers and organizations while
working with students in creating a fulfilling career path. Sara, her husband, and
their two kids enjoy all that the area has to offer, from snowboarding and hiking
to art and music shows, and good food.
Kevin Siembab
Liaison for the School of STEM-Career
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Kevin is the liaison for the Schools of STEM-Career and STEM-Transfer, which affords
him the opportunity to connect employers and alumni with our students to assist them
in establishing successful and rewarding careers. He also helps students achieve success
through a wide range of programs, such as resumè development, career exploration,
and interview and workplace success training. His advice to students when choosing
a career is to do ample research and explore all the facets relating to that position,
as well as maintain the ability to be flexible and create other options if necessary.
In his spare time, he trains to participate in local road races such as the Boilermaker,
Heart Run, and Ted Moore 5K.
Christopher Surprenant
Liaison for the School of Health Sciences
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Chris earned a bachelor's degree in English from The College of Saint Rose and a master's
degree in English from Northeastern University. He has several years of experience
in higher education, having served as a professional tutor, writing instructor, and
career advisor. As a career counselor, Chris's goal is to help students connect their
unique strengths to their professional ambitions and discover meaningful, fulfilling
careers. In his downtime, Chris is either performing with his improv team or going
on adventures with his partner and their many pets.