Katrina Whitney
Director

Katrina “Kat” grew up in a military family, was a first generation collegiate athlete. She has been working in higher education and at Central Washington University for over 25 years in the areas of student services, equity, social justice, and career services. She has a passion for student success and creating opportunities for student growth and development.
In her free time she enjoys being out in nature, crafting, and increasing her knowledge around mindfulness and personal growth.
Specialties and Interests
Student Success, Equity and Social Justice and Career ServicesMerridy Rennick
Assistant Director

My name is Merridy Rennick, Assistant Director of Career Services. My office is located at CWU Lynnwood which is located on the Edmonds Community College Campus. My career evolution includes working in experiential education for Outward Bound, High School Career Counselor and University Career Coaching. I have a Bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in Education and a Master’s degree in Counseling and Higher Education Administration.
My specialty is CWU Lynnwood students, online students and out-of-state and ITAM student, although I am happy to help any student regardless of major.
I love helping students explore professions and what is the best fit for their personality, interests, values and skills. In addition, I work with employers to create the bridge between students and professional opportunities.
You can contact me at merridy.rennick@cwu.edu or schedule an appointment at this link
Specialties and Interests
CWU Lynnwood and online students from the North Puget Sound area and out-of-state and any ITAM studentsAffinities / Identities
University Center StudentsWomenBuild Career Skills
Create a Resume / Cover LetterExpand Your Network / MentorExplore Your Interests / Self AssessmentFunding Opportunities for Professional Development and Career ExplorationNegotiate an OfferPrepare for an InterviewPrepare for Graduate SchoolSearch for a Job / InternshipCareer Pathways
Information TechnologyStakeholders
AlumniStudentsStudent Employment
Student EmploymentAaron Woods
Career Counselor

Aaron is available for appointments both in person (CWU Ellensburg, Bouillon 206) and online via Zoom.
Aaron started working at CWU as a career counselor in the Spring of 2020. Prior to moving to Ellensburg, Aaron grew up and lived in Oregon and had a 20 year career in the high-technology field where he was a technician, project and program manager for software systems at a silicon chip manufacturer.
Aaron enjoys exercise, watching movies/TV/sports and doing home improvements. Aaron also enjoys learning about history through books and travel.
Specialties and Interests
College of Arts and HumanitiesBuild Career Skills
Create a Resume / Cover LetterExpand Your Network / MentorExplore Your Interests / Self AssessmentNegotiate an OfferPrepare for an InterviewPrepare for Graduate SchoolSearch for a Job / InternshipCareer Pathways
Agriculture, Food, & Natural ResourcesArts, Audio/Video Technology & CommunicationsEducation & TrainingGovernment & Public AdministrationHealth ScienceHuman ServicesLaw & PolicyMarketingSTEMColleges
College of Arts and HumanitiesCollege of the SciencesStakeholders
AlumniStudentsStudent Employment
Student EmploymentJessica Thomas
Career Counselor

Hello Wildcats!
My name is Jessica, and I am Career Counselor here at Central Washington University. I am a CWU graduate myself – having studied in our Psychology, ITAM, and Higher Education programs. I have worked within higher education for the last 5 years and love being able to contribute to the success of Wildcats.
My work within Career Services has a focus for serving students from any of our University Centers or Online. Physically I am based out of the Westside campuses (Des Moines, Pierce, and JBLM) – but work with any and all students and alumni seeking guidance in their career exploration or management. This can be the navigation of career changes, review of graduate school or job application materials, interview preparation, or anything else related to your career and your time beyond CWU.
One of the things I most enjoy about being a career counselor with CWU is helping students explore occupational opportunities that might be meaningful to them. I also really enjoy helping people feel prepared and confident throughout the job search and interview process.
Please feel free to connect with me via email, jessica.thomas2@cwu.edu, or feel free to make an in-person or virtual appointment using this link.
Affinities / Identities
First GenerationOnline StudentsUniversity Center StudentsWomenBuild Career Skills
Create a Resume / Cover LetterExpand Your Network / MentorExplore Your Interests / Self AssessmentFunding Opportunities for Professional Development and Career ExplorationNegotiate an OfferPrepare for an InterviewPrepare for Graduate SchoolSearch for a Job / InternshipCareer Pathways
Business Management & AdministrationEducation & TrainingGovernment & Public AdministrationInformation TechnologyStakeholders
AlumniGraduate StudentsStudentsStudent Employment
Student EmploymentBruce Simpson
Career Counselor, Employer Relations Liaison

Bruce is the Career Counselor for the College of Education and Professional Studies. He can assist you with choosing your major, exploring career options, writing a resume/cover letter, finding a job/internship, applying to grad school, and much more.
Bruce is available Monday through Friday in-person at Bouillon 206 on Ellensburg campus or online via Zoom.
Here’s a little about Bruce’s background:
- CWU employee since 2001
- CWU Admissions – 2001-2014
- CWU Career Services – 2014 – Present
- Connect students with employers in various ways
- CWU Business (adj. professor) – 2016 – Present
- Teach courses in professional development
- CWU Athletics Faculty Affiliate (rugby) 2016 – Present
- Help men’s rugby players better connect with CWU
- US Air Force officer since 1990
- Active Duty – 1990 – 1998
- Air Force Reserve 1998 – 2008
- HQ WA Air National Guard – 2008 – 2023
- Kittitas City Council Member – 1998 – 2008
- Ellensburg Planning Commission (chair) – 2008 – 2013
Specialties and Interests
Business Management & AdministrationEducation & TrainingInformation TechnologyOperations & LogisticsCollege of Education and Professional StudiesAffinities / Identities
VeteransBuild Career Skills
Create a Resume / Cover LetterExpand Your Network / MentorExplore Your Interests / Self AssessmentNegotiate an OfferPrepare for an InterviewPrepare for Graduate SchoolSearch for a Job / InternshipCareer Pathways
Business Management & AdministrationEducation & TrainingFinanceHealth ScienceHospitality & TourismInformation TechnologyMarketingOperations & LogisticsColleges
College of BusinessCollege of Education and Professional StudiesStakeholders
AlumniEmployersStudentsStudent Employment
Student EmploymentKristen Paton
Event Coordinator

Kristen grew up in Illinois and got her BA in English from Eastern Illinois University. She’s lived in Ellensburg since 2013 and worked in Career Services since fall 2014. As Event Coordinator, Kristen manages Career Services’ events and participation in outreach opportunities. She is also trained to conduct mock interviews for class assignments, providing students with a solid intro to some foundational interviewing skills.
Specialties and Interests
Workshops and Events, Mock Interviews for Class AssignmentsBuild Career Skills
Prepare for an InterviewStakeholders
Community MembersEmployersFaculty & StaffDale Larson
Program Coordinator

Dale has been with Career Services for 2 years, starting as a temporary fill-in then becoming our full-time program coordinator in February of 2023. In his time here Dale has earned certifications as both a Global Career Services Facilitator and a Dependable Strengths Facilitator.
From September of 2021 through February 2023 Dale worked part-time as an accessibility specialist also here at CWU.
Among his qualifications for this role Dale served 1 year at Oregon State University and 7 years at Washington State University as a professor of practice in experiential learning and positive youth development. Dale earned his Masters in Adult, Community, and Higher Education from Ball state University in December of 2007.
Specialties and Interests
Internships & Budget ManagementBuild Career Skills
Create a Resume / Cover LetterSearch for a Job / InternshipStakeholders
EmployersFaculty & StaffStudentsAndrew Burr

I moved from Michigan to Ellensburg in 2001 and I graduated from CWU in 2018 with a B.S. in Environmental Science, and a Geographic Information System Certification. Before working as a Data Consultant in the Career Services department at CWU I lived in Seattle and spent 2 years as a GIS Technician at Apple, and 1 year as a Geospatial Data Analyst at Google.
Outside of work you’ll find me spending time with my family, golfing, watching my beloved Detroit sports teams, and playing music.
Specialties and Interests
New Grad Survey, Wildcat Career NetworkLetali Aulava

Gurdil Dardi
He/Him

Astor Powell-Pedersen

Edyn Totten
Student Office Assistant/Support Intern
Hi everyone! I’m a Senior at CWU currently undergoing my internship through the IT Management program with Career Services. It has been a very valuable experience so far, and I’ve had the opportunity to bolster student resources through my work on things like our Professional Clothing Closet and this website. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you as I continue to work with Career Services (I might be at the front desk!)