Meet the Staff
As an AU student or alum, you can work directly with a career services staff member, who will provide guidance and support in your vocational exploration, academic planning, and career development. To schedule a one-on-one appointment via email, phone, or Zoom, visit Handshake, email us at career@aurora.edu, or contact one of the members of our team.
Chris de Kok
Director of Career Services
Phone: 630-844-3826
Email: cdekok@aurora.edu
Education:
BA, Psychology and Political Science, Aurora University
MSEd, College Student Personnel, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
What has your career journey looked like? I didn’t set out to work in career services. Like many people, I found my way here by staying open to new possibilities. My career has included roles in residence life, alumni engagement, leadership development, and student success. With each transition, I followed my curiosity, leaned into learning, and said “yes” to opportunities that helped me grow. That openness led me to where I am now: Helping students prepare for meaningful careers while constantly learning myself, whether it's testing new AI tools, experimenting with emerging tech, or exploring what the future of work might look like.
What is your favorite piece of career advice? Stay curious and never stop learning. The path you start on doesn’t have to be the one you stay on, and sometimes, saying “yes” to something unfamiliar can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.
Leticia La Voy
Director of Experiential Learning and Employer Outreach
Phone: 630-844-3834
Email: llavoy@aurora.edu
Education:
BS, Criminal Justice, Edgewood College
MS, Human Resources Management, Loyola Graduate School of Business
What has your career journey looked like? My career path has taken several meaningful turns. I began in human resources shortly after college and transitioned to the federal government, where I served as the deputy director focused on expanding financial and procurement opportunities for minority-owned businesses and managing federal grants. Now, I work in higher education. A consistent theme throughout my career has been a strong commitment to working with and serving people.
What is your favorite piece of career advice? Seek out a mentor who will offer candid feedback and help guide you through your professional journey — mentorship can be an invaluable tool for growth and clarity.
Dalin Johnson
Campus Internship Coordinator
Phone: 630-844-4935
Email: dgjohnson@aurora.edu
Education:
BA, English, Aurora University
What has your career journey looked like? After working in several on-campus departments as a student, I graduated from Aurora University in 2023 with a degree in English, and all I knew was I wanted a career that allowed me to write and to continue learning. Having networked my way into an internship as a student, this role and the opportunity to promote inclusive access to the kinds of educational opportunities that shaped my own journey stood out. Now, I love helping students transform their own communication skills into unique professional opportunities. And whether I’m refining application materials, creating guides and resources, or fielding obscure grammar questions in the office, my love for writing is certainly fulfilled.
What is your favorite piece of career advice? In my first formal interview, I confidently said that I had no weaknesses. And now I'm working a job where part of my role is to help students prepare for interviews, including how to actually answer that question. Don't bury your mistakes out of embarrassment or shame because they can be a great reminder of how far you've come — and may even turn into stories that help others grow, too.
Tory Nair
Career Counselor
Phone: 630-844-5404
Email: tnair@aurora.edu
Education:
BA, Psychology, North Central College
MS, Clinical Psychology, Benedictine University
Certified Autism Employment Coach
What has your career journey looked like? I have always loved animals, especially dogs, so growing up, my dream job was to be a vet. As I started taking more science classes in high school and college, I quickly realized that science is not a strength of mine; however, social sciences were, so I changed my major to psychology. Now I get to work with students and alumni and hear their stories — another strength and passion of mine. And on top of that, I volunteer with a local golden retriever rescue group, combining my passion for dogs and helping others.
What is your favorite piece of career advice? Don't be afraid to change your path along the way — lean into your strengths and you will find what best suits you in a major and career.
Maria Valenciano
Experiential Learning Coordinator
Phone: 630-844-5482
Email: mvalenciano@aurora.edu
Education:
BA, Business Management, Aurora University
What has your career journey looked like? My career journey has been shaped by a passion for helping others grow, succeed, and feel supported. I’ve had the opportunity to work in various departments in higher education, including alumni relations, career services, and human resources, where I’ve guided students and professionals through different stages of their personal and professional development. Each role has allowed me to build meaningful relationships and create programs that make a real impact. I’ve also enjoyed using my bilingual skills to connect with our Spanish-speaking families and ensure that they have access to the resources they need for their students. Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of being adaptable, open to new challenges, and always willing to learn.
What is your favorite piece of career advice? Always be ready to pivot and learn new things outside your comfort zone.
Alex Ziemann, LCPC
Career Counselor
Phone: 630-844-6176
Email: aziemann@aurora.edu
Education:
BA, Psychology, Aurora University
MS, Clinical Psychology, Benedictine University
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
What has your career journey looked like? I didn’t always know I wanted to work in career services — in fact, I started off exploring other paths. It wasn’t until I became a student worker in AU’s Career Services office that I began to realize how much I enjoyed helping students navigate their own journeys. That experience led to another opportunity in career services during my graduate program, thanks to connections I made through working at AU’s Career Services. At the time, I saw it as a meaningful job to support me through school, but I quickly realized it was something I genuinely loved. After trying a different path post-graduation, I eventually found my way back to career counseling, and it feels like home.
What is your favorite piece of career advice? You don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward. Some of the best opportunities come from saying “yes” to something that feels like a small step. Explore, stay open, and pay attention to what energizes you. Your path doesn’t have to be linear to lead you somewhere meaningful.
Ashley Hacker
Director of Marketing and Design for Student Success
Phone: 630-844-6868
Email: ahacker@aurora.edu
Education:
BS, Marketing, Aurora University
What has your career journey looked like? Marketing is all about understanding your audience and connecting with them in meaningful ways. My career journey has really been about learning more about others and figuring out how to best support them. In my current role, I get to creatively share resources and events with students, cheer them on as they grow, and celebrate when they come back as alumni to support the next generation. Watching that full journey, from student to graduate to mentor, is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
What is your favorite piece of career advice? Be a team player. Take the time to really listen, get to know the people around you, and understand their strengths. When everyone works together and brings their unique skills to the table, amazing things can happen.