Career Services Staff
Lisa Blacher
Director, HFA Career Services
Email: lblacher [at] umass [dot] edu (lblacher[at]umass[dot]edu)
Phone: (413) 545-6152
Office: South College E202
Lisa has worked in career services for 15 years but has also had other careers such as art faculty, museum educator, wilderness guide and small business owner. She meets one on one with HFA undergraduate and graduate students, presents in-class, manages a small but growing staff and loves to share her knowledge with students to help them find meaningful work after graduation. When not working, Lisa can be found on local hiking trails and enjoying all that the beautiful Pioneer Valley has to offer.
Andre Dias
Assistant Director, HFA Career Services
Email: adias [at] umass [dot] edu (andredias[at]umass[dot]edu)
Office: South College E202
Andre is a UMass HFA alum who has worked in career services for over two years after previously working as an English teacher. He meets one on one with HFA undergraduate students to support career exploration and planning, job and internship searches, and the development of tailored resumes and cover letters. Andre is passionate about helping students imagine possibilities for their future and take practical steps towards meaningful work. When not advising, Andre enjoys walking his dog, Akina, and caring for his flock of chickens.
Nicole O'Connell
Graduate Assistant and Advisor
Email: nmoconnell [at] umass [dot] edu (nmoconnell[at]umass[dot]edu)
Nicole has worked with HFA Career Services for over four years and is a PhD candidate in the English Department. Nicole holds resume & cover letter advising sessions (including the asynchronous Google Form walk-ins), delivers presentations to classes, manages our Instagram page, updates our website, contributes to our newsletters, and holds career skills workshops!