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 holds an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and has spent the past 15 years as a career advisor. She has also worked as a college art instructor, museum educator, ceramic artist, wilderness guide and small business owner. She loves meeting with HFA undergraduate and graduate students, and helping them find fulfilling work after graduation. Outside of UMass, Lisa can be found exploring local hiking trails and numerous bookstores.
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.
Genevra Gallo-Bayiates
Assistant Director, HFA Career Services
Email: ggallobayiat [at] umass [dot] edu (ggallobayiat[at]umass[dot]edu)
Office: South College E202
Genevra (she/they) holds a B.F.A. in Independent Theatre Studies with a specialization in Choreography, and an M.S.Ed. in Educational Psychology, with over five years in career counseling. She has worked in theatre, education, publishing, e-learning, communications, digital marketing, and more. They meet one on one with HFA undergraduate students to support career exploration and planning, internship and job searches, resumes and cover letters, and interview preparation. In her spare time, Genevra enjoys photography, cooking, hiking, and thrift shopping.