Bryson Maesch President president@cdpi.org Bryson Maesch is the Career Coach at Ivy Tech Community College in Hamilton County where he supports students in their career development, assists with training new Ivy Tech career coaches statewide, and develops & facilitates career-focused workshops among other responsibilities. Prior to Ivy Tech, Bryson also served as a Career Advisor at Indiana Wesleyan University. He earned his Bachelors in Telecommunications from Ball State University and Masters in Higher Education Leadership from Oakland University. Bryson loves hiking (especially when he can visit the mountains!), watching movies, going to the rock-climbing gym, and spending time with his wife and two cats. Connect with Bryson on LinkedIn Donisha Council Treasurer treasurer@cdpi.org Donisha Derice Council is an unapologetic optimist, inspired by the mindset of psychologist Viktor Frankl—believing deeply in the power of purpose, even in life’s most challenging moments. She earned her Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Martin University and Masters in Psychology from Indiana Wesleyan University. Through her company, All Things Woke, Donisha is a life coach, helping people reconnect with their authentic selves through purpose-driven support in career development, strengths exploration, and grief processing. She's a CliftonStrengths Certified Coach, and loves helping individuals uncover and harness what makes them unique. Donisha is also a Reiki Master and a trained practitioner in yoga, meditation, and breathwork, integrating these healing modalities into coaching to support the whole self—mind, body, and spirit. In her personal time Donisha enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is a lover of words enjoying reading and writing. Connect with Donisha on LinkedIn Yuliya Cormier prcommunications@cdpi.org Yuliya Cormier is the Career Services Consultant at Purdue University in Indianapolis where she works with all students, freshmen to PhD candidates. Yuliya was introduced to career services in March 2023 where she served as the Career Services Advisor at the School of Engineering and Technology at the former IUPUI campus before transitioning to Purdue. Before her time in career services, Yuliya worked in college and university admissions for 8+ years and served in a wide variety of institutions. In her personal time, Yuliya enjoys spending time with her two sons, husband, and blue-heeler pup. ![]() Kevin Lema Historian historian@cdpi.org Kevin Lema is the Director of Career Services at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering at Indiana University Indianapolis. Kevin received his Bachelor of Science from Purdue University in Indianapolis (formerly IUPUI) in 2018 in Biology & Neuroscience and a Master of Science in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University (2020). With a background in career development and academic advising, Kevin is passionate about helping students integrate their academic pursuits with their career aspirations, and believe that a well-rounded education is essential for success in today's dynamic job market. Beyond work, Kevin enjoys Marvel, movies, concerts, and spending quality time with friends and family. Fun fact: His favorite food is mashed potatoes! Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn | Lisa Hamilton Past-President past-president@cdpi.org Lisa is the Associate Director for Exploratory Career Coaching at the Career Exploration and Student Employment Office at Indiana University, Bloomington, where she oversees the training and professional development of the career coaching staff. Lisa has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in education. Lisa also serves as an adjunct lecturer for the Kelley School of Business in the Communication, Professional, and Computer Skills Department. In her free time, Lisa loves to spend time with family, friends, and her dog. She also enjoys reading, working out, doing yoga, and spending time in nature.
Lilandra Lestz Secretary secretary@cdpi.org Lilandra Lestz is the Assistant Program Director of Career Services with Luddy Indianapolis School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering and is Gallup Clifton Strengths Certified. Lilandra is a first-generation college graduate, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with double minors in Sociology and Social Work from Marian University as a 21st Century Scholar. She became the first Latina of her cohort to earn a Master of Arts in Leadership Practice in 2025. Lilandra's career journey includes working as a Vocational Rehab Employment Specialist at Cummins Behavioral Health, Inc., career services roles at Marian University, and as a Career Coach at Ivy Tech for the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education. Her passion for empowering others comes from her own experience of navigating life independently and wanting to be the support she once needed. In her personal time, Lilandra enjoys public/audio speaking opportunities, resting, exercise, exploring new places, and inspiring others by sharing her story. Fun fact: The name is inspired by Lilandra Nermani from Marvel’s X-Men comic books. Connect with Lilandra on LinkedIn
Caitlyn Thompson internships@cdpi.org Caitlyn Thompson (she/her) is the Associate Director of Career Education at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering at Indiana University Bloomington. Caitlyn earned her bachelor's degree in political science from Knox College in Galesburg, IL and her master's in social work from Indiana University Indianapolis. She is an active member of the Tri Kappa alpha chapter and is also a mentor for the IU Center of Excellence for Women & Technology's Mentorship Program. Caitlyn loves to read, craft with friends, and take walks with her husband, their toddler, and their golden retriever. TBD internships@cdpi.org If interested and would like to learn more, email Caitlyn Thompson at internships@cdpi.org. | Katie Nelson President-Elect president-elect@cdpi.org Katie Nelson currently serves as the Senior Manager of Career Services in the Center for Career Opportunities at Purdue University in Indianapolis, Purdue's extension campus. She is driven by connecting students with employers and empowering them with lifelong career readiness skills. Katie earned a bachelor's degree in Communication and Spanish from UW-La Crosse, and a masters in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas. In her free time, Katie enjoys reading, going on weekend road trips, hiking, and testing out new recipes. Dillon Waggoner Director of Member Services memberservices@cdpi.org Dillon is the Associate Director for Business Plus in Kelley Indianapolis Career Services at IUI where he oversees internship and co-op experiences. He also has a robust background in coaching and facilitating and served the Career Center at Ball State University for over seven years before coming to IUI. His Master’s Degree is in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University, and he has professional interests in workplace engagement, game-based learning, and incorporating fun into work and education. Dillon loves books, hiking, and board games. He loves spending time with his family, which consists of his amazing wife, daughter, and pit-mix rescue. Mike Thomas Director of Professional Development and Education professional-development@cdpi.org Mike Thomas is the Director of Butler University’s Lacy School of Business Career Development Program and the Senior Associate Director of Career and Professional Success. and the Director of the Lacy School of Business Career Development Program. Mike joined Butler’s career development staff in 2014. He is a Certified Professional Coach in addition to other professional certifications. Mike earned an MBA from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Bowling Green State University. Outside of work, Mike enjoys running, reading and spending time with family and friends. He was a library board president for over a decade and is currently a Westfield Library Foundation Board member. |