Kyla Karleskint
Associate Director of Career Development
Kyla Karleskint is the Associate Director of Career Development. She is dedicated to creating and delivering innovative programs to prepare students for the ever-changing job market. Prior to joining Abilene Christian University, Kyla worked in financial services as a Human Resources Director. She brings a holistic approach of mentoring and coaching students through the job analysis, recruitment and training process.
Specialties and Interests
Abilene CampusLauren Boyles
Career Development Advisor
Dedicated, creative, and compassionate professional, with 11 years of experience in education, counseling, and the non-profit sectors. I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas and a Certified Professional Résumé Writer. I am also certified in the Strong Interest Inventory and am passionate about career development and fostering personal growth in higher education.
Specialties and Interests
Abilene CampusLaShae Grottis
Student Engagement Manager, ACU Dallas
As the Student Engagement Manager, one of my roles is to help online students in their career exploration and development. I can help with resume reviews, interview skills, career assessments, and resources on where students can look for jobs and internships.
I also support students through the ACU Vantage badge program, where online students earn points, badges, and prizes for completing activities to help them develop their careers.
Specialties and Interests
Dallas online programsAnne Hocking
Director of Internships and Vocational Formation
Anne Hocking is the Director of Internships and Vocational Formation. She is passionate about experiential learning and connecting all experiences and careers to God’s purpose and mission. Before her current role, she worked in Academic Advising and with ACU Missions. She brings a love for the next generation, practical experiences, and intentionality in finding purpose and meaning into the workplace.
Tanya Yap
Career Development Graduate Intern
Tanya Yap is one of the Graduate Interns of Career Development. She is a Marriage and Family Therapy graduate student dedicated to helping students prepare for future careers by connecting them to career development resources. Since her undergraduate at ACU, Tanya has actively engaged and supported students in numerous areas, such as an intern for the Spiritual Life office and an RA in Resident Life.
Tanya manages table requests, camp fair inquiries, and job posting inquiries. She also assists with Career Development events, such as communicating with employers/visitors, preparing campus visit materials, and setting up events.
Lauren Bridgeman
Graduate Student Intern
Lauren Bridgeman works as the Career Development Center’s Graduate Intern, and resume editor. Currently, she is an English graduate student at ACU. In May 2023, she graduated from Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) with her Bachelors of Arts in English and Secondary Education. During her undergraduate education, she worked for two years as a Tutor at OBU’s Academic Success Center, tutoring English CORE and upperclassmen courses. She also worked as a Consultant at OBU’s Speer Writing Center for two years, and is starting her third year in writing center work at ACU’s Writing Center in the Brown Library. When she’s not editing and tutoring, she is writing and reading. She believes that writing is an essential skill, and is passionate about teaching others writing and editing skills, and sharing her love for writing. Because of her experience tutoring English to all majors, underclassman and upperclassman, she instinctively finds and fills in the gaps in students’ knowledge.