Career Services

Staff Bios

Debra Hotch Breyan, Senior Career Programs Advisor
Ed.M. Counseling and Consulting Psychology

Debra Hotch Breyan has eighteen years experience in career development.  She currently plans and directs career programs and provides advising for Harvard Graduate School of Education students.

Debra received her Master of Education degree in Counseling and Consulting Psychology at HGSE and has provided career coaching and advising to HGSE students and alumni from 1991 to 2009.  She is an expert in a range of career issues and job search strategies and performed an average of 1,000 appointments each academic year.

Her background includes counseling women and men at Radcliffe Career Services on a wide range of career issues and counseling students from the Harvard Divinity School who also used HGSE's resources. She also developed and worked in a career counseling program for cancer patients and family members at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.  She has a teaching background which includes teaching second grade in the Newton Public School System and substitute teaching throughout the Alexandra Virginia Public School System.

Debra's approach helps individuals define and attain fulfilling work and life interests through an unstructured interviewing process along with optional selected career measures such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory. Sign up for Office Hours with Debra or call 617-495-3427 with questions.

Sarah Deighton, Field Experience Program Specialist
Ed.M. Special Studies

Sarah Deighton has over ten years experience in career management. As the Field Experience Program (FEP) Specialist, she collaborates closely with the program's Director in managing and developing the future strategy for this experiential course. Her work includes outreach to internship sites, development and facilitation of the career seminar, and providing career guidance to students interested in the program.

Most recently, Sarah was the Director of Career Services and Alumni Relations at the Stanford University School of Education. Her prior experience includes working at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford and the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. Before working in a university setting, she held roles in recruiting and marketing at executive search firm Korn/Ferry International.

Sarah is qualified in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Strong Interest Inventory, and CareerLeader Assessment. Sarah also graduated from HGSE and currently serves as a member of the school's Recent Alumni Circle. She is also a very enthusiastic Field Experience Program alumna. Sign up for Office Hours with Sarah or call 617-495-3427 with questions.

Mary Frazier-Davis, Ph.D., Associate Director

As Associate Director of the Career Services Office, Mary Frazier-Davis works closely with the Director and staff on numerous initiatives serving students and alumni of HGSE.  She also oversees the office's work around educator licensure.

Mary brings to the CSO experience as a teacher and administrator in public education, nonprofit management from her tenure in Washington, DC and work in business. Her higher education career advising and lifespan development work began over 25 years ago through her affiliation with The Pennsylvania State University, where she received her Ph.D. and M.Ed.

In addition to her responsibilities with the CSO, Mary is involved with a teacher education program at Harvard Divinity School. Selected voluntary experiences included governance roles with independent school and cooperative extension.  Sign up for Office Hours with Mary or call 617-495-3427 with questions.

Rachael McDermott, Employer Relations Specialist
MA History

Rachael has 5 years of experience in Career Services.  In her role at HGSE, she facilitates connections between students and employers through various events and programs.  Rachael organizes two career expos each spring, bringing nearly 100 organizations to campus to meet students.  She also coordinates employer information sessions and on-campus interviews.

Rachael's role includes advising employers on the best strategies for increasing visibility among students and attracting top talent.  Through active outreach and relationship building, Rachael develops new employer connections, enhances existing relationships and creates mutually beneficial interactions between students and organizations.

Previously, Rachael worked in the Office of Career Services at the Fletcher School at Tufts University. She has also worked in high-tech public relations, advising clients on communication strategies and media relations. Rachael holds a master of arts degree in History from Tufts University. Sign up for Office Hours with Rachael or call 617-495-3427 with questions.

Valerie Sutton, Director of Career Services
MA Higher Education

Valerie Sutton has twelve years of experience in adult career counseling in the MBA and education sectors. As the Director of the Career Services Office, she manages eight staff members that focus on six major employer events, more than thirty career education programs, and various technology initiatives. The office works with each of thirteen master's programs, doctoral students and alumni, assisting over 1,200 clients annually.

Valerie's prior experience includes The Fox School of Business at Temple University, The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania, and The Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. Valerie is qualified in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, CareerLeader Assessment, and has knowledge of the Strengthsfinder Assessment.

Her interest is in training and development of individuals and teams in managing their career progression and understanding the market demands as it relates to recruitment and retention of employees. Through the use of career theory and coaching techniques, her goal is to teach individuals to take the initiative and lead the success of their career.  Sign up for Office Hours with Valerie or call 617-495-3427 with questions.