Our Team

The people behind Career Compass

Coaches, coordinators, and community leaders across Louisiana, all working toward the same thing: every student having a real plan for what's next.

Executive Leadership

Kacy Edwards & Julie Scott

As co-founders, Kacy Edwards and Julie Scott are incredibly proud of the impact Career Compass continues to make in the lives of students across Louisiana. What began in 2006 with a simple mission, helping students gain access to education and training opportunities beyond high school, has grown into a statewide effort reaching thousands of students, families, schools, and communities each year.

This past school year alone, Career Compass served more than 65,000 students across Louisiana through individualized coaching, college and career awareness, graduation planning support, work-based learning, and postsecondary transition services. Whether a student plans to attend a university, enroll in technical training, join the workforce, or pursue military service, Kacy and Julie's shared goal is to help every one of them move forward with confidence and a clear plan for the future.

Kacy Edwards and Julie Scott, Co-Founders of Career Compass of Louisiana

Kacy Edwards & Julie Scott

Co-Founders & Co-Executive Directors

Kacy spent nine years teaching at Tara High School and holds a bachelor's degree in History (1997) and a master's in Curriculum and Instruction (2005), both from Louisiana State University. As Co-Executive Director, she focuses on organizational and personnel development.

Julie spent eight years teaching at Tara High School and holds a bachelor's degree in social studies education from Southeastern University (1999). As Co-Executive Director, she leads strategic growth and operations.

Together, Kacy and Julie have received numerous accolades, including the Baton Rouge Business Report's "Top 40 Under 40" recognition and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation's "Angel Award" for their service to Louisiana's youth.

Statewide Services Team

Coaches & Regional Coordinators

Darelle Bergeron

Regional Coordinator, Southeast Louisiana

With Career Compass since 2009 · M.A. Education, LSU · Centerville High School alum

"Being a Career Compass coach is the best job ever because I get to help students develop a plan for success for their future. I become their number one fan, encourager, and helper."

Crystal Burch McKnight

Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships

With Career Compass since 2012 · B.S. Psychology, M.Ed. School Counseling, Northwestern State University · Grant High School alum

Crystal joined Career Compass in 2012 as the Central Louisiana Director and has been instrumental in expanding the organization's reach ever since. Before Career Compass, she worked as a high school and junior high counselor and was one of the first college and career coaches at Central Louisiana Technical Community College. She was honored as one of Central Louisiana's "Top 20 Under 40" by The Town Talk in 2016.

Jamie Foster

Regional Coordinator, South Louisiana

With Career Compass since 2014 · B.S. Elementary Education, Southeastern Louisiana University · Archbishop Chapelle High School alum

"With all the choices, decisions, and expectations our students face, they need someone to help them make sense of it all. That's what I do. I get to help them achieve their goals after high school."

Synomen Hebert

Director of Technology

With Career Compass since 2007 · B.A. Studio Art, M.Ed. Education, LSU · Brusly High School alum

"Career Compass, as an organization, believes in making things better. Each day I ask myself, how can I make this better, on behalf of our coworkers, our partners, our school districts, and most importantly, our students."

Stephanie Moreau

Regional Coordinator (CENLA) & New Programs Coordinator

With Career Compass since 2015 · M.Ed. School Counseling · Marksville High School alum

"I love working with our students, school and district staff, industry and postsecondary partners, and our amazing Career Compass coaches. Seeing the smiles on our students' faces when they're prepared for the next chapter is one of the best feelings ever."

Dr. Chris Maggio

Beyond Graduation Project Manager

Dr. Maggio manages the Beyond Graduation program, helping high school seniors successfully transition to a local two-year or four-year university or technical community college. Before joining Career Compass, he served as the 19th President of Northwestern State University and brings 36 years of experience in education, enrollment management, and student experience.

Sydney Scott

Marketing

With Career Compass since 2019 · B.A. Marketing, Southeastern Louisiana University · St. Michael the Archangel High School alum

"I believe the key to a successful future for our state lies in the hands of our younger generations. I love working with my Career Compass family to connect with students across Louisiana so they can access what's next."

Dawn Smith

Human Resources Manager

With Career Compass since 2017 · B.S. Psychology, LSU · St. Michael High School alum

"All high school students deserve the chance to pursue a path after graduation. It's an honor to work with an organization that empowers students to find their passion and pursue their goals."

Laura Weego

Regional Coordinator, North Louisiana

With Career Compass since 2012 · B.A. Sociology & Master's of Social Work · Trinity Heights Christian Academy alum

"I truly believe our coaches are making a difference in this state, because we get to play a small part in teaching students to own their futures."

Governance

Board of Directors

Roxson Welch, JD, M.Ed.

Board Chairperson · Executive Director, Family and Youth Service Center of East Baton Rouge

Roxson Welch is a dedicated career educator with a distinguished record of community service. She is a former East Baton Rouge Councilwoman.

Tyre' Jenkins, PhD

Deputy Director, Office of Special Education, New Mexico Public Education Department

A native of Baker, Louisiana and Glen Oaks High School graduate, Jenkins was himself a Career Compass student in the organization's earlier days, receiving the coaching and support that helped him get to college in the first place. He went on to earn his bachelor's and master's degrees in education from LSU and a PhD in Educational Leadership in Urban Education from Xavier University. He founded the Dr. Tyre' Jenkins Legacy Foundation.

James Henderson, PhD

President, Louisiana Tech University

Henderson previously served as president and CEO of the University of Louisiana System, president of Northwestern State University, and chancellor of Bossier Parish Community College.

Jennifer Parks

Former Owner, The Learning Tree at Oak Grove

Jennifer Parks is a longstanding supporter of Career Compass of Louisiana and a dedicated advocate for educational advancement.

Co-Founders Kacy Edwards and Julie Scott also serve as members of the Board of Directors.

Join the Best Team Ever

Our team is made up of former teachers, counselors, social workers, and other people who genuinely like helping students figure out what's next. We work flexible schedules, keep training ongoing, and try to actually support each other, because it's hard to show up for students every day if nobody's showing up for you.

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