Teresa Massoels
Director
How long you’ve been with MSOE Career Connections Center: Since November 22, 2021
Professional background/history:
I started my career as a Software Engineer at Bethlehem Steel and then taught Computer Science and Business (Management & Marketing) at Saint Joseph’s College (IN). After moving to Milwaukee I had the pleasure of being the Assistant Director at the Marquette School of Business and the Senior Career Advisor and MBA Recruiter at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Lubar School of Business. I was excited when I had the chance to join the Career Connection Center at MSOE as the Associate Director of Employer Relations and Data Analysis.
Current Role description:
As the Director, my goal is to ensure that our team in the office is more than just a resource – it is a home for professional growth. We take immense pride in hosting premier career fairs and providing great service to students and employers.
Whether we are working with first-year students starting their major or with seniors preparing for their first big role, our doors are open. We are committed to a student-centered approach where every individual feels seen, supported, and empowered to build the future they have always imagined.
It is exciting to collaborate with companies and organizations that want to offer internships, co-ops and full-time employment opportunities to MSOE students and alumni.
Personal: born, raised, sports, hobbies, interests, family, etc.:
I grew up in Highland, Indiana and went to school at Bishop Noll Institute. After high school I went on to received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Saint Joseph’s College (IN). While working at Bethlehem Steel I earned my Masters in Business Administration from Indiana University.
I am blissfully married to Bill Massoels and the mother of Patrick, Samantha, and Megan. When not spending time with family or attending MSOE Cross Country and Track & Field meets, I love watching college and professional sports. I have been to a game at 13 different MLB parks and plan on going to even more. My heart will always cheer for the Chicago White Sox and Saint Louis Cardinals, but one can’t help but cheer for the Milwaukee Brewers when you live in the city of Milwaukee. Having cheered for the Green Bay Packers the entire time we lived in Indiana with our family (surrounded by Bears and Colts fans) it is nice to be in Milwaukee during football season.
Allison Katula
Assistant Director of Career Development & Coaching
How long you’ve been with MSOE Career Connections Center: Since April 1, 2024
Professional background/history:
As a lifelong learner, educator, and coach, it is a privilege to invest in the development of others just as others have invested in my career success. I earned my M.S. in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from UW-Milwaukee while working as the VP/COO of a nonprofit healthcare organization. After devoting most of my career to leading people and organizations, I sought my certification in professional coaching from UW-Madison. I recently received my SHRM Certified Professional credential and am working towards my coaching credential from the International Coaching Federation.
I am dedicated to supporting diversity and am proud to advocate for an inclusive workforce. In my last role, I developed and presented training and resources about neurodiversity in the workplace, giving employers strategies for attracting, hiring, and retaining neurodivergent talent. By tapping into a wide range of personal and professional experiences, I aim to support the career aspirations of all students at MSOE including those identifying as autistic or neurodivergent.
Current role description:
MSOE students and alumni can use Handshake to make an appointment with me for career coaching or see me during drop-in hours. I support students with resume optimization, networking skills through Handshake and LinkedIn, career fair preparation, job search strategies and interviewing skills. I am also happy to help you review and evaluate job offers.
Personal:
Before all else, I am the mom to two amazing kids. If we’re not watching movies, cooking shows, or playing video games, we are probably walking our dog Rosie or enjoying the outdoors. In my spare time I like to write, crochet, and learn something new. I am a lousy gardener, but I’m trying! I grew up close to New York City and I have lived and worked in a number of cities, but none compare to my adopted home of Milwaukee.
Kara Scala
Administrative Assistant
How long you’ve been with MSOE Career Connections Center: Since September 27, 2024
Professional background/history:
My entire employment history has revolved around the field of education. I obtained my teaching degree from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL. I returned to my home state of Wisconsin for my first job in Two Rivers. After a decade of teaching at the middle school level, my husband and I relocated to the Milwaukee area where I have taught at the high school level until recently. I have been lucky enough to teach at a wide variety of schools: rural and urban, private and public, large and small. Being exposed to such a diverse student population has helped me grow as an educator and a human. The last several years my focus has been on helping my juniors and seniors with transitioning to their post-secondary paths. Moving to a position with the Career Center seemed like a natural next step in my own journey.
Current role description:
As the administrative assistant, I am the first face you see when you enter the Career Connections Center. I do my best to make sure the days of my team members run as smoothly as possible. I also help students and employers reserve interview rooms, check students in for appointments, and point students in the direction of our well utilized Career Closet.
Personal:
I was raised in the small Northeastern town of Peshtigo. The entire population of Peshtigo is smaller than the student body here at MSOE! My husband and I met in college and have been together for over 30 years. He was born and raised in the Northwestern suburbs of Chicago and currently works for a small, local IT firm. We spend our free time attending Admirals games, volunteering with local animal rescue organizations, going to plays and musicals, and relaxing with our pups. Both of our pups are rescues, one came to us through a local group, and one came from Toronto, Ontario (although she originates from the city of Bogotá, Colombia!).
Udari Kankanamalage
Career Coach
How long you’ve been with MSOE Career Connections Center? Since July 21st, 2025
Professional background/history:
I have over 10 years of experience in the field of education, and I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies from Carroll University in Waukesha, as well as an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Waukesha County Technical College. I began my career as a daycare teacher, which then led me into the public school system, where I worked as a special education paraprofessional and later as a high school library secretary. I also have experience working with undergraduate students during my college time as an intern.
My experience is widespread, helping students both in general education settings as well as special education settings. I truly enjoy working with students, and my journey has expanded to all age groups from infants to undergraduates, where I have had many opportunities to work with a diverse student population.
As an educator, I make sure that each individual learner gets an opportunity to build their confidence while preparing them to explore the complex world with empathy and resilience. I am excited to join the MSOE Career Connection Center as a Career Coach to help students succeed in their career journey!
Current Role description (both student & employer services):
As the Career Coach at MSOE Career Connection Center, students can meet me during drop-in hours to get help with career coaching. I support students with resume optimization, career fair preparation, interview skills, job search, and networking skills.
Personal: born, raised, sports, hobbies, interests, family, etc.:
During my free time, I love to read, and I will spend hours sitting in front of my sewing machine while listening to music. Sewing is something I learned from my grandma and my mom, so it’s a hobby that’s very close to my heart. I’m also a proud mom, and my husband works as a computer systems engineer. We have an amazing dog named Bruno, a Golden Retriever, and we are thinking of training him to be a therapy dog so that others can have the chance to meet him as well. As a family, we love to travel, and our goal is to visit every state in the USA one day. So far, we have been to 28 states.
