Kerri Carlson Anderson
Director of Career Services
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
As Director of Career Services, Kerri provides leadership and oversight for career development across all of our campuses. In this role, she leads strategic initiatives that enhance the student experience and collaborates with faculty and staff to drive career readiness and outcomes. Additionally, Kerri builds key external partnerships that create avenues for experiential learning and employment, including our annual career and internship fair and Cardinal Career Prep—a signature program providing students the opportunity to practice interviewing and receive resume feedback from employers.
Kerri has had the privilege of spending her career to higher education, with extensive experience in career development, admissions, advising, and new student orientation. Her professional journey includes work at St. Kate’s, Minneapolis College, Inver Hills Community College, Normandale Community College, Oregon State University (the Beavers, not the Ducks!), and the University of St. Thomas.
Education
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M.S. in Counseling & Student Personnel – College Student Development | Minnesota State University, Mankato
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B.S. in Office Administration | Minnesota State University, Moorhead
A Little About Me
Born and raised in Bloomington, MN, Kerri currently lives with her husband, Tom, and their miniature long-haired dachshund, Little Nugget. Outside of work, she loves traveling, photography, curling up with a good book, and enjoying games and quality time with those she loves—especially road trips with her husband to discover fun new places. Kerri is also a proud bonus mom to her daughter, a doting aunt and godmother to her nephew, and a soon-to-be great-aunt!

The Quick Stats
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StrengthsFinder Top 5: Relator, Connectedness, Developer, Arranger, Maximizer
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Childhood Dream Job: Selling real estate
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First Job: Telemarketing for a resort
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Favorite Quote:
“The jump is so frightening between where I am and where I want to be. Because of all I may become, I will close my eyes and leap.” – Mary Anne Radmacher
Advice for Cardinals
“Get involved in at least one club or activity on campus to build connections, teamwork, and leadership skills. Just as importantly, dive into experiential learning related to your major—whether through internships, research, part-time work, or volunteering.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen that students who combine these experiences with their academics land their dream careers far more quickly at graduation. Don’t wait until senior year! Start working with Career Services on day one, and partner with us throughout your education to set yourself up for ultimate success.”
Ellie Padilla
Career Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
As the Career Advisor for Career Services, Ellie provides one-on-one (+group) career advising appointments for all current students. In this role, she creates workshops and events based on student interest and labor market trends. She is always open to collaborating with faculty & staff and campus clubs to develop specialized programing. Ellie also supports Winona students through the internship for credit process.
Ellie’s work history all has one thing in common: support and care for others. Prior to joining Saint Mary’s she was working as a mental health counselor for a small private practice. She brings the same person-centered approach to her advising appointments to ensure everyone feels safe and understood as no life or career path will look the same.
Education
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M.S. in Counseling & Student Personnel – Mental Health Counseling | Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN
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B.A. in Psychological Sciences | Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter, MN
A Little About Me
Ellie grew up in the small town of Spring Grove, MN (not too far from Winona) – you may have heard of it from the Spring Grove Soda Pop which makes an appearance at the MN State Fair! Ellie now lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, Jacob, and their cat, Barley. Barley is part Norwegian Forest Cat, so he is a big boy!

Outside of work, Ellie can be found trying out a new craft project, playing board/video games with friends & family, or baking new recipes. She and her husband also love exploring locally and look forward to a nice walk after the workday.
The Quick Stats
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StrengthsFinder Top 5: Intellection, Relator, Empathy, Discipline, Developer
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Childhood Dream Job: Veterinarian or Photographer
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First Job: Babysitter & Waitress
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Favorite Quote:
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye” – The Little Prince
Advice for Cardinals
“Pay attention to your reactions throughout your academic journey. Did a course surprise you by how much you actually liked it (or maybe disliked)? Reflect on which elements stood out to you. Each of these data points can help you learn more about yourself, and what you may want for your career journey.
Some career advice that has stuck with me is the reminder that in an interview you are also seeing if the company is a fit for YOU. Ask the questions that matter to you and trust yourself in your decisions.”
Kaitlyn Yang
Marketing & PR Student Intern
Meet Kaitlyn, SMUMN Class of ’27
Kaitlyn is studying Marketing and Business Intelligence & Data Analytics and also pursuing a Public Relations & Digital Media minor.
As the Career Services’ Marketing and Public Relations intern, she is in charge of:
- Writing up emails and posts for our social media pages
- Creating advertisement visuals for our workshops and events
- Tabling with our materials to reach students
- And more!
Fun fact: Kaitlyn can play guitar, ukulele, and cello! 🎻