College and Career Specialist Profiles

Name: Jessica Kronen

Position: College and Career Specialist

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Personal Biography:

I was born and raised in small, agricultural communities in Northern California, and the only child in my immediate family to graduate college. I graduated from a highly holistic and well respected Psychology department at Sonoma State University in 2004, and in 2006 enrolled in their Master's level courses in Counseling Psychology.

College was the best thing that ever happened to me, and my passion lies in helping guide others on their path of postsecondary education, through removing roadblocks to the application processes and ensuring success.

Name: Hillary Saffran

Position: College and Career Specialist

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Journalism, Associate's Degree in Theater/Liberal Arts

Personal Biography:

After I graduated college, I worked in many fields, teaching in the Anchorage School District as well as owning a gift shop and a Kinderdance franchise. I used my early childcare experience to become a trainer for The Childcare Connection, which is now Thread. I also enjoyed working in the human services field, where I was employed as a case manager for Nine Star Education and Employment Services, then at Maximus Alaska Works when I moved to the Matsu Valley. Prior to this I worked as a Workforce Specialist in a large county job center in Colorado, where I assisted 56,000 unemployed clients in a three year period.

It is due to my work experiences, especially in the human services field, that I am passionate about postsecondary education and the positive life changing effects it can bring. I am also determined to finally complete my master's degree in adult education and training which was put on hold many years ago when my children were small. My position at ACPE is giving me the motivation to do so, especially when encouraging others for postsecondary education opportunities.