Contact the W.E.S. Team

With over two decades in higher education—over ten of those at Jefferson College—I believe that learning never stops and that local connections drive real change. Holding a Master’s in College Student Personnel alongside Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Anthropology, my background shapes how I understand people, build relationships, and support individual success.

In my role with Workforce & Employment Services (WES), I focus on understanding our region's economic needs and crafting opportunities that help individuals build skills, confidence, and career pathways. Community partnership is at the heart of everything I do. I’m proud to collaborate with businesses across the county, serve on the Jefferson Franklin Consortium’s Business Services Team, stand as a founding member of the Partnership of Industry and Education, and oversee the Missouri One Start program.

At home, life is happily busy with my husband, our four kids, and six pets. In my free time, I love hiking, rock collecting, and getting lost in a great book.

Hi! My name is Saranda (sa-ran-da), and I am the Assistant Director of Workforce & Employment Services (WES). I have a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Western Washington University, which is my home state, a Master’s in Educational Leadership & Policy from the University of Utah, and this fall, I will be finishing my doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership from Missouri Baptist University! I also hold a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) through the National Career Development Association.

I love higher education and the opportunities that come from furthering one’s education. I enjoy working with students to help them figure out their career paths and assisting them in building skills to ace their upcoming job interview.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my partner and our 9 fur-babies (6 cats and 3 dogs!), reading, and watching reality television

In many ways, my career began when I started, right here at Jefferson College, as a student and a student worker. After earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southeast Missouri State University and my Master of Fine Arts from the University of Kansas, I returned to higher education. Over the years, I’ve gained experience in student records, registration, residential life, and other student-focused areas before joining Workforce and Employment Services. Whether they are exploring career options, preparing for a job, or applying to a program, I have great pride in being someone students can talk things through with. I believe student support begins with listening, understanding individual goals, and helping students build a plan that works for their unique circumstances and end goals. I put great importance on providing a welcoming, judgment-free space where students can ask questions, work through challenges, recognize their strengths, and leave with a clearer direction and a stronger set of tools.

In my non-work time, I can usually be found spoiling my cat and enjoying the creativity process as well as diving into being ridiculous over my favorite works of fiction and music.