Meet the Team
Our team of career coaches and staff are here and ready to support you along your
career journey! We strike to make sure EVERY Pepperdine student has the tools, resources,
information, and a partner in the college-to-career journey.
All student appointments can be made online through Handshake. Request an appointment with an Industry Specialist by clicking on the "Appointments" tab on the left navigation panel, then "Schedule a New Appointment."
Directors
Maile Heathertington
Director of Career Opportunities
Maile holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Communications and Production, bringing over 11 years of higher education leadership to Seaver College. As Director of Career Opportunities, she oversees employer partnerships and experiential learning programs designed to drive student success. Driven by a deep commitment to student belonging, Maile focuses on cultivating inclusive cross-functional partnerships and expanding mentorship. Fun fact: She played Division I indoor volleyball in two NCAA Tournaments, and loves cooking food from all cultures–talking about food is the fastest way to distract her for a chat!
Marla Pontrelli
Director of Career Education
Marla earned her bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Spanish, as well as a master's in Counseling Psychology, from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She joined the Seaver College Career Center in 2013 and is dedicated to working alongside her team of career advisors in serving students from a strengths-based approach. Through comprehensive career advising, skill-building workshops, and strategic collaborations across the Pepperdine community, she guides students with leveraging the full scope of Career Center resources in pursuit of their professional goals. Fun fact: Marla has visited over 35 U.S. national parks across 20 states and is always scouting for her next adventure.
Student Populations Served: Non-Profit, Social Services, and Ministry
marla.pontrelli@pepperdine.edu
Career Advisors
Sherilyn Ashena
Career Advisor
Sherilyn graduated from CSUN with a Bachelor’s Degree in philosophy and a Master's
Degree in career counseling. She’s passionate about empowering students to discover
their core values, explore their interests, and make confident career choices. Over
the years, she served in various college and university career advising roles before
joining Pepperdine in fall 2025. Outside the office, she loves spending time with
her family, taking barre classes, and watching movies with her kids. Fun fact: One
of her first jobs was teaching dance classes at the gym.
Student Populations Served: Arts, Media, Entertainment, Communications
sherilyn.ashena@pepperdine.edu
Christine Gist
Career Advisor
Christine graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a BS in Management and has a Master's in Project Management from Keller Graduate School of Management. She has 20+ years of experience in career advising and has worked for the Seaver College Career Center for the past 10 years, helping students navigate personal and professional development. Outside of the office, Christine is a devoted Atlanta Falcons fan, and enjoys puzzles, diamond painting and good food. Fun fact: While Christine graduated from Georgia Tech, she also enjoys experiencing winning seasons as a fan of The Ohio State University football team.
Student Populations Served: Accounting, Business, Finance
Lauren Alvarado McGrath
Career Advisor
Lauren is a first-generation college student and received her B.A. in Liberal Studies with a minor in Cultures and Diversity from CSUN. Since joining Pepperdine University in 2015, she worked in various roles in Human Resources before moving over to the Career Center in 2021. She is dedicated to demystifying and preparing students for the professional world, helping them navigate the job market with the confidence and tools they need to succeed. Fun fact: Lauren's sister works at Pepperdine, leading to frequent double takes around campus!
Student Pupulations Served: Pre-Law, Policy, Government, Education, and STEM
Khadijah Ojo
Career Advisor
Khadijah Ojo is Director of Pre-Health Advising at Seaver College’s Career Center and adjunct faculty. She obtained a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership from Temple University as well as a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science degree from Indiana University. As a first-generation, rural, homeschooled former pre-med student, she brings a personal understanding of students’ challenges. Dr. Ojo’s holistic, data-informed approach empowers diverse students to pursue fulfilling healthcare careers. Fun fact: She is Michael Jackson’s #1 fan!
Student Populations Served: Students of all majors interested in a career in health
Operations & Events
Madelline Abourched
Operations & Technology Manager
Madelline Abourched is a first-generation college graduate with a B.A. in Sociology from Azusa Pacific and an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Point Loma Nazarene. Serving Pepperdine’s Career Center since 2015, she oversees operations, internal reporting, and student staff development. Driven by purpose, Madelline aims to build authentic work spaces and loves teaching career development to help students connect their God-given skills with meaningful callings. Fun fact: If you catch Madelline around 3:00 p.m., there’s a strong chance she’s powered by a fresh matcha or tea!
Debra Cowart
Events Manager
Debra Cowart holds an A.A. in Liberal Arts and Interior Design, a B.S. in Marketing from CSUN, and an M.S. in Human Resources from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. As Events Manager, Debra serves all Seaver students by connecting them with employers, career opportunities, and events that support their professional growth. She is passionate about building meaningful employer relationships that create valuable connections and expand career possibilities for students. Born in Scotland and raised in Los Angeles, Debra is a snowboarder and was once a snowboarding instructor in California.