Meet the Team

Wendy Tappan joined the W. A. Franke college of Business in 2013. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from NAU and is happy to be giving back to her alma matter. After graduating from NAU she worked with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts in Southern California as a Food and Beverage Manager and Corporate Trainer. She was lucky to meet the Wyndham recruiters at an NAU career fair which began her passion for career development. Her work history include experience in hotels and restaurants, event/wedding planning, teaching at university, community college, high school, and preschool!

As Assistant Director of the FCB Career Development Office, her role is to oversee the programs and resources of the office, manage employer relations, direct career fairs, and meet with our amazing students to help them reach their career goals. Her passion is to create connections and programs for all our students to ensure they find success.

Michelle happily joined the CDO in August of 2019.  She is a twice over alumna of NAU having earned her B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management and then her M.Ed. in Counseling, Human Relations.  Applying her background in hospitality, event coordination, and advising in her position as a Career Development Coordinator continues to fulfill her passion for helping others succeed in reaching their goals. Michelle has enjoyed Flagstaff living there for over 25 years and appreciates exploring the surrounding beauty with her husband and two sons as often as possible.

Mary Anne Gerzanick-Liebowitz joined the W.A. Franke Career Development Office in August of 2018. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University majoring in Psychology. She received her MS in Athletic Counseling and Sport Psychology and C.A.G.S in Counseling and Psychological Services from Springfield College. Mary Anne brings a wealth of experience not only in career development and counseling, but she has also held positions in academic-athletic counseling, academic advising, and collegiate coaching at several Division I universities. She has had the opportunity to work with NCAA, and Olympic swimmers coaching them in sport psychology techniques, nutrition, goal setting, and training strategies. Through her varied work experiences, she has utilized her motivational speaking skills and enthusiasm for working with college students to help them achieve career, social and academic goals.

As a Senior Career Coach, she meets with students and advises them on all things career, from résumé writing to job search/internship strategies and everything in between. Additionally, she works with the College of Business Clubs and Organizations to present workshops on relevant topics and can assist in suggesting guest speakers. Participation in business clubs not only builds one’s résumé but also can help with networking and building connections which will be extremely beneficial during one’s job or internship search.  As someone who has a passion for working with college students, she enjoys helping individuals find their way in the world. The transition from College to Career can be challenging and Mary Anne thoroughly enjoys assisting NAU students with all that the Career Development Office has to offer.

Arnita Paige joined the W. A. Franke College of Business in June of 2022. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from California State University, Sacramento in Finance, and her MBA from Keller School of Management. Before retiring from public service, she worked in multiple capacities providing advisory/support services to employees, college students and public employers. Her work history includes a rich mix of business development, accounting, operations, and finance experience in government operations. She also worked as an adjunct professor and student advisor at a private college. As a Career Coach, she has a passion for helping students reach their goals to succeed. She has had the opportunity to mentor/support employees and student interns find their way in this world throughout her career.