Meredith Armstrong
Director
MBTI: ENFJ
Clifton Strengths: Positivity, Empathy, Connectedness, Developer and Focus
Characters Values: Love, Social Intelligence, Zest, Kindness, Humility
I’m a proud Rhody Ram—URI Class of 1994 (B.A. in Psychology)—and earned my Master’s in Social Work from Rhode Island College in 1998. I’m a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) with over 26 years of experience supporting youth, families, and students.
My career began with a passion for working with young adults, sparked during my time volunteering at a teen parenting program as a URI undergrad. I spent 22 years as a School Social Worker before transitioning into higher education and workforce development. I’ve held leadership roles at Rhode Island College, including Director of Practicum Education, and worked clinically in hospitals, schools, and telehealth settings.
I’ve mentored countless undergraduate and graduate interns, always approaching my work through a strengths-based lens. Now, back at my alma mater, I’m thrilled to support career and experiential education at URI.
Outside of work, I enjoy time with my family, walking with coffee in hand, traveling, listening to music, and exploring new places.
Core Values
I lead with Positivity, a trait that shaped my work with youth and continues to guide my approach. I also value Empathy, Connectedness, and Lifelong Learning—qualities that make higher education such an exciting and fulfilling space.
Ashley Foley
Director, Pre-Health Professions
How to Meet with Ashley:
Schedule via Handshake (navigate to Career Center, then to Appointments)
MBTI: ESFJ
Clifton Strengths: Empathy, Positivity, Woo, Developer, Input
Characters Values: Love, Social Intelligence, Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence, Gratitude, Kindness
Education
Bachelor of Science, Global Tourism Management – Johnson & Wales University, Providence RI
Master’s of Business Administration (MBA), Organizational Leadership – Johnson & Wales University, Providence RI
Career Journey
You may have noticed that my undergraduate degree has nothing to do with my current role, which is the story I like to share with my students: career paths are not linear. Trying different roles and networking lead me into a career in higher education, along with my passion of helping others.
When not supporting career and experiential education at URI, you will find me: Taking or subbing a yoga sculpt class at vibe yoga studio in East Greenwich. I’m a certified yoga sculpt instructor!
What Strength, Value, or Personality trait do you identify with most and why? Input: I love to be an expert in the areas I’m working in, and am genuinely curious about most things.
Erica Cassidy
Assistant Director - Career Advising
How to Meet with Erica:
Schedule via Starfish. Feel free to email me (Erica@uri.edu) to request alternate meeting times.
MBTI: ENFP
Clifton Strengths: Activator, Ideation, Positivity, Connectedness, Woo
Characters Values: Love, Hope, Gratitude, Zest, Forgiveness
Holly Hernandez
Assistant Director - Employer Relations
MBTI: INFJ
Clifton Strengths: Clifton Strengths: Relator, Consistency, Developer, Maximizer, Harmony
Characters Values: Leadership, Love, Honesty, Kindness, Fairness
Education
M.Ed. Elementary Education, Lesley University
B.A. Sociology & Criminal Justice, University of New Hampshire
Career Journey
My career path has been unique and varied, and led me to URI about 15 years ago. Today I am proud to work as Assistant Director for Employer Relations in CCEE, where I support employers who come to campus to connect with our amazing students from all majors. My biggest piece of advice for students is to recognize that the journey will look different for everyone so keep an open mind, embrace opportunities and follow your heart!
When not supporting career and experiential education at URI, you will find me: Spending time outdoors with my family, doing DIY projects at home or on the beach with a good book!
What Strength, Value, or Personality trait do you identify with most and why? I am a Developer through and through. I work hard & expect productivity both from myself and from others. I gain satisfaction from evidence of progress, so I always look for signs of improvement-no matter how small. This helps me remember that the “glass is half full” even when the tasks seem daunting!
Sarah Miller
Assistant Director, Career Success Data
MBTI: INTP
Clifton Strengths: Input, Intellection, Learner, Responsibility, Achiever
Characters Values: Love of Learning, Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence, Curiosity, Creativity, Gratitude
Education
Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults, Certified Mindfulness Instructor
Master of Arts in Education, Concentration in Higher Education & Student Affairs, University of Connecticut
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (English, Political Science, Anthropology/Sociology), Plymouth State University
Career Journey
As an undergraduate student leader at Plymouth State, I was highly engaged in the on and off campus community, completing a 900 hr part-time term of service with AmeriCorps, in addition to working on-campus (work-study) in the Community Service Learning Center, and serving as a tour guide and orientation leader. Looking to continue supporting civic engagement and service in higher education, my first professional role was as the Events & Communications Coordinator for the Education Alliance for New Hampshire. After completing my MA at UConn I started at URI as the Coordinator for the Feinstein Center for Service Learning managing the Feinstein Experience and supporting student leaders in URI Service Corps and Civic Engagement Leaders. As my skill set and passions grew I transitioned to Assistant Director of Experiential Education to continue to support experiential education at URI, and then my current role as Assistant Director for Career Success & Data supporting a variety of data projects including the First Destination Survey, alumni career outcomes, and our Handshake platform.
When not supporting career and experiential learning at URI, you will find me: reading, outside enjoying nature and hiking, or practicing mindfulness meditation or yoga.
What Strength, Value, or Personality trait do you identify with most and why? Intellection. I truly enjoy spending eons of time thinking and exploring thoughts and ideas. Combined with Input, Learner, and Achiever, as well as Love of Learning, Curiosity, and Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence – I basically just love learning and exploring new insights and experiences. Explore thoughts, ideas, places, perspectives; Reflect and repeat. What an endlessly exhilarating cycle. I am never bored.