As a part of our commitment to preparing Fairfield County students for their futures, we are proud to work closely with Career Navigators who go out to schools, community events, and more to connect with students directly. Career Navigators are responsible for conducting outreach to our educational partners and connecting with students to help them explore their career options. Keep reading to learn more about the wonderful Career Navigators on our team and what they’re doing to support career readiness in our community.
KARIE STONE
Lancaster native Karie Stone went to Ohio University, leaving with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and earning her Master of Arts in Education from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She was an educator for 18 years, first in primary school then a Life Sciences teacher to students in grades 7-12. Wife and mother to 2 boys, she enjoys the hustle of helping others. Karie coordinates the Pre-apprenticeship Program at the Fairfield County Workforce Center. In addition, she works with Lancaster High School’s Career Connections and the ESC’s Success Center students.
HANNAH UNDERWOOD
STEM Career Navigator
Hannah is a graduate of Lancaster City Schools and now serves students in the County’s local districts. A Lancaster native, she holds a bachelor’s in education from Ohio University, a Gifted Endorsement from Malone University, and a master’s in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. Hannah works closely with students who show interest and aptitude in advanced manufacturing, guiding them through career exploration, education pathways, and connections to local industry opportunities.
CRISTA BLOWER
Crista Blower, an Ohio University Business Graduate, has lived in Fairfield County for more than 35 years. She has worked in secondary and postsecondary education for more than 20 years and has spent the last 15 years working in career and technical education serving Fairfield County students. For most people, talking about careers, marketable skills, certifications and educational pathways may not sound all that exciting but for Crista, it is her passion. Crista is currently a Career Navigator with the Fairfield County Workforce Center. In this position she is developing a hands-on career awareness program for students in grades K-8th. Crista works with students at both Thomas Ewing Junior High and General Sherman Junior High School.
BETH MINGYAR
Beth Mingyar joined the Career Navigator team in 2023 and works with students at Liberty Union, Walnut Township, Fairfield Union, Amanda Clearcreek, and Bloom Carroll High Schools. After graduating from Ohio University with a degree in finance, Beth worked as a Learning and Development Professional in the financial services industry for 20+ years. Her focus was developing Manager coaching and business development skills. Beth and her husband Dennis have 2 sons. She enjoys Pilates, pickleball, and working out.
JULIE BRUNNER
Julie Brunner joined Career Navigator team after retiring from her 34-year long career as a high school teacher and high school counselor for Pickerington Schools. Julie earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Ohio University in 1989, and her Master's Degree in School Counseling from the University of Dayton in 1991. She worked at Pickerington High School Central as a school counselor for the last 24 years, so the position of Career Navigator lines up with her experience, training and skill set. Julie loves helping students investigate what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Julie works with students at Pickerington Central, Pickerington North, and Pickerington Academy. Along with being a Career Navigator, Julie helps take care of her one-year-old granddaughter.
