Frontline Perspectives: A Panel Discussion Series & Mixer
Frontline Perspectives: A Panel Discussion Series
Charting Your Course Through Expert Insights
About the Series
Frontline Perspectives is a dynamic panel discussion series designed to inspire students, prospective students, and others exploring career opportunities. This series brings together accomplished professionals from diverse fields to share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes. With a focus on real-world insights, actionable advice, and thought-provoking conversations, each event aims to empower attendees to navigate their academic and professional paths with confidence.
About the Event
Join us for an engaging evening with PAU alumni from diverse professional backgrounds to learn about the many ways you can use your degree to make an impact. You'll hear lessons learned from real experience and advice on what questions to ask yourself (and others) as you continue your journey! * Mixer before and after the panel will be in-person only. Virtual attendees are welcome to join via Zoom for the Panel Q&A from 6–7pm.
Agenda
5:30 PM Doors Open
5:30 - 6:00 PM Mixer
6:00 - 6:05 PM Opening Remarks (*hybrid)
6:05 - 7:00 PM Panel Q&A (*hybrid)
7:00 - 7:30 PM Post-event Mixer (In-person attendees only)
About the Panelists
Madison Ledda-Simmons, LMFT earned a Master's in Counseling from Palo Alto University (2022) and a Bachelor's in Psychology with a Business Administration minor from the University of Nevada, Reno. She gained experience through internships at Anchor Psychology Inc. in San Jose, CA, and as a Behavioral Technician working with children on the autism spectrum. During practicum at CHAC, Madison worked with both children and adults in various settings. After graduation, she continued as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, completing licensure hours. She is now a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, serving clients aged 5 and older who struggle with anxiety, depression, life transitions, ADHD, parent-child relationships, sibling relationships, divorce and more.
Kristel Nazzal, Ph.D. has spent the past decade at Palo Alto University, driven by a passion for building and expanding initiatives that create lasting impact for students and the community. She has helped direct educational programs, including the Master’s in Psychology and undergraduate programs, taught in the Counseling and Psychology departments, and was the founding director of the university’s teaching and learning center, the Center for Educational Excellence. More recently, her work has focused on fostering transparent communication as well as supporting PAU’s strategic planning initiatives. Now, as a member of the President’s Office staff, Dr. Nazzal leads executive communications and works to advance and formalize external partnerships and governmental relations. In addition to her work at PAU, she has applied her expertise in various roles—previously building a psychology wing for a chronic pain clinic, developing corporate wellness trainings, and providing career coaching. More recently, she has consulted on creating cultures of care. Through every endeavor, her mission remains the same: to apply psychological science in ways that create structures, shape perspectives, and empower people to thrive.
Why Attend?
- Learn from Industry Leaders: Gain insights from accomplished professionals who are making a difference in their fields.
- Explore Career Opportunities: Discover new pathways, expand your knowledge, and gather inspiration for your career journey.
- Get Practical Advice: Hear firsthand about the challenges, strategies, and successes that shaped our panelists’ careers.
- Network and Engage: Connect with peers, alumni, and industry experts in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Presented By
The Palo Alto University Alumni Association, in collaboration with the Student Success Center.
For questions or additional information, please contact Alumnirelations@paloaltou.edu.
We look forward to seeing you there!