Casey Miller

Executive Director, Mentoring Initiatives

Contact me at: casey.miller@jhu.edu | LinkedIn

Casey Miller is the Executive Director of Hopkins Connect, an office created to establish and grow a culture of mentoring, professional development, and connections at Johns Hopkins University. Under Casey’s leadership, Hopkins Connect develops alumni mentoring and professional development networks, digital resources, and programs for alumni and students, parents and families, employers, and faculty and staff. Casey also leads the rollout of OneHop, the university’s first mentoring platform that will connect students and alumni across the university’s nine divisions.

Joy Capers

Senior Associate Director, Mentoring Initiatives

Contact me at: jcapers1@jhu.edu | LinkedIn

Joy Capers (she, her) is the Senior Associate Director for Hopkins Connect, an office created to establish and grow a culture of mentorship, professional development, and connections at Johns Hopkins University. Her duties include working on the execution of initiatives to increase impact and brand awareness. As a first-generation college student her passion includes working with our FLI (first-generation and/or limited income) students to increase their access to alumni mentorship, develop their professional development network, and create tailored initiatives to increase the impact of their connections. She also serves as liaison to the Whiting School of Engineering, Peabody Institute, and the School of Nursing to assist all students. 

Joy previously attended Charleston Southern University where she earned an undergraduate degree in Communications and obtained her graduate degree with dual focuses in Management and Leadership/Human Resources Management from Webster University. Her credentials include being a Certified Career Service Provider (CCSP) and Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF).  

Previously working in workforce development and human services prior to higher education contributed to her experience in college access programming, career counseling, workforce development, mentorship, and project management. Prior to joining Johns Hopkins University, she served as the Assistant Director of Mentoring Programs at Virginia Tech. Where she led the rollout of Hokie Mentorship Connect, the university’s first mentorship platform that connected students and alumni for networking and career related support utilizing the PeopleGrove platform.  

She is very excited about the increasing impact of Hopkins Connect that continues to take place since originally joining the team in March of 2022. Joy looks forward to continued collaborations and the execution of new initiatives to further connect our students with alumni mentors and industry partners. 

Tessa McKenzie

Associate Director, Mentoring Initiatives

Contact me at: Tessa@jhu.edu | LinkedIn

Tessa W. McKenzie, certified as a Designing Your Life Coach and as  Career Coach by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), serves in the role of Associate Director, Hopkins Connect  (under Development and Alumni Relations and Integrative Learning and Life Design) after over 15 of experience in training, nonprofit capacity building, and branding.  Tessa served as a Life Design Educator with Johns Hopkins University’s Krieger School of Arts and Sciences as well as for students with disabilities and international students for seven years.  Prior to coaching, Tessa was Public Education Officer at the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) and served in numerous capacities, including as an AmeriCorps volunteer, regarding outreach and immigrant advocacy. 

Tessa is a survivor of Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE -swelling of the brain).  Serving as Chief Resilience Officer of at the International Autoimmune Encephalitis Society (IAES), Tessa promotes disease awareness and support AE warriors through “resilience” and mentorship education.

Kavya Dave

Project Assistant

Contact me at: kdave2@jh.edu | LinkedIn

Hi, I’m Kavya Dave, a dedicated and passionate counseling student at Johns Hopkins University. I thrive on helping others and believe in the power of empathy and understanding. My journey in clinical mental health counseling is driven by a deep curiosity about the human mind and a commitment to making a positive difference in people’s lives.

I’m an insightful and perceptive individual who values meaningful connections and open communication. My friends and colleagues often describe me as a good listener and a supportive presence, always ready with a thoughtful perspective. Creativity and critical thinking are at the core of my approach, allowing me to navigate challenges with innovative solutions and a positive outlook.

Leadership and teamwork come naturally to me, and I take pride in fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment wherever I go. I enjoy exploring new ideas and continuously learning, which fuels my enthusiasm for personal and professional growth. When I’m not immersed in my studies or clinical work, you can find me indulging in my love for creative writing, dance, and exploring new ways to develop my skills. Let’s connect and share our journeys towards better mental health and well-being!