Our Staff

Jen: Assistant Executive Director

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Jennifer is the Assistant Executive Director of the College Experience and Career Next Programs in addition to the Employment Services Department. Jen graduated from Keene State College in 2000 with an Associate Degree in Human Services and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Jen has been employed with Living Resources since 2001. She became Director of the College Experience in 2007, the Director of all Program Services for Living Resources in 2010, and was promoted to Assistant Executive Director in 2016.

Colleen: Director of College Programs

Colleen started with The College Experience in 2009 as the QIDP, teaching classes and overseeing student service plans. In 2010 Colleen was promoted to Coordinator of Student Life & Admissions for The College Experience. In this role, Colleen recruits for the program and oversees the admission process working closely with students, parents and school districts. In 2019 Colleen was promoted to Director of Admissions for both the College Experience at the College of Saint Rose and CareerNext at SUNY Cobleskill and Hudson Valley Community College. In 2021, Colleen was promoted to Director of College Programs for the College Experience and CareerNext programs. Colleen graduated from Oneonta State University with her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and from Dominican College with her Master’s degree in Special Education and Teacher of Severe and Multiple Disabilities. Prior to the College Experience, Colleen was teaching in the field of special education at a local public school district.

Megan: Senior Academic Coordinator

Megan is the Senior Academic Coordinator for CareerNext at SUNY Cobleskill, and a Professor for The College Experience Program. She enjoys planning engaging curriculum as well as encouraging students to realize their full potential. Megan graduated from Skidmore College in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in English and Women’s Studies. She earned her Master’s of Fine Arts in Writing from Goddard College in 2013. Prior to Living Resources, Megan managed her family’s tire business, worked as a domestic violence and rape crisis advocate, and taught college classes in the humanities both locally and in China. She is also a published author.

Jeff: Academic Coordinator

Jeff graduated with a BS in Business from Husson University, worked in inclusive education and educational consulting before spending 10 years in workforce development as an employment counselor and transition coordinator aiding individuals receiving services through ACCES-VR, OMH and OPWDD. Jeff most recently worked as a program assistant helping administer SUNY and DOH grant services and supports to credit and non-credit students pursing certifications and healthcare related degrees.

Jessica: Academic Coordinator at Hudson Valley Community College

Jessica is the Academic Coordinator for CareerNext at Hudson Valley Community College. As an Academic Coordinator, Jessica provides individualized support for students based on their needs. She supports students with organization, time management, editing of papers, studying for assessments and much more. Jessica has a Master’s of Education in School Counseling from Lamar University. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education from Pacific Lutheran University. Jessica has 12 years of experience in education as a middle school math, science and history teacher and as a middle and high school counselor.

Shelby: Academic Coordinator

Shelby joined Living Resources in 2020 as an Education Assistant for The College Experience. She currently works with CareerNext CHOICE students. In her role as Teacher, she enjoys fostering an environment of bi-directional learning, and continuously individualizing academic support for students as they progress in their programs. Shelby graduated from University at Albany in 2021 with a B.S. in Human Development and Sociology (Special Education concentration), and worked for the Writing and Critical Inquiry Department during her time as a student. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Empire State College. In 2023, Shelby was promoted to Academic Coordinator overseeing the CareerNext CHOICE program.

Maria: College Program Support Associate

Maria joined Living Resources in 2026 as a College Program Support Associate. In this role, Maria supports the College Experience and CareerNext programs through teaching courses and facilitating students’ academic, executive functioning, and life skill development. Maria also assists with admissions and recruitment, discussing program options with individuals and their families. Prior to joining Living Resources, Maria worked as a college and university faculty member, teaching courses in special education and psychology, and participating in research activities related to social-emotional competencies, teacher-student relationships, special educator preparation, and post-secondary education experiences for students with disabilities. Maria earned her PhD in Educational Psychology (2023) and her MS in Special Education (2016) from the University at Albany, SUNY and her BS in Childhood Education (2012) from SUNY Oneonta.

Peter: Admissions Coordinator

Peter joined The College Experience and CareerNext staff in early 2024. As the Admissions Counselor, Peter recruits for the programs and assists families in the admissions process into The College Experience at Russell Sage and CareerNext at SUNY Cobleskill, Hudson Valley Community College, and CareerNext CHOICE. Peter has over 24 years in the hospitality industry and brings that same drive for exceptional service into helping families successfully find the right college fit.