Welcome to the NYSACAC Newsletter! Please feel free to send any feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. We hope you enjoy the Newsletter!

                                                                                              - NYSACAC Newsletter Committee

any single campus or counseling office. In these moments, the voice of our community is powerful and unwavering.  NYSACAC’s advocacy efforts were championed this year by our Government Relations co chairs, Annie Stull and LaKisha Williams.  Their hard work and dedication along with the participation of our members reflect the heart of this association: professionals who care deeply, act thoughtfully, and remain committed to students across New York State. We thank all of those who participated in Legislative Advocacy Day in Albany, especially CACNY for sponsoring the transportation.  

We started the year off with Winter Institute, hosted at LeMoyne College and St Francis College.  Thank you to our participants, presenters, and our co chairs Nicole Radassao and Anthony Rinaldi.  In the months ahead, our association will continue to focus on meaningful professional development and connection. From our webinars, Middle Management Institute, college fairs, and forums to the Coming Together Conference and Annual Conference in June, we are committed to providing spaces where members can grow, collaborate, and feel supported.

I encourage you to engage fully this year—attend an event, volunteer for a committee, reach out to a colleague, or mentor someone new to the profession. These connections are what make our work both impactful and fulfilling.

As we begin this new year together, I am filled with optimism, gratitude, and appreciation for this association.  Let us continue to learn from one another, adapt thoughtfully, and stay grounded in our shared values.  I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the year ahead.  

Lauren Sangimino, NYSACAC President

Registration will open soon for the 2026 NYSACAC Coming Together and Annual Conference being hosted at Nazareth University. I extend my sincere thanks to the Technology Committee for their outstanding work on the registration form, as well as to the Annual Conference Steering Committee and the Coming Together Conference committees, who continue to meet monthly to ensure the conference is exceptional.

This year’s conference will feature several exciting updates, including a new option for Fun-raisers, a reimagined Executive Session, and new events that may become future conference favorites. Please begin visiting the conference website for more information.
Lastly, I encourage members to submit program proposals, and share their expertise with colleagues from across the state. We are still accepting grant donations to help offset 

conference costs for our colleagues, and sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations interested in promoting their services and supporting the success of the conference.
If you have any questions or ideas on how to make this your conference, please email me at [email protected].

                                                                                                 Haniya Mee, NYSACAC President-Elect

• NYSACAC President’s Award
• Distinguished Service Award – College
• Distinguished Service Award – Community-Based Organization
• Distinguished Service Award – High School
• Inclusion, Access, and Success Award

The awards nomination form takes only a few minutes to complete, and I encourage you to
consider nominating one of our many deserving members who has given back to their students.
Please watch your emails for more information regarding voting and please make sure to cast
your vote.

If you have any questions about the awards nomination process, please contact me at
[email protected]. I look forward to celebrating this year’s award recipients at our
annual conference in June.

Dave Follick, Immediate Past President

The New York State Association for College Admission Counseling is proud to recognize members who embody our mission of access, advocacy, and ethical practice in college admission counseling. This month, we are pleased to highlight Jason Miller, an exceptional school counselor at Syosset High School, whose leadership and dedication make a lasting impact on students and the profession.  

Jason joined the Syosset High School’s counseling team mid-year, taking over for a counselor who had served for decades and seamlessly stepped into the role. Students, parents, and teachers alike appreciate his caring nature and dedication to the profession. His nominator mentioned that it has been a pleasure to witness his strong commitment to students, school counseling, and meaningful collaboration with higher education.

For over 15 years, Jason has served as a counselor educator in his role as an adjunct professor in the Counseling and Development Department at Long Island University. He teaches graduate-level courses in Career Development and Evidence-Based Counseling and supervises internship students, helping to prepare the next generation of school counselors through ethical, student-centered practice.

Jason is a SUNY Master Counselor and remains deeply engaged in professional leadership. This year, he is serving as a Governor of Region 1 for the New York State School Counselor Association (NYSSCA), further demonstrating his commitment to advocacy and professional growth.

Within the school community, Jason has been an innovator, creating a College Advisory Board that reverses the traditional college–high school model by inviting colleges into their school to better understand our counseling process and student needs. He has also expanded access to college experiences by bringing college visits directly to their campus, including coordinating an overnight visit that meaningfully enhanced student engagement and college readiness.

Are you interested in nominating a colleague for our membership spotlight?

Nominate a member who deserves recognition here!

We are excited to introduce ourselves as your NYSACAC Region 2 Representatives. Morgan Theze serves as the Secondary School Representative from Mary McDowell Friends School, and Alex El Helou serves as the College Representative from SUNY Maritime College. Together, we bring extensive experience in secondary and college admissions and are committed to supporting, engaging, and connecting members across the region.

We are excited to introduce ourselves as your NYSACAC Region 2 Representatives. Morgan Theze serves as the Secondary School Representative from Mary McDowell Friends School, and Alex El Helou serves as the College Representative from SUNY Maritime College. Together, we bring extensive experience in secondary and college admissions and are committed to supporting, engaging, and connecting members across the region.

During our recent Region 2 Town Hall, we shared updates on the association and discussed several upcoming opportunities:

• Membership Growth: Individual membership increased by 14% over the past year, with a slight increase in institutional membership, reflecting strong and continued engagement across NYSACAC.
• Events: Members were encouraged to participate in NYSACAC programming, including the virtual FAFSA and TAP webinar, Winter Institute, Legislative Advocacy Day, and the NYSACAC College Fair at SUNY Maritime College, which is planning to welcome over sixty colleges and more than one thousand students. Additional engagement opportunities include the Middle Management Institute and the Coming Together Conference and Annual Conference in June.
• Getting Involved and Recognition: We emphasized the importance of participation in elections, nominating colleagues for awards, and contributing articles to the newsletter whenever possible.
• Town Hall Discussion Highlights: Attendees shared perspectives on demonstrated interest trends, the value of campus visits for competitive programs, and other timely topics impacting our work.
• More to Come: Please stay tuned for details about a spring in-person Region 2 Town Hall. We are exploring the possibility of hosting a brief meeting paired with a fundraising opportunity for Camp College and a casual happy hour gathering

We look forward to keeping Region 2 members informed, engaged, and connected. We welcome your questions, ideas, and active participation as we continue to strengthen our association together.

Nazareth University in Rochester is hosting the 2026 NYSACAC Annual Conference this June. Centered on the theme “Uniting Education and Action,” the conference will bring together 1,000+ college admission and school counseling professionals from across New York State.

As the premier professional development event for college access professionals, the NYSACAC Annual Conference offers sponsors a meaningful opportunity to support equitable pathways to higher education while gaining high-visibility exposure to key decision makers in admissions and counseling.

Sponsorship levels range from Community Partner ($2,500) to Presenting Sponsor ($30,000), with benefits that include: prominent branding, speaking opportunities, exhibit space, digital and social media recognition, and sponsored event options. Additional add-on and in-kind sponsorships are also available.

Questions? Interested in partnering with us? Contact us at [email protected].

For many young people, charting a path after high school can be a complex journey. While college is
often seen as the default, more and more students are exploring vocational training, certifications,
apprenticeships, and immediate employment. Yet navigating these options can feel overwhelming.

What if there was a resource that offered clear, accessible information for every student? Enter the
New Visions Career Directory, a powerful tool that’s reshaping how students navigate their futures.
Featuring over 300 free or low-cost career training programs—from certifications and internships to
job placement and support services—the Directory makes exploring opportunities possible in one
easy-to-use place.

“We’re solving a fundamental problem,” explained Jessica Sasko, Director of Postsecondary
Readiness at New Visions for Public Schools. “When students aren’t college-bound, the advice often
stops at ‘try a trade school,’ leaving a vast, murky landscape of options. The truth is, navigating these
pathways is incredibly challenging, with program websites often being a labyrinth of information. New
Visions is committed to being the go-to resource with our Career Directory—providing the clarity and
support we ourselves longed for when we were advising students.”

Generously launched through a grant from The Heckscher Foundation for Children in May 2024, this
free, open-access platform is a new frontier in New Visions’ commitment to empowering NYC
students with cost-effective or free postsecondary career training opportunities. Since its beta launch
in May 2024, the Career Directory has already reached over 27,000 visitors. Educators across New
York City have been trained on the Directory through partnerships with New York City Public Schools,
the Options Institute, and College Access Consortium of New York.

At its core, the New Visions Career Directory is about finding programs that are a good fit. As Whitney

Whiting-Gonzalez, Associate Director of Program Design at iMentor, explains, “The Career Directory

helps students connect their broad interests with specific programs and pathways. So, if a student

wants to be a nail technician—they might know that career title, but not the specific steps they need

to take to become one. The Career Directory helps them find the exact programs suited for that

career.”

Students can use the Directory as an interactive guide to take ownership of their learning and explore

crucial information for decision-making. Each program listing highlights key details—location, cost

and financial aid, program duration, eligibility requirements, and career pathway—making it easy to

compare options. To deepen its impact, the Directory also provides dedicated resources for students and educators, from lesson plans to 1:1 guidance tools, helping them make the most of what the

platform offers. Importantly, because counselors need both strong training and practical supports,

New Visions has also developed new quick-start videos for students and learning tools for

counselors: resources designed to complement training while making the Directory easier to use

independently.

The digital format itself is a huge advantage, as Whiting-Gonzalez notes, “Our staff has found the

New Visions Career Directory incredibly easy to use, comprehensive, and a valuable source of critical

information. They particularly appreciate that it’s not paper-based, which helps us meet young people

where they are in this age of technology.” This accessibility ensures that students can leverage the

directory effectively in their career discovery journey.

The Career Directory is preparing students for their future in a rapidly changing job market. The

landscape of post-high school opportunities is no longer a simple, singular path to college; instead,

it’s a dynamic environment where practical skills and diverse experiences are increasingly valued.

Students need nimble, accessible, and up-to-date tools to help them navigate this complex terrain.

To ensure students can access these critical opportunities, New Visions is committed to partnering

with providers across the city to maintain up to date information. In Spring 2025, New Visions

partnered with CUNY’s Office of K16 Initiatives to expand listings for free and scholarship-eligible

workforce training programs across CUNY campuses. Michael Rothman, Senior Director of Education

Pathways at CUNY, explained, “In 2025 and beyond, postsecondary success will increasingly

demand a blend of college education and practical work experience. The Career Directory is essential

for preparing students for this evolving landscape, uniquely connecting them with both academic

pathways and vital workforce opportunities, and ensuring they are ready for the future.” Ultimately,

the Career Directory ensures that students are not only prepared for academic success but also

equipped with the practical skills and credentials needed to thrive in today’s job market.

Perhaps one of the most vital aspects of the New Visions Career Directory is its commitment to

supporting equitable access to information. It levels the playing field, ensuring that all students,

regardless of their chosen post-secondary journey, have the resources to make informed decisions.

This directory helps by giving young people clear options and relevant, organized information so they

can make informed decisions with ease. It ensures the process isn’t disjointed, providing a clear path

for all students, regardless of their chosen post-secondary journey.

The New Visions Career Directory is more than just a tool; it’s a testament to the belief that every

student deserves clear, validated pathways to their future. By providing comprehensive, accessible

information and celebrating all aspirations, it truly empowers young people to navigate their post-

secondary futures with confidence and clarity.

For more information, visit the New Visions Career Directory.

As we prepare for this year’s Annual Conference at Nazareth University, the Silent Auction Committee is excited to begin the search for items to support the auction!

Each year, NYSACAC members and conference attendees are invited to participate in the Silent Auction, with proceeds funding student scholarships and the many educational and professional development programs offered through NYSACAC.

Last year, 75 unique items were offered for attendees to bid on and over $2,500 was raised for the organization! With your help, the hope is to make this year’s auction even bigger and more impactful!

If you run your own business, have connections with organizations that might be interested in supporting the cause, or would like to make a personal donation, your help in securing items for this year’s auction would be greatly appreciated. A wide range of contributions are welcome, including gift cards, swag bags, vouchers for service, and items from local businesses. Donors will have their donation, company name, logo, and a direct link to their website published on the conference website.

If you are interested in contributing or partnering, please email at [email protected]. Thank you for helping make this year’s Silent Auction a success!

Happy Bidding!

Nicole Radassao, Anthony Rinaldi, Caitlin Domagal, and Chelsea Barclay
NYSACAC Silent Auction Co-Chairs

With nearly half of all undergraduates using Federal Student Loans, it’s clear that many
students and families you’ll be counseling will be using debt as a way to help pay for
College.

But how many of them know what a loan could actually cost them – before they make
that commitment? Understanding the impact of interest rates and payment terms could
make the difference between a loan they can afford versus one that results in ongoing,
crushing debt. It could even influence which college a student selects.

Yet do you really have the time to sit down with your students and their parents and go
over that kind of complicated math? The good news is you don’t have to! Because
College Money Matters has several quick-and-easy loan estimators on its website that
show the following:

• What a given loan amount will cost to pay back over time – including how much goes to the college and how much goes to the lender
• How different monthly payments affect the amount borrowed – a good tool for determining what’s affordable
• The impact that a Parent PLUS loan may have on the family budget

These helpful calculators are all free to use, with no ads, no agenda, and no log-in
required. Just go to this link: https://collegemoneymatters.org/before-you-decide/add-
up-your-loan-costs-before-you-commit/

We hope you’ll find this page – and all of collegemoneymatters.org – to be a helpful
resource to share with your students and their families, and for you, as well.

College Money Matters’ mission is to provide free and easy-to-understand information
about paying for college to students and their families. We do not take advertisements
or sell user information. We are unaffiliated and are not selling any products or services.
College Money Matters and its website, collegemoneymatters.org, rely on contributions
and grants so that we are not beholden to private lenders, universities or other
interested parties.

Nancy Goodman

Our Winter Institute 2026 programs have concluded, and we want to extend our sincerest gratitude to our host sites, St. Francis College and LeMoyne College!

We were thrilled to be joined by over 50 new professionals between our two events this January. Our participants were able to network with one another, learn from seasoned professionals, and engage with an exciting day filled with information and community building. We hope that all who attended gathered valuable insights and are excited for their futures in our profession. We had a blast getting to know you and welcoming you all to our field. Thank you so much for joining us!

Another sincere thank you goes to our amazing presenters, who made the day engaging and informative for our attendees:

LeMoyne: Sandra Delgado, Brenna May, and Sandy Behrend

St. Francis: Jeffrey Makris, Kate Beck, Andrea Goldman, Dennis Vasquez, Jim Gibbons, Sohni Syed, Dajuan Walker, Michael Fraser, and April Thompson.

If you’re interested in getting involved with Winter Institute planning for 2027, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Whether you are interested in hosting, presenting, mentoring, or have ideas to share, we would love to hear from you!

Nicole Radassao & Anthony Rinaldi

Winter Institute Co-Chairs

The Camp College Committee is pleased to report that our student and mentor applications for this year’s Camp College program are officially live!

Camp College is a free, overnight summer program designed to support rising high school juniors and seniors as they explore the residential college experience and build confidence navigating the college admissions process. Hosted July 22–24, 2026 at SUNY Geneseo, the program centers around access, exposure, and mentorship for students at a pivotal moment in their college journey.

We are currently seeking both student and mentor applicants for our 2026 cohort.

Prospective Mentors
We invite educators, counselors, admissions professionals, and college access practitioners to consider serving as Camp College mentors. Mentors play a critical role in supporting students as they learn about college life, ask questions about the admissions process, and envision their postsecondary paths. This is a meaningful opportunity to directly impact students’ confidence, knowledge, and sense of belonging in higher education.

Professionals Working with High School Students
If you work with high school students, we encourage you to share this opportunity with rising juniors and seniors who would benefit from early exposure to college life, structured guidance, and a supportive learning environment.

To learn more, we invite you, and those you support, to attend one of our three upcoming virtual information sessions for prospective campers and mentors. These sessions provide an overview of the program, application process, and ways to get involved.

Sessions will take place on the following dates: 

• Thursday, February 19th, 7-8pm
• Wednesday, March 11th, 7-8pm
• Wednesday, March 25th, 7-8pm

Applications for both campers and mentors are due April 2, 2026.

 
Click here to learn more, register for an upcoming information session, donate, apply, or get a copy of our flyer to share with your network!

Devin Hott & Tiarah Vergara

Camp College Co-Chairs

For more than 20 years, NYSACAC has been my professional home. I’ve served in several leadership roles, including as past president, but one of the most meaningful ways I’ve stayed connected to our mission is through mentoring. Supporting people who are new to our field while helping them build confidence, sharpen skills, and find their footing has always been the most energizing part of this work for me. That’s why serving as a mentor with Summer Institute was truly a highlight of my year.

From the moment the program begins, it’s clear that the goal is not perfection, but growth. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, test ideas, and learn from both experienced mentors and one another. The activities are grounded in practical skill development, filled with real scenarios, thoughtful discussions, and collaborative problem-solving, while also emphasizing the importance of building a professional network that continues long after the program ends.

One of the main focal points of the program is time spent in mentor groups, where participants deliberate as an “admissions committee” and review candidates for admission to a university. These conversations are always fascinating. Hearing different perspectives, shaped by varied roles, institutions, and lived experiences, adds depth to the discussions and mirrors the real-world complexity of our work. It’s in these moments that learning feels most authentic and impactful.

What stood out to me most this past summer was the caliber and diversity of the participants. They came from a wide range of backgrounds, including CBOs, public and private high schools, colleges and universities, urban and suburban communities, and from all across New York, with some even traveling from out of state. They were genuinely curious and eager to learn, not just from the mentors, but from one another. Watching participants gain confidence over the course of the week and seeing bonds form so naturally was incredibly rewarding.

Summer Institute offers the best of both worlds: practical learning and authentic connection. In addition to mentor groups, there are breakout sessions, presentations from industry leaders, and plenty of opportunities to connect through fun social gatherings. Last summer’s program was hosted at Marist University, a beautiful and welcoming campus that provided the perfect backdrop for productive days and memorable evenings.

Greg Wasserman, Summer Institute Co-Chair

“Cultivating Resilience”

Join professionals from both sides of the desk as we explore methods to cultivate resilience among college-going students and counseling/admissions staff, including fostering belonging, reducing burnout, and turning stress/hardship into resilience.

Four dates/locations:

• Tuesday, March 10th hosted by Utica University, in Utica, NY
• Thursday, March 12th hosted by Russell Sage College, virtually via Zoom
• Tuesday, March 17th hosted by Farmingdale State College, in Farmingdale, NY
• Wednesday, March 25th hosted by Vaughn College in Flushing, NY

Want your content featured in our next newsletter? Send your updates and content to us at [email protected]

Contact Info:

New York State Association for College Admission Counseling

P.O. Box 28

Red Hook, NY 12571

[email protected]