Stephen Rebello
Director
Steve provides leadership for the program and oversees the functions of SSS. Additionally, Steve is engaged in the campus community through various committees, boards and volunteer opportunities where he is able to advocate for SSS and the students in the program. Steve works hard to create and maintain key collaborations across campus that help to best support our students. Armed with over a decade of experience in the field of education, a Bachelor of Science degree in biology education and a Master of Science degree in environmental and outdoor education, he is ready to help students overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.
Marissa Zelman
Associate Director
Marissa hails from the city of bright lights (otherwise known as Brooklyn) and ventured up north to in pursuit of her BA in English, euphorically trading in NYC skyscrapers, bodegas, and subways for fresh air, snow forts and carousels. Marissa found her passion for education while teaching for EOP's Summer Program ( Enrichment Program) for many years, ultimately earning her Master of Arts in Teaching degree in English. She provides academic, personal and career counseling as a Senior Academic Counselor, and leads the SSS Academic Advising Team. Marissa teaches the CDCI 395 TRIO Mentor Training Internship Course; manages the SSS Peer Mentorship Program; and oversees the SSS Summer Program (S4P). An avid advocate for first-generation college students, Marissa is Co-Founder and Chair of the BFirst Committee, a volunteer group of first-gen professionals who run programming for the first-gen community on campus. Off campus, you may see her exploring local farmer's markets, First Friday Art Walks, poetry events, and art & music festivals.
Jazmine Powell
Assistant Director, Senior Academic Counselor
Jazmine was born and raised in and received her BS in Human Development and MS in Student Affairs Administration from . She was inspired to pursue her master's degree after completing an internship during her undergrad working with at-risk students at High School. Through this experience, Jazmine discovered her passion for helping students in their pursuit of higher education. She began working with TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) as a graduate assistant and continued her professional career with SSS after graduation. Jazmine also teaches UNIV 103 and enjoys reading (especially fantasy 🧙♂️) and spending time with friends and family.
Jessica Midyette
Academic Counselor
Jess is a native who graduated from High School. For her bachelor’s degree she attended University at Buffalo via EOP and double majored in African American Studies and Psychology. Throughout her undergraduate experience she became quite passionate about access to college and helping other students through their college journey. She has since graduated from ’s MS Student Affairs Administration program, which further empowered her with tools to provide support for students during their undergraduate careers. She is very passionate about preserving and learning about Black History and culture in the United States. In addition, she enjoys discussing topics surrounding diversity, intersectionality and is a huge advocate for SELF-CARE and mental wellness/wellbeing. When she takes her higher education hat off, she is a mother of two. She also enjoys spending time with her family, being outside (when the weather allows for it), reading self-help books, watching anime and journaling.
Pedro Alarcon
Academic Counselor
Pedro is from Nyack, NY and transferred to in the Fall of 2020. He graduated with a B.S in Human Development in 2023 and is currently pursuing his Master in Social Work. Pedro wants to become a faith based mental health counselor and help out the underrepresented population with opening his own practice. Pedro will be assisting with an academic counselor caseload, mentorship assistance, alumni work, event help, and more! Away from SSS, Pedro is a guitarist for the worship team for both Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (BingIVCF) and Globals Medical Missions Alliance (GMMA). Additionally, Pedro loves to listen to music and play instruments. He also loves to learn languages and play sports.
Christina Taylor
Academic Counselor
Christina is native to Poughkeepsie, NY, and came to for a BS in Biology while actively participating in BING|TRIO SSS. She then pursued an MS in Biomedical Anthropology while working as a Graduate Assistant for BING|TRIO SSS. Throughout her academic journey, Christina wanted to follow a career path that would fulfill her passion for helping others. Therefore, after achieving her graduate degree, she received the opportunity to pursue her passions as a BING|TRIO SSS Academic Counselor. She provides academic, personal, and career counseling. Outside of being an Academic Counselor, Christina enjoys watching movies at the local AMC and going on road trips with friends.
Leah Heglas
Academic Counselor
Leah was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and received her bachelors of science in Environmental Geoscience with a concentration of atmospheric and oceanic sciences from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, near Allegheny National Forest. During her time in undergrad, she conducted research, did an archaeological dig, was a part of a sorority (Phi Sigma Sigma), and was a TRIO SSS student. Her senior year she worked as a TRIO SSS ambassador, which was the catalyst for her later to go get her masters degree in higher education and try to work professionally for a TRIO SSS program. Leah went on to get her first masters degree from in Public Archaeology and then her second masters degree in higher education from Geneva College of Pennsylvania. Her research while getting her second masters degree was focused on 4-year SUNY institutions in New York State. She still enjoys learning about archaeological research, specifically about the French and Indian War.
Gabbi diSpirito
Academic Counselor
Gabriella (Gabbi) is originally from Utica, NY. She is a first-generation student and an alumna of the TRIO programs Upward Bound and Student Support Services. She has received an AS in Liberal Arts & Sciences with a mathematics concentration from Mohawk Valley Community College, a BA in Urban & Public Policy from the University at Buffalo, and an MS in Higher Education Administration from Buffalo State University. Gabriella has a passion for working with all students and has strived to holistically support students; she has worked in various aspects of college life, from accessibility services, to the President’s Office. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, creating coding projects, and playing basketball in her free time.
Alicia Hibbard
Learning & Engagement Specialist
Alicia was born and raised in . While neither of her parents received Bachelor’s degrees, they both valued education and they encouraged her to attend college. Alicia received her Bachelor's degree from SUNY Oneonta with two majors in Human Ecology and Art and a minor in Business/Economics. She received academic scholarships to attend and also worked as a residential advisor. After graduating, she began working in marketing. While she loved the design work, she didn’t feel like she was making a meaningful difference, so she decided to get back into higher education. She received her MS in Student Affairs Administration in December 2020. Her passion is to help students discover their path and help to break down any barriers that stand in their way to achieving their dreams. She is primarily responsible for coordinating the office's tutoring program and collaborating with different offices across campus to bring resources closer. Alicia currently teaches the CDCI 395 tutoring internship course which trains future SSS tutors. She is a mother to a little boy and she loves many things including cooking, singing, escape rooms, puzzle games (not puzzles though lol), traveling, hiking, mountain biking, graphic design, and crafty activities.
Please email to set appointments!
Josh Perry
Data Manager
Both in and out of the office, Josh is a man of many hats. In the office, he is responsible for maintaining the online presence of the office through the website, social media and e-mail; and managing data and analysis for TRIO SSS. Josh has a background in music and history, with a Bachelor of Arts in music from SUNY Oneonta. He ultimately switched from a master's degree in music history to earn his Master of Science in Student Affairs Administration (with a focus on advising and leadership) from University. Outside work, Josh is an avid gamer, musician, traveler, crafter, and he's busy learning and practicing Spanish.
Please email to set appointments!
Ruthie Baah
Graduate Assistant
Born and raised in Syracuse, NY, Ruthie is a central New York native. Coming from a Ghanaian household, education was heavily pushed. Ruthie’s passion for helping others, especially underrepresented groups, has always been a driving force. She received her A. A in Humanities and Social Science and transferred to in the Fall of 2022. She graduated with a B.A. in Sociology in 2024 and is pursuing her Master of Public Administration. With the MPA degree, Ruthie hopes it will broaden her perspective on student and university issues and the tools and strategies to address them effectively.
Jorge Diaz
Graduate Assistant
Jorge was born in the Dominican Republic and immigrated with his family to New York. Since, he has graduated from with a B.S. in Financial Economics and is currently pursuing his Masters in Business Administration. He wants to pursue a career in the world of finance and consulting and eventually open his own business. He is interested in hiking and working out and strives to find a balance between a healthy and fulfilling life. He will be available for individual meetings, walk-in advising, and will love to chat about what you want to do in the future.