SDS Staff |
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Calendar of Events
Merril D. Parra, Director
Merrill D. Parra has worked in the field of higher education for more than thirty years. She currently serves as the director of Student Disability Services and Veterans/Reservists Affairs, and is overseeing the revitalization of the current program for veterans at Lehman. Prior to coming to Lehman College, she served as the director of the national model Homebound Program (T.R.I.O.) at Queensborough Community College. As a pioneer in distance learning, Parra has worked closely with the faculty to offer innovative methods of course delivery for students with disabilities who are unable to attend classes on a college campus. She has served on many committees at the local, state, and national levels and is well versed on issues confronting low income and first generation students from diverse backgrounds. Parra is a grant writer, an educator, and advocate for independent living, having served in the Board of Directors for the Queens Independent Living Center for fifteen years. She worked to establish a part time T.A.P. program for students with disabilities, and served on N.Y.SE.D.’s Task Force for the implementation of the E-Text legislation (Chapter 219). Parra earned a B.A. in sociology from Queens College and a Master's in Social Work from Columbia University.
Jill Roter, Assistant Director
Jill Roter comes to Lehman College with a decade of combined experience in higher education, technology, and disability issues. Prior to Lehman she was employed for eight years as a writer, editor, and producer, most notably at Columbia University here in New York and at Macworld Magazine in San Francisco. Ms. Roter also worked with the veteran population while at the West Haven VA Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center, teaching safe travel and long-cane skills to veterans who are blind or visually impaired. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Pennsylvania State University and her master’s in special education with a concentration in orientation & mobility (a division of blind rehabilitation) from San Francisco State University.
Doreen Patrick, CUNY Office Assistant
Doreen Patrick began working as a CUNY Office Assistant for the Office of Student Disability Services in November 2006. Previously she worked for the Payroll Office at Lehman College and after four years felt it was a time for change. Prior to coming to Lehman she had worked in the Nursing Department at Bronx Community College. She enjoys helping students and provides many services including registration assistance, testing accommodations and other services as needed. She also performs office duties. It brings her great joy to help others in need. She is inspired by people with disabilities and they give her the encouragement she needs to continue her studies here at Lehman College. Previously, she attended Baruch College earning 25 credits. Doreen plans on majoring in Social Work or Health Sciences.
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Marlyn Arce, CUNY LEADS Counselor
Marlyn Arce began working in the Office of Student Disability Services in November 2008 as a counselor for the LEADS (Linking Employment, Academics & Disability Services) project. This project is a unique and innovative collaboration between CUNY and VESID (Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities) which will help students prepare for entrance into the workforce once they have completed their undergraduate studies. Prior to working in the SDS office, Ms. Arce worked as a Vocational Specialist in a Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program for three years, helping the patients to realize personal goals and maximize their physical, emotional, social, intellectual and vocational potential. Ms Arce graduated from Lehman College in 2005 with a BA in Psychology. She then went on to Hunter College to receive her M.S.Ed in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2007, in the same year she became a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).
Francisco Valverde, Alternative Textbook Coordinator
Francisco is a senior at Lehman in pursuit of a Bachelors Degree of Science in Computer Information Systems. After he receives his Bachelors, he would like to continue his education to obtain a Masters degree in Education/ Institutional Technology. Francisco has been an employee at the Office of Student Disability Services since January ‘06 and takes great pleasure in his work. He is the Coordinator of Alternate Textbooks (includes electronic and audio textbooks) and also facilitates workshops on how to use the Lehman Email, Registration system, blackboard and much more. Francisco enjoys helping others in need, interacting with students and faculty, and takes satisfaction in completing a job well done. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with friends and family and learning as much as possible about computers. Francisco’s dream is to continue working in the disability field and one day open his own business and community service center.
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Glendaly Rodriguez, Notetaker Coordinator
My name is Glendaly Rodriguez and this is currently my fourth year at Lehman College. My major is Computer Information Systems. I have been part of the staff here at the Office of Student Disability Services since August 27, 2007 as a Peer Educator. I am now the Notetaker Coordinator. I understand the help and commitment of this office and I look forward to lending a helping hand to the students who are registered with our office and my fellow staff members. I am dedicated to my work here at the Office of Student Disability Services and as a student of Lehman College. I am extremely family oriented and enjoy the company of friends and my loved ones. My Lehman College experience continues to become more exciting and challenging and I look forward to embracing every experience.
Desiree Nicole Ocasio, CUNY CAP
Newly appointed CUNY CAP Desiree Nicole Ocasio, received her
Bachelor’s Degree from Hunter in History ’09. She is currently working
toward her Master’s Degree in Adolescence Education in History at
Hunter College and hopes to become a high school history teacher.
She previously worked at Hunter College’s SEEK Department as a
college assistant tutoring students in a wide range of courses such
including history, sociology, English, and Africana/Puerto Rican/Latino studies.
Desiree understands hectic college life. She enjoys working
with students and always goes above and beyond to make sure that
they are aware of the services available to them.
Miguelina Lopez, Peer Educator
Miguelina Rosa Lopez is an upper junior at Lehman College pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Geology. She is a Peer Educator and an Education minor. After she finishes her Bachelors Degree she wants to continue her studies and pursue a M.S.ED in Science Education. She also wants to obtain an advanced certificate: Bilingual Extension together with her M.S.ED so that she can teach Earth Science to ELL (English as second language) students. Her ultimate goal is to become a Geology professor with a specialization in mineralogy, she loves rocks. She likes to keep herself busy and when she has to complete a task she likes to put all her energy in it and complete the task on time. She enjoys reaching out to others, having a good relationship with her coworkers, and offering help to those in need. On her free time she likes to spend time with her family, go to the movies, and watch TV.
Letricia Brown, Peer Educator
Letricia is a psychology major in her senior year at Lehman College. After completing her undergraduate studies, Letricia plans to dedicate her graduate education to occupational therapy. With a Masters in occupational therapy, Letricia will be able to efficiently help individuals with disabilities overcome limitations, allowing them to live an independent life. In the past Letricia has worked with children with learning disabilities, older adults with physical disabilities and will serve as a mentor to students with autism in Fall 2009. Letricia feels blessed to have the opportunity to work with the Office of Student Disability Services, which permits her to continue doing what she loves the most, helping those in need.
Trevor Laurence Jockims, Tutor
Currently an adjunct Professor in the English Department of City College, Mr. Jockims has extensive experience as a College Lecturer and Writing Tutor. He has worked with ESL students, CPE prep., and a wide-range of students across The City University of New York campuses.
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