Step-it-Up

The Step-it-Up Program (SIU) is an academic intervention program designed to assist students struggling academically to improve their chances of persistence and graduating from Kean University. The program utilizes the students in the Counselor Education Program to mentor these students under supervision, while gaining practicum or internship experience. SIU is a highly successful program which also offers a suite of workshops to the entire college population along with those who may be at academic risk.

Carmen Rodriguez (she, her, ella) 

Class of 2021
Major: Counseling - College Counseling and Student Services (M.A.)

I chose to be a Step-It-Up coach because I am passionate about working with college students in helping them navigate the college system and resources available to them. My plan is to guide students in becoming independent and teaching them techniques to cope with adversity. 

Being a coach will allow me to connect with students and assist them in their educational journey. It will also allow me to obtain experience for my educational and career journey. 

I have worked in higher education for 10 years in different institutions and different departments. My favorite experience has been advising students and working with them one on one.

My short-term career goal is to become a full-time Academic and Personal Counselor. My long term career goal is to become a Dean of Student Services, in addition to teaching Sociology at a College Level. 

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world ."

-Nelson Mandela

Marcy Wecker Herbert 

Class of 2021
Major/Minor: Masters of Counseling, School Counseling, LPC

I chose to be a Step It Up Coach because I am interested in working with students and helping them realize their full potential while they are at Kean. I am interested in counseling students and helping them overcome issues they may face that stand in the way of their successful academic career. Step It Up has given me the opportunity to use my counseling education and practice helping others in a supportive setting.

Career/Personal Aspirations: To be a school student assistance counselor and open up my own counseling practice.

Margaret Fontana 

Class of 2021
Major/Minor: Masters in Counseling, School Counseling, LPC

I chose to be a Step It Up Coach because I am drawn to counseling students.  My career goal is to counsel children, adolescents, and young adults.  My personal experiences as a parent, support group experience for families of children in crisis and adoption, and research in trauma informed school counseling, all contribute to my approach to counseling and supporting Kean students for success.

Career/Personal Aspirations: I want to work therapeutically with children, adolescents and young adults in a school setting and establish a private practice that supports the mental health needs of this population. 

Joshua Rivera 

Class of 2021
Major: Counseling- School Counseling (M.A.)

I decided to be a Step-It-Up coach because I understand, through my own experiences, how guidance and support plays a valuable role in achieving your academic goals. I am a first-gen college graduate and can honestly say that without the guidance and support of my academic advisors, accomplishing my goals would not have ended successfully. As a Step-It-Up coach I am given the opportunity to provide the same guidance and support to students as they work towards achieving their goals. My goal as a Step-It-Up coach is to ensure that my students goals are successfully achieved.  

Career/Personal Aspirations: I am currently a Kean V.E.T.S. mentor for the Office of Veteran Student Service and a Children's Ministry Director. I am working towards becoming a Middle/High school counselor. Future career aspirations is to try international school counseling, to experience life in other countries and implement, in areas needed, school-based programs that will provide opportunities for youth. Personal aspiration is to own a Coffee Hub near a beach.  

Joshua Pennino 

Class of 2021
Kean Graduate Student - College Counseling 

I chose to be a Step-It-Up coach because being able to provide direction and encouragement to students is inspiring. Being a coach allows me to give back and offer crucial support to students, even if in seemingly small ways. I believe everyone has the potential to succeed if given the proper tools and guidance. 

 -I would eventually like to work on a college campus as a counselor or any role in student affairs that allows me to make a positive impact in students’ lives.

Maria Briffa

Class of 2021
Master of Arts in Counseling Candidate 

I chose to be an Academic Coach because I enjoy helping students navigate successfully through their academic journey. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with an innovative team who has a mission to do just that.

Future Career Aspirations: I'd like to open a private counseling office and work with LGBT+ adults.

Richard “Richie” Remoura 

Class of 2020
Clinical Mental Health Counseling

I chose to become an Academic Coach because I believe it’s the great place to make an impact on individuals.  This opportunity to help students through their academic success is on that I am very passionate about and cherish.

Future Career Aspirations: In my future, I will work with student and professional athletes in the Clinical Mental Health field.

"The effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is."

- Jim Carrey

Linda Rizzo 

Class of 2020
Major: Counseling

I chose to be a Step it Up counselor because it is satisfying and rewarding to be a part of the Step it Up team.  I am looking forward to working with Kean’s college students and supporting them in achieving their academic goals.  

Career/Personal Aspirations: I would like to travel to Europe in the future and go on road trips to each US state.  I’m interested in working with Veterans.

Karen V.  Millet 

Class of 2021
Major: Masters in Counseling - School with L.P. C. Qualification

The Step it Up Program embodies everything I am as a future counselor. I aspire  to assist all at- risk students with skills and tools to exceed their academic goals. The Step it Up program has enhanced my education and knowledge, skills in the field of counseling. This program is life changing for the students as well as myself.

Career/ Personal Aspirations: To assist children, adults and families in the field of counseling and beyond. Travel the world advocating for the importance of mental health and quality of life.

Josephine Pastena 

Class of 2022
Major: Master of Arts in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, LPC

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

We are all a work-in-progress, constantly deciding the person we want to be. I am a first-generation college graduate with a BBA in Management Information Systems. After working in the banking industry, I decided to shift gears from helping managers discover business solutions to helping individuals discover their potential. As a Step-It-Up coach, I want students to know someone cares about their struggles. Working together, we will discover their resources and potential. The goal is to empower students as they realize that the only thing you can change in any given situation is yourself.

Career/Personal Aspirations: I aspire to becoming a licensed professional counselor working with adolescents, young adults, couples and families and to eventually establish a private practice.

Melissa S. Boone 

Class 2022

Major: Counseling - School Counseling w/LPC (M.A.)

I chose to be a coach in the Step-it-Up program because it involves offering encouragement and support, while assisting others in reaching their academic goals. This program will allow me to offer my counseling education and experience to provide service for others. During my journey as a student, I was fortunate to have counselors who invested their interest and time in my academic and career goals. I know what’s liked to have that additional support which tailored to my needs as a student. 

I am passionate in working with students and I have been working in the educational field for over eleven years. My work in this field allows me to display my interest in assisting students yet witness the positive outcomes of hard work toward academic achievement. 

My career goal is to become a school counselor providing counseling for students toward college/career exploration; with a future interest in providing counseling in trauma-focused situations.

Christine Ha 

Class of 2022

Major: Master of Arts in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, LPC

Being an undergraduate is an exciting time to explore the potential within yourself.  I chose to be a Step-It-Up coach because I want to help guide students to a positive and rewarding experience while they pursue their academic goals.  As a first-generation immigrant, I understand the significance of embracing an education and maintaining good mental health. It is important for students to strive for their full potential during this formative period and I would like to be that catalyst.

Career/Personal Aspirations: My goal is to be a mentor to children, adolescents and young adults who are facing challenges in life.  I want to help them find a path to happiness and success. I hope to eventually open my own counseling practice.

Svetlana Kutikova 

Class of 2021

Major: Master’s in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health

I chose to become a Coach in the Step-It-Up Program because I want to do work that is impactful and fulfilling. I believe that helping college students attain success and obtain their full potential is a great place to make an impact. Being in their position not too long ago, I would love to be the person that is able to provide the guidance and support that will help them achieve their goals.

Future Career Aspirations: In my future, I would like to work with children and youth, and open up my own practice one day.  

Saniora R. Duclervil 

Class of 2021

Major: MS. Computer Information Systems

I wanted to join the Office of Student Retention and Success because I knew it would be a great opportunity to help other students in my community. I want to make a difference in their lives any way I can. Having a visual impairment dove me to take the steps to help others. I know that make a change in student’s lives with my kindness, compassion, empathy and expertise.

Career/Personal Aspirations: Develop technology for the disabled, as well as work in the cybersecurity field.

Tyler Lamons 

Class of 2021

Major: School Counseling/LPC 

I chose to become a SI leader because I want to help other students feel confident in their ability to succeed in their courses.  In addition, I enjoy being able to help others. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to seeing change in growth in those I help. 

Career/ Personal aspiration:

I aspire to become a School Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor. I also plan to get my Ph.D. in Counseling. 

Brittany Martino 

Bio: I decided to be a Step-It-Up coach because I have learned the value of guidance and support in achieving academic goals from my own experiences. I am a first-generation and low-income college graduate. I can express the struggles I experienced during my undergraduate degree before I gain support from academic professionals without hesitation. As a Step-it-Up coach, I am allowed the opportunity to provide guidance and support to scholars as they work on educational goals. My goal as a Step-It-Up coach is to provide scholars with the tools necessary to reach their goals.

Career/Personal Aspirations: I am currently working with first-generation and low-income high school scholars to become college-bound. At the same time, I am pursuing my master's at Kean University for College Counseling and Student Services. Future career goals are to continue to work with first-generation and low-income scholars to provide them with tools to reach their goals academically, culturally, and personally.