Staff

Meet the members of the SEEK team.

Hopeton Allen - MSW

Being a proud graduate of the SEEK Program at York College, Mr. Allen’s passion for academic support with his unique scholar-first approach, allows scholars from diverse backgrounds to become active participants in their journey from enrollment to the moment they proudly receive their degrees. Mr. Allen's background in higher education spans 16 years and brings extensive experience in academic program coordination, instructional facilitation, and team building. Mr. Allen holds a Masters in Social Work from the Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College. Mr. Allen's mission is to ensure that the department remains scholar-centered while ensuring access to the resources and support needed to thrive are available to all scholars served.

Phone: 718-262-2314
Office Location: AC-1C08G
Email: hallen1@york.cuny.edu
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Joseph T. Wilson II - MA

Joseph is a native of Brooklyn, a product of the New York City Department Of Education with 8 years of experience in Higher Education from working at CUNY, a Private 4-year, and Ivy League College. Joseph holds an M.A. in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a B.A. in Public Administration with minors in Black Studies and Communications from Baruch College. As a first-generation college graduate, Joseph understands the complexities and challenges that Black and Brown scholars face once they step on any campus and has advocated for equitable practices wherever he has been. He leverages his passion for Black and Brown scholars by looking for ways to prepare them to succeed in college and the workplace. He lives in the best borough of New York City, Brooklyn. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Phone: 718-262-2071
Office Location AC-1C08D
Email: Jwilson12@york.cuny.edu
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Robin Mayers-Anselm - MA, LMHC

Robin Mayers-Anselm, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, has been employed with the Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK Program at York College/CUNY as a SEEK Program Counselor since 2008. In her role, it is her goal to create a secure environment for scholars to discuss their aspirations, transformations, and personal development for their present and their future. Two quotes that shape her personal, professional, and social values are: "She delights in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admits the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty" (Maya Angelou) and "Find a purpose to serve, not a lifestyle to live" (Criss Jami). With these quotes she seeks to assist in recognizing challenge is a part of change and centering on a purpose can allow for achievement.

Phone: 718-262-2310
Office Location: AC-1C15
Email: rmayers-anselm@york.cuny.edu
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Tracey Ellis - LMHC, EdM, MA, MA

Tracey has dedicated nearly two decades to her career. She demonstrates a profound commitment to guiding and empowering scholars on their educational journeys. With unwavering dedication to the academic and personal growth of every scholar she encounters, her mission is to assist scholars in discovering their unique potential and achieving their aspirations. She strongly believes in the transformative power of education and the opportunities it can provide for a brighter future. Tracey is not only a SEEK counselor but also a teacher, mentor, advocate, and partner in each student's pursuit of success. Her passion is centered around nurturing dreams, constructing pathways, and shaping futures. She boasts three Masters degrees: an MA in Psychology from Queens College and a double Masters (MA, EdM) in Counseling and Clinical Psychology from Columbia University.

Phone: 718-262-3770
Office Location: AC-1C16
Email: tellis1@york.cuny.edu
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Miosotys Hernandez - MS, LMHC

Miosotys Hernandez, a proud member of the Latinx community, serves as a SEEK counselor. With a Master's in Education and an Advanced Certification in Mental Health Counseling, Miosotys is well-equipped to assist scholars. Beyond her professional life, she finds joy in traveling, embarking on adventures, and cherishing quality time with family. Additionally, Miosotys is passionate about advocating for improved access to quality education for vulnerable populations. She holds a Masters in School Counseling and an advanced certification in mental health.

Phone: 718-262-2315
Office Location: AC-1C10
Email: mhernandez12@york.cuny.edu
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Ojuolape Mayungbo - MS MHC

Ojuolape believes in the mission of SEEK Acquiring the skills and knowledge to assist scholars in need has always held great importance for her. The rewards of working for SEEK are numerous, and this is why Ojuolape has chosen to dedicate herself to a career focused on helping scholars.

Phone: 718-262-2673
Office Location: AC-1C09
Email: omayungbo@york.cuny.edu
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Ryan Lahens - BS

Ryan Lahens is one of our enrollment specialists in the SEEK program at York College. He has been an employee in the program for two years, although SEEK has been a part of his life for the past four years as a scholar. He formerly held the positions of Track and Field Captain and Parliamentarian at York College. His primary goal and focus in his role is to establish relationships with all SEEK scholars, providing them with a safe space to discuss their needs as scholars and help increase enrollment for SEEK. He has a Bachelor of Science in Health Science.

Phone: 718-262-2316
Office Location: AC-1C08F
Email: rlahens901@york.cuny.edu

Cassidy Benn-Grosvenor - BS

Cassidy, a York College alumna majoring in psychology, is currently an academic enrollment specialist in the SEEK Department. Her enduring passion for serving others drives her commitment to her role in the SEEK Department. She strongly adheres to the wisdom of Jim Rohn's quote: "Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have." This belief underpins her dedication to helping and supporting scholars' academic journeys. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is working towards a Masters in Social Work.

Phone: 718-262-2300
Office Location: AC-1C08
Email: cbenn2@york.cuny.edu

Vashti Valerius - BS

Vashti is a 2010 York alum. She is currently working towards obtaining her Master's in Divinity from New York Theological Seminary School. She returned to York in 2022 as a cross-country track and field head coach, and in 2023, she began working in the SEEK program as a GRIT Coach. She aims to positively impact scholars through education, resources, and academic support. "To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." - Nelson Mandela.

Phone: 718-262-2314
Office Location: AC-1C08E
Email: vvalerius1@york.cuny.edu

Gael Zeno - BS

Gael Zeno is a native of Flatbush, Brooklyn, and is part of a first-generation college graduate family alongside his older brother. He believes in remaining teachable throughout because there is always an opportunity to grow and elevate. Mr. Zeno also enjoys seeing scholars develop to the extent of their full potential. Aside from being an academic coach, there are many things that he desires to do, but one of them is being in a position where he can administer educational policies and direct a school of scholars. Gael holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science.

Phone: 718-262-2300
Office Location: AC-1C08
Email: gzeno901@york.cuny.edu
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Nyasia Robertson - BA

Nyasia is an alumnus of Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She currently works as the office administrator and ICORP enrollment specialist for the SEEK department. She is an integral part of the enrollment team and works diligently to provide academic support where needed. Her goal is to foster an environment of personal development and academic achievement for scholars and create a lasting impact on one scholar at a time. She strongly encourages scholars to always remember that “your positive action combined with your positive thinking results in success.” - Shiv Khera.

Phone: 718-262-2163
Office Location: AC-1C08
Email: nrobertson1@york.cuny.edu

Messan Adelan - MS

Messan Adelan, a lecturer adjunct, instructor, and tutor in math at York College and other CUNY colleges, is passionate about mathematics. With a Master's degree in math, Messan has a deep love for the subject and is dedicated to sharing his knowledge while assisting scholars not only in math but also in other subjects.

Email: madelan1@york.cuny.edu

Doreen Haynes - MA

Doreen Haynes is a SEEK Supplemental Instructor and writing tutor for York Collaborative Learning Center. She has earned a Master’s Degree in Psychology with a concentration in research from Queens College. She strongly believes that every student can be successful if they read and dedicate time and effort to the academic process. Therefore, she enjoys teaching, tutoring, and assisting the SEEK/York scholars in all writing and most psychology courses on how to achieve their academic goals.

Email: dhaynes901@york.cuny.edu

Norma Mingo - BS

Norma Mingo is a graduate of York College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education. Her coursework was improved because of her involvement in tutoring. During her junior year, she became a tutor in the SEEK program, contributing to the expansion of her knowledge and skills across various subject areas. Post-graduation, Norma has been working as a supplementary instructor and tutor in English, writing, and psychology at York College. Her objective as a tutor is to assist all scholars in reaching their highest potential.

Email: nmingo1@york.cuny.edu

Sadia Tanni

Sadia Tanni is a college assistant at York College in the SEEK department. She has been a college assistant for a long period of time. At the SEEK program, she has been giving tutoring services to the scholars, providing additional support for them in order to develop their learning skills. Besides tutoring, she has been working as an enrollment assistant with the financial aid office. She has been assisting incoming first-year scholars by collecting and reviewing their documents. Her goal for the SEEK program is to help individuals reach their academic potential and positively enhance their college experience.

Email: stanni@york.cuny.edu

Ryan Jagbeer - BS

Ryan Jagbeer is a York College Alumni with a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science. He is the IT Support Specialist for the SEEK Program. His goal in the SEEK Program is to manage and maintain technological infrastructure that supports scholars and staff. "The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don't even notice it, so it's part of everyday life." - Bill Gates.

Phone: 718-262-2380
Office: AC-1C08B
Email: rjagbeer901@york.cuny.edu
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