Alesia BryanTitle: Office Assistant
Email: abryan@mec.cuny.edu
Bio: I earned an Associate’s Degree in Science here at Medgar Evers College. In addition, I have over 4 years of experience in customer service. Being part of CUNY Start allows me to expand on my skills in working and supporting others.
Brian Aquino
Title: CUNY Start Advisor
Email: baquino@mec.cuny.edu
Bio: After Six years in education, it is in my belief that through education, students will be able to build a foundation of skills that will allow that student to be successful in and out of the classroom. Obtaining my B.A. in Organizational Management and M.B.A. in Human Resources Management, I will continue to help teach those foundational skills and habits to CUNY Start MEC students in the hopes that they succeed in the classroom and in their life.
William Quinn
Title: CUNY Start Advisor
Email: wquinn@mec.cuny.edu
Bio: After years of Teaching in High School, I was excited to work in a small program supporting students as they transition into college. I am excited to be a part of a talented team that focuses on quality education. I earned an undergraduate degree in History and a Master’s Degree in Political Science.
Brenda Ballena
Title: Administrative Coordinator
Email: bballena@mec.cuny.edu
Bio: Helping Students Start Strong in a college setting has been one of the greatest experiences here at CUNY Start. As a CUNY alumnus currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Public Administration at John Jay College, I feel like I can make a difference in every student’s education. I love the CUNY Start MEC team and working together to bring better opportunities to students.
Maryann Salazar
Title: Assistant Director
Email: msalazar@mec.cuny.edu
My time in Higher Education and working in Community Based Organizations instilled a desire to work with a diverse student population such as first generation, international and ELL college students. CUNY Start has allowed me to provide holistic academic and advisement support to first year college students at Medgar Evers College. It is very important for me to work in a position that allows me to work with a diverse group of students, and to be part of a creative team. I earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology, and a Master of Science Education in Mental Health Counseling.
Instructional Staff
Deja James
Title: Math Instructor
Email: djames1@mec.cuny.edu
Bio: A native resident of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, I was excited for the opportunity to directly support my community in a positive and progressive way. I have been teaching Math for CUNY Start since 2012 and have been a part of the Medgar Evers community since 2013. I attained a Bachelor’s in Social Justice and Education and a Master’s in Math Education.
Cherisse Mayers- Needs Photo
Title: Reading & Writing Instructor
Email: cmayers@mec.cuny.edu
Bio: TBD
Egbert Ellis
Title: Math Instructor
Email: egellis@mec.cuny.edu
Bio: TBD
