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Connect with your Guided Pathways (GP) Advisor!

If you've chosen Housatonic  as your home campus, please choose the appropriate student type below to learn about preparing for and scheduling your advising appointment.

Contact Information

Phone: 203-332-5097 
Email: HC-
Location: Lafayette Hall Room 112

Office Hours

Monday-Friday:
8:30AM – 4:30PM*
*Evening hours available daily upon appointment

Schedule an Advising Session

Your Guided Pathways (GP) advisor regularly reaches out to you through your student email with direct links to book an appointment on campus or virtually. To access your email account, log-in to myCTState and look for “View/Access College Email.” If you cannot find any emails from your advisor, please reach out to the Guided Pathways Advising main office.

You may also request advising directly.

Before requesting an appointment, identify your student type from the categories below and review advising requirements. Note: These may be different for each student type.

New Student
I've never attended another college or university after receiving my high school diploma.

THE STATEMENTS BELOW MUST BE TRUE TO PROCEED WITH SCHEDULING AN ADVISING APPOINTMENT:

If you have completed all the steps above, you are ready for an advising appointment. 

Continuing Student
I am currently enrolled and taking credit courses at CT State.

THE STATEMENTS BELOW MUST BE TRUE TO PROCEED WITH SCHEDULING AN ADVISING APPOINTMENT:

  • Sign into myCTState to find your assigned Guided Pathway advisor
  • Using DegreeWorks, review your progress toward the completion of your degree.
    Look for “Degree Progress” and click on “view audit” once you are in my.ctstate.edu
  • List your current courses and expected grades
  • Prepare a list of courses to consider for next semester
  • Write down any questions you would like to discuss with your advisor

If you have completed all the steps above, you are ready for an advising appointment.

Transfer Student
I've attended another college or university, outside of the 12 community college campuses in Connecticut, after receiving my high school diploma.

THE STATEMENTS BELOW MUST BE TRUE TO PROCEED WITH SCHEDULING AN ADVISING APPOINTMENT:

  • This is my first time transferring into CT State Community College. I have applied and been accepted with a Banner ID#
  • I have requested my official college transcripts (from all schools) to be sent to
    Send your transcript electronically through Parchment.
  • I can present an unofficial copy of my transcript(s) from all the institutions I attended to an advisor during my advising session.
    If you do not have an unofficial to present to the advisor for your advising session you will not be able to move forward. Unofficial college transcripts are only accepted for the first semester.
  • I have successfully set up my “myCTState” student account
  • I have completed the CT State Community College - New Student Orientation

If you have completed all the steps above, you are ready for an advising appointment.

Readmit Student
I have attended one of the 12 community colleges in the past but have not been enrolled at one of the colleges for two or more years.

THE STATEMENTS BELOW MUST BE TRUE TO PROCEED WITH SCHEDULING AN ADVISING APPOINTMENT:

  • I am returning to CT State Community College after 2+ years (I attended one of the 12 community colleges in the past)
  • I have reapplied with the Admissions Office and got accepted with a Banner ID#
  • I have visited the Student Services Center to confirm that my “myCTState” account is up to date

If you have completed all the steps above, you are ready for an advising appointment.

Guest (Visiting) Student
I'm not planning on graduating, just taking a few courses.

THE STATEMENTS BELOW MUST BE TRUE TO PROCEED WITH SCHEDULING AN ADVISING APPOINTMENT:

  • I have applied and been accepted with a Banner ID #
  • I am only here for a very brief time, and I do not plan to graduate from CT State Community College
  • I know which courses I would like to take at CT State Community College
  • I can present an unofficial copy of my transcript(s) from all the institutions I attended to an advisor during my advising session.
    If you do not have an unofficial to present to the advisor for your advising session you will not be able to be advised. Unofficial college transcripts are only accepted for the first semester.
  • I have successfully set up my “myCTState” student account

If you have completed all the steps above, you are ready for an advising appointment.

Meet With an Advisor on the Housatonic Campus

Meet the Team

To find your Guided Pathways (GP) advisor, visit DegreeWorks by logging in to myCTState and selecting “Access Degree Works.” Your Guided Pathways advisor will be listed at the top of the page. If you cannot locate your advisor, contact the Guided Pathways Advising Office.

Chrystie Cruz

Guided Pathways Advisor II

Email:
Phone:
203-332-5007

Chrystie Cruz has a bachelor's degree in international studies and history with a minor in secondary education. She continued on to pursue two master's degrees in curriculum and instruction as well as one in mental health counseling. She has fifteen years experience in higher education across a variety of areas: student life, academics, and TRIO.

Susan DeOliveira

Guided Pathway Advisor I

Email:
Phone:
203-332-8567

Susan DeOliveira has a bachelor's degree in psychology and MSW in social work. She speaks fluent Portuguese and is highly proficient in Spanish. Susie is one of the behavioral & social sciences liaisons.

Jeanine Gibson

Campus Advising Lead

Email:
Phone:
203-332-5263

Jeanine Gibson joined HCC in 2012 where she started in Continuing Education as a healthcare academic advisor and furthered her professional journey to become Director of Academic Advising & Student Retention. Jeanine’s professional passions falls in line with transformational leadership, continuously learning and teaching others about what it means to build a strong organization, creating and maintaining healthy relationships, self-development and teamwork. In her spare time, Jeanine enjoys brunching, traveling and spending lots of time with her family.

Carlton Gill

Guided Pathways Advisor I

Email:
Phone:
203-332-8561

Carlton Gill has a bachelor's degree in health science and brings a wealth of knowledge relating to HCC’s population through his previous role as Men’s Center Coordinator. He has experience facilitating college and career readiness workshops, collaborating with community partners, and infusing culturally responsive strategies to remove barriers for college students. In his spare time, you enjoy listening to music and completing complex puzzles.

Karen Khon

Guided Pathway Advisor I

Email:
Phone:
203-332-8530

Karen Khon earned a bachelor's degree in human development and family studies with a concentration in family public policy and planning. She continued her studies and earned a master's degree in public administration focusing on labor relations and personnel. Karen has served in higher education since 2012 in a variety of student support roles such as TRIO, financial aid, and enrollment management services.

Alexander LaTouche

Guided Pathways Advisor I

Email:
Phone:
203-332-8544

Alexander LaTouche has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies. He is an independent self-starter and brings experience in case management, building rapport, identifying referrals for students, and collaborating with stakeholders. In his spare time, Alex enjoys playing soccer, hiking, and trying new restaurants.

Carmen Medina

Guided Pathways Advisor I

Email:
Phone:
203-332-8553

Carmen Medina has over 30 years of experience working in different capacities at HCC. She completed a bachelor’s degree at Charter Oak College, and holds an associate degree from HCC. Dancing salsa, participating in fellowship with her church group, and loving on her grandson are three activities that she enjoys doing in her spare time.

Marc V. Mercuriano

Guided Pathway Advisor I

Email:
Phone:
203-332-8551

Marc V. Mercuriano is a community college graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies and a Master of  Science in School Counseling. He has experience coordinating resources and case management services, mentoring at-risk and first-generation students, advising new students during the onboarding process, and facilitating a series of pedagogies to facilitate student success. Marc works with Humanities students.

Emily Osborne

Guided Pathways Advisor I

Email:
Phone:
203-332-5046

Emily Osborne is an HCC graduate and has earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Criminal Justice. She is an adjunct instructor and has experience as a faculty advisor for the Criminal Justice program at HCC. She has extensive knowledge in the areas of academic advising and degree planning, collaborating with colleagues regarding curriculum development, and event planning to promote advising and engagement. In her spare time, Emily loves spending time with her dog Rejjie, hosting family game nights, and getting to the beach any chance she gets!

Lydia Pizarro-Quesada

Guided Pathways Advisor I

Email:
Phone:
203-332-8550

Lydia Pizarro-Quesada has over 25 years of experience working in different capacities in Student Services and Human Resources at HCC. Lydia completed an associate of science degree from HCC and is passionate about helping others. In her spare time, she loves spending with family and friends, especially her grandkids.

Susan Ratanavong

Guided Pathway Advisor I

Email:
Phone:
203-332-5212

Susan Ratanavong received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and graduate degrees in education, counseling, and sixth-year in advanced study in counseling. As a lifelong educator, Susan has an unrelenting passion for helping students to succeed and achieve their goals.

Alyssa Santiago

Guided Pathway Advisor I

Email:
Phone:
203-332-8565

Alyssa Santiago has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, and a Master of Science in Counselor Education with a specialization in student development in higher education. She brings experience with providing support and referrals to students through her role as a Hall Director, facilitating small group discussions regarding the college registration process, and supporting students through academic and career-focused meetings. Alyssa is a liaison to the behavioral and social sciences department.

Christina Martorelli

Guided Pathways Advisor I

Email:
Room:
N213M

Christina received her master's degree in human services from Albertus Magnus College in 2019. Most recently, Christina worked at The WorkPlace, a non-profit organization in Bridgeport, CT where she assisted individuals in developing their educational and career plans. In addition to working one-on-one with individuals, Christina taught workshops on employment readiness, effective communication, and conflict management.

Sandra Mastropetre

Guided Pathways Advisor II

Email:
Room:
N213

Sandra Mastropetre is coming from a Guided Pathway Advisor I position in the Student Success Center at Gateway Community College. She has been at Gateway for over 6 years where she offers support to a diverse population of students including advising, SAP advising and through the CARE system. Sandra is passionate about helping students achieve their academic and career goals using a holistic approach. She also coordinates Gateway’s New Student Advising and Registration program (NSAR) providing new students with essential information and resources for academic and career success and connecting students to faculty. She collaborates with staff and faculty departments and attends conferences regularly to connect students with current updates and tools to assist in these important efforts. She is part of multiple committees including Registration Committee, High School Partnership Committee, NECHE, G2E, and the Diversity and Culture Committee within Staff Caucus. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a concentration in Marketing Communications from Quinnipiac University. Sandra is in her last semesters of her master’s degree at Quinnipiac University Online where she is on course to achieve a master's degree in Organizational Leadership in the School of Business in Spring of 2023.

Will Smith

Guided Pathway Advisor I

Email:
Phone:
203-332-8543

Will Smith has earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Master of Science in Education. He brings over 15 years of classroom experience teaching various subjects throughout his career, working with a diverse population of students from the inner city. Will is well-versed in designing assessments that measure progress towards academic standards, utilizing inclusive practices to accommodate student learning styles best, and coaching students in coping and study skills. Will currently works with business students.

Verniece S. Still

Guided Pathway Advisor I

Email:
Phone:
203-332-5231

Verniece S. Still received her associate degree in business administration management, a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership and a master's degree in counseling. She has more than 15 years of experience in higher education.

Gloria Suarez

Guided Pathway Advisor I

Email:
Phone:
203-332-5969

Gloria is a Community College graduate completing her Bachelor of Science in Human Services. She has been working in higher education for over six years and has extensive knowledge in financial aid and enrollment/onboarding processes. Gloria has a passion for helping others and working with students from diverse backgrounds. Gloria speaks fluent Spanish and loves spending time with her family and friends, her dog and doing outdoor activities.

April Tecci

Guided Pathways Advisor I

Email:
Phone:
203-332-8548

April Tecci holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Master of Science in Early Childhood and Childhood Education. She is experienced in providing individualized, needs-based support services to students, developing workshops relating to job readiness, FAFSA, academic tutoring and collaborating with community partners to best leverage resources. April's favorite activities are playing softball, spending time with her family, and creating artwork with her son.

Claudine Tolbert

Guided Pathways Advisor II

Email:
Phone:
203-332-5102

Claudine Tolbert has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Master of Arts in Education. She works with all student types and areas of study. Claudine's passion is to help students discover and walk in their purpose.