Communities and Coaches
The Equity Center Team
In addition to their primary function at Housatonic, the team members of the Center for Equity and Social Justice all serve as Community Engagement Coaches with the responsibility for fostering and promoting meaningful community engagement initiatives among students. This role involves guiding, supporting, and mentoring students to become active and responsible members of their local and global communities. The Community Engagement Coach will work closely with students, faculty, and community partners to develop and implement programs that promote civic responsibility, social awareness, and community development.
- Student Guidance:
- Program Development:
- Community Partnerships:
- Assessment and Evaluation:
- Advocacy and Outreach:
- Provide one-on-one coaching and mentorship to students interested in community engagement.
- Help students identify their interests, strengths, and goals related to community involvement.
- Organize workshops, seminars, and training to educate students about community issues and effective engagement strategies.
- Create opportunities for students to participate in service-learning and volunteer projects.
- Identify potential community partners and assess their suitability for student involvement.
- Facilitate partnerships that provide valuable learning experiences for students.
- Collect data and feedback from students and community partners to measure the effectiveness of engagement efforts.
- Use assessment data to make improvements and adjustments as needed.
- Promote the importance of community engagement within the college community.
- Advocate for the integration of community engagement into the college's curriculum and campus culture.
At CT State – Housatonic, diversity and inclusion are not just words; they are the foundation of our educational mission. We proudly present the LGBTQIA+ and Allyship Initiative—a vibrant and inclusive program dedicated to celebrating diversity, promoting LGBTQIA+ awareness, and forging meaningful connections between our LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to creating a campus environment where every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feels safe, respected, and empowered to thrive.
Robin Avant | CAMPUS DEAN OF STUDENTS AND FACULTY
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Community: LGBTQIA+
At CT State – Housatonic, we recognize the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. With this commitment in mind, we proudly present the Male Success Initiative— a program designed to empower men on their journey towards personal and academic excellence. Our initiative is more than just a program; it's a community-driven movement that aims to address the unique challenges faced by young men as they navigate higher education and prepare for their future careers. Through mentorship, workshops, and tailored resources, we seek to inspire confidence, promote resilience, and cultivate a sense of purpose among our male students.
Alexandros Valiantis | CESJI COORDINATOR
Pronouns: he, him, his
Community: Males Success Initiative (formerly Men’s Center)
At CT State – Housatonic, we are committed to nurturing a campus culture that empowers and uplifts every student. Introducing the Women’s Engagement and Empowerment Program (WEEP) – a dynamic initiative dedicated to fostering the growth, leadership, and empowerment of women on our campus. WEEP is more than a program; it's a movement. It recognizes and celebrates the unique strengths and perspectives that women bring to academia and beyond. Our mission is to provide a supportive platform where women can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
Robin Avant | CAMPUS DEAN OF STUDENTS AND FACULTY
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Community: Women’s Engagement and Empowerment Program (formerly Women’s Center)
The International Oasis (International Student Affairs) is an epicenter operating as a HUB with the mission to positively impact the international and immigrant student population on the Housatonic Campus by providing services that empower educational development, a place of safety, peaceful environment that offers students to obtain one on one support and resources at a time when they are dealing with trauma happening in their lives.
Pierre D’Haiti | COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER
Pronouns: Pierre
Community: International Student Affairs
The Justice for Higher Education Program (JHEP) is committed to equity in equal access to education for people who have been impacted by the Justice System in America. The center is committed to providing equal access and wrap-around services to serve the immediate and emergency needs of Justice Impacted Students who are enrolled at CT State - Housatonic Campus. JHEP and the Equity Center are committed to students' holistic needs and to assisting students on their educational and career path.
Da’ee Mcknight | REENTRY AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Pronouns: he, him, his
Community: Justice Impacted Students/ Reentry Affairs
Housatonic’s Veteran Student Affairs is a dedicated resource center designed to support and empower military veterans as they transition into higher education. This office offers a range of services, including academic advising tailored to veterans' unique needs, a welcoming community for veterans to connect and share experiences, and access to mental health and counseling resources to address the specific challenges that veterans may face. These coaches understand the military culture and the academic landscape, making it easier for veterans to navigate their educational journey successfully.
Christopher LaBrecque | COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Pronouns: he, him, his
Community: Veterans Student Affairs
ADDITIONAL AFFILIATES/RESOURCE
Corey Gordon | EQUITY CENTER FELLOW
Pronouns: he, him, his
Area: Research
Mariyln Wehr | CAMPUS LEAD
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Area: Disability and Accessibility Services
Lindsay Norton | WELLNESS COUNSELOR
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Area: Mental Health and Wellness
CONTACT INFORMATION