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Meet the
steps team
Addy Adames
Director of College STEPS and Persistence
I'm Addy and I'm the director of our office. I also graduated from Franklin K. Lane Campus, even though we probably didn't run into each other, we definitely walked all the same halls. I was born in the Dominican Republic and came to New York when I was 6, which means I'm fluent in Spanish. And I live by "the worst they can say is no" so let's talk about your goals and what we can do to get you there!
Email: aderysa@cypresshills.org / collegesteps@cypresshills.org
Make an appointment: calendly.com/addya
Social Media:
Cypress Hills Collegiate Prep
Madeline Medina
Persistence Counselor for Cypress Hills Collegiate Prep
Hello! My name is Madeline Medina, and I am the College Persistence Counselor for Cypress Hills Collegiate High School Alumni. I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and at the age of 11, I came to Brooklyn, NY. I am a first-generation college student, I graduated from CUNY Brooklyn College with a major in Psychology and got my Master’s Degree in School Counseling at Alfred University. I enjoy nature, music, and things that bring my soul happiness and calm. I am very excited to support you and guide you to achieve your goals. Can’t wait to meet all of you!!!
Email: Madelinem@cypresshills.org
Phone: (440) 462- 6401
Make an appointment: calendly.com/madelinesteps
Social Media:
Ashley Madera
College Coach for Cypress Hills Collegiate Prep
Finance & App Specialist
Hey! My name is Ashley Madera and I'm the college coach working for Cypress Hills Collegiate Preparatory. I'm 19 years old and I'm currently attending the University at Albany with a double major in Anthropology and Latin American & Caribbean Studies. I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and I've been living in Queens,NY for the past 10 years. A few fun facts about me are that I enjoy writing stories and I'm a big fan of anime.
If you have any questions or need assistance with anything, my contact info is provided below.
Email: pt_ashleym@cypresshills.org
Phone: 929-324-6389
Make an appointment: https://calendly.com/ashley-cypress1/meeting
Multicultural High School
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Alondra Peralta
Persistence Counselor for Multicultural High School
Hello! My name is Alondra Peralta, and I have been working with CHLDC located in Brooklyn, for almost 5 years. I have been a College Access Counselor working with high school students in completing college applications. Now, I am transitioning to helping students at Multicultural High School, who have graduated from their college journey as their Persistence Counselor. I am excited to take on this new role! A little about me is that I was born and raised in Queens. My family came from the Dominican Republic and I am fluent in Spanish. I graduated with a Bachelor's in Human Services from City Tech. I enjoy watching anime in my free time and I love the color pink!
Email: alondrap@cypresshills.org
Phone: (646) 222-5599 ext 5599
Make an appointment: https://calendly.com/alondrap1
Social Media:
Juanmy Moscoso Garcia
College Coach for Multicultural High School
Life & Social & Social Media Specialist
My name is Juanmy Garcia. I am the new MHS College Coach and Social Media Specialist for Multicultural HS, I am here to support you with your Fasfa application and everything career/ college related. To know me better here’s three of my favorite things:
1. Big Chipotle lover
2. My favorite colors are turquoise and red
3. Love going outside but prefer to stay home.
You can contact me at:
Email: pt_juanmym@cypresshills.org
Phone: 347-460-6745 | 929-564-3385
Make an appointment: calendly.com/juanmy-cypress
Academy of innovative technology
Geraldo Cruz
Persistence Counselor for Academy of Innovative Technology
Hey guys! My name is Geraldo Cruz and I am the Persistence Counselor for AOIT. I am a Nuyorican from Brooklyn. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology as a first-generation student from Brooklyn College. I love art, music, comics, baseball, and food. I am looking forward to connecting with you to learn about your interests, while providing assistance and guidance in your academic journey and building your career readiness skills for making the transition for after college life. Let's get it!
Email: geraldoc@cypresshills.org
Phone: 929-242-9344
Make an appointment: Calendly - Geraldo Cruz
Social Media:
Manuel Lugo
College Coach for Academy of Innovative Technology
Events & Newsletter Specialist
BONJOURNO!!! My name is Manuel Lugo, people like to call me Manny, I am the AoIT STEPS Coach, here to assist you in your next big leap into your College and Careers. A little bit about me, I am a first generation college student, studying Applied Physics and Engineering at Queens College. My parents are from the Dominican Republic but I was born here in the City that Never Sleeps (Something we share in common XD). During my free time I like to watch Anime and Code. But I have a bunch of other hobbies like 3D-Modeling, Reading, and especially listening to music AND Gaming. I always love listening and seeing what hobbies other people have and if we share any of them for SURE let me know, we can talk about them for days on end. With that being said, I'm always here for you guys if you need anything and I'm only just a few clicks away, CIAO.
Email: pt_manuell@cypresshills.org
Phone: 929-623-7029
Make an appointment: https://calendly.com/pt_manuell-cypresshills/45mins
brooklyn lab school
Jailen Prada
Persistence Counselor for Brooklyn Lab School
Hello you, my name is Jailen Prada and I am your College Persistence Counselor for Brooklyn Lab School! I am Panamanian, but I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. I graduated from Medgar Evers College with a degree in Psychology. I am someone who loves to travel and experience new things. I am into self-care, music, my favorite color is pink and I like to take pictures! I cannot wait to begin this wonderful journey with you and guide you on whatever it is that interests you! I especially cannot wait on getting to know you as a person!
My contact information is down below. Please do not hesitate to contact me, I am here to help!
Email: Jailenp@cypresshills.org
Phone: 917-451-8568 / Ext: 5141
Make an appointment: https://calendly.com/jailenp
Social Media:
Auribel Vargas Pena
College Coach for Brooklyn Lab School
Academics & Website Specialist
Hello-hello beautiful people! my name is Auribel. I am the College Coach for Brooklyn Lab School. I graduated from Brooklyn Lab in 2019 and I am currently majoring Communication Design at City Tech. I was born and raised in Dominican Republic and came to NYC when I was 14 years old. Videogames, streaming & figurines' lover. Best words that describe me are energetic, bubbly, and confident. I live by the quote "Work Hard in Silence and Let Success be the Noise" we got this!
Alongside Jailen, I’m going to be helping and supporting you through your college path, so feel free to contact me if you need anything!
Email: pt_auribelv@cypresshills.org
Phone: 929-382-1674 | (917) 451-8572 (Ext. 5139)
Make an appointment: Calendly - Auribel Vargas
Thomas jefferson High School
Bhumadevi Sewganesh
Persistence Counselor for Thomas Jefferson High School
Hi, my name is Bhumadevi Sewganesh, and I am the College Persistence Counselor for Thomas Jefferson High School. I was born in Guyana and came to New York when I was 5. I have been living in Brooklyn, NY for quite some time. I graduated from CUNY York College with a bachelor's in Social Work. I enjoy bowling, watching movies, binge-watch shows, and spending some quality time with family and friends.
As a first-generation college graduate, I know the struggle of trying to understand the college process. I want to take this next step and connect with our future students so they can have the opportunity to achieve success. I am committed to providing you with support and guidance along the way so that you can reach your goals. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Email: Bhumadevis@cypresshills.org
Phone: (914) 279-0570
Make an appointment: calendly.com/bhumadevis
Social Media:
Jesenia Pineda
College Coach for Thomas Jefferson High School
Career Specialist
Hi! My name is Jesenia and I am the current Thomas Jefferson college coach alongside Bhumadevi. I was born in Dallas, Texas and I am a first gen college student. I currently attend City tech for dental hygiene. I love to scroll on TikTok and read books!
Email: pt_jeseniap@cypresshills.org
Phone: (929) 623-7028
Make an appointment: https://calendly.com/pt_jeseniap-cypresshills.