Staff

Meet the members of the SEEK team.

Director

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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Schedule a meeting with Mr. Allen

Questions for Director Allen?

If you have any questions about the SEEK program, please write it here:

Meet with Director Allen

Should you wish to discuss any matters of concern or simply engage in a conversation with him, request a meeting below:

Associate Director

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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Schedule a meeting with Mr. Wilson

Questions for Mr. Wilson?

If you have any questions about the SEEK program, please write it here.

Do you want to work with SEEK?

If you are interested in collaborating with the SEEK Program, complete the form below.

Counselors

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
Zoom with Ms. Hernandez

Avery Brandon - MSW

Born in New Amsterdam, Guyana, Mr. Brandon has dedicated his life to service and advocacy. His passion for helping others began in childhood and led him to a career in social work. Starting as a Direct Care Worker supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, he discovered his calling in uplifting underserved communities. Mr. Brandon earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and went on to counsel student scholars at the Bronx Educational Opportunity Program, guiding them toward academic and vocational success. In 2023, he graduated with honors from Hunter College with a Master’s in Social Work, demonstrating his perseverance and commitment to social change. Currently pursuing his social work licensure, Mr. Brandon remains devoted to empowering individuals with integrity, compassion, and respect. He lives by the philosophy: “Success comes through hard labor,” embodying resilience and dedication in his work.

Phone: 718-262-2670
Office Location: AC-1C11
Email: abrandon@york.cuny.edu

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
Zoom with Ms. Ellis

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
Zoom with Ms. Mayungbo

Enrollment Specialist

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

Administrative Assistant

Althea Roberts

Althea Roberts currently serves as a College Assistant and Personal Assistant to the Director of the SEEK Department at York College. In these capacities, Ms. Roberts is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the department, including budgeting, auditing, procurement, and general financial administration. Additionally, Ms. Roberts provides high-level administrative support to the Director, ensuring the efficient and effective management of daily operations. Currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration Management & Accounting at Monroe College, Ms. Roberts brings over 10 years of professional experience in governmental accounting, budgeting, auditing, and procurement. This extensive background allows her to contribute meaningfully to the department’s resource management, further supporting the academic achievement and retention of underrepresented students in the SEEK program.

Phone: 718-262-2971
Email: aroberts901@york.cuny.edu

G.R.I.T. Coach

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

ICORP Enrollment Specialist

Aarionna McGlashing - MSW

Aarionna graduated with her Bachelor of Science (2022) and Master of Social Work (2024) from York College. Aarionna is a first-generation student by way of Spanish Town, Jamaica. Being that she is the first and only on both sides of her family to have a Masters, Ms. Mcglashing takes pride in helping students reach their untapped potential in the field of STEM. With the objective of advocating for student success, Ms. Mcglashing ensures that her students seek a first-class flight through opportunities outside the classroom. She takes on a few roles in the SEEK office such as ICORP enrollment specialist, STEM Academy enrollment specialist and Academic enrollment specialist.

Phone: 718-262-2163
Office Location: AC-1C08
Email: amcglashing901@york.cuny.edu

Tutors

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

I.T. Specialist

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
Zoom with Mr. Jagbeer

Damilola Awe – BS

Damilola Awe is the Social Media Specialist for the SEEK Program at York College. With a background in Computer Science, he is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Software Engineering. His role focuses on creating engaging digital content to enhance student outreach and community engagement. He has experience in video production, graphic design, and data analytics, utilizing tools like Canva, Adobe Suite, Brightspace, Qualtrics, Power BI, and PHP List. His goal is to leverage technology and creative storytelling to highlight SEEK’s mission and connect with scholars in meaningful ways. Beyond his role in social media, Damilola has a strong passion for software development and problem-solving, always seeking innovative solutions to enhance digital engagement and communication.

Email: dawe901@york.cuny.edu

Kenzai Sinclair

Kenzai Sinclair is a dedicated junior at York College, currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science. As a Federal Work Study employee and a proud York College scholar, Kenzai is committed to both academic excellence and contributing to the campus community. In addition to his studies, he actively contributes to student life through his involvement in Student Government and ICORP. Driven by a strong sense of determination, Kenzai lives by the quote, "I don’t get lucky. I make my own luck," believing that success comes through hard work and perseverance. With a passion for technology and problem-solving, Kenzai is excited to continue growing both academically and professionally.

Email: kenzai.sinclair@yorkmail.cuny.edu

Percy E. Sutton SEEK Program