Sector Coaches
UAlbany Peace Corps Prep program participants can access specialized advising and mentorship from experienced Sector Coaches. Find your Sector Coach below and use the link provided to connect with them by email.
Peace Corps Prep Sector Coaches
| Agriculture Sector Coach - Michael Elliott | |
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Michael Elliott is the Director of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at UAlbany and teaches first year experience courses for new students. He has worked in the field of international education for more than 25 years and has had a number of experiences abroad including studying in Germany, participating in a Fulbright administrators program in Japan, and student recruitment in China, South Korea and Taiwan. He has traveled to many countries like Argentina and Spain where members of his immediate family are dual citizens. But one of the most formative international experiences Michael has had is with the Peace Corps (1989-1991) where he taught biology and physics in a Kenyan high school off the East African coast of Mombassa. Click here to contact Sector Coach Michael Elliott |
| Community Economic Development Sector Coach – Susan Appe | |
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Susan Appe is Associate Professor of Public Administration and Policy at Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany, SUNY. Dr. Appe researches and teaches courses on topics that include nonprofit management, philanthropy, public management, and public policy. She is regularly invited to guest lecture and has held Visiting Professor appointments at universities in Latin America and Africa. She is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, serving in Macedonia (2001, now North Macedonia) and in Bolivia (2002-2004).
Between January and August 2023, Community Economic Development candidates should reach out to the Peace Corps Prep Coordinator, Dr. Annette Richie, for help. |
| Education Sector Coach - Susan Gorga | |
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Susan Gorga has been teaching at the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) at UAlbany for more than 25 years. In addition, she has also organized activities and events for IELP students and UAlbany student volunteers. She was in the first Peace Corps group to go to Poland (1990-1992) teaching in Chełm. Other international teaching experience includes IREX grants to Romania, teacher training in China, two more teaching stints in Poland, and Brazil. Click here to contact Sector Coach Susan Gorga |
| Environment Sector Coach - Michael Elliott | |
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Michael Elliott is the Director of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at UAlbany and teaches first year experience courses for new students. He has worked in the field of international education for more than 25 years and has had a number of experiences abroad including studying in Germany, participating in a Fulbright administrators program in Japan, and student recruitment in China, South Korea and Taiwan. He has traveled to many countries like Argentina and Spain where members of his immediate family are dual citizens. But one of the most formative international experiences Michael has had is with the Peace Corps (1989-1991) where he taught biology and physics in a Kenyan high school off the East African coast of Mombassa. Click here to contact Sector Coach Michael Elliott |
| Health Sector Coach – John Justino | |
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John Justino serves as the Director of the UAlbany Center for Global Health and holds a faculty appointment in the Health Policy, Management and Behavior Department at the School of Public Health. He has nearly 30 years of experience working in global health and international development, and has lived and worked extensively abroad. Mr. Justino is a proud Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, having served in Cameroon from 1992-1994. Click here to contact Sector Coach John Justino |
| Youth in Development Sector Coach - Tricia Tierney | |
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Tricia Tierney works with University at Albany international students as the Sr. International Student Coordinator in the International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) office. She has held multiple positions in international education and student affairs. Ms. Tierney served in the Peace Corps in Morocco from 1994 – 1996 educating women to fight a high maternal mortality rate. Her experience in the Peace Corps had a profound effect on both her professional and personal life. Click here to contact Sector Coach Tricia Tierney |
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