Sharon Dolan, Senior Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) 2
Western New York Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO)

TIP: "You must set a goal, be dedicated, and remain focused on it. You have to give up leisure time, replace it with study time, and block out distractions. Work hard to accomplish your goals; every time you accomplish something, you earn a little more respect which allows you to have some input in the decision-making process towards improving your work environment."

Sharon Dolan has been working for New York State since 2001. She began her career as an LPN and has been working as a Senior LPN 2 for the last 2½ years as the evening supervisor of a medical group home.

Sharon continued to work full-time while attending school as a full-time student. She earned an Associate's Degree in Nursing from Jamestown Community College in May 2006. She is licensed by the State of New York. While Sharon's primary goal is to work as a Registered Nurse (RN) for the DDSO, she is currently employed as an RN supervisor at the Chautauqua County nursing facility.

Sharon acknowledged that her husband was very supportive, sacrificing their leisure time together while she attended school and worked full-time. When the pre-exam stress arrived, he encouraged her to relax and go on.

To help offset her higher education costs, Sharon has used the Partnership's Advisement Services, Tuition Benefits, Targeted Tuition Benefits, and Exam Reimbursement programs. For her hard work, Sharon was selected as Western NY DDSO's employee of the month in February 2008.

Juana Vasquez, Secure Care Treatment Aide 1
NYS Office of Mental Health, Manhattan

Tip: "Do it now, it doesn't matter what your age is. Make up your mind and do it. You've got to have hope and believe that you can do it."

Juana began working for New York State in 2001 as a Time and Attendance Clerk at Manhattan Psychiatric Center. After taking the NYS Civil Service examination for Keyboard Specialist 1, she worked from June 2002 to September 2004 as a KBS.

Juana realized that she liked working with patients with special needs so she became a Mental Health Therapy Aide 1 and worked in that title from October 2004 to December 2006. In January 2007, she transferred to the sex offender ward as a Secure Care Treatment Aide 1 within Manhattan Psychiatric Center.

While working full time and attending school full time, Juana received her Associate of Science degree in 2002 and her Bachelor of Science degree in 2004. Both degrees in Human Services are from Touro College. She continued studies at Touro and graduated with her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in June 2008. Juana expects to finish her internship requirement by February 2009.

“I always was a strong person, but going to school made me an even stronger person. By the grace of God I overcame barriers and didn’t let anything stop me from my dream.”

To help pay tuition, Juana worked overtime while attending college and used the Partnership’s Tuition Benefits Program. She also took advantage of the services available from the Partnership educational advisors.

Juana’s goal is to use the MSW to obtain a social worker position that would allow her to work with individuals with mental illness or drug addiction.

Edward Mallgraf, Senior Personnel Administrator
New York State Education Department, Albany

Tip: “I took a non-traditional path to earning my degrees using a combination of courses taken at local colleges, credit by evaluation of life experience, and credit-by-examination programs. Explore alternative routes to education.”

Ed was recently promoted to the position of senior personnel administrator at the New York State Education Department.

Using the tuition vouchers and credit by examination fee reimbursements provided by the NYS & CSEA Partnership’s Tuition Benefits Program, Ed was able to achieve his goal of getting an affordable college education. He earned his Associate in Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Empire State College and his Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts degree from Excelsior College.

“The various credit by examination programs are really worth exploring. I took Excelsior College exams, CLEP exams and DANTES exams. Through the NYS & CSEA Partnership’s Exams for Credit Fee Reimbursement Program I was reimbursed for every exam I took. These exam fee reimbursements were in addition to the tuition vouchers I was receiving!”

Ed’s employer, the New York State Education Department is an official College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) Test Center. It is a limited test center open to New York State employees only. For more information about the State Education Department’s CLEP Test Center, please contact Ed at emallgra@mail.nysed.gov.

Ed makes special mention of how important the support of his wife was during this challenging time. She understood how demanding it was to pursue an education while working full time.

In the future Ed plans on earning a master’s degree and continuing to pursue promotional opportunities within state service.

Tip: “Take full advantage of the tuition benefits that this partnership between NYS and CSEA provides. The tuition vouchers, tuition reimbursements, and credit-by-examination fee reimbursements can really help to make a college education affordable. The Partnership’s education advisors are a terrific resource and are available to offer encouragement and guidance. If you haven’t started pursuing your college education yet, why not start today?”

If you have questions regarding exams for credit or credit by evaluation contact a Partnership advisor for more information at 800-253-4332.

Jean Blish (left), Developmental Aide and LPN Graduate, OMRDD, Wassaic

Tip: “In the LPN program, be prepared to study and read two to three hours every night.”

Renee MacGowan (right), Developmental Aide and LPN Graduate, OMRDD, Wassaic

Tip: “Make school the number one priority. Try not to miss any classes, lots of information is given in class every day.”

They attended the Questar III program through the Partnership’s Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Program piloted at OMRDD. They will take the next step towards becoming members of Taconic DDSO’s nursing staff when they take their National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX).

Questar III’s Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program prepares students to plan and implement quality nursing care for patients and move these patients toward self-directed care. The program is held at Questar’s Columbia-Green Educational Center in Hudson, NY.

Deborah Stilson, Legal Assistant 1
Department of Public Service, Albany

Tip: “If you feel like you’re in a rut and not enthusiastic about your job, perhaps there are other fields you can pursue. Take time to do some research to see if there is something out there and if the Partnership can help."

Deborah has also been pursuing the requirements of an associate’s degree in paralegal studies through Maria College’s Legal Assistant weekend program. At her current rate of taking one course per semester, she wants to complete her degree in the next three years.

“After being out of school for 30 years and raising a family, it takes a lot of discipline and determination to take on a goal like this. I’m going to school because I want to, not because I have to and that also makes a difference. It’s self-motivated, not forced upon me.”

Deborah says that financial assistance from the NYS & CSEA Partnership's Tuition Benefits Program made it possible for her to return to school. In 2004, when Deborah decided to go back to college and was accepted at Maria, she discovered the Tuition Benefits Program. She took advantage of the program’s vouchers to pay course tuition. Additionally, Deborah tapped the Credit-By-Examination Fee Reimbursement part of the program to cover College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam fees.

So far, Deborah has fulfilled requirements for ten courses by completing seven classroom courses and passing three CLEP exams testing her knowledge gained from work and life experiences. She is currently preparing to take the CLEP exam for Principles of Macroeconomics.

Deborah was also selected by agency labor and management to participate in the Partnership's Targeted Job Skills Training Voucher Program. The program targets specific agency titles and supports agency/facility workforce development and succession planning needs.

“The Partnership worked with agency administration and targeted my position so that I was able to receive more than the standard number of vouchers per year and complete the required courses in time to complete the traineeship.”

“My family was supportive and allowed me time to do school work. In fact, they often reversed roles with me and asked me if I had everything I needed done for school and, if not, I should probably go do some reading or studying.”

Raquel Quiles, Unit Clerk Trainee
NYS Office of Mental Health, Bronx

Tip: "Never give up. Don't even think about giving up! If you really want those career goals, you'll reach them. It is worth it."

Raquel Quiles works hard and accepts many challenges and responsibilities related to her job of supplying medical records and supplies at an OMH psychiatric center. When the work day ends, Raquel becomes a part-time student and is driven by aspirations of becoming a Registered Nurse.

As a state employee, Raquel Quiles has worked four years at Bronx Children’s Hospital and the past three years at Bronx Psychiatric Center. She is currently a unit clerk trainee responsible for supplying four wards at Bronx PC with medical records and various medical supplies. Although Raquel is challenged by her job, she has an ambitious plan for more challenges because she wants to build a career in the nursing profession.

Raquel needed to take some remedial classes at Bronx Community College. She was able to receive additional Adult Education Basics (AEB) vouchers to help pay tuition. Taking these classes built a strong foundation for an RN program. In fall 2005 she took Math 3 and English 11. She is now matriculated in the nursing program at Bronx Community College and will continue to take courses in spring 2007 with a persistent attitude that “it’s the only way to get ahead.” If everything stays on track for her, Raquel will complete her nursing degree in spring 2008.

When it comes to balancing work life, home life, and learning, Raquel recommends doing homework during any available time. For instance, she has an hour for lunch and studies in a quiet location. When she gets out of work at 4:00 p.m., Raquel drives to campus and studies in the library before going to class at 6:05 p.m. She knows the importance of a daily routine and sticks to it so the homework gets done.

For the past two years, Raquel has used Partnership advisement services for help with making educational decisions. She will continue to work with advisors as she proceeds through her RN program. She has also used the Tuition Benefits Program for courses. A tuition voucher is money she does not need to take from her salary to cover tuition costs. Raquel also participated in a Partnership pilot online program for improving math skills.

Diane Gleason
Secretary 1
Empire State College
Latham

Tip: “For women with jobs, families, and real lives I say:  tap available resources and the motivation of others to experience non-traditional ways of college learning.”

Goal: Earn an undergraduate degree. Then work with other women to encourage them to be the best professionals they can be.

When Diane Gleason retired in 1998 after 30 years with the Federal Government at the Watervliet Arsenal in Watervliet, she looked for a new position with an organization that would provide financial assistance to pursue her dream of getting an undergraduate degree. She chose a job as a keyboard specialist/receptionist at the Northeast Center of Empire State College (ESC) in Latham and became a CSEA-represented NYS employee.

ESC and the NYS & CSEA Partnership (as well as the former Learning Education Action Program) Tuition Benefits Program offered the perfect combination of flexible ways for Diane to take college studies leading to a degree. At 55 years of age, she began course work with the help of Partnership tuition vouchers to pay tuition. Furthermore, Diane earned college credit for what she already knew by taking several College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations and received reimbursement from the Partnership for all of the examination and test center fees.

The pace of studies at ESC allowed Diane to do as many studies as needed and to move on to more courses. The credit by evaluation program at Empire State College that gives students credit for relevant college-level learning was also instrumental in helping Diane to succeed. At 60 years of age, Diane graduated in September 2003 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. She is using the degree as evidence and inspiration for other working women to pursue higher learning goals. Although Diane is now taking a break from courses to enjoy time with her family, she may begin graduate studies when she retires (again) in 2008.

Toni Lechowicz has worked for the State for 27 years at the Department of Transportation (DOT) in several job titles and with various roles and responsibilities. She has been in her current position as a calculations clerk 2 in the Administrative Services Unit for two and a half years at DOT in Schenectady.

A visual impairment calls for Toni to do computer work with synthesized speech technology. She has learned to use Job Access with Speech (JAWS) which enables her to use keystrokes instead of a mouse.

Toni has used Partnership tuition reimbursement benefits for several non-credit courses taken at Schenectady County Community College and other places. Some courses completed include Outlook Express e-mail, Corel Word Perfect, and Microsoft Word. Her goal is to become more proficient in doing word processing and e-mail tasks, and using the Internet.

She is pursuing personal growth and enrichment activities which involve free lance writing. Toni writes for an international magazine for individuals with visual disabilities.

Mary Pontari
Education Program Assistant 1
State Education Department Division of Library Development

Tip: “Endure the everyday obstacles because some day you will see success.”
Goal: Complete her associate's degree in early childhood education.

Mary Pontari began her career with New York State in 1979 as a Stenographer (Grade 5) with the Education Department in Albany. She took various civil service exams and climbed the career ladder.

She is working toward her associate’s degree in early childhood education from Hudson Valley Community College using the Partnership’s tuition vouchers. Mary believes the knowledge she acquired from college has helped her score well on civil service exams. In turn, that has allowed her to move up within the Civil Service System. Mary anticipates completing her degree in May 2006.

Recently, she accepted a promotion to an Education Program Assistant Traineeship. The successful completion of this two year traineeship will allow her to go from a Grade 11 to a Grade 14. This is a Public Employees Federation (PEF)-represented position.

Ice Rescue Training in Action

Regional Safety Committee members representing NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) agency management and CSEA assessed the need for training employees on ice rescue. They saw a need to provide a safer environment for both employees and parks patrons.

CSEA Local 105 President Walter Meinecke and Park Manager/Regional Safety Officer Ron Peters at Bear Mountain State Park submitted a joint proposal through the Partnership's Quality of Work Life Grant Program to fund the training. The proposal met funding criteria under the program's special projects category. The course, titled Principles and Hazards of Ice Rescue, was held on March 2 at the Sterling Forest Visitor Center. Mark Wesseldine, retired firefighter for the City of New York Fire Department and instructor for the past 15 years, presented both classroom and hands-on field activities.

Colleen Militello Hosie
Licensed Practical Nurse
West Seneca Developmental Center NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities

Tip: “Form a study group with other people in your class. Work together. There is usually something that you understand that can help another student and something they understand that can help you.”

Goal: Achieve career advancement in the direct care nursing field.

Colleen Militello Hosie was awed at being chosen as a trainee along with 18 other employees from the Western and Finger Lakes area OMRDD Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) to pursue an LPN certification. The intensive one-year program was aimed at recruiting and training LPNs to provide acute nursing services at OMRDD community group homes.

Colleen worked in the West Seneca Developmental Center while enrolled full-time in Trocaire College’s LPN program. Finding time to study and catch up on assignments was the toughest thing to do. She used any time off to keep up with studies. She took the LPN board certification examination in February 2004 and passed. All of the other LPN recruits in the program also passed their boards.

Ian Jordan
Plant Utilities Engineer Middletown Psychiatric Center
NYS Office of Mental Health Middletown

Tip: “For every 24-hour day, you owe yourself a few hours to advance yourself. If you know what you want to do when you choose job-related courses, it will be easy to apply what you learn.”

Goal: Take the entrance exam to get into law school.

Ian Jordan has worked 11 years for New York State. In recent years, he has been using the Partnership ’s advisement services and tuition benefits, and continues to use these services and benefits for taking courses. He is proud of the “base he has built” through the encouragement and help from the Partnership. He knows that all the hard work will pay off in pursuing his dream of getting into law school.

Ian Jordan has an associate’s degree in liberal arts with a technical base that he has used in working as an assistant support aide at the Attorney General’s Office. Currently, while employed as a plant utilities engineer at the Office of Mental Health, Ian is taking 12 credits of courses at Excelsior College and John Jay College in Manhattan. He has accepted the challenge of full-time studies while working full-time. Forty credits remain towards his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Heidi-Lynn Wagner
Senior Personnel Administrator
NYS Department of Transportation
Tip: “When thinking about taking a course, you should find a course that you think will be fun. A positive learning experience with a first course sets the stage for wanting to do more courses.”

Goal: To work in a position involving human resources management and labor relations.

Heidi-Lynn Wagner has used the Partnership's Tuition Benefit program since 1991 for traditional college course work and credit-by-examination reimbursement. She used tuition vouchers to take courses at Sage Evening College while working full time in various titles at the state Office of Mental Health.

After earning her associate’s degree in legal studies from Sage in 1995, Heidi-Lynn enrolled in Excelsior College and continued to use the Tuition Benefit program and advisement services. Heidi-Lynn also used the program to pay CLEP and DANTES examination fees. In less than two years she gained 21 college credits through these two programs. Presently, she has six courses remaining towards a bachelor’s degree in human resources. While using Partnership programs, Heidi-Lynn has increased her promotional opportunities. In May 2004, she began a two-year traineeship as a Senior Personnel Administrator and will complete the traineeship at DOT.

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