Structured for Success: the OP Team
Academic success starts with a solid structural foundation, and the OP Team is skilled in promoting the highest level of academic support, psychosocial development, curricular guidance, and post-baccalaureate preparation for our OP students.
Kelli Rouse
Director
Kelli is responsible for overseeing the Opportunity Program, staff, students and daily operations. She received a BA in Spanish and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration both from the University of Arkansas. However, originally from the capital district, she decided to relocate closer to home to be near family and friends. Kelli has been working with grant funded programs since 2003 and is responsible for the successful compilation and implementation of many grant-funded programs. Her personally philosophy includes supporting students in a holistic manner while helping them achieve the ultimate goal of graduation and matriculation. In her spare time, Kelli enjoys baking, reading, playing games, and spending time with family and friends.
Amarilis Francis
Assistant Director for Advising
Amarilis Francis was born and raise in Washington Heights, NY to Dominican parents. She grew up speaking Spanish, eating mangú con queso frito for breakfast, and she will never ever turn down a plate of pernil. Her hobbies include reading, finding good places to grab dinner, and traveling whenever possible. Amarilis identifies as Afro-Latina, a first generation student, and really enjoys working with college students. Amarilis earned her Bachelor's degree in history at Union College, a Master's degree in history at Binghamton University, and a Doctorate degree in Higher Education at Northeastern University.
joshlin Sheridan
Academic Counselor and STEM Advisor
Joshlin Sheridan serves as an Academic Counselor and STEM Advisor for the Opportunity Program. Joshlin received her BA in English from Brigham Young University and her M. Ed. in Higher Education from Wilmington University. She is passionate about student success and enjoys helping students with goal setting, time management, and effective utilization of campus resources. Joshlin is originally from Kansas City, but she most recently worked at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Joshlin enjoys theatre, running, and decorating sugar cookies.
Adam Evans
Learning Associate
Adam Evans is the Opportunity Program’s Learning Associate for Humanities and Social Sciences. His background is in teaching American Literature, developmental writing, and varying levels of composition. He received his BA in English from SUNY Albany and his MA in American Literature from Temple University. Since earning his MA in 2013, he has taught literature and writing to diverse student populations at a wide variety of institutions. His teaching focuses on pushing students to draw from their backgrounds as they enter into academic discourses and to imagine the social change they wish to enact through their education. Outside of teaching, his interests include fly fishing and an immersive study of gastronomy.
Devin Madkin
Administrative Assistant
Devin is the Opportunity Program’s Administrative Assistant. She manages the office and supervises the student workers. She graduated from SUNY Oneonta in 2014 with a BA in arts and humanities. In her years prior to ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ, she spent her time in real-estate marketing. However, her passion to work with children brought her back into the world of education in 2016. Devin has worked with young adults for more than ten years. She spends the rest of her time working at The Y which further displays her love and devotion for working with young adults. Outside of work Devin enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and anything involving music. Her energy and charisma bring positive vibes throughout the office daily.
