New Faces Join the Wellness Office
by Olivia Appleton
This year, the Student Wellness Office at Cape Cod Community College (4C’s) welcomes four new staff into the program. A case manager, a SUCCESS navigator, a clinician, and a staff assistant are all new to the college. All these staff members are excited to be at 4C’s and say they look forward to connecting with students.
“College can be a very stressful time and sometimes meeting with a therapist to talk about ways to manage anxiety or life changes and challenges can be helpful,” says Deborah Riggs, the new clinician.
Her first college experience was at 4C’s and continued at Curry College and Boston University. She has worked at the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Mental Health, and jobs working with recovery from substance abuse and private practice therapy.
“I am so excited to be here at 4C’s,” Riggs says. “I’m looking forward to connecting with students and faculty and finding ways to be a support for students.”
Cheryl Kramer, the new case manager, says she enjoys “working with people and learning what people need to lighten their stress load.”
“Balance in all areas of our lives is critical to overall peace and success.” Kramer says. “Making the connection to programs and services to do that for the students is my honor. This position is new to the campus and I am really excited to be working with students and making those connections with and for them.”
Kramer holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, and has spent the last 14 years of her career on Cape.
“My hope is as part of the student wellness team we continue to build and develop what Doctor Weir has laid the foundation for which is a stronger healthier Cape Cod Community College experience for our students and coworkers.” Kramer says.
Sue Allaire is the new SUCCESS navigator at 4C’s. SUCCESS stands for Supporting Urgent Community College Equity Through Student Services.
“My position as SUCCESS navigator is to plan, develop and implement comprehensive, cohesive, campus-wide programs and wrap around services with a focus on intellectual, occupational and financial wellness. I am a resource and support for students facing personal, career and academic challenges,” says Allaire.
Allaire went to school at St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, New York, and went onto Fitchburg State University, earning a master’s degree in counseling.
“I feel very aligned with the mission of our community colleges and their commitment to offer degree and academic certificate programs for all in a supportive teaching and learning community,” Allaire says.
Nancy Mc Iver is the new staff assistant in the student wellness office.
“I support all members of the SWO team (Student Wellness Office) by being the front-of-office contact person. I assist with any Wellness campus events and I also oversee the on-campus food pantry,” says Mc Iver She can also make arrangements for pickups from the Family Pantry of Cape Cod.
“We are so excited to put wellness on the map on campus and make it a priority through prevention, making more connections though touch points and strengthening our relationships with community partners,” says Maura Weir, director of student wellness.
For anyone who wishes to reach out to the wellness office, their email is [email protected]. Individual staff members may be reached out to as well.
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