Yireh Pino has been with SEAT Center since 2015 moving from Student to Vista Volunteer through AmeriCorps, Program Alumni, and now to a staff member working with our Crisis Intervention and Prevention team. With encouragement and guidance from her instructors, other students and colleagues, Yireh navigated through difficult times to achieve her academic, professional, and personal goals. Yireh’s career aspirations aligned with her passion to give back to the organization that had become her home. In the role of Crisis Intervention Specialist, she works to help other students find the same sense of community and support that she found during her time as a student and have all that they need to enter the workforce with resources and confidence. Yireh’s journey is a testament to the power of finding family and community in unexpected places, supporting the same company and environment that has given her so much.
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Patrick is committed to empowering students to thrive in their future careers and become agents of change in their communities. With thirty years of experience as both a teacher and administrator, he has developed a robust framework for fostering academic success while nurturing the personal and professional growth of each student. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from UAlbany and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from SUNY Brockport, Patrick blends analytical insight with strategic educational leadership. His passion for student-focused initiatives has driven him to cultivate inclusive environments that promote collaboration, critical thinking, and innovation. He believes that education transcends traditional classroom boundaries, equipping students with the skills and confidence necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. Patrick’s leadership philosophy is encapsulated in the powerful words of Barack Obama: “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change we seek.” This mantra serves as a guiding principle for his work, inspiring both students and educators to embrace their roles as change-makers and champions of progress. He also resonates with the sentiment of education reformer Alia Wong, who said, “Passion and community are the heartbeats of effective education,” emphasizing the vital role that enthusiasm and collective support play in student success. Outside of his professional endeavors, Patrick cherishes meaningful moments with his family, including his wife, grandchildren, and their beloved dog, Ruby.
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Athena Fitch brought her outstanding organizational skills to SEAT Center in December 2022 – first as a Program Specialist. Now Athena serves as Operations Liaison where she uses those skills to ensure compliant collection and reporting of data f for specific grants and funding streams, tracks student attendance and facilitates stipend payments. Athena grew up in Troy and earned an associate degree from Hudson Valley Community College before earning her bachelor’s from the University at Albany. She is proud that her work ethic landed her a promotion at SEAT Center where she is learning more about data and funding. Athena works with SEAT Center because she strives “to be the person I needed when I was a growing youth for the next growing youth.” When she’s not wrangling data, she is happiest doing “anything in nature, dancing, writing poetry and trying new foods.
Raven Bryant joined us as a VISTA for one year before accepting the role as our front desk specialist. She is our first impression, providing a fabulous, friendly and knowledgeable welcome to SEAT Center for students, potential students, staff and visitors alike, whether at our front door or on the phone. A native of Brooklyn, Raven resides in Schenectady. She is certified in CPR and personal care and is a licensed cosmetologist who enjoys spreading joy in her work. Raven chose to join SEAT Center as an employee because she sought help from SEAT Center as a student and “they showed me everything. I’m truly grateful and want to pass it along to others