TRIO Staff and Peer Tutors

Wilma E. Tynes, M.Ed.

Director, Trio Student Support Services

“My involvement with TRIO programs began when I was a 13 year old, participant in the UMass/Amherst Upward Bound (UB) program. Because of that experience, my life’s mission has been dedicated to ensuring first-generation college students, with varying abilities, from economically challenged backgrounds and underrepresented populations receive the preparation, access and opportunity to enroll in college and successfully graduate with a degree.

I consider helping students achieve their goals as not only my passion, but my responsibility! I can’t imagine what my life would look like had I not been blessed by my involvement in TRIO programs – both as a high school student and in a professional capacity. I am a witness that TRIO Works! As the Director and Advisor, it is an honor that students trust me to guide them towards degree attainment, and a privilege to give back to students, when so much was given to me!”

Click the embed below to listen to the “STCC Around” segment on the TRIO SSS Program, broadcast on WTCC Radio, 90.7 FM.

Omeiry Cruz

TRIO SSS Clerk III

Omeiry Cruz serves as the TRIO SSS Peer Advisor, and in May 2020, received her Associate Degree, Business Transfer (BTCM.AS) “As the TRIO SSS Peer Advisor, I am an academic compass for our STCC students. I enlighten current and future participants on the services offered by the TRIO SSS program, and share my experiences as an STCC Dean's List student and TRIO SSS participant to current program participants and students interested in the program. I assist the TRIO Staff and help new students transition to college, and navigate and seek out needed resources within TRIO SSS and other college departments like CAS, Disability Services, Academic Advising & Transfer, and more.”

Carol J. Flores, MPA

Academic Counselor

“Being the first in my family to receive a college degree - a first-generation college student - I am very passionate about making sure the students I work with individually are able to overcome the many obstacles and challenges that I also encountered. I enjoy helping students navigate their way through the college process and empowering them to be academically and college knowledgeable.

In TRIO SSS, as an Academic Counselor, I oversee the Tutoring component of the program. Our goal is to ensure students can successfully meet their academic goals and maintain good academic standing while helping them to achieve their academic and career goals. We focus on one-on-one tutoring so students are getting the individual attention they need to push forward and feel great about their academic and personal efforts!”

“Start Strong, Stay Strong, and End Strong!”

Kaylee Furlano, M.Ed

Academic Counselor

"I am privileged to work with TRIO SSS students in two capacities: as a TRIO SSS advisor at STCC and as a professional tutor at Westfield State University (WSU). As a first generation student, I remember how overwhelming college often felt!  Besides the challenging coursework, college presents new obstacles outside of the classroom like selecting a major, transferring, applying for financial aid, and learning new time management skills. I believe that having a support system on campus is key and I am happy to work in a position where I can work with students one-one one and support their academic, financial and personal growth!"

Jorge Vicenty

TRIO SSS Peer Advisor

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Sheileen Diaz

Hometown and/or Country of Origin: Holyoke
Major/Program: Business Administration & Social Work
Semesters at STCC: Graduated
Languages Spoken: English
Tutor Since (semester and year): Summer 2021

Fun Facts

Hobbies/Interest: Collecting Plants
Favorite Food: Seafood
One fun fact about me: I can paint with my feet
What I love about my tutoring program is…..: I get the chance to work and learn with others
As a tutor, I hope to help students by….: Motivating them to see they can complete their education through any obstacle they may face.
Who is your hero and why? My daughter, she is my warrior who has overcome something so incredibly hard with a smile.
How do you want to be remembered? That “no matter what, she got it done”

Lyly Dixson

Major: Computer Security (CITS.AS)
Courses Supported: Math Basics, Statistics, Tech Math
Hometown/Country Of Origin: Springfield, MA
Age: 24
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Semesters at STCC: 9
Zodiac Sign: 3/3 Pisces
Pronouns: She/her
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Corned Beef and Rice with Mixed Vegetables
Favorite Movie: The Master of Disguise
What I Love About Tutoring: I love being able to help people find success in school, because there are so many different techniques and learning styles to use and develop!
One Fun Fact About Me is: I am a musician, I sing, and I'm currently learning to play bass guitar!

Who am I? Hi my name is Lyly Dixson, and I am a TRIO SSS tutor. I am a first generation college student, Computer Security Major, and I’ve been at STCC for around 9 semesters now. I have one degree from STCC already, but I am returning to complete my second associate degree. I am very confident that I will be able to assist students with all subjects I tutor. I am really looking forward to working with you all this semester.

What am I doing? I am in the TRIO SSS program to assist students in learning concepts smoothly and applying the coursework in a way that refines and solidifies the knowledge introduced in class. I am also here to help the professors teach the class to the best of their ability by offering “supplements” to their instruction.

Why am I here? Tutoring in general is something that I think is an extremely important facet when learning any concept. I also genuinely like helping people ace their tests/classes and ultimately earn the grade they want. It makes me feel amazing to help people achieve their goals.

Martise Goulbourne

Age: 24
Hometown and/or Country of Origin:  N/A
Major/Program: Health Science
Courses Supported: Biology, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Infants and Toddler, Growth and development, Nutrition, and Medical Terminology.
Languages Spoken: English
Tutor Since (semester and year): January 2020

Fun Facts

Hobbies/Interests: Going for nature walks, traveling, and playing tennis.
Favorite Food:  Anything Caribbean or Italian.
Favorite Movie: Twilight and Step up movie series.
Favorite Music/Musician:  I don't have a favorite Music but I love the violin and the piano.
One fun fact about me:I own too many stuffed animals and pillows.
What I love about my tutoring program is…..:  being able to watch students grow to believe in themselves in order to fulfill their goals and dreams here at STCC.
As a tutor, I hope to help students by….: meeting them where they are at. Understanding and learning from each session. Then applying the necessary skills needed to help each individual student reach their desired goals.
Who is your hero and why? My hero is my mom - Watching her determination to not give up in life has only given me that same will power to believe in myself and others.
How do you want to be remembered? I would want to be remembered as; an understanding, relatable, helpful, resourceful, and patient peer tutor.

Grant Herman

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Cristian Matic

Age: 23
Hometown and/or Country of Origin: Timisoara, Romania
Major/Program: Biology/Anthropology(Pre-Med Track)
Semesters at STCC: 3
Courses Supported: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Microbiology, Calculus, Algebra, Sociology
Languages Spoken: English, Romanian, French
Tutor Since (semester and year): 2nd semester 2020

Fun Facts

Hobbies/Interests: Working on my Mustang, drawing, hiking and cooking
Favorite Food: Pasta Bolognese
Favorite Movie: The Dark Knight
Favorite Music/Musician: Avenged Sevenfold
One fun fact about me: I am 6’7, and I used to play football on the D1 level
What I love about my tutoring program is…..: To be able to help my peers in classes I may self struggle in. Being that person for them is what makes me stick to being a tutor, it’s what gives me the drive to keep going.
As a tutor, I hope to help students by….: Making myself no longer needed as a tutor. I want to give the students the necessary skills to succeed and excel in their courses.
Who is your hero and why? My hero is my mother. She built my chance at having a life off of her hard work and determination. I wouldn’t be here today without her and for that I will be forever grateful.
How do you want to be remembered? Through the success of the people I have helped, that one day when someone goes to them for help. They can take a step back and remember the help they received, and give that person the help they need.