People - Academic Planning Center

A Tokyo native Yumi (pronounce like you-me) originally came to the US as an International Student. After completing her AA degree in Technical Theatre at Nassau Community College, she transferred to Baruch College. Unfortunately, her study there was interrupted due to the 9-11. Avoiding traveling to/from the City, she completed her BA in Comparative Humanities at SUNY Old Westbury. Her master's degree in Liberal Studies was completed exclusively online at Stony Brook University as she was rearing her son.

Her career in Higher Education started at Nassau Community College while working as a Student Aid for the ESL Office. She played an active role as a Peer Advisor to assist fellow students for course registration and was offered a part-time advisor position at NCC upon graduation. She continued to work there while attending Old Westbury and advanced to the full-time advisor at SUNY Old Westbury in 2006 shortly after the graduation with her bachelor's degree.

Her approach to getting to the roots of your interests and paying attention to details will help you to lay your academic roadmap out with clarity. Please be ready to answer a bunch of questions Yumi throws at you when you meet her!

Outside the advising role, she is active on forming the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) employees resource group at Old Westbury. You will find her in Kimono (a traditional Japanese clothing) every now and then, but it is not a Cosplay!

Pronouns: She/Her

Kaitlin started her college journey as a transfer to Stony Brook University where she studied psychology and sociology as a double major. As a commuter student, Kaitlin found it challenging to get involved on campus. She decided to apply for an on-campus internship to get more involved while still earning credit toward her degree. Kaitlin became an Academic Peer Advisor intern, and this opportunity started her journey into the field of higher education. 

After earning her undergraduate degree, she entered Stony Brook University's Masters of Higher Education Administration program. While earning her graduate degree she worked in the Student Services office for the College of Business and as a graduate intern for the Career Center. Kaitlin's experiences teaching transfer student seminars and introductory courses on career decision making for first- and second-year students, sparked her passion for helping students develop skills needed to succeed both academically and professionally.  Kaitlin is a strong supporter of the non-linear career path and exploring options before making the final decision. 

Kaitlin's professional career began by working in CUNY and has since worked for both private and public institutions before finding her home at SUNY Old Westbury.  

Kaitlin has developed the Sophomore Jump program from scratch and grown it with her creativity and leadership. She was promoted to Sophomore Class Dean but would continue to provide academic advising to the Sophomores!

During workshops and presentations, academic advisors will often tell students that they can pursue a non-linear career path.  Jon feels strongly about this as his career path has been quite non-linear.  In college, he was a Philosophy major with a minor in Psychology.  He then earned an MA in Counseling Psychology.  While pursuing his graduate degree, he began working as a volunteer at a crisis line for distressed parents.  The crisis line was operated by the Parental Stress Service, a non-profit organization that sought to reduce child abuse through counseling, education, and community outreach.  The volunteer position ultimately led to a paid job.  Jon also worked in a residential treatment facility where mothers recovering from substance abuse and domestic violence lived with their children.

Jon has been working as an academic advisor at SUNY Old Westbury since 2007.  He is a certified Meyers Briggs Type Inventory practitioner and is one of the professional staff who serves on the faculty senate.  Jon has given two presentations at the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Northeast regional conference and has written several book reviews for the NACADA Journal.  In 2013, Dean of Arts and Sciences Barbara Hillary (currently Associate Provost) approached him about starting an annual magazine for the School of Arts and Sciences.  With the help of Assistant Dean Cris Notaro (currently Assistant Provost), Community Relations Assistant John Butler, and Vice President for Communications Mike Kinane, Unfettered Inquiry has grown into an annual publication.  Each issue highlights the work of our students and faculty and promotes Old Westbury’s values of diversity and social justice.  Jon’s devotion to writing continues outside of his job.  He “moonlights” as a music journalist, writing reviews of albums and concerts and interviewing musicians for several publications. 

Jon has been designated to work with pre-Business majors but is glad to help all students plan their education and discover the many learning opportunities available at Old Westbury.

Ricky started his college journey at Fordham University (Rosehill Campus). At first, he had some difficulty adjusting to being away from home, but it didn’t take long for him to make Fordham his home despite his shy nature.  Higher Education truly became Ricky’s Passion when he became a Resident Assistant.  He cared deeply for his first-year residents and enjoyed watching them grow and succeed. After graduation, Ricky chose to pursue higher education as his calling. 

He earned his MSEd in Higher Education Leadership & Policy Studies at Hofstra University. While at Hofstra, Ricky became a graduate assistant in the Orientation Office of SUNY Old Westbury. Through the Work around the student orientations, he gained professional experience and skills in the field. 

After earning his Masters’, Ricky returned to Old Westbury as a Student Success Coach and took part in a wide variety of initiatives in and out of Student Success Center. He worked one-on-one with students to provide academic and supplemental support, guided students pursuing graduate school and fellowship/scholarship opportunities, and co-supervised the Peer Mentor program.  He also has been serving as a Scholar Advisor for our Dream.US students. He treasures the connections he has been able to make throughout. 

As an Academic Advisor, Ricky enjoys building relationships with his students and fellow staff. He strives to support them in their academic and professional goals. 

Outside of Old Westbury, Ricky is an avid sports fan (he loves his Rangers, Yankees, and Giants!) and enjoys talking about films and TV shows (especially Marvel/DC and Star Wars content). He also enjoys going for runs outdoors, especially during the Spring and Summer months. 

Ricky looks forward to getting to know you and being a helpful hand in your positive Old Westbury college experience! 

Diana's diverse professional journey began at SUNY Alfred, where she studied Architecture. After earning an associate's degree, she pivoted toward human behavior and pursued a degree in Psychology at St. Joseph's University. While studying Psychology, Diana discovered a passion for educational research that inspired her to teach English abroad in Costa Rica after completing her bachelor's degree. Diana’s international experience deepened her understanding of her interests and skills, and she chose to pursue a graduate degree in English language education at Stony Brook University.

While in graduate school, Diana worked in the Career Services office at Suffolk County Community College and honed her advising skills while helping students with career planning and job search strategies. After earning her master's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL), she taught ENL classes at a public high school on Long Island for several years.

In 2023, Diana took a bold step and left her teaching position to travel across Africa, where she gained invaluable life and professional experiences. She spent time living off-grid with the Maasai tribe, learning about the educational challenges and successes of the community and contributing to local development projects. Upon returning to Long Island, Diana refocused her career on higher education. She is passionate about supporting students on their unique academic and professional paths. Diana plans to pursue a doctorate in International Education in the future.

As an Academic Advisor at Old Westbury, Diana is dedicated to helping students with academic planning and developing the skills and strategies necessary for a successful college experience.

Outside of work, Diana enjoys traveling, reading, tap dancing, and creative writing. She has independently visited over 20 countries and is currently working on her own fantasy novel. Spending time with friends and family is also a cherished part of her life.

Diana looks forward to meeting you and helping you succeed on whatever path you choose to follow!

Coming Soon!