Access & Opportunity Programs Staff
Meet our Staff
Shatawndra Lister, Director
Office: 011 Macomb Hall
Phone: 518-564-2810
Email: [email protected]
Shatawndra Lister is the director of Access and Opportunity Programs at SUNY Plattsburgh. She oversees the Accessibility Resources Office (ARO), Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE), the Cardinal Cupboard, the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and TRIO Student Support Services (SSS).
Lister leads efforts to strengthen student access, retention and completion through academic support, basic needs resources and high-impact practices. Her work is informed by her experience as a first-generation college student from a low-income background, with a focus on helping students and families navigate college systems. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from SUNY Oswego and a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs from Buffalo State.
Erin Cincotta, Services & Engagement Specialist
Office: 011 Macomb Hall
Phone: 518-564-2810
Email: [email protected]
Erin Cincotta is a services and engagement specialist with AOP, bringing over eight years of experience in the hospitality industry. She specializes in event planning and marketing, with a strong focus on creating engaging, student-centered experiences. Erin is committed to fostering personal success through thoughtfully tailored events and workshops. In her role, she works closely with students, supporting their growth and engagement through innovative programming. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in hospitality from Paul Smith’s College.
Lauren Gonyea, Assistant Director
Office: 011 Macomb Hall
Phone: 518-564-2810
Email: [email protected]
Lauren Gonyea holds a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry and a Master of Science for Teachers in adolescence education, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling, expected in 2026. As the assistant director of Access and Opportunity Programs, Lauren brings a comprehensive background in academic coaching, advising, teaching and grant writing, having secured funding in 2023 and 2026 for first-generation student initiatives. She is passionate about empowering underrepresented students, and is committed to creating inclusive, supportive environments that help students thrive academically, personally and professionally.
Tessa Rogers, Student Support & Outreach Coordinator
Office: 112 Angell College Center
Phone: 518-564-3811
Email: [email protected]
Tessa Rogers serves as the student support and outreach coordinator. Tessa supports student success by addressing basic needs and connecting students with critical resources. With five years of experience in community casework services, Tessa brings a compassionate, student-centered approach to supporting individuals facing complex life challenges.
In this role, Tessa oversees the Cardinal Cupboard, the on-campus food pantry, ensuring consistent access to nutritious food while promoting dignity. As the institution’s homeless student liaison, Tessa works with students experiencing housing insecurity, providing guidance, advocacy and connection to community resources. Tessa also assists students in navigating emergency grant funding requests, offering personalized support to help alleviate barriers to the application process.
Program Staff Directories
Connect with the staff who support each individual AOP program: