EOP Staff Directory
Meet our Staff
Cristina Caridad Garcia, Director
Phone: 518-564-2263
Email: [email protected]
Cristina Caridad Garcia serves as the director of the Educational Opportunity Program here at SUNY Plattsburgh. Having earned her Master of Science in college and agency counseling from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2009, Cristina went on to spend the next nearly 20 years of her career working at private institutions in multicultural affairs, student access and support, and in senior leadership roles at the divisional level.
As a first generation college student from Yonkers, New York, Cristina’s work is rooted in walking alongside students and creating environments where those from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds can thrive. She is passionate about challenging students to be their best self while providing the support necessary to encourage and empower them.
Taj Ellis, Senior Counselor
Phone: 518-564-3273
Email: [email protected]
Schedule a Meeting with Taj
Taj Ellis earned his bachelor’s degree in TV/video production right here at SUNY Plattsburgh before completing a master’s degree in youth studies at the CUNY School of Professional Studies, where his capstone research proposed a race-conscious, trauma-informed psychoeducational transition program to bridge the gap between New York City’s most underserved high school students and success within SUNY. That work was not theoretical. It was personal.
Before joining EOP, Taj served as SUNY Plattsburgh’s downstate admissions advisor. Prior to that, he directed community-based youth programs across Brooklyn and Staten Island and served as the refounding president and later advisor of the Staten Island NAACP Youth Council, which was named Best Youth Council at the 2019 NYS NAACP Conference. His advocacy for young people of color and their mental health put him in rooms with former mayors Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams, among other elected officials.
Taj is currently pursuing his Doctor of Education in community-based leadership at the College of Staten Island, CUNY, where his developing dissertation research examines how Black student support staff use Black joy and culturally grounded relational practices to support Black students’ belonging and persistence in historically white institutions.
David Frydman, Senior Counselor
Phone: 518-564-2290
Email: [email protected]
Schedule a Meeting with David
David Frydman holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Harvard University and a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School. During his 30+year legal career, David worked on Medicaid policy, affordable housing, expansion of quality health care and the right to same sex marriage, among many other issues.
As a first-generation college student himself, David has seen the opportunities that higher education can provide and is thrilled to be working with EOP students as they pursue their higher education dreams themselves. He is now pursuing a second career to fulfill his lifelong interest in becoming a counselor and is in the process of earning a master’s in mental health counseling from Antioch University. David finds “it to be an honor and privilege to work with our EOP students and my talented and devoted colleagues in the EOP program.”
Charlson Joseph, Assistant Director
Phone: 518-564-3262
Email: [email protected]
Schedule a Meeting with Charlson
Hometown: Canarsie, Brooklyn, New York
Alma Mater: University at Buffalo and Buffalo State, SUNY Plattsburgh (master’s)
You might be surprised to know: I’ve traveled to 10 countries so far
My favorite quote is: “To whom much is given, much is required”
My greatest influences are: My parents
My favorite season in the North Country is: Spring
The best part of working with EOP is: Changing the trajectory of someone’s life
Michael Lennox, Counselor
Phone: 518-564-2291
Email: [email protected]
Schedule a Meeting with Michael
Hailing from Adams, N.Y., Michael earned an associate in humanities and social sciences from Jefferson Community College in Watertown and also holds a bachelor’s in history and philosophy from SUNY Potsdam. He gained a passion for working in higher education during his time at SUNY Jefferson where he served as a student ambassador and a student government member to the Board of Trustees. After completing his undergraduate studies, he transferred onto Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary to pursue a master’s in divinity to become a Catholic priest. After 4 years, he decided to change paths and withdraw, embarking on a 40-day walking pilgrimage across Spain (El Camino de Santiago) before resuming a new way of life outside of seminary formation.
His deep faith informs his desire to serve students from all walks of life, and his seminary training informs his practical work as a counselor. Having traveled throughout various parts of Europe and the United States, encountering and developing relationships with people from all over, Mike has learned a great deal about the complexities of life, the sheer beauty of it, and the things that matter most. He’s grateful that all these experiences have led him to his place at SUNY Plattsburgh, where he hopes to continue learning from and caring for each and every one of his students.
Jessica Santos, Lead Senior Counselor
Phone: 518-564-3267
Email: [email protected]
Schedule a Meeting with Jessica
Jessica (Jess) Santos works closely with students on academic planning, career exploration and navigating the college experience. She works closely with upper-level students, particularly seniors, helping them prepare for life after college through career planning, graduate school guidance and professional development.
Jessica is a proud EOP alum from Bushwick in Brooklyn, New York, and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English language arts and her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from SUNY Plattsburgh. She is passionate about expanding access to higher education and creating supportive environments where students can thrive. The best part of her work is the students.
Before joining SUNY Plattsburgh, Jessica held roles in student services and academic support at the Institute of Audio Research and Apex Technical School, where she supported diverse student populations through advising and retention-focused work.
Nicole Castine, Administrative Assistant 1
Administrative Assistant 1
Phone: 518-564-2263
Email: [email protected]
With nearly 17 years of experience at SUNY Plattsburgh, Nikki brings a deep commitment to student success to her role as an administrative assistant in EOP. Her experience allows her to support students through their academic journeys.
Before joining the team in 2023, Nikki held roles in social work and counselor education and has a background in helping students navigate their financial aid. In her current role, Nikki provides administrative support to the EOP office, helping to ensure smooth daily operations while serving as a welcoming first point of contact for students. She assists in coordinating services, connecting students to resources and supporting their overall experience on campus.