TRIO SSS Staff
Meet our Staff
Ashley Durocher, Director
Office: 011 Macomb Hall
Phone: 518-564-2810
Email: [email protected]
Ashley Durocher holds a bachelor’s in sociology and criminal justice and a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. A licensed mental health counselor and nationally certified counselor, Ashley has a diverse background spanning case management, grant writing and specialized services in education, disability, foster care and housing. She is EMDR certified and excels in trauma-informed and somatic-based counseling. She is passionate about empowering first-generation, moderate-income students and those with disabilities. Ashley is committed to fostering academic, career and personal success through tailored interventions.
Athena Castro, Writing Skills Specialist
Office: 011 Macomb Hall
Phone: 518-564-2810
Email: [email protected]
Schedule an Appointment with Athena
Athena Castro earned a Master of Arts in English Literary History from Ohio University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Theatre from SUNY Plattsburgh. As the TRIO SSS writing skills specialist, Athena teaches first-year composition, hosts writing workshops, edits our program newsletter and provides professional writing tutoring to students in all majors and grade levels.
Elizabeth Keysor, Intake Coordinator
Office: 011 Macomb Hall
Phone: 518-564-2810
Email: [email protected]
Schedule an Appointment with Elizabeth
Elizabeth Keysor graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Elizabeth is passionate about supporting students through a holistic approach to success, recognizing that academic achievement is deeply connected to overall well-being. As a first-generation college graduate, she is especially dedicated to empowering first-generation students as they navigate their own college experiences.
Simon Melgarejo, Engagement Assistant
Office: 011 Macomb Hall
Phone: 518-564-2810
Email: [email protected]
Schedule an Appointment with Simon
Simon Melgarejo earned a B.S. in psychology from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2025 and is pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. His experience includes serving as a TRIO undergraduate intern, where he developed and facilitated mental health and wellness events to support the campus community. Simon also served as a community advocate for two years, providing peer support and fostering inclusive engagement on campus. He is passionate about promoting mental health awareness, student well-being and equity in higher education, with a strong commitment to empowering first-generation and underrepresented students through advocacy and programming.
Anne Petro, Coordinator of Instruction
Office: 011 Macomb Hall
Phone: 518-564-2810
Email: [email protected]
Schedule an Appointment with Anne
Anne Petro earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and master’s in education from SUNY Plattsburgh. Her professional experiences include over 35 years of advising, teaching and tutoring mathematics for TRIO Student Support Services, in addition to 30 years as an adjunct for the mathematics department. Her experience also includes professional STEM tutor for the Claude J. Clark Learning Center, instructor for the EOP Summer Institute, adjunct lecturer for the Center for Lifelong Learning, consultant for Wm. C. Brown Publishers, and an instructor for Strong Start to Finish Corequisite Course Model.
Brittany Petro, Academic Success Coordinator
Office: 011 Macomb Hall
Phone: 518-564-2810
Email: [email protected]
Schedule an Appointment with Brittany
Brittany Petro earned a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Childhood Education from SUNY Potsdam. She holds a Master of Science in Literacy from SUNY Plattsburgh. She has a strong background in reading/writing strategies and brings both instructional expertise and a passion for student growth to her role as academic success coordinator. Brittany is dedicated to helping students build confidence, develop academic skills and reach their personal and educational goals.
Isabella Rodriguez, Access & Engagement Assistant
Office: 011 Macomb Hall
Phone: 518-564-2810
Email: [email protected]
Schedule an Appointment with Isabella
Isabella Rodriguez graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2025 with a B.S. in social work and is currently pursuing her M.S.W. Her professional experience includes support outreach, student intake, virtual information sessions and holistic advising. A TRIO alum herself, Isabella is very passionate about working with first-generation, low-income, and/or students with disabilities and is committed to supporting their academic, personal and career development through intentional, student-centered guidance
Ariel Sookram, Academic Coach
Office: 011 Macomb Hall
Phone: 518-564-2810
Email: [email protected]
Schedule an Appointment with Ariel
Ariel Sookram graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Law and Justice. Throughout her career, she has gained valuable experience working as a student worker and peer mentor coordinator with TRIO Student Support Services, as well as with University Police. She also completed internships with the NYC Department of Probation, the University Police and the District Attorney’s Office. Ariel is passionate about supporting first-generation college students and helping them build the confidence and skills needed to succeed in higher education and beyond.
Tom Thompson, Assistant Director
Office: 011 Macomb Hall
Phone: 518-564-2810
Email: [email protected]
Schedule an Appointment with Tom
Tom Thompson graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a B.A. in speech communication and English minor and M.A. in administration leadership. His professional experience includes course instruction in English and leadership, tutoring and holistic academic advising. Tom has a passion for working with athletes, and first- and second-year students, as well as assisting students in finding meaningful college experiences to enhance their future careers.