SSS Staff - Monica G. Buriello

On August 1st, 2005 I began work as the TRiO - Student Support Services Counselor here at Paul Smith's College. We’re now in our second grant cycle and our program continues to grow and evolve as we diligently strive to meet the needs of our students.

My educational background includes: a Master of Science Degree in Education, Counseling, with a concentration in College Student Personnel from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY; a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Union College in Schenectady, NY; and an Associate in Science Degree with a concentration in Biology from Adirondack Community College in Queensbury, NY.

My work history includes: Career Advisor at Siena College; Career Counselor and Assistant Director of Career Services at Russell Sage College, and Assistant Director of HEOP/Learning Support Specialist (i.e., coordinator of the tutoring program) at Russell Sage College.

I have two daughters – Heather, who lives in NoCA - the mother of my grandson, Ryder, who naturally is the most beautiful child ever born; and Brie, who is my friend and roomie here in the mountains. In addition, we have two very spoiled cats - Tahoe and Sierra. I moved to Saranac Lake from Troy, NY and am originally from Milford, a very small town near Cooperstown (Baseball Hall of Fame), NY. I love to travel and have lived in various places across the country including Kansas City, MO; Atlanta, GA; Auburn, WA; and spent a few months in Dallas and Houston, TX.

Although living in the Adirondacks generally conjures up images of hiking, camping, mountain climbing and the like, my interests definitely do not include wilderness activities. I do enjoy a walk through the forest now and then, leisurely canoe ride, and a bit of warm weather fishing. Mostly I like spending time with friends and family, weekend getaways, reading, dabbling on eBay, ethnic restaurants, and interacting with my students, in a nutshell, living the simple life. Oh yeah, I did try snowshoeing once and it didn't kill me! If you're interested in giving it a shot... talk to Tom!