SUNY Potsdam

Rick Berkman the 2007 SUNYAC Coach of the Year, recently completed his fourteenth season as the head coach of the men's lacrosse program at SUNY Potsdam. During Berkman's tenure the Bears have had nine winning seasons, twelve post-season appearances, a conference championship and amassed an impressive 47-37 mark in conference play.  Coach Berkman was previously named USLCA (Unites States Lacrosse Coaches Association) "Man of the Year" for his contributions to the growth of lacrosse in the North Country. He has organized several lacrosse clinics, tournaments and youth leagues since his arrival to Potsdam.  In addition to coaching lacrosse, Berkman also coaches the Men's Varsity Golf team, serves as a Physical Education Instructor and, is on the NCAA Lacrosse Advisory Committee.



Alana DeStefano is a Junior Music Education major at SUNY Potsdam.  After taking her first Zumba class in the summer of 2010, she immediately knew she wanted to become a licensed instructor.  Since then, Alana founded (and currently runs) the SUNY Potsdam Zumba Club and has lead several Zumba events on campus.  Her Zumba style combines upbeat pop, Latin, and other international music that is sure to get you moving, and more importantly, smiling! Ditch the workout, and come join the non-stop dance party!

Shannon Dillabough enters his seventh season as head softball coach at SUNY Potsdam.  In addition to coaching softball at SUNY Potsdam, Dillabough teaches physical education. A 1991 SUNY Potsdam graduate and former store manager at Champs Sports, Dillabough has coached for many years with women's summer leagues and the Morristown High School JV team.

Megan Dinan is a New York State certified Teacher of Dance. She has been dancing since childhood.   She has studied ballet, jazz, modern, African, ballroom, Latin and swing.  She has been teaching couples how to dance for more than ten years.

Michelle Garrow has worked with special needs students for many years with various agencies including St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES (in classrooms and with the ABA program), and CP of Northern NY.  She has been a certified aquatics instructor for 22 years, a lifeguard for 24 years and has coached the Potsdam Central swim team for the past 17 years.  Michelle is currently employed at Potsdam Central and works as the Waterfront Director for the Potsdam Recreation Department during the summer months.

Jim Gerber was born and raised surrounded by vineyards in California's Central Valley.  He has been employed as a USDA wine grape inspector, winery quality control inspector and (winery) sales representative.  He has taught Wine Appreciation at SUNY Potsdam for more than 10 years.

Dan Hayes had worked on campus for PACES since 1977.  He is currently the Executive Director.  He also serves as the Business Manager of the Potsdam College Foundation.  He has taught courses in Accounting, Economics and the Dean’s Freshman Seminar.  He has a BS degree from LeMoyne College and a MS degree from Clarkson University.

Jonathon Hewitt is an Assistant Athletic Trainer at SUNY Potsdam.  He also serves as the strength and conditioning coach for the SUNY Potsdam Volleyball and Hockey teams. Jonathan has lectured at Syracuse University and Canton University for the NYSATA (New York State Athletic Trainer’s Association) annual Conference.  He was formerly employed by the United States Marine Corps from 2002-2006 as an Athletic Trainer for their Return to Readiness program.  In 2006 he was chosen by Head Quarters Marine Corps to be the SME (Subject Matter Expert) for their injury prevention education module.  He has also worked for GM, Toyota and Alcoa.  He currently resides in Norwood, NY where he lives with his wife, son, 4 cats, and dog.

Tackie Huff is a SUNY Potsdam student from Bronx, N.Y.  He is majoring in mathematics and hopes to pursue a career in teaching early education.  Tackie has been a certified lifeguard for 5 years, has worked as a camp counselor at SUNY Potsdam, and has volunteered for the non-profit program R.E.A.D - where he visited elementary schools to help Kindergartners and 1st graders learn how to read.  Tackie is a brother of the national fraternity Phi Kappa Sigma and is currently the "Late Night Event Coordinator" for SUNY Potsdam's department of campus life.

Lois Jenne has been instructing Aquatic Fitness for Non-Credit Programs at SUNY Potsdam for many years. has 21 years of experience with this course.

Joshua Jock is a graduate of SUNY Potsdam with degrees in Theatre Arts and Childhood Education.  He is a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor, an ASCA Level 2 Stroke Instructor, and BOCES Certified Coach.  He has completed all USA Swimming Coaches' Requirements, is a registered Adirondack Coach, and has recently joined the coaching staff at SUNY Potsdam.
 

Gurumantra Kaur is a certified KRI Yoga Instructor, RYT with Yoga Alliance, and member of IKYTA, and IAYT. Specializing in gong meditation and relaxation, addiction therapy, mental health awareness, fertility
susceptibility, senior citizen flexibility, and meditational classes from beginners to advance persons. For more information visit www.yogistrong.com.

Andrea Malik has been training in the martial arts for over 25 years and is a certified WTF certified 4th degree, Tae Kwon Do Master rank black belt instructor-"Forest Spirit Martial Arts."  Andrea also has taught Cardio-karate kickboxing and Qigong classes, is a student of renowned qigong master, Kenneth Cohen and has been practicing yoga for over 20 years.

Michelle Martin-Atwood holds a Master of Music (2001) and a Doctor of Musical Arts (2009) in pipe organ performance and literature as well as a Sacred Music Diploma from the Eastman School of Music where she studied with David Higgs and a Bachelor of Music (1999) from the University of Alberta in Edmonton under the tutelage of Dr. Marnie Giesbrecht.  Michelle has been coached by leading performers and scholars such as Hans-Ola Ericsson, Martin Haselböck, Michael Gailit, Catharine Crozier, Robert Glasgow, Andrea Marçon, Simon Preston, Carole Terry and Andrés Cea Galán. Michelle has performed throughout North America and Europe and has been an invited performer in such prestigious events as the conference "Aspects of American Organ Building in the Twentieth-Century" (Rochester, NY) and the American Guild of Organists Young Artists Recital (Oneonta, NY).  Michelle has received numerous scholarships and grants including a Johann Strauss Foundation Scholarship for Advanced Study of Music in Austria, A Canada Council for the Arts Grant to Professional Musicians and Saskatchewan Arts Board Grants to Professional Musicians.  She was a semi-finalist in the 2002 Royal Bank Calgary International Organ Competition and a competitor in the National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance in 2003-04. Michelle is pursuing a career in organ performance, specializing in minimalist music with a strong interest in Baroque Spanish and Italian organ music and has commissioned new works such as a private symbol… (2001) by Randall Hall and Tremors of Nostalgia (2002) by Aaron Travers.  She particularly enjoys instrumental collaboration having performed with international award-winning artists such as saxophonists, Dr. Randall Hall and Dr. Chien-Kwan Lin, guitarists, Dr. Ken Meyers and Dr. Nathan Fischer, trombonist, Dr. Mark Hartman, duos with fellow organists, and dance and organ with the Elizabeth Clark Dance Ensemble. Michelle is currently working as project manager and performer for a recording of new organ works by Eastman composers and an album of organ plus other instruments.

Coach Ken McLaughlin began his career at SUNY Potsdam in 1985, and returned in 2002. Some of his coaching highlights include age group swimmers ranked as high as 1st in the U.S. , 12 junior national qualifiers, 4 senior national qualifiers, 2 Olympic trial qualifiers, 6 NCAA national qualifiers 1 All-American, 13 conference champions, 22 Potsdam record setters and one SUNYAC MVP. He holds both a Bachelors degree in Physical Education and a Masters of Science degree from Indiana University. During his years as a swimmer at Indiana his achievements included being a four-year Division I national qualifier and a school record holder. In 1981 he also attained a world ranking of ninth in the 50-meter Freestyle.



Shannon Miller, originally from Victoria BC, works in the area as an Occupational Therapy practitioner and certified HathaYoga Teacher.  She is a registered teacher with the Yoga Alliance  (RYT200) and certified as a Radiant Child Yoga Instructor.  Shannon is also certified in Yoga therapy, specifically Yoga of the Heart which is designed to share Yoga with people living with heart disease, cancer and other debilitating diseases. It is also useful for people with family histories and/or risk factors. Shannon also teaches at the Yoga Loft in Canton, at schools, private residences as well as for professional and corporate groups. Shannon says "When we show up and do the work, for ourselves, we find balance and perspective throughout our lives. It's what opens our hearts and makes us smile when we don't even realize we are."

Jill Mouthorp is a baker at Cindy's Cake Shop in Canton, NY.  She has been employed with the store since its opening in '98.

Cindy Murdie is the owner and operator of Cindy's Cake Shop in Canton, NY.  The business has been open since '98.

Jay Pecora is an Associate Professor of Theatre at SUNY Potsdam where he teaches classes on theatre history, educational theatre, applied theatre, and dramaturgy.  He directs the college's Theatre Education Major, which leads to NYS K-12 teaching certification.  An applied theatre project he directed, "Project Homecoming: women veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan reflect upon returning from war" was invited to the International Drama and Education Associations 2007 conference in Hong Kong. Jay received his BFA from the Theatre School at DePaul, his teacher certification in social studies from Hunter College and an MA in Urban Education from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York.  His PhD is from New York University in Drama Education.  Jay's dissertation, chaired by Dr. Philip Taylor, was reflective practitioner research, entitled: "Drama and the Holocaust: a qualitative study of student and teacher experience in a hjgh school social studies classroom".  As a professional actor and director Jay worked in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City.  He taught high school social studies at an Alternative High School in Manhattan for ten years. 

Dave Peets has been studying and teaching dance for the past five years.  He started out learning the Waltz and became interested in Swing dancing, Salsa, and the Tango shortly after.  He has also explored the art of break-dancing, and hip hop.

Linda Potter, M.A. of Nautilus Retreats designs and leads group or one-on-one retreats for women, non-profit organizations, and businesses. A former non-profit executive and development consultant, Linda now actively pursues a life of intention working with women and local organizations to build community in Northern New York where she lives with her family and enjoys kayaking, running & hiking.  For more information you may visit the Nautilus Retreat website: http://nautilusretreats.com/.

Matthew Pradichith is a senior at SUNY Potsdam studying philosophy and chemistry.  He is certified in gymnastics education programs through USAG and is currently the President of SUNY Potsdam's Gymnastics club.  Matt has been practicing gymnastics for 5 years, focusing primarily on the rings and floor. Matt has staffed the Non-Credit Gymnastics program for the past 4 years and has worked both Friday and Saturday Programs.  Additionally, he has worked at a 4-H camp for the past 2 years. Matt's future plans are to earn a pH.D in ancient Greek philosophy.

Julia Rapczynski has been certified by AFAA, NDEITA, and ESA as an Aerobics Instructor. She is also an AFAA certified Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor and a member of the Reebok Alliance. She received her Yoga Flight National Teacher Certification and has eighteen years of experience teaching fitness courses. Julia completed additional training in Pilates that specifically includes stretching techniques, core body conditioning, and back pain prevention.



Beth Robinson is a certified Alexander Technique Teacher.  She received her training at the Montreal School of the Alexander Technique.  A member of the American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT), Beth has worked individually with musicians, actors, dancers and athletes, and pregnant women.  She has presented workshops for the Vermont Music Educators Association, Kinney Drugs office staff, Potsdam area Physical Therapists as well as local Fibromyalgia and neurological support groups.

Daniel Romlein is a sophomore Studio Art major at SUNY Potsdam who plans to eventually study Landscape Architecture. This career first sparked his interest when he became involved in the St. Lawrence County Horticulture Club during middle school. His competition at the National Junior Horticulture Association's Conventions in 2006 and 2007 – and his active participation in horticulture for many years – were made possible by the freedom provided by his home schooled education. Daniel is an Eagle Scout and American Red Cross certified lifeguard. This past summer he worked for the Adirondack Mennonite Camping Association as Recreation Leader for one of their camps, and he has been in leadership/teaching positions for the past eight years through 4-H, Boy Scouts of America, and church.

Jason Schreer is a Mad Dogg® certified spinning instructor.  He is also an avid cyclist and is ranked as category 4 for road racing (USA Cycling).  Jason has a PhD in biology and does research on physiology of seals and fish.  He teaches human physiology, exercise physiology and physical therapy, and anatomy.  Jason also has a strong background in running and has run 15 marathons including two Bostons.  He has also organized runs for beginners.  Jason was sponsored by Snickers Marathon Bars in 2006 for running.

Emily Seresky is a sophomore at SUNY Potsdam who is double majoring in Secondary Education and Literature and Writing. Her goal is to eventually be a High School English Teacher. Emily has been life guarding for 4 years and is also a certified Water Safety Instructor.

Mary Sue Seymour is a New York State Certified Teacher with over ten years of public classroom teaching experience.  She is a graduate of SUNY Potsdam who has given private art and piano lessons for over twenty years.  She was Maxfield's resident artist for eight years and kept approximately 70 paintings there.  Her artwork has been accepted at the SUNY Potsdam Juried Show and the Massena Art Association Juried Show.  She has won best of show honors at the Artists of the Thousand Islands Annual Show and the Watertown Artists' Guild Show.  Mary Sue is currently the art teacher at Ogdensburg Catholic School.

Tracy Sharlow is a Certified PE/Adapted PE teacher and lifeguard.  She is employed with St. Lawrence-Lewis County BOCES.

Tracy Sharlow is a Certified PE/Adapted PE teacher and lifeguard.  She is employed with St. Lawrence-Lewis County BOCES.

Clare Sheehan is a certified Chef de Cuisine with a BS in Food Service Management from SUNY Buffalo.  She is currently an Assistant Director of Dining Services within the Potsdam Auxiliary College Educational Services.  She oversees the operations of both Lehman Dining Center and Bowman kitchen.  With over 30 years of experience in the food service industry Clare has worked at fast food chains, fine dining restaurants, hospitals, and 2 other college campuses (SUNY Geneseo and St. Lawrence University).

Sifu (teacher) Tom Sokol is a Master Level Instructor with over 30 years experience teaching and training various Martial Arts and Fitness Classes and is a NYS Registered and Nationally Certified Athletic Trainer.  His Tai Chi Chuan lineage comes through official disciples of T.T. Liang and is a complete system for health and self-defense utilizing Qigong and, at the advanced level, two-person exercises and weapons training.

Dr. Sharmain van Blommestein is a professor in the Department of English and Communication at SUNY Potsdam.  She is YogaFit® certified and has taught various Yoga classes at the University of Florida Gym and Dormitories, and at Midwestern State University Gym in Texas, where she also taught a Yoga class for academic credit.  She has been practicing Yoga for the past 16 years and has been teaching yoga for 9 years.



Violet Washburn graduated from SUNY Potsdam in 2010 with her BA in dance and sociology. She has performed and participated in many productions here at SUNY Potsdam, some of which include, past Student Choreographer's concerts such as "Opposing Viewpoints", and many other concerts throughout her undergraduate studies. She has performed in visiting Guest artist performances, and other Theater and Dance department shows, such as "American Muse". Violet has also choreographed many of her own works which have been featured in students dance concerts, Informal dance concerts, and her own Senior Chorographers concert in May 2010. Even as a graduate student she still participates in dance concerts at SUNY Potsdam, "Three Dimensional", being the most recent production in May 2011.   

Heather Wheeler has a Bachelor's degree in piano performance from the Catholic University of America and a Master's in Music Education from the Crane School of Music. She has worked as a music teacher, private piano teacher, pianist, and music director for the past eighteen years in Washington D.C., Louisiana, and New York.  Heather started a Family Music program at the Acadiana Conservatory in Lafayette, Louisiana.  She is currently teaching piano at the Crane School of Music.

Paula Youmell, RN, MS, is a Local Whole Food Nutrition and Holistic Health Counselor, Certified Herbalist, Reiki Master, and NYS Licensed Health and Fitness Educator with a passion for REAL FOOD, Yoga & fitness, Holistic Healing and Living.  www.handsonhealthhh.com.

Shannon Zaykoski is a sophomore Music Education major with a Special Music Education minor at SUNY Potsdam. She took educational gymnastics for four years when younger and competed for three years at both Level 4 and 5.  Alongside gymnastics, she also danced competitively for 11 years and now teaches dance when home on break. This is Shannon's second semester as the Director of the Educational Gymnastics program.