Staff
Meet Our Team
Our PROSPERAR Team consists of diverse, enthusiastic, & mindful individuals who aspire to create a comprehensive support network that speaks to our students' needs, both in & outside of the classroom, as well as within our campus & the larger surrounding communities. All of our team members bring a personal, vested interest in our work with the campus community. Combined with our professional & academic experiences, each team member brings a unique perspective that enhances our ability to address the multifaceted challenges our students face.
Interested in learning more about the PROSPERAR team? Click the drop-down menus below to meet our wonderful staff!
Pathway Coaches
Through our Title V Grant, our team has taken holistic support a step further & brought on Pathway Coaches to reinforce available services & resources to our entire student population, starting with you. Pathway Coaches are SUNY Orange navigators, operating as an extension of the Center for Student Success, & are committed to your growth personally, professionally, & academically. Pathway Coaches also partner with various other departments & offices across the college to create a comprehensive, campus-wide safety net to provide academic, social & cultural programs designed to enrich your college experience through a community-specific lens.
Scott Cooper: Health Sciences & Wellness
Scott Cooper is the Pathway Coach for the Health Sciences & Wellness Community. This
community consists of students pursuing their education in the following: Dental Hygiene,
Exercise Studies, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technician, Occupational Therapy Assistant,
Physical Therapy Assistant, Public Health, Radiologic Technology.
Scott brings over 20 years of experience in education, including presenting health
and wellness workshops throughout New York. He holds an A.A. from Suffolk Community
College, a B.S. from SUNY Binghamton, an M.S. in Health Education from Adelphi University,
and an M.S. in School Leadership from SUNY New Paltz.
Scott is passionate about student success, with a strong background in academic counseling,
and developing personalized strategies to support diverse learners. He also has experience
coaching athletics, organizing professional development workshops, and promoting inclusion
through culturally relevant health education.
Outside of work, Scott loves outdoor activities and is an avid runner. He has competed
in mountain bike races, triathlons, Spartan races and running races. Most recently,
he and his son completed hiking all the highest peaks in the Adirondacks!
Fun facts about Scott: He enjoys cooking, he grew up on a farm on Long Island and is currently training to run a marathon.
Alex Haines: Justice & Community Engagement, Arts & Media
Alex Haines has worked in education for over ten years, supporting students in discovering their authentic selves while developing learning strategies, strong work habits, and goal-setting skills.
Through work in music education, Alex has guided students in project planning, creative expression, and personal growth. In addition to work in education, Alex has contributed project management support to several local advocacy organizations and regularly volunteers with Middletown and Newburgh-based groups. This work reflects a strong commitment to community building, advocacy, and advancing principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, access, and belonging (DEIJAB).
Alex holds a Bachelor's degree in Music and regularly performs locally, with a focus on building community through intentional programming and partnerships.
Support Staff
Omaya Ortiz and Victoria Lucas are Coordinators for the Pathway Coaches at SUNY Orange. They support students and coaches by helping coordinate services and resources in the Center for Student Success. They can be found at the front desk on both campuses, where they enjoy connecting students with the support and guidance needed to help students thrive.
Omaya Ortiz, Center & Pathway Coordinator
(845) 341-4091
omayaortiz@sunyorange.edu
Victoria Lucas, Center Coordinator
(845) 341-4557
fionalucas@sunyorange.edu
