Rebecca Daley has over thirty years in the field of Special Education and services for persons with intellectual disabilities. Receiving a Masters in Special Education from the University of Oregon she has worked as an educator and a regional coordinator for children and adults in the state of Oregon. Rebecca founded a transition and post secondary program at Lane Community College in 1983 that continues to thrive.
Currently, Rebecca is working as an adjunct professor for the Dept of Special Education at The College of New Jersey as well as the Director for Career and Community Studies (CCS), a four-year transition and post-secondary college program started in 2006.
Amy Schuler is currently the career specialist and an academic instructor for the Career and Community Studies program (CCS). She received her BS in Communication from Boston University and her MAT in Special Education from The College of New Jersey.
In her role as career specialist she develops, plans and oversees on campus practicums and off campus internships for CCS students.
Prior to this position Amy had extensive experience in marketing, philanthropy and event planning in both the private and public sector.
Lee Krystek is a graduate of Rutgers University where he studied political science and journalism. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Lee obtained a Masters in Teaching from TCNJ where he won the Dean of Education’s Award for Academic Excellence.
Lee has worked as a guest instructor for the CCS Great Conversations class for the last five years and is now teaching Electronic Portfolios & Media Literacy 401 & 402. This is the capstone course for CCS seniors that ties together the key learning objectives students have assimilated during the program by creating a comprehensive portfolio of their work
Dr. Rick Blumberg is an Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education, Language and Literacy at the College of New Jersey and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Dr. Blumberg holds a Ph.D..in Special Education and Rehabilitation from the University of Oregon, and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Francisco. He conducts research and has published articles and book chapters in the areas of positive behavioral support, the transition from school to adult life, post secondary education for youth with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and the needs of individuals who are dually diagnosed with mental illness and intellectual disability. In addition he is an affiliated faculty advisor for the Career and Community Studies program and is the Principal Investigator of the Transition to Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) grant. A five year federal grant to enhance the CCS program.
Dr. Jerry Petroff is an Associate Professor at The College of New Jersey, School of Education in the Department of Special Education, Language and Literacy. In addition, he is an affiliated faculty advisor for the Career and Community Studies Program and is the Principal Investigator of the New Jersey Consortiumon Deafblindness and a variety of additional related grant projects.
Dr. Petroff has over thirty years of experience working on behalf
of students, youth and adults with disabilities with an emphasis on sensory impairment including those with spectrum disorders. Holding a doctorate in psychological studies in special education, he is an expert in inclusive education, assistive technology (augmentative and alternative communication), and the transition of students with disabilities from school to adult life. Current areas of research and focus relate to the (1) promotion of early communication in children with complex disabilities with a focus on autism and sensory impairment; (2) social network development of students with autism and other related sensory impairments; (3) post school lives of youth who are deafblind; and (4) issues of behavior support for children with multiple disabilities / deafblindness.
David Rims is currently the Project Manager for the Career & Community Studies Program (CCS), Support Service Providers for the State of New Jersey Project, Work Skills Preparation Program and the CCS Plus Project, a federally funded five year grant. His credentials include degrees in Health Administration and Cardiopulmonary Technology.
David oversees the financial aspects of the CCS program. He has developed excellent working relationships with the necessary internal services on campus supporting the growth of the program. Prior to this position David has twenty seven years of experience in hospital administration.
Kaylin Torres has been working in the field of education for the last 11 years. Her life’s work is centered on the belief that social skills are a critical component to student success. Her experience ranges from teaching in both private and public schools, home therapy, implementing social skills training and friendship clubs.
Kaylin is currently the instructor of the Psychology of Human Relationships course, focusing on social skills and human behavior. She has worked for the last 4 years as a life coach encouraging young adults to achieve their full potential by helping them develop a sense of self, as well as directing them to resources and community living.
Chantal Vergara is our Housing Specialist. Chantal comes to us from Seton Hall University where she was a Residential Assistant. Chantal was also a Residential Counselor at SERV Behavioral Health system. She will provide support to students and their families in locating housing close to campus, providing support to house mentors and in-home training that will focus on independent living skills and problem solving skills.
Laura Rossano is the CCS Project Specialist. She performs some of the administrative tasks in the office. Laura has experience working in a University setting. She has worked at Syracuse University and the University of Delaware. Laura is coming back to the workplace after taking time off to raise her three children. She is excited to be with The College of New Jersey and the CCS Program!