Sanford-Brown Institute - Garden City Faculty Profiles
At Sanford-Brown Institute - Garden City, we view education as a collaborative relationship that will develop between you and your instructors.
That's why we hope you'll take this opportunity to meet a few of the experienced faculty members who are committed to helping you acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to pursue career opportunities in your chosen field.
Mentors. Teachers. Supporters. With their diverse backgrounds and many professional accomplishments, these are a few of the people we think you'll enjoy getting to know:
Faculty Profiles:
Suzanne Allen RMA, RPT
Sheila Chong, EMBA, BS, AS, RDMS, RT, LPN
Steven Lara
Jinelle Mahabir, CPhT
Robin Moreno, MHRM
Anna Maria Nieves, B.A.
Troy Russo, RVT RVS RDCS RDMS
Lisa M. Strahs-Lorenc, B.S., M.P.S.
Callie Urgitano
To learn more about Sanford-Brown, our programs or how to apply for admission, please contact us for more information.
Name:
Suzanne Allen RMA, RPT
Title/Position:
Medical Assisting Program Director
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Work Experience:
Ms. Allen has worked in the medical field for over 14 years, specializing in OB/GYN and GYN Oncology field.
Work Experience:
Ms. Allen has worked in the medical field for over 14 years, specializing in OB/GYN and GYN Oncology field.
What I teach at Sanford-Brown:
Ms. Allen handles student issues and the education of the medical assistant students. Ms. Allen also teaches classes across the Medical Assistant program, specializes in teaching Anatomy and Physiology and Hematology.
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Name:
Sheila Chong, EMBA, BS, AS, RDMS, RT, LPN
Title/Position:
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Program Director
Educational Background:
Ms. Chong has academic degrees and certificates related to Administration, Education, and Health Care. Most recent is an Executive Master of Business Administration from Colorado Technical University. A Bachelor of Science in Health Administration along with a Certificate in Training and Staff Development from St. Joseph’s College. From Midwestern State University, in conjunction with the Unites States Air Force an Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology. At Tidewater Community College she earned a Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Magna Cum Laude and from Portsmouth School of Practical Nursing a Certificate in Practical Nursing. Also she completed 3 Coalition of New State Career Schools Teacher Training Courses. This education was completed through traditional, hybrid, and on-line educational programs.
Work Experience:
Ms. Chong has 36 years of combined experience in Administration, Education, and Health Care. She has been part of Sanford Brown Institute, Garden City more than 13 years. From 1994 to 1997 she functioned as needed as a sonography lab assistant then in November 1999 became Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Program Director, continuing in that position today. At Tidewater Community College, after graduation, in addition to working in hospitals as a sonographer she also worked as an Adjunct Sonography Instructor in campus sonography scanning labs and completed clinical externship site visits. Her patient care experience was gained in civilian communities and the United States Air Force, at Hospitals and Imaging Centers. She was employed as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Radiologic Technologist, and/or Licensed Practical Nurse sometimes performing under a combination of these job titles depending on the requirement and the setting.
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Name:
Steven Lara
Title/Position:
Program Director of the Medical Billing and Coding Department
Work Experience:
Steven Lara brings 8 years of professional experience in the healthcare field to his continuing career at Sanford-Brown Institute. Beginning his career in the military in September of 1995, Mr. Lara served 4 years active duty in the United States Navy as a Data Programmer and Communications Specialist. He made third class petty officer on his first ship the USS Clark which was stationed in Norfolk, Va. During his time in the military he attended Old Dominion University and majored in Computer Science. In 2000 he began working at Jzanus Ltd, a private billing firm, programming Medical Manager a medical software. His additional experience at Winthrop University Hospital, North Shore University Hospital and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital afforded him the opportunity to move onto a supervisory position for the Cardiothoracic Surgery Inpatient Billing Department.
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Name:
Jinelle Mahabir, CPhT
Title/Position:
Pharmacy Technician Program Director
Educational Background:
Jinelle Mahabir enrolled in the Pharmacy Technician Program at a local community college to increase her knowledge of the pharmaceutical field. Upon completion of the program she passed the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam given by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and became a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). She concluded her Bachelor’s of Science Degree with a concentration in Healthcare Management.
Work Experience:
Jinelle Mahabir was introduced to pharmacy field while studying pharmacology at a local community college and continued her education eventually earning herself a Bachelorette degree in Health Care Management thereafter. She enjoyed her clinical experience acquired within institutional pharmacies for over 10 years. Her career began in the Omnicare system where she grew to become the Lead Technician and Evening Supervisor where she oversaw the prescriptions data entry department, billed and processed prescriptions before making its way to the correct patients. Her additional experience at Long Island University Hospital, Parker Jewish Institute, Shore Pharmaceuticals has afforded her the knowledge needed in becoming Pharmacy Technician Instructor and ultimately in becoming the Pharmacy Technician Program Director at Sanford Brown Institute, Garden City Campus.
What I teach at Sanford Brown:
Ms. Mahabir oversees academic progress of students. Ms. Mahabir also teachers and specializes in Medication Management & Sterile Products, IVs & Parenterals, as well as other classes.
My biggest accomplishment at the end of the day is to see my students graduate and become certified with the Pharmacy Board (PTCB).
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Name:
Robin Moreno, MHRM
Title/Position:
Campus Director of Career Services
Work Experience:
Ms. Moreno brings 5 years of professional experience assisting graduates with obtaining gainful employment within their chosen field of study. Her approach involves educating students and graduates through training in developing effective career search strategies, sharing real world experience related to professional development and building a competitive edge in today’s job market.
In addition to a rich background in Career Services, Ms. Moreno has over 10 years’ experience working within the business field related to Sales, Marketing, Medical Office Management, HR/Recruitment & Training.
Before joining Sanford-Brown Institute, Ms. Moreno has played other roles related to Career Services within the proprietary education sector. She has functioned as an externship coordinator, career development coach, career services advisor and director of career services.
Robin Moreno has earned her Master of Human Resources Management degree from Keller Graduate School of Management & Bachelor in Business Administration with a special concentration in Business Management & Entrepreneurship from DeVry University.
She leads a dynamic Career Services team who are committed to assisting students and graduates create a new perspective of themselves and understand their individual potential to impact the surrounding communities and local job market as healthcare professionals.
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Name:
Anna Maria Nieves, B.A.
Title/Position:
Director of Education
Educational Background:
Dean Nieves currently holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Management from Briarcliffe College and an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Studies from Katharine Gibbs.
Work Experience:
Dean Nieves brings experience in the field of proprietary education since 1997, holding several positions throughout her career including, Assistant Director of Academic Operations, Retention Manager, Senior Registrar, as well as Student Affairs Coordinator. She has worked throughout the CEC system including Sanford Brown in Melville, Katharine Gibbs in New York City and Briarcliffe College in both Bethpage and Patchogue. Her experience in the education administrative field is expansive and aides in leading the faculty and education administration at Sanford-Brown, Garden City.
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Name:
Troy Russo, RVT RVS RDCS RDMS
Title/Position:
Imaging Center Director/CVT Program Director
Work Experience:
Mr.Russo has been involved in the field of Sonography since 1995. He has a multidisciplinary background which includes General, Vascular, and Cardiac Ultrasound. He is a registered Sonographer in Abdomen, Vascular and Echocardiography. His experience includes private practice as well as hospital settings. Mr.Russo has conducted lectures on a local and national level. He is currently co-authoring several texts and was the co-author on the new vascular edition to the extremely popular Adult Echo Pocket Reference by Terry Reynolds. Mr.Russo also serves on several educational committees.
What I teach at Sanford-Brown:
Mr.Russo handles student issues and the education of the Cardiovascular students. Mr.Russo also holds the position of Imaging Center Director in which he oversees the day to day facilities at our Imaging center.
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Name:
Lisa M. Strahs-Lorenc, B.S., M.P.S.
Title/Position:
Director of Community and Alumni Outreach
Educational Background:
Ms. Strahs-Lorenc possesses a Master’s in Professional Studies with a specialization in Career Counseling from New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury. She earned her Bachelor’s from Syracuse University in Early Childhood Education. She has taken numerous courses in sales training, leadership and management, in addition to organizational skills.
Work Experience:
Ms. Strahs-Lorenc has worked in both the profit and non-profit industries, with a strong background in marketing, community/public relations, workforce readiness, school-business partnering, career counseling, post-secondary education and business. She brings her dedication and passion for career education, and the value of “real world education” to Sanford-Brown Institute-Garden City. She especially looks forward to opening doors and creating learning opportunities that enhance students’ education while at SBI, as she creates service learning, community service, affiliate development, and alumni initiatives.
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Name:
Callie Urgitano
Title/Position:
Director of Admissions
Educational Background:
Katharine Gibbs Executive Assistant Program 1996. Callie Urgitano received her AAS in Business Management from Briarcliffe College and has credits towards her BA.
Work Experience:
Callie Urgitano brings 16 years of experience in the business/legal field, in which 8 years of experience is in the admissions education area. Callie Urgitano began her career at Briarcliffe College in 2004 where she was promoted to Senior Admissions Representative in 6 months for her production. She has been recognized by our corporate office as a high achiever since 2004 until present. She was promoted to Director of Admissions at SBI Garden City in 2006 where she has continuously succeeded in growing the school.
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