The counselors at SUNY Polytechnic Institute are experienced, licensed mental health clinicians with an extensive background in both mental health and college counseling. They are dedicated to the personal development and growth of SUNY Poly’s students. It is important that you have confidence in your counselor’s ability to help you. Please feel free to ask questions regarding your counselor's training and background. Bios have been provided below.
Sandra A. Mizerak NCC, LMHC
Senior Counselor
Sandra.Mizerak@sunypoly.edu
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. I received my degree from SUNY Oneonta with a Master’s Degree in Community Mental Health Counseling. I have over twenty years’ experience working as a college mental health counselor and a total of over twenty-six years working as a licensed therapist.
My clinical orientation is eclectic, ranging from a variety of techniques including, but not limited to Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused
Therapy. My professional experiences both as a college mental health counselor and working in the private sector have been in childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, interpersonal violence, sexual violence, self-esteem, female empowerment and grief. I worked as a sexual assault therapist for adults back when I lived in Illinois for four years. I was fortunate to have worked with amazing people which changed the trajectory of my role as a therapist For the past decade I have incorporated Positive Psychology into my work. My strengths lie in my ability to be empathetic, compassionate, helping a person find their “inner voice” and teaching them how to use it.
My mantra has always been “know your own worth”. I am trained to use Energy Tapping in my counseling sessions. Tapping is a set of techniques which utilizes the body's energy meridian points. You can stimulate these meridian points by tapping on them with your fingertips, thus releasing your negative emotions. I really like to be able to offer students tools they can use to help manage anxiety and other distressing emotions; especially those that get in the way of their personal and academic goals. As a counselor, I strive to create a safe space that is free of judgment and bias allowing students to be open to explore and share their individual beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviors. I really enjoy working with college students and feel fortunate to be a part of the SUNY Poly Wellness Center.
Christina Reap, LCSW
Senior Counselor
reapcr@sunypoly.edu
I am a Senior Mental Health Counselor at the Wellness Center and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, with a minor in Criminal Justice, from The College of Saint Rose, and my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University at Albany’s School of Social Welfare in 2014.
My professional experience includes providing crisis assessment and intervention in both in-person settings and on crisis hotlines, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988). Outside of my work at SUNY Poly, I continue to see clients in private practice.
I focus on helping students better understand the “why” behind their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, supporting them in building self-awareness and reflection. Through a collaborative and supportive approach, I offer new perspectives that encourage growth, resilience, and positive change. My goal is to help students navigate challenges with greater clarity and confidence while feeling heard, understood, and empowered.
Amanda Gallipeau, LMHC
Mental Health Counselor
gallipa@sunypoly.edu
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor. I earned my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Brockport and my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communication Arts from Allegheny College.
I’ve worked in vocational counseling, community mental health, and more recently in private practice, where I focus on perinatal and postpartum mental health. Across these settings, I’ve found that the most important part of counseling is building a genuine, trusting relationship where people feel safe, heard, and supported.
I use Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and the Trauma Resiliency Model, Mindfulness Self-Compassion, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when helpful.
In my work with students, I aim to meet each person where they are—whether they need a space to talk, practical coping tools, or help finding resources. My goal is to support students in building confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of autonomy over time.
