College Credit Opportunities
for High School Students

914.831.0237 • eschacht@cw.edu

Dr. Erica Schacht is the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty at The College of Westchester. With a distinguished career in higher education, Dr. Schacht has been a pivotal figure at the college since 2008.

Dr. Schacht’s expertise spans student retention, particularly in the first year, and faculty development. Her dedication to education is evident through her previous roles as Dean of First Year Experience and Chair of General Education. In her role, she is committed to fostering faculty growth and student success.

She holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Walden University, an M.A. in English Literature from Iona College, and a B.A. in English Literature from Salve Regina University.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Schacht enjoys running marathons and spending time with her dog and two nephews.

914.831.0313 • MCurtis@cw.edu

Matt Curtis serves as the Vice President for Enrollment Management at The College of Westchester. In this role, he oversees the college’s enrollment strategies and with his team, help guide prospective students through the admissions process to help ensure they receive the support needed for academic success. ​

Throughout his tenure at CW, Matt has held several key positions, including Senior Director of Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions. His extensive experience in these roles has equipped him with a deep understanding of student recruitment and retention strategies. ​

Beyond his administrative duties, Matt actively participates in initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for young people. Notably, he played a pivotal role in CW’s collaboration with the White Plains Youth Bureau on Project Digital JumpStart. This program is designed to bridge the digital divide by providing high school students with essential digital skills and employment opportunities, thereby preparing them for success in today’s technology-driven job market. ​

As an Eastchester resident, Matt Curtis’s dedication to student success and his commitment to community engagement reflect his passion for education and his belief in empowering individuals through learning.

914.831.0227 • mbrown@cw.edu

Michelle Brown is an award-winning media and community relations leader whose background spans journalism, executive communications and K-12 partnerships. A two-time Emmy Award winner, she reported and anchored in New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts before moving into education-focused communications and community engagement.

Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Baruch College and completed graduate-level training at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism and New York Institute of Technology.

As Assistant Director of High School and Community Partnerships at The College of Westchester (CW), Michelle will build strong relationships with schools and community organizations, expand pathways to higher education, and advance the college’s mission of student success.

“I’m thrilled to join the outstanding team at The College of Westchester,” Michelle said. “CW puts students first, and I’m honored to help more learners find their path and transform their lives.”

914.831.0207 • hsrelations@cw.edu

Noel D’Allacco is the Founder of the national 501c3 nonprofit organization, Operation Prom National Network, Inc., which provides free prom dresses and tuxedos to teens in need. The organization is based in Westchester County, New York, with additional locations in NYC, NJ, CT, PA, LA, IN, GA, and CA.

In addition to her involvement with Operation Prom, Noel serves as a Coordinator of Community Relations, linking the surrounding community with the services provided by CW. Since joining CW in 2006, Noel has held various positions, including Chair of the School of Business from 2018 to 2022.

Noel also provides virtual workshops for individuals and nonprofits with the New York Public Library. With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit industry, Noel has been featured on countless local and national news networks and media outlets, including: CNN, Fox’s Good Day New York, NBC Nightly News, ABC’s Dateline, The Huffington Post, The New York Times, Woman’s Day, and Westchester Magazine. In 2024 Noel was a recipient of the 914 Inc. Westchester Magazine’s Women in Business Award.

Noel earned an MS in Organizational Leadership from Mercy College and BA in Behavioral Science from Concordia College.

www.NoelDallacco.com

914.831.0397 • cblack@cw.edu

Cody facilitated many college and career readiness presentations during her time working as Program Director of a Middle School Afterschool Program and a high school Summer Youth Employment Program.  After meeting her for the first time, you will see that she is 100% authentic when speaking with young people.  Because of her compassionate approach and enthusiasm in assisting students with various subjects, her workshops are consistently valued by the high school teachers she supports.

Cody graduated from Mercy College in the Bronx with a BS in Community Health. A cool fact about Cody is that she is also a children’s party entertainer (aka. clown) who knows how to paint faces and make balloon animals!