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.

914-306-9082 • CRodriguez@cw.edu

Chrismary Rodriguez serves as the Assistant Director of High School Admissions at The College of Westchester. In this role, she leads high school recruitment efforts, strengthens school and community partnerships, and helps prospective students and their families navigate the college enrollment process.

Chrismary brings more than eight years of experience in higher education, with a background spanning admissions, financial aid, career development, student recruitment, and enrollment. As an entrepreneur, she also brings a creative, strategic, and relationship-driven approach to leadership, outreach, and student engagement.

As a first-generation college graduate, Chrismary understands the transformative power of education and access to opportunity. She is passionate about helping students recognize their potential, confidently pursue their goals, and feel supported as they take the next step toward their future.

914.831.0207 • hsrelations@cw.edu

Noel has been a valued member of The College of Westchester since 2006, beginning her career in Admissions before transitioning to academia as a faculty member and Chair of the Business Department. Throughout her time at CW, she has remained dedicated to student success, academic excellence, and building strong community connections.

Most recently, Noel has worked with Academic Affairs to develop relationships with local schools, businesses, and organizations, while coordinating guest speakers, educational events, and learning opportunities for students. In her new role, she will continue strengthening these partnerships and supporting workforce development, experiential learning, and community engagement initiatives that connect the classroom with real-world opportunities.

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.

914.601.3772 • tmarrero@cw.edu

Taina brings a people-focused approach to her role as an Admissions Counselor at The College of Westchester. Throughout her career in banking, nonprofit work, and wellness, she has enjoyed building relationships, understanding individual needs, and helping others reach their goals. Her experience in banking gave her the opportunity to help clients navigate important financial decisions, while her nonprofit and wellness work allowed her to support individuals and contribute to the community.

Today, Taina is passionate about helping high school students take the next step toward their future. She especially enjoys working with high school seniors, getting to know their interests and goals, and helping them navigate the college decision-making process. She believes that choosing a college is a personal and exciting journey, and enjoys making students and their families feel welcomed, informed, and supported along the way.

Taina graduated from Ithaca College with a BS in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing. Outside of work, she is an avid Yankees fan and enjoys playing pickleball.

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!