Staff Directory
Medical Staff
Sara Vennard, PA-C
Physician Assistant, Assistant Director of Wellness Center
Pronouns: She/Her
Vennarsj@cobleskill.edu
John Sapovits, ACNP-BC Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
Pronouns: He/Him
Counseling Staff
Wiley Breault
Canine Good Citizen
Certified Therapy Dog
The Wellness Center’s 4-legged therapist, Wiley, has 6 years of therapy dog experience, making visits on campus and in the community. He is an alum of the Cobleskill Canine program and loves returning to his Alma Mater. He also hosts his own program called: “Unwind With Wiley the Wellness Dog” where students are invited to come in, unwind, destress, and leave with some self-care techniques.
Support Staff
Director of Wellness Center
Education:
Master of Science in Counseling and Human Relations Villanova University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminal Justice Elmira College
Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a National Certified Counselor
Lynn has worked at the SUNY Cobleskill Beard Wellness Center since 2000, serving in the positions of a Senior Counselor, Assistant Director of Counseling, Co-Director of the Wellness Center and currently now as Director of the Wellness Center. Before coming to SUNY Cobleskill, Lynn was employed at Keystone College, Hartwick College, and A.O. Fox Hospital. She is passionate about helping college students face life challenges, overcome adversity, and develop intentional self-care plans that ultimately lead to self-acceptance and personal growth. She is committed to providing leadership for the Wellness Center team for the provision of high-quality comprehensive services while increasing access to care and resources for our students.
Counseling Staff:
Senior Counselor
Education:
Master of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling from University at Albany SUNY
Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from High Point University
Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning
Danielle Reu has been a dedicated member of the SUNY Cobleskill counseling team since 2013. With over 15 years in the field, she is committed to fostering a compassionate, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment that promotes mental health and wellness across campus.
Danielle regularly conducts trainings and workshops for students, faculty, and staff. Her areas of expertise include Mental Health First Aid and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention, equipping members of the campus community with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to mental health concerns. She is a Naloxone trainer as well as active in training the Residential Assistants on campus. In addition to her regular clinical work, Danielle leads a weekly “Coby Resilience with Equines” psycho-education group on campus.
Danielle enjoys working with college students as they build independence, exploring their personal values, and navigating the challenges of this pivotal time with confidence and self-awareness. Outside of counseling you can find her coaching soccer, walking her Basset Hounds, or whipping something up on her sewing machine.
Senior Counselor
Education:
Master of Science Degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from University of Rochester
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from SUNY Oswego
Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor
Kristyn joined the Wellness Center team in 2023 with several years of experience in community mental health and is dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive environment where clients can identify meaningful treatment goals. She enjoys partnering with individuals to strengthen stress‑management skills, build sustainable self‑care practices, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. She also serves on campus and community coalitions focused on substance education, prevention, and harm reduction; provides support for student substance‑use evaluations and referrals; and coordinates Mental Health First Aid efforts across campus. Outside of counseling Kristyn enjoys spending time with her family, including her dogs and cat, hiking, camping, and reading.
Dorothea VanValkenburgh, LMHC-D
Senior Counselor
Education:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Plattsburgh
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary College
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Dorothea (or Dorothy) joined the Wellness Center in 2024 and has truly valued being part of the SUNY Cobleskill team. She brings over 10 years of community mental health experience and a strength‑based, person‑centered approach to supporting students as they build confidence, navigate challenges, and discover who they are. A first‑generation college graduate, Dorothea made the most of her own campus experience—serving in several SGA roles, working as an RA, and later advising the Alpha Phi: Theta Psi Chapter. At SUNY Cobleskill, she oversees the LINK: Listening Inspires New Knowledge program and coordinates the Positivity Campaign, both aimed at strengthening community, fostering connection, and promoting student belonging.
Raised in Greene and Schoharie County, Dorothea continues to enjoy the outdoors and the community she grew up in. She loves hiking, kayaking, running, reading, learning, crafting, and she volunteers and serves as the board secretary for Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter.
Alex Liu, MHC-LP
Senior Counselor
Education:
Master of Arts Degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University
Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from University of Wisconsin-Madison
Before joining SUNY Cobleskill, Alex worked in a child welfare setting, supporting high-risk children and families. Alex was drawn to college counseling because college is such an important time for students to learn, grow, and better understand themselves. Alex hopes to walk alongside students as they navigate challenges, build resilience, and grow through this process. When Alex is not working, she enjoys reading, listening to music and playing video games!
Medical Staff:
Physician Assistant, Assistant Director of Wellness Center
Education:
Bachelor of Science Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University at Albany
Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies Upstate Medical University
Licensed Physician Assistant and National Commission of Physician Assistant Board Certified
Professional history and/or interests: Family Medicine and Primary Care, Treatment of Mental Health Disorders, Treatment of Chronic Medical Conditions, and Preventative Medicine
Education:
Registered Nurse
Ellis Hospital School of Nursing – Class of 2006
Prior to coming to SUNY Cobleskill in April of 2021, Linda worked in Public Health for 5 years and the hospital setting for many years prior to that. She has a professional interest in Communicable Disease.
Education:
Licensed Practical Nurse
Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing-Class of 2009
Stephanie Leavitt has worked at the Wellness Center since 2013. Prior to that she worked with the Visiting Nurses of Northeastern New York and Planned Parenthood. She has a professional interest in Women’s Health.
John Sapovits, ACNP-BC
Support Staff:
Lisa Kwiatkowski
Administrative Assistant
Lisa joined the Wellness Center team as Administrative Assistant March 2026. Lisa has a strong background in administrative support, healthcare experience, and leadership experience in supervisory roles. Lisa enjoys reading, taking walks with her dogs, and spending time with family and friends.