Pathfinder Team

Marva Bain, Director
Email:  mbain@ccny.cuny.edu

I have been serving as an educator in Higher Education for over 10 years. I’m passionate about working with students and guiding them toward their goals, always seeing them as individuals striving to get ahead. My advising approach looks at the whole student experience — focusing on strengths, identifying solutions, and navigating obstacles along the way. I’m a solutions‑based advisor who enjoys thinking creatively to help students move forward. I also lead the Pathfinder Advising Team, making sure they have the tools, support, and guidance they need to best serve our students.

Education: Master of Science in Education, School Counseling from Alfred University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a double minor in Black & Hispanic Studies and Non-Profit Management from CUNY Baruch College

Yasmeen Pizarro, Deputy Director
Email:  ypantophlet@ccny.cuny.edu

I have worked at The City College of New York for nearly two decades.  In my current role as Deputy Director, I oversee advising initiatives, co‑curricular programming, and manage the Pathfinder advising team.

I am deeply committed to ensuring that students have the information, guidance, and tools they need to navigate college successfully, participate fully in their college experience, and progress toward timely graduation. My advising philosophy centers on clarity and empowering students to make informed academic decisions.

Education: Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from SUNY Stony Brook, a Master of Arts in History with a focus on Caribbean and Latin American History from New York University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with a concentration in French from Sarah Lawrence College.

Valerie Poulolo, Senior Academic Advisor
Email:   vpoulolo@ccny.cuny.edu

I joined The City College of New York over 12 years ago with a strong commitment to student success, equity, and academic empowerment. I bring a global and humanistic perspective to advising which strengthens my ability to support students from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. I am passionate about helping students navigate complex academic pathways, regain momentum after setbacks, and build realistic, high-impact plans toward graduation and long-term goals because, as I like to put it, “My students are, and will always be, my priority.”

Education:   Master of Art, International Affairs, City College of New York; Master of Art, French, Brooklyn College

Bernadette Burch, Senior Academic Advisor
Email:  bburch@ccny.cuny.edu

Greetings! I am Bernadette Burch a first-generation college graduate. My deep enthusiasm for education and (#PurpleLife!) has strongly influenced my professional path. Over the past 23 years, I have worked extensively in retention, academic, and career advisement roles. I have focused on boosting student retention by designing creative outreach programs and workshops that help students build self-advocacy, leadership, and planning skills to tackle obstacles. My approach to advising is holistic and proactive coaching that empathizes with students' experiences without judgment.

Education: Computer Science AS, Medgar Evers College & Computer Systems BS, Lehman College

Eric Lopez, Senior Transfer Advisor & Assistant Director, 1847 Academy Transfer Initiative
Email: elopez3@ccny.cuny.edu  

I approach academic advising with honesty, clarity, and a sense of humor. I want students to feel comfortable asking questions, double‑checking my work, and engaging in open conversation. Even though we don’t always have much time together, I enjoy getting to know students and making our meetings as productive and meaningful as possible.

Education: BA in Journalism, Baruch College

Angel Escalante, Academic Advisor
Email:  aescalante@ccny.cuny.edu

Hello! I am Angel Escalante, academic advisor and proud alumnus of CCNY. I graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, then began advising students in The Hub within the same year.  My style of advising focuses on supporting students by discussing goals they have as individuals and providing holistic advisement that identifies clear paths towards success.

Education: I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration to further develop my advising methods and their effectiveness.

Milka De La Cruz, Academic Advisor
Email:  mdelacruz4@ccny.cuny.edu

I strive to create a welcoming advising environment where students feel supported, informed, and confident in shaping their own paths to success.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Studio Art, currently pursuing a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration

Sharleen Lantigua, Academic Advisor
Email: slantigua@ccny.cuny.edu

I have over five years of experience supporting undergraduates, including first-generation students and those facing academic or financial barriers. My advising approach is holistic, strength-based, and student-centered that acknowledges the academic, personal, and systemic factors influencing student success.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, with minors in Studio Art and Business Administration. Currently pursuing a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling.