Meet the Admissions Team

Our admissions team is ready to assist you!

Melissa M. Coon, ’93
Interim Director of Admissions
Email:  m.coon@hvcc.edu
Started working at HVCC in 2004

Why Hudson Valley Community College: We genuinely care about making our students successful! From the faculty to the support staff, we are here to help prospective students find their path to a career through education. We provide a great education, incredible support services and faculty that is willing to go the extra mile to help you.

Advice for Hudson Valley applicants: Get involved on campus! I graduated in 1993 from Hudson Valley and I was a student athlete on the women's soccer team. Some of my closest friends and colleagues today are people I met through clubs and sports.

Favorite Spot on Campus: The area by the Clock Tower. In the springtime, the trees are blooming with beautiful scents of apple blossoms, and in the fall, the trees have such beautiful colors in the leaves. Those two things combined with the clock tower chiming gives a welcoming feeling!

Favorite Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip

Rachel Jones
Assistant Director of Admissions
Email:  r.jones2@hvcc.edu
Started working at HVCC in 2019

Why Hudson Valley Community College: As a graduate of a community college, I recognize the importance of smaller classroom sizes and concentrated learning spaces. With guidance from my professors, I was able to apply my own ideas to each lesson. The hands-on training I received on campus helped me find professional opportunities that fostered confidence and growth in my major.

Through dedication to our students and passion for the future they can build, we can help shape and develop a plan for their goals. My role in admissions has been to make sure each visitor knows they have a place here to learn and grow.

Advice for Hudson Valley applicants: Ask a lot of questions. We are always happy to help and provide guidance.

Favorite Spot on Campus: The Nature/Walking Trails

Favorite Ice Cream: I do not enjoy sweets, but I do enjoy pasta in any form!

Gary Broadhurst
Admissions Counselor
Email: g.broadhurst@hvcc.edu
Started working at HVCC in 2025

Why Hudson Valley Community College: As a community college graduate myself, I saw the overall value and importance of academic support, small classroom sizes, and financial value while I was beginning my path in higher education. The opportunities to grow as a student and person allowed me to succeed as I transferred on to a private college offering one of the top programs in the country for my field of study.

Advice for HVCC Applicants: Look to get involved on campus besides just being a student. There is something for everyone here with over 50 clubs and 20 NJCAA athletic teams.

Favorite Spot on Campus: McDonough Sports Complex. As a former NJCAA and NCAA student-athlete, athletic facilities will always be a second home to me.

Favorite Ice Cream: Anything with peanut butter and chocolate.

Nora Hedderman
Admissions Counselor
Email: n.hedderman@hvcc.edu
Started working at HVCC in 2024

Why Hudson Valley Community College: HVCC has a large number of academic programs to align with your interests and career goals. We also have a vibrant campus life with many activities to participate in. Whether you are looking to transfer on to a four year school, or enter into the workforce, an HVCC education goes a long way!

Advice for HVCC applicants: Ask questions! We are always happy to help answer any questions you may have. There are many great resources on campus to help you feel prepared and confident to begin your college experience.

Favorite Spot on Campus: Wherever Campus Safety Department’s emotional support dog, Butter, is! She can usually be found in the lobby of Guenther Enrollment Services Center.

Favorite Ice Cream: Stewart’s Peanut Butter Pandemonium

Polly Karis
Admissions Counselor
Email: p.karis@hvcc.edu
Started working at HVCC in 2008

Why Hudson Valley Community College: HVCC is big enough to offer more than 80 degrees and certificate programs and provide excellent academic support, yet it’s small enough that your professor will know your name after the first week of classes.

Advice for Hudson Valley applicants: If you’re undecided about your career path, you need to gather more information: talk to admissions counselors, academic advisors, and the career center. Take classes that interest you, but also try something new. And, talk to everyone you know about their own experiences.

Favorite Spot on Campus: The Nature/Walking Trails

Favorite Ice Cream: Coffee or Butter Pecan … can’t choose

Madison Napolitano
Admissions Counselor
Email: m.napolitano@hvcc.edu
Started working at HVCC in 2023

Why Hudson Valley Community College: Hudson Valley is a two-year school that has just as much to do on campus as a four-year school. We have over 50 clubs and organizations on campus, as well as 20 men’s and women’s intercollegiate sports teams. There is always something happening at HVCC! Getting involved and attending on-campus events allows students to make friends and be a part of the HVCC community.

Advice for Hudson Valley applicants: Utilize the resources that are available to you on campus. The college workload can be a lot at times, but there is support for every student!

Favorite Spot on Campus: The Science Center lobby.  I love all the plants!

Favorite Ice Cream: Stewart's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup

Anthony Rotello
Admissions Counselor
Email: a.rotello@hvcc.edu 
Started working at HVCC in 2024

Why Hudson Valley Community College: HVCC offers so many different academic and extracurricular programs for students. Whether your goals are to go onto furthered education or start working right after graduation, HVCC can help get you to where you want to be!

Advice for HVCC Applicants: Always seek out new opportunities. HVCC offers so many great opportunities to pursue your interests and develop connections in and out of the classroom, helping to build a strong background towards your intended career.

Favorite Spot on Campus: McDonough Sports Complex

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Marc Tayler
Admissions Counselor
Email:  m.tayler@hvcc.edu 
Started working at HVCC in 2024

Why Hudson Valley Community College: Every student has their own unique goals. Some students want to finish a program in two years and find a career while others want to move on to a four-year college. Some students want to start a program 20 years after completing high school while others want a valuable certificate to advance in their career. HVCC offers over 80 different programs and even more services to meet their needs, and I value that.

Advice for Hudson Valley applicants: Congratulations! You’re taking that first step. Our friendly and supportive staff are here to help. Be ready to ask questions, and keep an open mind. You’ll learn from your mistakes, course correct, and end up being proud of your accomplishments.

Favorite Spot on Campus: The Campus Center with all its activities and hustle and bustle.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Friendly's Black Cherry Chocolate Chunk

Julie Testo
Part-time Admissions Counselor
Email: j.testo@hvcc.edu
Started working at HVCC in 1988

Why Hudson Valley Community College: There is truly something for everyone at Hudson Valley. Our faculty, staff and facilities make us a great choice, whether you are hoping to enter the workforce right after graduation or plan to transfer to a four-year. You cannot go wrong with an HVCC education!

Advice for Hudson Valley applicants: Prior to deciding on your academic institution, visit, visit, visit, and once you decide, become involved in campus life. Engaged students persist and graduate, and at Hudson Valley we have many opportunities for you to immerse yourself in the college experience. With over 50 clubs and organization and 20 intercollegiate sports, there is something for everyone.

Favorite Spot on Campus: The bench near the Clocktower, early in the morning. Very peaceful.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Peanut Butter Cup