Our Counselors
Carolyn Bershad, Ph.D., Director, Counseling and Student Development
Carolyn received her B.A. from Binghamton University, an M.A. from the University of Hawaii in Asian Studies, and a second M.A. from the University of Hawaii in Cultural Anthropology. Her doctorate is from The Pennsylvania State University in Counseling Psychology, and she is licensed as a psychologist in New York and Illinois. Carolyn joined the SUNY Cortland family August 2012, and brings with her over 12 years of clinical experience in university counseling centers and over twenty years working in higher education.
Billie Jean Goff, M.S.Ed., LMHC, NBCC, CEDS, Associate Director
Billie Jean has been a counselor with the SUNY Cortland Counseling Center since August, 1990. She has an M.S.Ed. in Counseling and is certified though NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors). As a generalist, Billie sees students with a wide-range of concerns, including: relationship issues, personal adjustment, sexuality, abuse (physical, sexual, emotional), anxiety, depression and grief. Additionally, she has special interest and expertise in the area of eating disorders. Other professional experience includes: counselor with the Upward Bound program; Director of a group residence for adolescent females and community mental health work.
Ester Edelman, MSW, LCSW, Senior Counselor
Ester comes to us with much experience in practicing individual and family therapy. She also has a background in working in the mental health and substance abuse fields, and in providing crisis intervention. At SUNY Cortland, she is working with students toward gaining insight and exploring their strengths, achieving emotional and physical well-being, reducing stress, and enhancing problem solving skills. Ester studied and practiced in three countries and speaks four languages. She likes to travel and to cook.
Robyn Forster, M.Ed., Senior Counselor/Coordinator, Substance Abuse Prevention & Education
Robyn Forster earned her M.Ed. in Counseling Education from James Madison University in 1979. Her current position at the State University of New York at Cortland is that of Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator (half-time) and College Counselor (half-time). Robyn has been employed at SUNY Cortland since 1989. Prior to her employment at Cortland, Robyn held the position of Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor at The University of Maryland, College Park. Additionally, Robyn has presented at numerous workshops and trainings on an assortment of counseling topics.
Kathryn Gallup, MSW, LCSW, Senior Counselor
Dr. Richard Peagler, Ed.D., LMHC (retired director)
Rich Peagler is our Center's outdoorsman. His enthusiasm for fishing and hunting are second only to Rich's interest in others. He often conducts ACOA groups and heads the New York State Teacher Certification program.
Marie Nelson, Receptionist and Secretary
Marie Nelson manages the office with a calmness and efficiency that puts you at ease.
