Our Counselors
Carolyn Bershad, Director of Counseling and Student Development, Ph.D.
Carolyn received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Binghamton University, her Master of Arts Degree from University of Hawaii in Asian Studies, her second Master of Arts Degree from University of Hawaii in Cultural Anthropology and her Doctoral Degree from The Pennsylvania State University in Counseling Psychology. Carolyn joined the SUNY Cortland family August 6 and brings with her over 11 years of clinical experience in university counseling centers.
Billie Jean Goff, Associate Director, MS, LMHC, NBCC, CEDS
Billie Jean has been a counselor with the SUNY Cortland Counseling Center since August, 1990. She has an M.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.
Dr. Richard Peagler, (retired director), Ed.D., LMHC
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.
Ester Edelman, Senior Counselor, MSW, LCSW
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, Senior Counselor, MS
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.
Stephen Smith, Senior Counselor, MSW. OASAS.CASAC, ACSW
Steve Smith comes to us with a background in working with couples and those who have been influenced by addictions. He has also been serving for several years as an adjunct in the health department, teaching courses related to mental and emotional health. He enjoys traveling with his family.
Marie Nelson, Receptionist and Secretary
Marie Nelson manages the office with a calmness and efficiency that puts you at ease.
