The FIT-ABLE Staff
Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities
Liz has worked in Student Affairs at FIT for the past twenty-six years and specifically with Disability Support Services since 1999.
Professional memberships include: AHEAD (the international Association of Higher Ed and Disability), DSN/NY (Disability Services Network/New York) the SUNY representative, and NYSDSC (New York State Disability Services Council).
Education:
- Certificate, Coaching College Students with Aspergers, Bank Street College, New York
- B.F.A, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania
- M.F.A., Parsons School of Design/an affiliate of the New School for Social Research
- Intern, Northeast Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)
- Certificate, the NYSUT-Cornell Leadership Institute, Ithaca, New York
Joseph Plutz
Acting Coordinator
Joseph Plutz has been working in the FIT-ABLE Office since March, 2007. He completed his Masters Degree in
Disability Studies at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (SPS) in December
2012. He currently is a member of the
FIT CARE Team which provides timely proactive intervention resources for
students, faculty, and staff in order to address student issues and promote
student academic success and safety. Joe
has a working knowledge of American Sign Language and continues studying in
this area. He earned his B.A. degree in
Finance from North Central College, Naperville, Illinois.
Susan Altman
Coordinator of Services for Students with Learning Disabilities
Coordinator of Services for Students with Learning Disabilities, Adjunct Assistant Professor Susan Altman, has been a member of FIT’s Educational Skills Department since 1981. Ms. Altman retired from the NY Department of Education as a reading specialist and work site coordinator for special needs high school students, also coordinating and supervising several bridge projects between the NYC high schools and FIT. She earned her B.A. at American University and M.S. at Hunter College.
Samantha Silverberg
projectTHRIVE Coach
After receiving her Bachelors in Psychology from Molloy College 2006, Samantha went on to receive her Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Adelphi University in 2009. While completing her masters program, she worked at the Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism and assisted with the Post Secondary Programs for Students with Aspergers Research project for Mitch Nagler, Coordinator for Compass Bridges on Long Island. She joined as a Mental Health Counselor for the Compass Project in September of 2009.
David Bevivino
Acting Counselor Associate
Acting Counselor Associate David Bevivino is a former adjunct professor of pedagogy and adapted physical education. He is currently working to complete the SUNY Cortland Master’s Program in Adapted Physical Education. He also holds an initial teaching certificate for New York State. David’s main responsibilities in the FIT-ABLE office include, conducting training for students and faculty on all forms of assistive technology, technology research, and coordinating services. He earned his B.S.E.D in Physical Education from the State University of New York, Cortland, NY.
Gail Leech-Sims Secretary III
Gail joined FIT in April, 2008 and has had a variety of rolls. Prior to joining the FIT-ABLE Office in June of 2011 she worked in the Campus Card Office and the Enrollment Management and Student Success Office. Gail serves a key role to the FIT-ABLE office as the first point of contact for students and visitors creating a friendly and professional environment that everyone appreciates. Gail also continues to improve on her own professional development by taking classes at FIT.