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.

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.

Elise Chan
Admissions Counselor
Email: e.chan@hvcc.edu
Started working at HVCC in 2009

Why Hudson Valley Community College: Academics, articulation (transfer) agreements, accessibility, activities, athletics and affordability – Hudson Valley offers everything you would expect from a larger four-year university but with a small community college atmosphere.

Advice for Hudson Valley applicants: Embrace the journey! Don’t expect it to be a straight line from your high school graduation to obtaining your college degree. This is your time to explore your options and interests.

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.

Lucas Kellis '19
Admissions Counselor
Email: l.kellis@hvcc.edu
Started working at HVCC in 2021

Why Hudson Valley Community College: Hudson Valley offers immense opportunities for our students. Engaging in clubs gives our students a chance to work independently with each other. Our healthcare and technology programs prepare students for the workforce immediately, and our business, liberal arts, and science programs allow our students to transfer to a wide variety of four-year institutions after HVCC.

Advice for HVCC applicants: Go outside your comfort zone and get involved on campus. Many of our clubs are a way to hang out with your peers, but many also build on the skills you use in your major. Talk to your professors about what it’s like to be doing the things you are learning about. Engage with new people on campus, organize social events off campus. I’m a former student, and one of my best friends was a classmate I met here at HVCC. You won’t know what’s out there until you try; and there are plenty of opportunities to find your circle.

Trevor Kniffin '19
Admissions Counselor
Email: t.kniffin@hvcc.edu
Started working at HVCC in 2023

Why Hudson Valley Community College: Hudson Valley offers incredible academics, athletics, clubs and activities that mirror a lot of four-year schools. There is so much to take advantage of on campus as you pursue a degree.

Advice for HVCC applicants: As a member of the Vikings baseball team from 2018-19 and now the assistant baseball coach, I suggest you get involved in anything you can on campus. If you are planning to transfer, four-year schools want to see a good resume. Find your passion and run with it.

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!

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.