Counselor Profiles and Contact Information

Bethlehem Campus

Carolyn M. Brady, B.S., M.Ed., Director of Counseling & Support Services
cbrady@northampton.edu 610-861-5342
As the Director of the Counseling Center, Carolyn has oversight responsibility for counseling, student support services and health services. She insures that career, mental health, crisis, academic , substance abuse, and transitional counseling services are available to students. She encourages the development of programs and activities that address the needs of disadvantaged students. Some of these initiatives include the summer Smart Start program, the Student Success program and the Spartan PROS Program for African American Males. She is also responsible for educational programming about the effects of drugs and alcohol use and works in collaboration with Residence Life to ensure counseling support for resident students.

Ross Bandics , B.S., M.Ed. Associate Professor/Counseling
RBandics@northampton.edu 610-861-5342
Ross provides personal, academic and career counseling to students struggling with the demands of being a college student. He coordinates interventions for students on academic probation and teaches a seminar course (COUN 150) designed to prepare first-year students for college level course work. He serves on several campus wide committees and has a special interest in community service projects.

Matt Bartholomew, A.A., B.A., M.Ed., Instructor/Counseling
mbartholomew@northampton.edu 610-861-5342
Matt provides personal, academic and career counseling to all students, specializing with students on academic probation. He is a NCC graduate and has a passion for working with community college students. He has a special interest in male development and male identify issues. He serves on the Residence Core group, Spartan PROS mentoring program and assists and plans events such as Cultural Connections, Smart Start, Student Leadership Program, Safe Space Initiative, Learning Outside and the Study Skills Marathon.

Ziona Brotleit, B.A., M.C.A.T., Counselor
ZBrotleit@northampton.edu 610-861-5342
Ziona is a licensed psychologist with 29 years of professional experience. Her primary role is assisting students with a variety of personal life issues, including depression, anxiety, parents, and relationships. She specializes in working with eating disorders and body image issues and frequently provides workshops and training on stress management and relaxation techniques. Ziona also is the advisor for the Women's Club of Northampton.

Elba Carides , B.A., M.Ed., Associate Professor/Counseling
ecarides@northampton.edu 610-861-5342
Elba serves as a bilingual counselor, Spanish-English. She works with at-risk students to ensure their access to study skills, the Learning Center, leadership experiences and scholarship opportunities. She also teaches a seminar course (COUN 150) designed to prepare first-year students for college level course work. Elba is a member of NCC's Hispanic Caucus. She serves on various college committees including Curriculum Committee and Faculty Senate. Elba is very committed to helping students achieve academic success.

Latacha Davis, B.A., M.A., Instructor/Counseling
LDavis@northampton.edu 610-332-8699
Latacha's primary role is working with students in the Student Success Program. As a counselor she assists students with study skills, various mental health issues, AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) and other personal life issues. She is certified in co-occurring disorders and has over 11 years in the mental health field. She is very passionate and committed to helping students achieve academic success and serve as a role model for minority students. Latacha serves on a variety of the college's committees and promotes multicultural programs. She serves as a member of the Pan African Caucus and works closely with the Residence Hall to ensure the success of African American Students through the Cultural Connections Program.

María Teresa Donate, B.A., M.A.E. Professor/Counseling
tdonate@northampton.edu 610-861-5342
Teresa serves as a bilingual counselor, Spanish-English. She is a strong advocate for issues dealing with diversity, bilingualism, and the rights of students of color. Teresa is the co-advisor of the Student Senate, organizes programming for Hispanic Heritage Month, co-chairs the Diversity Committee and serves on various college committees.

Virginia Gonzalez, B.A., Ed.M., NCC, LPC Professor/Counseling
VGonzalez@northampton.edu 610-861-5346
Virginia provides a range of career counseling services all of which are intended to help a student come to a satisfying career decision. In addition to her individual counseling services, she also facilitates workshops utilizing the Myers Briggs as a way to examine learning styles, management styles and communication preferences. Virginia teaches the College seminar course as well as career planning and psychology courses. She is active on campus advocating for diversity issues and is a current member of the Developmental Education Taskforce, the GE Core Committee and the NCC Hispanic Caucus.

Scott R. Racine, A.A.S., B.S., M.S., COTA/L
sracine@northampton.edu 610-332-6114
Scott provides personal counseling to all students. Scott has been providing mental health treatment for the past 15 years. He has worked with children, adolescents and adults. Scott specializes in counseling adolescent and young adult populations. Scott was himself, a community college graduate. Upon graduating in 1997 with his associates degree in Occupational Therapy, Scott went on to complete his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Psychology and Counseling. He has experience working with young men and women who are struggling with family, educational and personal issues. Scott has dedicated his career to helping young people achieve their personal and educational goals.

Brittney A. Whitman, B.A., M.Ed.
bwhitman@northampton.edu 610-332-6114
Brittney Whitman holds a M.Ed. from Kutztown University in Student Affairs and Counseling and is a Certified School Counselor.  She provides a range of personal counseling through exploring an individual's beliefs and focusing on their goals for success.  Brittney uses her warm sense of humor to create a respectful and inviting environment while students learn new coping skills.  She is skilled at working with students who experience anxiety, relationship issues, depression, multicultural issues, behavioral concerns, and sexual orientation, GLBT, and gender identity stress

Monroe Campus

Michelle Backus, BA, MSW, Counselor
mbackus@northampton.edu 570-620-9221
Michelle Backus is a Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years experience. Michelle provides counseling to students addressing academic, social and personal concerns. She provides students with information regarding resources within the school and surrounding community. Students receive support, motivation and guidance. Michelle serves as a member of the Pan African Caucus and is currently assisting in the development of a mentoring program to improve theretention of African American male enrollment. Michelle's overall objective is to ensure that all NCC students meet their academic goals by graduating.

Thomas Gonzalez, MSED., MSW, LCSW, APAD. Instructor/Counseling
tgonzalez@northampton.edu 570- 688-2471
Thomas is a licensed clinical social worker with 20 years of professional experience. He currently serves as a bilingual counselor for the Monroe campus where he works with students who suffer from depression, anxiety, AOD issues. He has facilitated workshops on Drug and Alcohol and Cultural Diversity. Thomas also teaches the College Seminar and is a strong advocate for issues dealing with diversity, and Latino issues. He enjoys working with students and providing them with motivation to achieve academic success.

Jessica S. Santiago, B.S., M.S., Counselor
jsantiago@northampton.edu 570-620-9221 x 223
Jessica provides personal counseling, career counseling and social support for students at the Monroe Campus. She offers bilingual counseling and is fluent in Spanish. She assists students with specific special needs and attempts to help all students build a pattern of success. Jessica assists students with topics ranging from personal issues, family concerns, coping skills, depression, anxiety as well as other mental health needs. She strives to help students with the challenges they may face and offers them assistance and recommendations. She also assists with referrals if needed, so that they can also receive additional services in the community.