GWEN MENDEZ - Project Director
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I am an alumna of the Upward Bound Program - Holley High School class of 1999! I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from SUNY Brockport and my master's degree in Counseling from Liberty University.
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I currently live in Irondequoit, NY. I am a mom to one daughter named Taylor; she is in her first year of graduate school at SUNY Fredonia in the Speech Language Pathology program. I like to spend my free time going on hikes, playing Rock Band, travelling to Renaissance Faires, running a fantasy WWE wrestling league and Bingeing on Netflix.
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I love my job because it rarely feels like "work" and it is a joy to interact with students who live in the same communities in which I grew up. My favorite part of the job is being able to witness the growth of our students that happens between 9th and 12th grades.
JOEL WOODROE - Assistant Director
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I am a Medina High School graduate, class of 1992. I attended SUNY Brockport where I earned both a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a masters degree in Mental Health Counseling.
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I currently live in Medina, NY and I am married with three children. I have spent a number of years coaching youth football and baseball in Medina and Lyndonville. My hobbies include sports, fishing and exploring nature.
I have been working at Upward Bound for over 20 years and really love my job. I enjoy watching students grow into successful adults.
TOSHA BOYLE - Academic Coordinator
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I am an alumna of Medina High School, class of 1999 as well as the Upward Bound Program. I attended Genesee Community College where I earned my certificate in Early Childhood Education. I also hold my certification for EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician-Basic).
I currently live in in my hometown of Medina, NY. I am married and have two boys named Nicholas Jr, and Jace. I spend my time volunteering in my community as an EMT-B for Tri-Town Ambulance.
I love my job because when I was going through the Upward Bound Program my goal was to give back to the program and help other students like me, and now I am getting that chance. I look forward to helping and seeing the students grow through the years. I really enjoy giving back to the community where I live and I feel giving future generations a helping start is the perfect job and opportunity for me to do so!