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An academic adviser/counselor for the Health Careers Program, Marie has been guiding students for more than 20 years. "I came to Montclair State in 1980 when Health Careers was just getting started. Only nine students were enrolled, and counseling, tutoring and advisement were not available. I helped get the program off the ground by traveling all over New Jersey to recruit students," she explained. "Now, I'm involved in practically all aspects of the program."
Today, the program has approximately 130 students preparing for careers as physicians, dentists, veterinarians, osteopathic physicians, optometrists, podiatrists and other science-related positions. Marie works closely with each individual student. "I treat these students like family. It's important for me to get to know them all personally," she said.
Born and raised in South Jersey, Marie knew at an early age that she wanted to help others. "Being one of nine children, I realized growing up that it was in my nature to be compassionate and serving to my family as well as to others," she said. Marie earned a bachelor's degree from Montclair State in 1974 and began teaching middle school. "But that wasn't quite right for me." So she enrolled at Seton Hall University and earned a master's degree in counseling. Before joining Montclair State, Marie worked at St. Elizabeth College as an adviser in the Educational Opportunity Fund Program.
"There are a lot of things that give me satisfaction from my career, like having the opportunity to utilize my creative ideas to build a program from scratch, for one thing. Also, to see the successes of my students is rewarding. More than 200 students of color have earned bachelor of science degrees. Of those, close to 60 went on to medical school to become doctors. I get calls from students I helped in the 1980s who still want my assistance, and that's wonderful," she said smiling.
In her spare time Marie likes to keep in touch with her family, travel and listen to music. "I'm family oriented, and when possible I like to travel. I find it educational and interesting to learn about other people's cultures. I also enjoy jazz. George Benson is one of my favorite artists."