gsocho@ship.edu
Wright Hall 305
(717) 477-1123, X-3077

“As with heroes everywhere, the course of our lives may become a beacon to others who are on their own quests.”
 - Bolman & Deal

Gregory S. Ochoa
Director

Mr. Gregory Ochoa received his BA in psychology from Creighton University and his MA in psychology from West Virginia Graduate College/ Marshall University. He is currently working on his doctoral dissertation from Duquesne University.
           
Prior to becoming the Director of the Academic Success Program, Mr. Ochoa worked as an Associate Dean of Students and served as the Director of Multicultural Development and Character Education and the International Student Advisor at Shippensburg University. Prior to working in higher education, Mr. Ochoa worked in the community mental health field for 10 years. He has also taught psychology and education courses at Penn State Mont Alto. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children, Amanda, Alexa, and Jacob.

Mr. Ochoa has presented at the local, state and international level and has published two articles in the monograph for the Educational Leadership Development Conference at St. Peter's College, University of Oxford. Mr. Ochoa serves on the school board at St. Andrew’s Elementary school, the Waynesboro Youth Soccer Association board, coaches youth soccer, and serves on numerous committees at Shippensburg University

brfrat@ship.edu
Wright Hall 306
(717) 477-1134

Bernadine R. Frate
Program Secretary

Ms. Frate earned an Associate’s Degree in Management Information Systems from Wilson College.  She worked in the Office of Admissions before joining the Academic Success Program.  Ms. Frate has served as chair of the Statewide Act 101 Secretarial/Administrative Assistants Association (SASA) for three years, secretary of SASA for three years, chair of the Shippensburg University Clerical Staff Development Committee for three years and Historian of the Shippensburg University Women’s Consortium.  She is currently serving as program chair of the Shippensburg Association of Educational Office Professionals (SAEOP) and as chair for SASA

tcgibb@ship.edu
Wright Hall 302
(717) 477-1145

Thomas C. Gibbon
Academic Liaison

Mr. Gibbon earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Gettysburg College and a Masters of Science in Special Education from Western Maryland College. He is certified to teach Special Education in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Mr. Gibbon is pursuing a Doctor of Education degree with a Major in Developmental Education from Grambling State University. His research interests include student retention and bridge programs. Prior to working at the ASP at Shippensburg University, Mr. Gibbon directed learning centers at Mount Saint Mary’s College and McDaniel College. He has also provided learning support for students at the Franklin County Area Vocational Technical school. Mr. Gibbon lives in an 1870’s schoolhouse in Cashtown with his wife Cinda. His three children are attending college.

“Working with ASP students allows me to help students gain access to higher education.  I feel very fortunate to be a part of our students' support network."
~Tom

chbenn@ship.edu
Wright Hall 311
(717) 477-1469

Chad H. Bennett
Program Counselor

Mr. Bennett earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Psychology from Shippensburg University.  He is currently pursuing a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership.  Before he came to the Academic Success Program, Mr. Bennett worked as the Academic Coordinator of Student Athletes for Shippensburg University.  Mr. Bennett enjoys spending time outdoors participating in various sports and lives with his wife in Shippensburg.

“Find the course that will bring you happiness. Don’t be that person who looks back and has regrets. Always listen to your heart and soul for these will never fail you in life.”
~Chad

kmwolgast@ship.edu
Wright Hall 303
(717) 477-1614

Kendra M. Wolgast
Transition Counselor

Ms. Kendra Wolgast received her BS in Business Administration from Shawnee State University and her MBA from William Woods University.  Ms. Wolgast was once an Americorps volunteer in Ohio educating students as young as the sixth grade about post-secondary education.  Most recently, she worked in rural Missouri as a TRIO Upward Bound Director where she assisted high school students with the college preparation process and program alumni with college re-entry and retention.  She has also taught Principles of Marketing and Entrepreneurship courses at North Central Missouri College.  Ms. Wolgast enjoys spending time with her husband, Steve, and her son, J.T. along with their two dogs Daisy and Duke.  She also enjoys photography, digital scrap booking, collecting pigs, and baking.

“ASP is a great opportunity for students to get off on the right foot with their college education and be better prepared for the college experience.”
~Kendra

kadunkel@ship.edu
Wright Hall 302
(717) 477-1145

Kurt Dunkel

Interim Counselor

Mr. Dunkel will be filling in while Mr. Gibbon take's a sabbatical during the summer program and during the maternity leave of Ms. Wolgas. Mr. Dunkel received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Ship. Mr. Dunkel lives in Shippensburg with his wife, Kelly, and their 16-month-old son, Andreas. Mr. Dunkel was a member of the track and field team as undergraduate; earning All-American honors twice as a javelin thrower during that time. During his graduate studies Mr. Dunkel completed his practical counseling experiences at Shippensburg University’s Counseling Center and at the Counseling Center at the University of Edinburgh (Scotland). Subsequently, Kurt worked at Ship’s Student Counseling Center for nearly two years before his most recent employment as a family and outpatient mental health counselor in Chambersburg. Mr. Dunkel also was an assistant coach of track and field at Ship for nine years before retiring to focus on his family and work toward a doctoral degree. During that period, Mr. Dunket coached numerous All-American athletes and was published extensively. Kurt has a rather interesting and unique personal experience as a former Act 101 student. He is excited to work with the ASP program and brings with him his background both as a counselor and coach. In his free time he enjoys traveling, writing, reading, and spending time with his family. 

mgjones@ship.edu

Wright Hall

(717) 477-1015

Marni Jones
Interim Learning Specialist/Tutorial Coordinator

Ms. Jones earned her BA in French and Theatre Arts from Earlham College and an MA in Theatre from Miami University. She received her TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification in Cameroon before serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mauritania, and has a certification in Early Childhood Education from Montgomery College. Ms. Jones has worked with students of all ages in a variety of capacities—as a youth advocate, a teacher, counselor, tutor, coach, and school director, and is thrilled to be here at Ship. She speaks several African languages, and only recently moved back to her childhood home of Adams County after having lived in French-speaking West Africa on and off for 8 years. Ms. Jones is an avid ultimate Frisbee player, and also enjoys word games, silly hats, and going on adventures with her sons, Chad and Jared.

Wright Hall 310
(717) 477-1123, X-3323

Karen Hamilton

"quote"

jr3625@ship.edu
Wright Hall 304
(717) 477-1123, X-3323

Jenna Rosa

Ms. Rosa graduated from Shippensburg University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Secondary Counseling and hopes to one day work in a middle or high school.  While an undergrad at SHIP she was an active member of Bridge for Kids and the Psychology Club.  She also interned for three semesters at the Milton Hershey School in the Behavioral Services department.   In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching movies, playing sports (especially soccer & swimming), and cooking.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dream!  Live the life you've imagined."

~Thoreau

eg4841@ship.edu
Wright Hall 304

(717) 477-1123, X-3323

ar5725@ship.edu

Wright Hall 304
(717) 477-1123, X-3323

Ashley Ruth

Ms. Ruth comes from York, PA and is a Spring 2008 graduate of York College of Pennsylvania.  Ms. Ruth has earned her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science and completed minor studies in Criminal Justice, Political Science, and Public Administration.  While at York College of PA, Ms. Ruth participated in several campus organizations and has held executive board positions in many of them.  In addition to maintaining academics and participating in campus organizations, Ms. Ruth has completed over 1000 hours of community service at a local non-profit organization where she has taught and mentored youth and assisted in community wide events.  During Ms. Ruth's spare time, she enjoys shopping, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.  Ms. Ruth is at Shippensburg working on her Masters degree in Public Administration.  Following the completion of her MPA, Ms. Ruth plans to continue her service to the community as well as pursue a career in either government, education, or in the non-profit arena.

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow."

~Albert Einstein

mw6354@ship.edu
Wright Hall 310
(717) 477-1123, X-3323

Marjorie Wingert

Ms. Marjorie Wingert received a BA in Psychology and Music from Eastern University.  Currently, Ms. Wingert is pursuing a Master’s in Counseling from Shippensburg University.  As a visually impaired individual, Ms. Wingert intends to use her education and experience to serve the disabled community.  Ms. Wingert also holds a background with financial services and health sciences.  She enjoys music and exercising.