Mohawk Valley Community College recently announced the following appointments, approved by the Board of Trustees at its September meeting:

• Alexander LapeChristen, Workforce Navigator
• Kaitlyn Mars, STEP Coordinator 
• Kristen Rasmussen, Instructor in the School of Public and Human Services
• Michael Zombek, Technical Assistant in the Center for Corporate and Community Education

Alexander LapeChristen has been appointed a Workforce Navigator in the Center for Corporate and Community Education. In this role, he will address community workforce development by assisting individuals with onboarding into training programs, connecting trainees to job opportunities, and maintaining relationships with program completers to support future upskilling. LapeChristen joins MVCC from Binghamton University, where he held multiple roles, including Head Teaching Assistant for Law and Justice, guest lecturer in Buddhist Ethics, and Graduate Teaching Assistant. He earned bachelor’s degrees in Arts, Philosophy, Politics and Law, and Political Science, as well as a master’s degree in Philosophy, all from Binghamton University.

Kaitlyn Mars has been named STEP Coordinator in the TRIO Upward Bound and GEAR UP Department. She will oversee daily operations of a program aimed at encouraging qualified high school students to pursue careers in STEM fields and licensed professions. The program offers peer mentoring, tutoring, standardized test preparation, college visits, workshops, and educational field trips — all designed to support student success in high school and beyond. Mars comes to MVCC from the City of Utica, where she was Program Manager for the Youth Bureau. She has several years of experience working as a social worker, case manager, teacher, and daycare provider. She earned an associate degree in Criminal Justice from MVCC and a bachelor’s degree in Child Life Psychology from Utica University.

Kristen Rasmussen has joined the School of Public and Human Services as an Instructor. She will teach courses, support senior faculty with curriculum development and course revisions, advise students, and contribute to both departmental and College-wide committees. She will also fulfill other responsibilities aligned with her professional role. Rasmussen brings extensive experience in clinical social work, most recently serving as Chief Clinical Officer at the Integrated Community Alternatives Network. She also maintains a private practice, Positive Pathways, based in Clinton, N.Y. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Cultural and Women’s Studies from SUNY Empire State University and a Master of Social Work from Syracuse University.

Michael Zombek has been appointed Technical Assistant in the Center for Corporate and Community Education. In this role, he will provide specialized technical support to professional and administrative staff, as well as assist in the coordination and supervision of student activities and events. Zombek brings extensive experience in video production and instructional support. Prior to joining the College, he served as Student Assistant Coordinator at Utica University and as Educational Digital Coordinator for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County. He holds an associate degree in Digital Filmmaking from Herkimer College and a bachelor’s degree in Digital Journalism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.