Sharmela Garcia-Martin

Sharmela Garcia-Martin, Director of Student Accessibility Services

I came to St. Lawrence University in August of 2014, where I served as the Assistant Director of Disability and Accessibility Services for three and one-half years.  In my current role as Director of Student Accessibility Services, I look forward to continuing my work with students, parents, faculty, and staff.  I am a first generational Latina who came to college through the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Program (HEOP).  Being a first-generational student means the world to me as well as my family as it meant this was an opportunity for me to do better for myself, my family and to give back to my community in the Bronx.  It was not always easy but I worked closely with my mentors to help me. I am so glad I developed those friendships with my mentors of which whom I still keep in contact today.  My personal advice would be to reach out for help it is okay to do that and know that you have many people to support you in the Laurentian community. 

I have my bachelor's degree from SUNY Potsdam in Spanish Literature and Health Science and my master's degrees from St. Lawrence University in Counseling and Human Development, Educational Administration, and Mental Health Counseling.  

I am originally from Bronx, NY, and worked as an elementary teacher for the New York City Board of Education, and as an elementary teacher for Alexandria City Public Schools in Alexandria, Virginia.  I returned to the North Country in 2001 where I worked as a Residence Hall Director for SUNY Canton.  I also bring a clinical background working as a school-based mental health therapist (managing a satellite- Day Treatment and Outpatient programs-elementary and middle school placements), middle school principal, mental health counselor (managing a satellite office), and special education teacher before returning to St. Lawrence University as a staff member.