First Generation Students

Office: Administration Building #1, Suite 112, Room 117
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2352
Email: bcerbone@ocean.edu

Education: Rowan University, BA.Ed and BA.Math, Ocean County College, AA.LA

Learn more about Briana:
I am a first-generation college student that started my educational journey at Ocean County College after graduating high school.
I was unsure if college was the right path for me as I had zero career interests. My parents were supportive in my choices but I knew I did not want to work as a waitress in a small restaurant for much longer. I enrolled in general education classes at Ocean County College and realized math was a particularly easy subject for me. Seeing that this was not typical for many college students, I took advantage of my strengths and focused my education on becoming a math teacher. I finished my AA.LA and transferred to Rowan University to complete a dual bachelor’s degree in Subject Matter Education K-12 and Mathematics. After graduating from Rowan and a few years of teaching middle school math, I decided I wanted to put more attention on older learners, specifically “adult learners.” I’ve always found an interest in assisting others choose the best path for them, maybe because I struggled with finding my own. I am now the Specialist/Academic Advisor with TRIO Scholars at Ocean County College, where my passion for personal and educational development is shared with students who are also in need of academic support.

Office: Student Center, Building #8, second Floor, Room 221
Phone: 732 255 0400 x 2371
Email: christina_hernandez1@ocean.edu

Education: Fordham University, MSW; Stockton University, BSW; Ocean County College, AA (Social Science)

Learn more about Christina:
Ms. Hernandez, MSW, LSW is a first-generation college graduate who earned her Associate in Arts with a Social Science concentration from Ocean County College, a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Stockton University, and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Higher Education Administration at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Ms. Hernandez has worked extensively with military families, domestic violence survivors, and at-risk youth, focusing on crisis intervention, program development, and student success initiatives.

As the Assistant Director of the Veteran and Military Resource Center at Ocean County College, Ms. Hernandez leads efforts to enhance student veteran retention, well-being, and institutional support. An experienced educator and speaker, she has taught courses on trauma, healing, and human behavior and has presented at national conferences, military installations, and academic institutions on topics including student veteran success strategies, trauma-informed practices, and crisis de-escalation techniques.

Office: Tech Building #25, second floor, Room 201
Email: dmcnally@ocean.edu

Education: Georgian Court University, MA.InstTech & Supervisory Cert; Pace University, BBA.BusEd (Typewriting & Stenography)

Learn more about Diane:
My whole life involved teaching. I taught pre-school autistic students all the way to evening school older adults. During my college summer months, I worked for the Borough of Manhattan Community College in mid-Manhattan. I was involved with the National Urban League program under the direction of Vernon Jordan teaching underserved residents to develop economic confidence, pay equality and equal opportunities. I graduated from Pace University located in Lower Manhattan with a BBA Degree in Business Education with a concentration in Typewriting and Stenography. I taught high school for 6 1/2 years on Staten Island. After raising my 4 children, I went back to teaching but on the elementary level. I soon realized, my heart was with the older students; therefore, I went back to further my education at Georgian Court University receiving my MA in Instructional Technology. I continued my education by earning my Supervisory Certification. Currently, I am an Adjunct Associate Professor at OCC. I am, also, a Substitute Teacher for the Monmouth County Vocational School District and I teach Computer Literacy for the Adult Education Evening Program for the same district.

Office: ADMN (Building #1) – Room 217
Phone: 732-255-0400 x2059
Email: jpeto@ocean.edu

Education: Saint Joseph’s University, MBA; Graduate Certificates in Data Analytics & Marketing; Rider University, BS.Com (Accounting)

Learn more about Judith:
Ms. Peto is a first-generation college graduate who earned a Master of Business Administration degree and graduate certificates in Data Analytics and Marketing from Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA, and a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree with a major in Accounting from Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ.  Her extensive career as an Accountant and Financial Analyst has spanned Corporate, Financial, Non-Profit, and Legal Industries, State and Municipal Government, and Higher Education.  Currently, she sits on the Board of Trustees at O.C.E.A.N. Inc. Community Action Partnership and the John F. Peto Studio Museum.  She is the proud mother of four (4) daughters, who each earned college degrees.  As a Girl Scout Leader for 25 years, she mentored over 80 Girl Scouts through their formative school years up to college applications.

Office: RUSS, RM. R117
Phone: 732 255 0400 x 2465
Email: jprioli@ocean.edu

Education: B.S., West Chester University

Learn more about Jamie:
Ms. Prioli (she/they) is a first-generation college graduate where she attained her bachelor’s degree from West Chester University and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of New York at Buffalo. As a certified rehabilitation counselor, Ms. Prioli has experience in both the nonprofit and higher education sectors, supporting individuals with disabilities. She takes pride in her dedication to equity and social justice, striving to ensure that every person, regardless of ability, has a voice and access to the resources they need to succeed. She currently serves as an appointed member of the Ocean County Superior Court Vicinage Advisory Committee on Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement (VAC DI&CE) and sits on the executive board of both NJ AHEAD (Association on Higher Education and Disability) and Ocean County Commission for Individuals with Disabilities (CID).

Office: Gateway Building, Room 409
Phone: 732 255 0400 x 2120
Email: lpaolillo@ocean.edu

Education: M.B.A., Georgian Court University; B.S., Kean University; A.S., Ocean

Learn more about Laura:
Laura is a first-generation college graduate. She earned her associate’s degree in general studies from Ocean County College, her bachelor’s degree in business management from Kean University, and her master’s degree in business administration from Georgian Court University. Her career spans various roles in marketing and finance across different sectors, ranging from hedge funds to nonprofits. She is currently a full-time e-learning business professor at Ocean County College, where she also serves as a member of the Global Education Committee, the Business Advisory Committee, and as the advisor for the Marketing Club. Additionally, she oversees the high school Shark Tank-style competition, “Sink or Swim,” which is hosted by Ocean County College.