September 2021

Meet the Central/Western NY Community Schools Technical Assistance Center

Contact: cstac@binghamton.edu

Our team has a background in education, community-based organizations, and health services. Read more about our commitment to lifting up community leaders below, and consider reaching out to us directly!

From Delaware County up to Jefferson and Lewis Counties and throughout the Western region of New York, the Central/Western Community Schools Technical Assistance Center is a resource for building capacity using a Community Schools (CS) approach. A CS approach isn’t a new concept—school districts and their County and CBO partners have been working together to help all students, families, and communities thrive for many years. A CS approach is aligned with educational goals, focusing on the integration of academic, psycho-social and health/wellness programs and services to improve attendance, increase graduation rates, and foster college and career readiness. The TAC offers free professional development and guidance to strengthen the work of school and community partners. We hope you will participate in our upcoming virtual events, or reach out to learn how our team can support you, your staff, and their students and families.

Elizabeth “Liz” Anderson
Director, C/W CSTAC

Dr. Elizabeth M. Anderson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership at Binghamton University. She has been in the field of Education for over 30 years as a child development specialist, teacher, administrator, teacher educator, and researcher. Currently, she serves as the Director for the New York State Education Department Central/Western Region Community Schools Technical Assistance Center.

Liz’s research examines the intersections of academics, mental health, and health and their potential impact on students’ learning, development, and behavior. To that end, her many publications and grants have focused on the role of interprofessional education and collaboration using a university-school-community partnership model. Through her work, Dr. Anderson seeks to increase accessibility to high-quality education for all students by improving the alignment and integration of programs and services across sectors.

The C/W CSTAC is excited to welcome its new Assistant Director, Margie Gates!

Margaret “Margie” Gates
Assistant Director, C/W CSTAC

Margie earned her Bachelor of Arts in English, and her Master of Public Administration degrees from Binghamton University. She holds a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® professional certification, and has direct experience in nonprofit management, program management, community outreach and engagement, and working with students in higher education.

During her time as a graduate student, she served in the office of CCPA Career and Professional Services providing resume, cover letter, and professional communication and networking assistance to undergraduate and graduate students. Margie’s experience includes developing and maintaining mutually beneficial community-based partnerships between students and non-profit organizations in our community. These valuable partnerships increased volunteer, internship, and job opportunities for students, as well as helped meet the emerging needs of non-profit organizations and our community.

Margie received her AA in Humanities from Onondaga Community College, and her BA in English and MPA from Binghamton University.