CMHC Faculty and Staff - Maria College

Claudia Lingertat

Program Director, Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

INFO

Claudia Lingertat

Program Director, Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

Contact
(518) 514-3950
clingertat@mariacollege.edu

Dr. Lingertat joined Maria College in 2025 as the founding Program Director of the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and serves as Professor of Counseling.

She has been a counselor educator in New York State since 2003, with teaching and research interests in group counseling, grief and loss counseling with children and adolescents, and trauma-informed care. Her professional background includes extensive clinical experience, having practiced as a mental health counselor and clinical supervisor in Pennsylvania prior to her academic career.

Dr. Lingertat is actively engaged in community service and advocacy. Since 2020, she has served on the Board of Directors for Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) in Albany, NY, where she also holds leadership roles as Chair of the Personnel Committee and Acting Secretary.

Her scholarly and professional work is grounded in a commitment to holistic, justice-informed care. In addition to her academic and clinical pursuits, Dr. Lingertat is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, integrating nature-based practices to foster human well-being and connection to the natural world.

Education

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine MS in Clinical Psychology
Penn State University MEd in Counselor Education

Yvette Kelly

Field Placement Coordinator

INFO

Yvette Kelly

Field Placement Coordinator

Contact
ykelly@mariacollege.edu

Ms. Kelly joined Maria College in 2025 as the Clinical Placement Coordinator for the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. In this role, she oversees the coordination of practicum and internship placements, cultivates strong partnerships with community-based mental health agencies, and supports students as they transition from academic coursework to clinical practice.

With a professional background in mental health counseling, Ms. Kelly brings a thoughtful, student-centered approach to experiential learning. She works collaboratively with faculty, site supervisors, and students to ensure that training experiences align with academic standards, licensing requirements, and the dynamic needs of the behavioral health field.

Prior to joining Maria College, Ms. Kelly served as the Clinical Placement Coordinator at The College of Saint Rose and the State University of New York at New Paltz. In these roles, she trained and mentored emerging counselors to provide competent, compassionate care to children, adolescents, and adults across diverse community and mental health settings.

Throughout her career, Ms. Kelly has held a range of clinical and leadership roles, including clinician, supervisor, quality improvement coordinator, and Director of Children’s Mental Health. Her work consistently reflects a deep commitment to service, innovation, and equity in behavioral health care.

Ms. Kelly holds a Master of Science in Education from The College of Saint Rose and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Her work is driven by a passion for equitable access to care, high-quality professional preparation, and the cultivation of culturally responsive mental health practitioners.

Maureen A. Sharp, LMHC

Assistant Professor

INFO

Maureen A. Sharp, LMHC

Assistant Professor

Contact
msharp@mariacollege.edu