Originally from the Northwest, Amanda Lavery did not set out to become an academic advisor. With a background in biology and a clear focus on research, her path seemed to be defined early on. That changed during her graduate studies when she stepped into the classroom as a teaching assistant. “I fell in love with teaching,” Lavery said. “There was a moment where everything just clicked.”
That moment led her to Farmingdale State College (FSC), where she began as an adjunct professor in 2009, teaching courses in microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and introductory biology. What began in the classroom soon expanded into something larger, shaping not only how she worked with students, but how she supported them beyond the classroom.
Today, Lavery serves as the program coordinator of the Pre-Health Professions Advisement (PHPA) office, a growing and essential resource at FSC that supports more than 2,600 students and alumni pursuing careers in healthcare.
The role, which once existed informally, has evolved into a structured and highly personalized advising model under her leadership. Through one-on-one guidance, long-term planning, and application support, Lavery works alongside Amber Dominguez, with the recent addition of Lauren Bazhdari, as the team helps students navigate the complexities of applying to medical, dental, physician assistant, physical therapy, and other professional programs.
“We are guiding them through their entire journey,” Lavery said. “From the moment they start to the moment they receive that acceptance.”
That journey often extends well beyond graduation. Many students return years later for continued support, a reflection of the relationships built throughout their time at FSC. Some return after taking gap years, while others come back several years later, ready to pursue the next step in their academic or professional path.
This work is a privilege. To be part of their journey and see them achieve their goals, there is nothing better than that.
– Amanda Lavery
Program Coordinator of Pre-Health Professions
Those relationships are at the core of the work. Watching students grow from uncertain freshmen into confident, competitive applicants to professional programs is what Lavery finds most rewarding. “To see them reach that point after years of hard work, it never gets old,” she said.
A first-generation college student herself, Lavery brings a deep understanding of the challenges many of her students face. That perspective shapes the office’s approach, ensuring students feel supported, understood, and capable of achieving their goals.
“They are learning how to navigate college while pursuing incredibly competitive careers,” she said. “It is important that they know they are not doing that alone.”
In recent years, Lavery has led a significant shift in how PHPA prepares students for the application process. Moving away from the traditional committee letter model, Lavery partnered with Amber Dominguez to introduce a portfolio review system that allows students to build and refine every aspect of their application over time.
Beginning the year before students apply, the process breaks down each component of the application, including personal statements, supplemental essays, and experience descriptions. Students receive detailed feedback and revisions throughout the process, ensuring they are fully prepared when applications open.
The results have been compelling. Students participating in the portfolio process are receiving earlier interview invitations and acceptances, along with increased confidence as they enter the application cycle.
“The Pre-Health Professions Advisement office reflects the high-impact, student-centered support that defines Farmingdale State College,” said Dr. Sarah Gross, dean of the School of Health Sciences. “With the portfolio review process, PHPA continues to lead in innovation while delivering outcomes that exceed national benchmarks.”
Success is measured not only by outcomes, but by how prepared and confident students feel as they take the next step. “Nothing they do is just something,” she said. “Every experience matters. It is about helping them see that and understand what they bring to the field.”
As PHPA continues to grow, including the recent expansion of her team, Lavery remains focused on what has always driven her work: supporting students and helping them move forward. For her, it comes down to something simple but powerful. “This work is a privilege,” Lavery said. “To be part of their journey and see them achieve their goals, there is nothing better than that.”
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