Six individuals joined JCC’s faculty this fall.

Dennis Benamati, assistant professor and director of libraries for JCC’s Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses, earned a bachelor’s degree at St. Francis University, a master’s degree at Fordham University, and a master’s degree in library science at Southern Connecticut State University. His previous library administrative experience includes work at SUNY Albany, Marist College, Sacred Heart University, and several law libraries.

Renee Funke, education instructor on the Jamestown Campus, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at SUNY Fredonia and a certificate of advanced study in educational leadership at SUNY Buffalo. She previously served as a coordinator and reading first regional coach for Erie I BOCES and taught at Pine Valley Central School, Cuba-Rushford Central School, and Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES.

Justyne Harris has joined the Cattaraugus County Campus faculty as a psychology instructor. Ms. Harris has taught at Baruch College of the City University of New York, John Jay College, and Jamestown Business College and is a former therapist at Family Services of the Chautauqua Region. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Canisius College and master’s degrees at SUNY Buffalo and John Jay College.

Jill Keener, engineering science instructor on the Jamestown Campus, earned a bachelor’s degree at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College and a master’s degree at Penn State University. A former adjunct instructor at Penn State Behrend, Ms. Keener is a commissioned officer in the U.S.Navy naval nuclear propulsion program.

Meghan McCune, anthropology/sociology instructor on the Cattaraugus County Campus, is a doctoral candidate at Michigan State University. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Wells College and a master’s degree at Michigan State University. She taught previously a lecturer and adjunct faculty member at Alma College, Michigan State University, and Wells College.

Jesse Zeiders, human services instructor on the Jamestown Campus, earned a bachelor’s degree at Idaho State University, a master’s degree at Roberts Wesleyan College, and is pursuing a doctorate in clinical social work through Walden University. He is a former clinical director and social worker at Catholic Charities of Western New York and former adjunct professor at the University of Buffalo and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.