Meet our dedicated team of admissions and financial-aid counselors.
The Admissions Team
Whether you’re a first-year student, graduate, transfer or international prospect, our Admissions Team is committed to answering all of your questions and providing the information you need to make your time at ACPHS both educational and rewarding.
Darina Relyea, Campus Visits and Events Coordinator
A native of New York’s Capital Region, I hold an AAS in Communication Design and a BFA in Packaging Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
In addition to my academic and professional background, I have a long-standing passion for women’s volleyball, having spent many years playing, training, and coaching, including right here at ACPHS.
After living in New York City and the greater Boston area, I returned to Albany with a renewed appreciation for the community. I’m excited to share with prospective students what makes both Albany and ACPHS such an exceptional place to learn and grow.
email: darina.relyea@acphs.edu
phone: 518-694-7431
Aaron Moore, Assistant Director of Transfer Admissions
A native of Albany, New York. I attended SUNY Potsdam in Potsdam, New York graduating with a degree in Theatre education and later with my masters in communications from Queens. I’m very excited to be working with the transfer students here in Albany College Pharmacy and Health Sciences. I aim to make the transition here a wonderful, safe and comfortable one. Let’s get working together!
email: aaron.moore@acphs.edu
phone: 518-694-7323
Grace Higgins, Assistant Director of Admissions
Territories: Central and Western NY (including greater Syracuse, Binghamton, Rochester, Buffalo and Watertown), Catskills region, Adirondacks region, North Country region, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Central Midwest, and Great Lake States.
I recently moved from Minnesota to Albany, NY and have discovered how great a place Albany is to call home! In my free time, I enjoy hiking, crafting, volunteering, playing cards/board games, and spending time with friends and family. My professional background is in high-school education. I look forward to continuing to work with high-school students as they prepare for college and their future careers within the health-care field. I am impressed with the academic outcomes, support and student life ACPHS offers their dedicated students!
email: grace.higgins@acphs.edu
phone: 518-694-7158
Travis Longworth, Assistant Director of Admissions
Territories: The Hudson Valley, including Westchester and Rockland Counties, The Bronx, Manhattan, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Southern States (East), and West Coast/Pacific States.
I’m originally from Upstate NY. I completed my MBA in Business Analytics from Siena College and worked on developing my ties with the community during that time. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, snowboarding, college football and discovering new restaurants. I look forward to working with our students and helping them make the most of their ACPHS experience.
email: travis.longworth@acphs.edu
phone: 518- 694-7233
Sarah Ohnsman, Senior Associate Director of Admissions
Territories: High-school students from the Capital Region of New York, including Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties.
Originally from the Saratoga area, I’ve had the pleasure of attending college and working in higher education in the Capital Region. Whether a student is looking for an internship, job opportunities or leisurely activities, the Albany area has it all. I’m very excited to introduce new students to the area and help guide them through the college application process.
ACPHS has a lot to offer and I’m a firm believer in the strength of our academic outcomes. Outside of my passion for higher education, you can usually find me at farmers markets, catching a live show, or grabbing a bite to eat at the best eateries the region has to offer!
email: sarah.ohnsman@acphs.edu
office: 518-694-7285
cell: 518-703-3139
Katie Palmer, Director of Pharmacy Admissions
Territories: First-year Professional Students and transfer students into the Doctor of Pharmacy Program at any level.
Within my family, there are multiple generations of ACPHS graduates who have all launched very successful careers, which they credit to their experiences at ACPHS. I look forward to getting to know the future generation of ACPHS graduates as they begin their college search process, and I’m eager to share with them everything the college has to offer.
email: katie.palmer@acphs.edu
office: 518-694-7868
cell: 518-708-3807
Nicoy Pusey, Associate Director of Admissions
Territories: Staten Island, Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens. Mid-Atlantic (Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and District of Columbia), Great Lakes (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio), and Undergraduate International students.
Born and raised on the vibrant island of Jamaica, I moved with my family to Albany, NY, where I completed high school and later pursued college. My professional journey has been rooted in student support—spanning over 13 years in residence life, guiding and mentoring students as they transition into college life. Relocating to the Capital Region was one of the best decisions I’ve made—and I’d do it all over again. Albany’s rich cultural tapestry and the endless opportunities for adventure in the surrounding areas make it a truly special place to live, learn, and grow. I’m excited to share all that the Capital Region and ACPHS have to offer.
email: nicoy.pusey@acphs.edu
office: 518-694-7159
cell: 518-603-3380
Shannon Smith, Regional Associate Director
Regionally Based: California
Originally from northern California, I’ve resided in the greater Los Angeles area for over 20 years where I went to university and began my professional career. Professionally, I have 15 years of experience largely focused on helping learners of all ages find the right university outside of their home state, with an emphasis in the health sciences.
Within my role at ACPHS, I am excited to support graduate students as they learn about the benefits of studying at our institution.
email: shannon.smith@acphs.edu
office: 518-694-7197
cell: 518-708-3336
The Financial Aid Team
The Financial Aid Team is here to support you, whether you’re just exploring ACPHS or already enrolled. From understanding your options to making the best decisions for your future, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
You’ll find helpful resources online, and we’re always available by phone, email or in-person appointment to answer your questions.
Tiffany MacCracken, Assistant Director of Financial Aid
I was born and raised in Schenectady, NY, and am very familiar with the Capital Region. ACPHS is a great place to be a part of an active student and staff community, as well as learn and grow into a strong professional.
As assistant director of financial aid, my responsibilities include guiding families through the financial-aid process as a new or continuing student. I enjoy working hard to make the transition into college and the world of financial aid an easy one.
email: Tiffany.MacCracken@acphs.edu
phone: 518-694-7256
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