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René Plevyak

Community Response Coordinator

103 Appel Commons

René has many years of experience working in the human services field, and was most recently serving survivors and individuals in crisis as an advocate/counselor at a domestic violence and sexual assault support organization in Tioga County. Through this work, René was able to provide trauma-informed support to all intersecting identities as they sought healing and justice while advocating for individuals in crisis. As an advocate, she has responded to a variety of crises and facilitated access to multiple systems of care within the community such as social services, health care, mental hygiene, law enforcement, and drug and alcohol services. Navigating law enforcement interactions and court appearances has given René a unique understanding of the intersecting needs and concerns survivors of trauma face when interacting with police and court systems. René had the privilege of working with youth in a very rural community, many of whom were experiencing gender identity and sexual orientation questions. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community herself, working with young questioning individuals is of special importance to her. She believes in meeting individuals where they are with an empathy and respect-based approach to all interactions. She actively seeks to interrogate her own unconscious biases, hoping to learn how to more effectively support each individual knowing that the goal is not to “fix” or “save”, but to empower! René graduated with a B.A. in Counseling in 2014, during which time she had the opportunity to participate in several overseas internships. In 2011 she lived in Chiang Rai, Thailand and partnered with the Akha Light Foundation, specifically with House of Light, working with and caring for Akha children who are without families and are at risk for sexual exploitation and educational neglect. In 2012, René lived in Lima, Peru, where she partnered with New Life Prenatal Center. There, she was able to provide counseling and supportive services for teens and young adult women struggling with unexpected pregnancies and gender violence.

 

René is new to the Cornell University community, currently residing in Broome County with her partner and their 2 pitbulls and 3 cats. René is an avid crystal hunter and, given any opportunity, will talk at length about the crystals she has birthed from the earth. René enjoys true crime documentaries and podcasts, coffee, hiking, and all things Halloween.