- Ask The Experts
- Ask the Experts: DicksteinAssociatesAgency, LLC
- Ask the Experts: Giulio Caruso, DC Total Care Chiropractic and Rehab, P.C.
- Ask The Expert: Lillian Burry
- Cover Story
- Writing a Legacy with Superintendent Dick Fitzpatrick
- Bob Kaldor: More than Surviving
- Dr. Yong and Moon Choo…On a Fascinating Life Journey.
Rhoda Geller - A “Coach” For Life
03/14/2008 - By Gayle Davis
Rhoda Geller
Meet Rhoda Geller… This Brooklyn native says she has always been the “go-to” gal. “Whenever someone needs advice, people turn to Rhoda Geller,” she says. Now the former math tutor is capitalizing on her own advice and professional experience.
Meet Rhoda Geller… This Brooklyn native says she has always been the “go-to” gal. “Whenever someone needs advice, people turn to Rhoda Geller,” she says. Now the former math tutor is capitalizing on her own advice and professional experience. Rhoda moved to Marlboro 24 years ago and was determined to become involved in the town. While working with the Recreation Department for several years, she helped add another dimension to the Seniors Program by developing relationships, some of which she has maintained to this day. She assisted in coordinating various concerts at the Recreation Center and was an integral part of Marlboro Day. Geller says she has seen a lot of changes throughout the years, both positive and negative, but nonetheless is comfortable here and has no plans to leave. “I hope to become involved again, in some capacity, in the near future. I really believe that seniors and teens need somewhere to go and [I] would love to see the implementation of such a place.” Aside from being involved in the place she calls home, this “life coach” has been an education advocate for the past 6 years, accompanying families of children with disabilities before committees in New York State. Not only does she provide moral support and make sure these families are treated properly, but she is also there to listen very carefully should it be necessary for her to testify in making a case for these children to get them the programs they need. She is unusual in what she does, as most advocates are parents who have children with disabilities, but Geller does not. The Brooklyn College graduate says her math background and logical way of thinking assist her in her job. “I can step back a bit and not be as emotionally involved as a parent would.” As far as being an education advocate in Marlboro, she says she doesn’t get involved in that here professionally, but because people know of her, she often lends a hand and shares advice. In 2005, this Marlboro resident branched off into a new profession as a College Career Coach with business partner Shelley Ladin. Her many life experiences and resources have led her to this point. “What’s great about this business is we can do it all over the country through our website, www.collegecareer coach.com, and by phone,” she says. “I can’t tell someone enough that their essay has to be different. It’s very competitive getting into college. You have to have something that stands out, and that’s the essay – it’s crucial; you have to have something unique.” She recommends early involvement in extracurricular activities and not waiting until junior year. “It just looks too obvious if you wait until then. Start something on your own – collect cans and donate the money to a charity; there are a number of things you can do.” Geller and Ladin coach students from high school throughout college and even help them select their professional careers. Rhoda likes living in Marlboro because it has always had that “small-town” feel. “Bumping into my boys’ former schoolteachers – who actually remember their names! – is just a great feeling.” Two things she’d like to see for Marlboro’s future: the continued growth of the recognizable educational system here, and again, some sort of community center for kids and for seniors…a place for them to hang out.
Geller and her husband, Bill, who have been married for 32 years, have two sons. Lee, 24, is a graduate of Penn State, and David, 19, is a sophomore at Binghamton University, a SUNY (State University of New York) school.
Rhoda also has a secret passion – collecting original Desi Arnaz orchestra records and sheet music from Lucille Ball’s movies.
This giving woman is always lending an ear or guiding people, both personally and professionally. Her career has truly evolved on this premise. Whether through giving additional advice to kids and parents while tutoring, or helping friends and family through rough times, Geller says, “I’m always there. It’s who I am.” –by Gayle Davis
Are you or someone you know in Marlboro a “Person on the Move”? If you’ve got a story to tell this could be you! E-mail a brief description to us at info@livinginmedia.com and let us know who you are.
STATS
Favorite restaurant: Moonfish in Orlando, Florida
Favorite musicIAN: Barbra Streisand
Favorite movie: The Sting
Pet peeve: kids bullying other kids
Three people you would like to have dinner with: my mother, Mel Brooks, and Jacqueline Kennedy
Advertisers
Powered by eDirectory™