Konsela Samarakody

Konsela Samarakody has a diverse work experience spanning various industries. Konsela began their career as a Teacher's Assistant at Stony Brook Child care Center in 2008 and later worked as a Customer Service Representative at Macy's from 2010 to 2012. In 2012, they took on multiple roles, including working as a Receptionist for Dr. Jenny Liaw and as a Per Diem Counseling Intern at Embrace Diverse Disabilities. During this time, they gained experience in client assessment, treatment planning, and maintaining client records. From 2012 to 2015, Konsela worked as a Program Assistant at Cornell University, where they supported community-based programs for youth. Konsela facilitated workshops, planned events, and assisted with data collection. In 2014, they joined Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation as a Data Coordinator, before transitioning to LEAP in 2016. At LEAP, Konsela initially worked as a Data Manager before being promoted to Director of Program Operations in October 2020.

Konsela Samarakody holds a Master's Degree in Forensic Mental Health Counseling from John Jay College (CUNY), which was obtained from 2011 to 2013. Prior to that, they completed a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University, from 2009 to 2010. Konsela also has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Stony Brook University, earned in the years 2006 to 2009. In addition to their formal education, Konsela has additional certifications in Introduction to R from DataCamp and as a teaching assistant from the New York State Education Department.