For Cheri VanEtten ’96, helping people understand themselves has always been at the heart of her work. Long before she opened a private practice or earned advanced clinical credentials, that instinct, to listen deeply, connect authentically, and guide others through life’s challenges, was already taking shape during her time at SUNY Poly.
A Utica native, VanEtten transferred to SUNY Poly after beginning her studies at Mohawk Valley Community College. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1996, choosing SUNY Poly for its affordability, strong academic reputation, and close connection to home. At the time, practicality mattered, balancing coursework with the realities of parenthood.
“It was a challenging time,” she recalled. “But SUNY Poly felt like a second home. The small classes and the accessibility of the faculty made it easy to build real relationships.”
Those relationships proved formative. VanEtten worked closely with faculty mentors such as Dr. Paul Schulman and Dr. Joanne Joseph, completing independent study and research that shaped her professional philosophy. “What stayed with me most was learning about resiliency,” she said. “Understanding how people adapt, heal, and move forward—even when life is difficult—became the backbone of everything I do.”
After completing her bachelor’s degree, VanEtten earned a master’s degree in psychology and spent many years working in counseling and higher education. Over time, her path evolved, eventually leading her back to school and into nursing, a shift that allowed her to combine psychological insight with medical care.
Today, VanEtten is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in private practice in New Hartford. Her approach is intentionally personal and flexible, shaped by decades of experience across counseling, education, and clinical care. “I don’t believe in fixing people,” she said. “I help them understand themselves so they can help themselves.”
That philosophy guides every client interaction. Rather than relying on a single therapeutic model, VanEtten meets individuals where they are, tailoring care to their needs and experiences. The work, she says, is deeply motivating. “Knowing that someone needs support—and that I can reach them in a meaningful way—is what keeps me going.”
Reflecting on her journey, VanEtten encourages current students to seek hands-on experience and mentorship early. “Psychology offers far more possibilities than people realize,” she said. “You have to explore it beyond the textbook.”
As an alumna, she hopes SUNY Poly’s psychology program continues to be recognized for its strength in mentorship and human connection. “The education I received here shaped how I show up for people every day,” she said. “That impact lasts a lifetime.”