Staff Information

Diane Athanas, Ph.D. - Director
Dr. Athanas has been an educator for more than thirty years. Her experience includes teaching, academic advising, teacher training, and college administration. She has an earned doctorate degree from Rutgers University.

Dr. Athanas believes that education is a fundamental right and a life long experience. The EOC opens doors to adults, assisting them to further their education and pursue their goals. Dr. Athanas believes that the key word in Educational Opportunity Center is "Opportunity," and is dedicated to making higher education accessible to adults in the Philadelphia community.

Oscar Almodovar, M.Ed. - Counselor

Oscar Almodovar joined the EOC team in January 2001. He was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and raised in North Jersey. He is proud of the values that his parents have instilled in him, especially those of hard work, helping people, and using common sense. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in Behavioral Psychology from Widener University. He completed his his master of education degree in Adult and Organizational Development at Temple University in 2006.

The resources he brings to the EOC are his twenty-two plus years in the fields of education, counseling, community outreach, and impeccable bilingual/bicultural skills.

Oscar avidly states, " My philosophy is to explore as many options as possible, make a decision, and accept the consequences, both good and bad. Also, to keep working towards the outcome one wants to achieve. I am ready to assist you in exploring your options. If you are ready to make the decision to further your education and quality of life, call me!"

Eduardo A. Juarez, M.A. - Counselor

Eduardo Juarez joined the EOC as a counselor in August of 2003. He was born in Philadelphia, raised in the suburbs, and is one of six children. His parents moved to the United States from Nicaragua in the early 1970s to improve the quality of life for themselves and their new family. Eduardo was married in February 2003 and he and his wife Amy have been blessed with the opportunity to start their own family. They have a healthy 2 ½ year old son, and in January 2006 added to their family with the birth of a beautiful baby girl.

In 1988, Eduardo earned a bachelor of arts degree in Letters, Arts, and Sciences from Penn State Abington, and in 2001 a master of arts degree in Community Counseling from Arcadia University.

Eduardo has several years of work experience in the fields of counseling and education and believes such experience will only improve his ability to help others in need of guidance and/or support.

His beliefs about education are twofold: (1) everyone should get an education irrespective of income, race, disability, etc., and (2) education should continue throughout a person’s life.



JoVon Hill, - Staff Assistant

JoVon Hill joined the EOC staff as staff assistant in July 2007. A 2005 graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, JoVon received a degree in Communications. A first generation college graduate who was raised in North Philadelphia and educated in the Philadelphia public school system, JoVon is honored to be part of a staff that is actively assisting first generation college hopefuls in attaining higher education.

JoVon looks forward to assisting those who desire a higher education and hopes to be a great asset to the office and its mission. He hopes to continue in higher education administration once he receives his master of education degree in Educational Administration.

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