Disability Services Directory

Zenzile (she/her) is a Coordinator at Disability Services. She joined Columbia Health in January 2023. In her role, Zenzile serves on Student Case Management team; serves as Coordinator/Case Manager for a cohort of students with disabilities providing ongoing support, specialized services, and coordination of accommodations; evaluates medical, psychological, and psycho-educational documentation to identify reasonable disability accommodations; provides guidance to faculty, administrators, and students regarding disability and accommodation issues; works with instructors and academic departments to implement students' approved academic adjustments and accommodations.

Outside of work, Zenzile enjoys cooking and baking vegan recipes, spending time with her family and friends, dancing and listening to music, and watching cooking tutorials. Zenzile is an avid tennis fan and enjoys watching tennis matches.

Wendy (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2011. In her role as Administrative Coordinator at Disability Services, Wendy serves on the administrative team, handles hiring and payroll for part-time employees, including note-takers, graduate assistants, and exam proctors, oversees administrative responsibilities for the department, and coordinates vendor contracts and payments for services.

Wendy loves traveling to new and interesting places both domestically and internationally.

Sonia (she/her) joined Columbia Health in November 2022. In her role as a program coordinator, Sonia serves on the Student Case Management team; serves as Coordinator/Case Manager for a cohort of students with disabilities providing ongoing support, specialized services, and coordination of accommodations; evaluates medical, psychological, and psycho-educational documentation to identify reasonable disability accommodations; and provides guidance to faculty, administrators, and students regarding disability and accommodation issues; works with instructors and academic departments to implement students' approved academic adjustments and accommodations.

In her free time, Sonia enjoys cheering for the New York Giants, shopping, and spending time with her friends, family, and cats.

Siobhan (she/her) joined Columbia Health in October 2022. In her current role as Intake and Registration Specialist, she serves on Disability Services' Intake & Registration team; guides prospective and current Columbia students through the registration process, providing individualized guidance regarding disability documentation and accommodation requests; conducts intake interviews, advises, and orients students on accessing appropriate support services; and refers students to appropriate campus and community resources.

In her spare time, Siobhan enjoys cooking, playing music, and going for long walks. Her travel goals include visiting as many of the National Parks as possible.

Serena (she/her) joined Columbia Health in February 2018. In her role as Senior Coordinator, Serena serves on Student Case Management team; serves as Coordinator/Case Manager for a cohort of students with disabilities by providing ongoing support, specialized services, and coordination of accommodations; evaluates medical, psychological, and psycho-educational documentation to identify reasonable disability accommodations; provides guidance to faculty, administrators, and students regarding disability and accommodation issues; works with instructors and academic departments to implement students' approved academic adjustments and accommodations.

Serena enjoys spending time with her family at Loon Lake, hiking the Adirondack Mountains, kayaking, and reading a good book on the beach. She's looking forward to exploring museums, markets, and restaurants in her new Manhattan home.

Sarah (she/her) joined Columbia Health in May 2023. As a Coordinator at Disability Services, she serves on the Student Case Management team; serves as Coordinator/Case Manager for a cohort of students with disabilities by providing ongoing support, specialized services, and coordination of accommodations; evaluates medical, psychological, and psycho-educational documentation to identify reasonable disability accommodations; provides guidance to faculty, administrators, and students regarding disability and accommodation issues; works with instructors and academic departments to implement students' approved academic adjustments and accommodations.

Sarah enjoys spending afternoons at local parks with her family and dog, going to concerts, and cooking. She considers herself an “aspiring beachgoer” and an amateur architecture and interior design buff.  

Nelly (she/her) joined Columbia Health in July 2022. In her role as Accommodations Manager, Nelly coordinates non-exam accommodations for students, including note-taking, housing accommodations, and service and assistance animals; coordinates accommodations for students, guests, visitors, and alumni attending University sponsored programs and events; and provides guidance to faculty in facilitating the coordination of academic and classroom accommodations.

Her interests include reading and playing online games, solving crossword puzzles, and trying new food. She enjoys baking, cooking, and spending time with her cat.

Michele (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2020. In her role as Learning Specialist, Michele facilitates individualized sessions and small group skill-building workshops that support the development of compensatory strategies and academic skills for registered DS students, specializes in working with students on organizational skills, time management, and study strategies, note-taking skills, exam preparation and other areas of academic concerns. Michele serves on the Disability Services leadership team

In her free time, Michele enjoys doing yoga, reading, singing, walking her dog Val in Astoria Park, and spending time outdoors. 

Michael (he/him) joined Columbia Health in 2022. As Assistant Manager at Disability Services, Michael serves on the Testing Team; manages the daily exam schedule at Disability Services; supervises undergraduate accommodated exam administration and implements testing accommodations for students with disabilities; and assists in the recruitment, training, and supervision of student staff, including exam proctors and graduate assistants.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys running, reading science fiction and fantasy books, and traveling.

Melissa (she/her) joined Columbia Health in November 2021. In her current role as Student Services Coordinator, she serves on the Registration & Intake team; guides prospective and current Columbia students through the registration process, providing individualized guidance regarding disability documentation and accommodation requests; conducts intake interviews, advises, and orients students on accessing appropriate support services; refers students to appropriate campus and community resources.

When not at work, you can find Melissa watching documentaries, trying different restaurants, and traveling to new places with her friends and family.

Mary (she/her) joined Columbia Health in January 2022. In her role as Coordinator, Mary serves on Student Case Management team and serves as Coordinator/Case Manager for a cohort of students with disabilities by providing ongoing support, specialized services, and coordination of accommodations. She evaluates medical, psychological, and psycho-educational documentation to identify reasonable disability accommodations;  provides guidance to faculty, administrators, and students regarding disability and accommodation issues; and works with instructors and academic departments to implement students' approved academic adjustments and accommodations.

Mary enjoys reading, running, trying new ice cream flavors, and spending time with her family and friends.

Lily (she/her) oversees software, hardware, alternate format texts (e-text), and asynchronous closed captioning at Disability Services. She works closely with students to assess technology needs corresponding to their accommodations and deploys appropriate tools and programs to assist with their academic success.

Prior to joining Columbia Health, Lily was a Research and Instruction Librarian. She has specialized in accessibility, universal design, assistive tech, and student IT services for over 10 years. She is a native New Yorker and loves dancing, knitting, and puzzles (especially crosswords).

Laura (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2013. In her current role as Associate Director of Student Case Management, Laura serves on Student Case-Management Team and Disability Services leadership team. She evaluates and interprets disability documentation to determine eligibility for accommodations and services; serves as coordinator/case manager for a small cohort of students with disabilities; supports students in resolving disability-related issues that may be a barrier to accessing programs; liaises with other departments within Columbia Health as well as academic advising deans, global programs, graduate and professional programs, libraries, and other administrators to implement accommodations, supports faculty and administrators regarding strategies for meeting the unique needs of each individual student as well as implementing and coordinating accommodations.

In her free time, Laura enjoys cheering for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Steelers, watching Broadway shows, and cooking new recipes.

Kristina (she/her) joined Columbia Health in November 2022. In her role as Assistant Director, she serves on the Student Case-Management team; Serves as Coordinator/Case-Manager for a cohort of students with disabilities providing ongoing support, specialized services, and coordination of accommodations; evaluates medical, psychological, and psycho-educational documentation to identify reasonable disability accommodations; provides guidance to faculty, administrators, and students regarding disability and accommodation issues;  works with instructors and academic departments to implement students' approved academic adjustments and accommodations; serves as the primary contact with the Graduate Liaisons and program administration at CUMC to implement accommodations in a variety of academic, testing and clinical settings. Provides support to faculty and staff regarding strategies for meeting the unique needs of students registered with disability services.

Outside of work, Kristina loves hiking around national parks, exploring new bike trails, and visiting local bookstores and bakeries.

Keith joined Columbia Health in 1993 and began working in Disability Services in 2008. Outside of work, Keith is a talented artist whose work is sometimes featured in the office. Keith enjoys sketching and drawing using a variety of mediums including markers, charcoal pencil, and acrylic paint.  

Kate (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2020 and assumed her current role in 2022. In her current position as Manager, Exam Accommodations, she provides specialized oversight of exam accommodations for undergraduate students; manages the weekly exam schedule at Disability Services; coordinates exam accommodations and proctoring arrangements for undergraduate and graduate students eligible for testing accommodations; works closely with faculty and academic departments to coordinate proctoring of undergraduate exams; liaises with faculty to clarify any questions regarding testing procedures and proctoring specifications; recruits, trains, and supervises student staff, including exam proctors and graduate assistants.

Hawa (she/her) joined Columbia Health in July 2022. As a born and raised New Yorker,Hawa has no trouble juggling the high-speed energy and immediate needs of students at Disability Services. In Hawa’s current role as an Assistant Director of Exam Accommodations, she is responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising casual employees who serve as scribes, exam proctors; establishes work schedules and manages performance and time and attendance issues; serves as liaison to faculty and other university partners to provide effective accommodations for students with disabilities; maintains accurate student records such as case notes, intake information and all relevant documentation related to accommodations; assists in the day-to-day management of all exam accommodations issues.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and volunteering at various underserved communities and non-profit organizations within the city.

Emily (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2019. In her role as Assistive Technology Coordinator Emily manages the provision and creation of alternate format materials (E-text, large print, etc.) for students eligible for this accommodation.

Emily avidly pursues many interests, which include baking pastries of all types, reading piles of cookbooks about diverse world cuisines, and photographing the city on film with her Canon AE-1 camera. As a native New Yorker, she also loves to spend lazy afternoons in the city's museums when she is not combing every borough in search of a great donut.

Colleen (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2004. Colleen serves on the Disability Services leadership team. 

In her role as Senior Executive Director of Disability Services, she provides vision and leadership to the design, organization, development, and implementation of services and programs offered through Disability Services. She oversees student case management, accommodations, services, and training needed to support students with disabilities at Columbia; serves as a liaison to the faculty and greater campus community on issues related to a range of disabilities, accessibility, classroom and curricular accommodations, and laws related to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; serves as campus expert for the provision and coordination of academic and campus accommodations for students with disabilities.

Colleen enjoys baking-her specialties are cakes and rustic fruit desserts! She is also an avid baseball fan and tries to visit at least one new baseball stadium each season.

Charlie (he/him) joined Columbia Health in 2022. In his role as an Assistant Accommodations Manager, he serves on the Testing Team; manages the daily exam schedule at Disability Services; supervises undergraduate accommodated exam administration and implements testing accommodations for students with disabilities; assists in the recruitment, training, and supervision of student staff, including exam proctors and graduate assistants.

Charlie is an avid reader, moviegoer, and aspiring world traveler. In his free time outside of work, he enjoys reading books in the park, watching movies with popcorn, and exploring the city on foot.

Carol joined Columbia Health in 1988. As a health services assistant, Carol provides a welcoming and hospitable reception to students, faculty, staff, and visitors contacting or visiting Disability Services, manages receipt of registration, testing, housing, and other accommodation request forms so these requests can be considered by the appropriate staff member, and provides initial information regarding a variety of aspects relating to Disability Services.

Bridgette (she/her) joined Columbia Health in August 2022. In her role as Coordinator, Bridgette serves on Student Case Management team; serves as Coordinator/Case Manager for a cohort of students with disabilities providing ongoing support, specialized services, and coordination of accommodations; evaluates medical, psychological, and psycho-educational documentation to identify reasonable disability accommodations; and provides guidance to faculty, administrators, and students regarding disability and accommodation issues; works with instructors and academic departments to implement students' approved academic adjustments and accommodations.

In her free time, Bridgette enjoys traveling the world, meeting new people, and exploring new places. She is a foodie at heart and loves attending sporting events and concerts with family and friends. 

Ashley (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2010. In her role as Assistant Director, Intake and Registration, Ashley serves on Registration & Intake team and Disability Services leadership team. She oversees the intake and registration processes for Disability Services, guides prospective and current Columbia students through the registration process, providing individualized guidance regarding disability documentation and accommodation requests; reviews disability documentation and determines eligibility for services and accommodations; provides consultation to students, families, faculty, and outside professionals to provide initial assessment, consultation regarding disability and academic concerns, and accommodation needs.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys going on tours of various neighborhoods in New York City for the rich cultural and historical experiences the city has to offer and for the yummy food too!

Ashley joined Columbia Health in August 2023. In her current position as Manager, Exam Accommodations, she provides specialized oversight of exam accommodations for undergraduate students; manages the weekly exam schedule at Disability Services; coordinates exam accommodations and proctoring arrangements for undergraduate and graduate students eligible for testing accommodations; works closely with faculty and academic departments to coordinate proctoring of undergraduate exams; liaises with faculty to clarify any questions regarding testing procedures and proctoring specifications; recruits, trains, and supervises student staff, including exam proctors and graduate assistants.

Ashley likes crossing paths with neighborhood cats while on her walks to try new NYC bakeries. She enjoys reading poetry and going to concerts. 

Anuj (he/him) joined Columbia Health in 2010. In his role as the Assistant Director of Operations, Anuj serves on the Testing team, Administrative team, and Disability Services leadership team. He specializes in the implementation of academic accommodations, including note-taking services, exam accommodations, and academic assistants such as lab and studio assistants; oversees the planning and execution of final exam administration and accommodations; provides administrative leadership, support, and assistance in resolving day-to-day operational problems related to the provision and delivery of disability accommodations, and coordinates department-wide initiatives.

Anuj hails from the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and is very well known by his friends and colleagues as a travel enthusiast. He enjoys visiting exotic islands, plane spotting, and jetting off on last-minute weekend getaways.

Amy (she/her) joined Columbia Health in April 2023. In her role as a Coordinator at Disability Services, she serves on the Student Case Management team; serves as Coordinator/Case Manager for a cohort of students with disabilities by providing ongoing support, specialized services, and coordination of accommodations; evaluates medical, psychological, and psycho-educational documentation to identify reasonable disability accommodations; provides guidance to faculty, administrators, and students regarding disability and accommodation issues; works with instructors and academic departments to implement students' approved academic adjustments and accommodations.

In her free time, Amy enjoys riding her bike, traveling, reading, and watching baseball.

Amanda (she/her) joined Columbia Health in July 2022. In her role as Coordinator, Amanda serves on the Student Case Management team; serves as Coordinator/Case Manager for a cohort of students with disabilities providing ongoing support, specialized services, and coordination of accommodations; evaluates medical, psychological, and psycho-educational documentation to identify reasonable disability accommodations; provides guidance to faculty, administrators, and students regarding disability and accommodation issues; works with instructors and academic departments to implement students' approved academic adjustments and accommodations.

Amanda is originally from Boston, Massachusetts. Amanda attended Barnard College, where she received a degree in History and Dance. Following college, Amanda pursued a career as a ballet dancer and performed professionally with Cape Town City Ballet, Brooklyn Ballet, Jose Mateo Ballet Theater, New Orleans Ballet Theater, and others.

As a dancer, Amanda was passionate about improving arts accessibility. When she worked as a teacher, she was inspired and she then fully immersed herself in education and the fight for equal opportunities in schools. Amanda worked as a special education instructor and as the special education director of a K-8 public school in New Orleans for the last seven years.

Amanda earned a Master's Degree in Education from Xavier University in 2019. She loves supporting students as they meet their goals in the higher education setting.

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys exploring New York City restaurants and bike paths.

Aliyah (she/her) joined Columbia Health in January 2022. In her role as a Coordinator at Disability Services, she serves on the Student Case Management team; serves as Coordinator/Case Manager for a cohort of students with disabilities by providing ongoing support, specialized services, and coordination of accommodations; evaluates medical, psychological, and psycho-educational documentation to identify reasonable disability accommodations; provides guidance to faculty, administrators, and students regarding disability and accommodation issues; works with instructors and academic departments to implement students' approved academic adjustments and accommodations.

In her free time, Aliyah enjoys watching classic movies on TCM, exploring the city on foot, and traveling. Aliyah is also an avid reader and enjoys both fiction and non-fiction.