Yonette Douglas joined Columbia Health in 2012.
Veronica Flake (she/her) joined Columbia Health in October 2025 as a Physician. She is a member of the East Clinical Practice Team. Dr. Flake provides acute and chronic primary care, including assessment and diagnosis of presenting problems and management of illness, education concerning prevention and wellness; follow-up of patient problems in continuity structure; and utilization of specialists and outside medical resources when indicated.āÆ
Her specific areas of interest and expertise are global maternal and child health and reproductive health and her hobbies include travelling.
Education
- M.D., Latin American School of Medicine
Languages Spoken
- English
- Spanish
Dr. Urmi Desai (she/her) joined Columbia Health in November 2024. As the Associate Vice President for Medical Services, she is responsible for the overall leadership of the department: identifying strategic goals and maintaining suitable policies and procedures regarding the delivery of services and program development relating to providing primary care, urgent and emergency care, specialty services, and laboratory services.
Through a data-driven approach that includes building understanding of student health needs, reviewing care provided, fostering communication among and between staff, and securing necessary resources, Dr. Desai ensures that the Medical Services team continually provides high-quality, accessible care that meets the needs of all students.
When not at work, Dr. Desai enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.
Professional Experience
- Family physician at New York-Presbyterian (full-spectrum outpatient and inpatient experience, residency program faculty and residency quality improvement director)
- Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine in the Center for Family and Community and Medicine at CUIMC
- Assistant Course Director for Foundations of Clinical Medicine Course and Director of Service Learning at
- Director of the Division of Population Health and Health Equity at Westchester County Department of Health
Education
- A.B., Harvard College
- M.D., University at Buffalo (SUNY)
- M.S. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Certifications and Licensure
- Licensed New York State Physician
- BLS and ACLS Certified
- American Board of Family Medicine
Published Articles
- Cunningham, H., D. S. Taylor, U. A. Desai, K. L. Ender, J. Glickstein, U. S. Krishnan, B. F. Richards, R. Charon and D. F. Balmer (2020). "Reading the Self: Medical Students' Experience of Reflecting on Their Writing Over Time." Acad Med.
- Edelman, D. S., U. A. Desai, S. Soo-Hoo and M. Catallozzi (2020). "Responding to hospital system and student curricular needs: COVID-19 Student Service Corps." Med Educ 54(9): 853-854.
- Grilo S, Catallozzi M, Desai U, Sein AS, QuinterosāBaumgart C, Timmins G, Edelman D, Amiel J. Columbia COVIDā19 Student Service Corps: Harnessing Student Skills and Galvanizing the Power of Service Learning. FASEB Bioadvances. 2020.
- Gowda, D., Curran, T., Khedagi, A., Mangold, M., Jiwani, F., Desai, U., ... & Balmer, D. (2019). Implementing an interprofessional narrative medicine program in academic clinics: Feasibility and program evaluation. Perspectives on medical education, 8(1), 52-59.
- Patel, Khusbu, Urmi Desai, and Heather Paladine. "Development and implementation of an interprofessional pharmacotherapy learning experience during an advanced pharmacy practice rotation in primary care." Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning (2018).
- Cunningham H, Taylor D, Desai UA, et al. Looking Back to Move Forward: First-Year Medical Students' Meta-Reflections on Their Narrative Portfolio Writings. Academic medicine: Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges. 2018;93(6):888-894.
- Kahn LS, Fox CH, Carrington J, Desai U, Bartlett DP, Lyle H, Kowalski M. āTelephonic nurse case management for patients with diabetes and mental illnesses: A qualitative perspective.ā Chronic Illn. 2009 Dec;5(4):257-67.
Awards and Honors
- Martha Hooven Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Award for Excellence in Community Service
- Charles W. Bohmfalk Award, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
- Farrell Family Health Center Staff Award
Languages Spoken
- English
- Spanish (Certified Linguistic Clinical Communicator)
- Gujarati (Conversational)
Tonia Lesesne joined Columbia Health in 1991.
Dr. Theresa Maldonado joined Columbia Health in 2021. She is a member of the West Clinical Practice Team.
Tevin (he/him) joined Columbia Health in 2025. He is a member of the West Clinical Team. He provides pre- and post-clinical visit assessments; follow-up of patients for interim continuity of care by clinicians, emergency department transfer, hospitalization and procedures; acute and chronic primary nursing care, wound care, travel assessment, allergy assessment, and the administration of vaccines, allergy shots, and medication.
Prior to joining Columbia Health, Tevin worked at Cooper University Hospital in the ICU Stepdown Unit.
Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis. He's a huge movie fan, specifically superhero films, and his favorite food is pizza.
Professional Experience
- ICU Stepdown, Cooper University Hospital
Education
- Associate of Nursing, Capital Health School of Nursing
- Bachelor of Science, Nursing, Chamberlain University
Certifications and Licensure
- Registered Nurse
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Languages Spoken
- English
Tanya Olivo (she/her) joined Columbia Health in March 2025 as a Health Services Assistant at Medical Services. In this role, Tanya greets incoming patients and provides them with a pleasing and welcoming environment with the best possible customer service. She also assists students in setting up appointments in a timely fashion.
Prior to joining Columbia Health, Tanya worked at the New York Department of Education for 28 years, first as a School Aide, then as a Parent Coordinator.
Her favorite food is pizza and shrimp. Her favorite pastime is reading and enjoys party planning and organizing. Tanya practices walking as a form of self-care.
Languages Spoken
- English
- Spanish
Tania Holguin (she/her) joined Columbia Health in July 2017 as a Health Services Assistant at Medical Services. In this role she manages the front desk welcoming students, directing inquiries, and maintaining a tidy and organized reception area. She schedules appointments manages correspondence and assist with basic office duties.ā
Professional Experience
- New York Presbyterian Hospital
- Patient Financial Advisor (PFA)
Certifications and Licensure
- Medical Assistant, Mandl School Allied Health, 2006
Languages Spoken
- English
- Spanish
As a nurse practitioner, Tamara Hawkins (she/her) provides primary care to students while including the promotion of health and prevention of disease, as well as evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic illness and acute medical issues. Tamara conducts focused evaluations of patient health history and performs physical examinations for complex, acute, critical, and chronically ill patients or as indicated by the patient's reason for the visit.
Tamara also oversees the travel health program.
Tamara enhances wellness by focusing on lifestyle medicine such as stress management and using food as a source of healing while also addressing acute and chronic healthcare concerns. Her focus is supporting her patients to feel vibrant and energetic.
Tamara Hawkins began her career in Maternal/Infant Health focusing on Lactation and Womenās Health as a source of equitable and primary care. She now uses Functional Medicine to treat the root causes of illness and restore healthy function through a personalized experience.
Education
- BSN, NYU School of Nursing
- MSN, SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Certifications and Licensure
- Family Nurse Practitioner, NP-C
- Institute For Functional Medicine, IFMCP
- School of Applied Functional Medicine, AFMCP
- International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, IBCLC
Siobhan (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2023 and currently serves as Senior Clinical Case Manager. As the leader of the case management team, she supervises and directs the vision of the team and builds collaborative relationships with internal departments and external community resources while also ensuring that the team is providing comprehensive and effective follow-up for students with chronic or acute complex medical health conditions.
Before her role as Senior Clinical Case Manager, she was a Registered Nurse on the East Clinical Team where she provided pre- and post-clinical visit assessments; follow-up of patients for interim continuity of care by clinicians, emergency department transfer, hospitalization and procedures; acute and chronic primary nursing care, wound care, travel assessment, allergy assessment, and the administration of vaccines, allergy shots, and medication.
Siobhan started her nursing career in 2018 as a cardiac surgery ICU nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital and then transitioned to travel nursing. As a travel nurse, Siobhan worked in various ICUs (cardiac surgery, trauma, medical), outpatient surgery centers, and womenās health clinics throughout Anchorage, New York City, Seattle, Savannah, and Tampa. From working in a variety of settings, she realized that she was passionate about patient education and community health.
Outside of nursing, Siobhan enjoys writing, backpacking, and cross-country skiing.
Professional Experience
- Johns Hopkins Hospital
- Swedish Medical Center
- Tampa General Hospital
Education
- M.S.N Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
- B.S. Biology and Creative Writing, Loyola University Maryland
Certifications and Licensure
- Basic Life Support
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Registered Nurse: New York, Alaska, Washington, and Florida
Published Articles
- Han, HR., McKenna, S., Nkimbeng, M. et al. (2019) A Systematic Review of Community Health Center Based Interventions for People with Diabetes. J Community Health 44, 1253ā1280
- Lehmijoki-Garner, M., Lewis, S., & McKenna, S. (2019). How to guide your pre-nursing students to reach their optimal career in nursing, Advisor, 9-14
Shirley Chen (she/her) joined Columbia Health as a Registered Nurse in January 2026. She is a member of the East Clinical Team.
Prior to joining Columbia Health, Shirley was a registered nurse for the Emergency Department at the Emanuel Medical Center in Oregon. Previously, she was a Licensed Practical Nurse at a post-acute rehabilitation facility in Portland, Oregon.
In her free time, she enjoys crocheting and trying new food places.
Education
- Public Health Studies and Community Health Promotion, Portland State University
- B.S., Nursing, Oregon Health and Science University
Certifications and Licensure
- New York State Registered Nurse License
- Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support certifications from the American Heart Association
Languages Spoken
- English
Dr. Sandy Saintonge (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2025 and is a member of the Wast Clinical Practice Team. Dr. Saintonge provides acute and chronic primary care, including assessment and diagnosis of presenting problems and management of illness, education concerning prevention and wellness; follow-up of patient problems in a continuity structure; and utilization of specialists and outside medical resources when indicated.āÆ
She received her undergraduate degree in economics from Hunter College and her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College. She completed residencies in both pediatrics and preventive medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell, and also earned a Master of Public Health from Columbia University. She brings broad clinical experience across ambulatory, hospital, emergency, and urgent care settings.
Dr. Saintonge has over twenty years of academic and leadership experience in undergraduate and graduate medical education. She previously served as Associate Program Director for the Preventive Medicine residency program at Weill Cornell, where she was also an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Clinical Public Health.
In 2018, Dr. Saintonge was appointed Medical Clinical Professor in the Sophie Davis Bio-Medical Education Program/CUNY School of Medicine, a seven-year BS/MD program. There, she served as course co-director for the Professional Foundations course, developed and taught lectures across the academic continuum, and advised students in the Office of Student Affairs. In this role, she was instrumental in building the schoolās career advising infrastructure, supporting students in academic, career, and personal development, including at-risk monitoring, wellness promotion, and fostering a positive learning environment.
She also served as Interim Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the CUNY School of Medicine, where she led the development of a DEI strategic plan and launched initiatives that furthered the schoolās mission. She was part of the team that successfully achieved LCME accreditation for the medical school in 2023.
Most recently, Dr. Saintonge served as Associate Dean of the Program in Liberal Medical Education at Brown University, a highly selective eight-year baccalaureate-medical degree program. In that role, she oversaw administrative operations, advising, and both curricular and co-curricular activities.
Dr. Saintonge is a first-generation American and first in her family to attend college. She recently learned to swim and hopes to one day be able to swim with giant sea turtles in Hawaii.
Education
- M.P.H. Mailman School of Public Health Columbia University
- M.D. Weill Cornell Medical College
- B.A. Economics, Hunter College
Certifications and Licensure
- American Board of Pediatrics
- American Board of Preventive Medicine
- Basic Life Support
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
- NYS Infection Control
- Certified Diversity & Inclusion ā School of Industrial & Labor Relations, Cornell University
- Leadership Certification Program, Brown University
Published Articles
- Diamond C, Saintonge S, August P, Azrack A. The Development of Building Wellnessā¢, a Youth Health Literacy Program, Journal of Health Communication, 2011;16:sup3, 103-118.
- Saintonge, S., Mastrovitch, TA. Tracheoesophageal Fistula Chapter, Volvulus Chapter, In: Fleisher and Ludwig's 5-Minute Pediatric Emergency Medicine Consult, Wolters Kluwer | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 940-941; 1022-23; 2011.
- Saintonge S, Bang H, Gerber LM. Socio-demographic predictors of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women NHANES 2003-2006, Abstract. Journal of Womenās Health 2010;19:631
- Saintonge S, Bang H, Vogiatzi MG, Gerber LM. Is the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency increasing? Data from NHANES 1988-1994 and 2001-2006. Abstract. Circulation 2009;119(10):e271-e366
- Saintonge S, Bang H, Gerber LM. Implications of a new definition of vitamin D deficiency in a multiracial U.S. adolescent population: Data from NHANES III; PEDIATRICS 2009:123:797-803. (Featured in national media including ABC, CBS, NY1)
- Saintonge S, āHelp for parents on managing childhood stress.ā PARENTGUIDE. 2006; Volume 24, No. 5: p. 11
Awards and Honors
- Distinguished House-staff Award
- David D. Thompson, MD Class of 1946 Scholarship
- Monique Weill-Caulier Scholarship
- Max Kade Fellowship
- National Medical Fellowship Scholar
Languages Spoken
- English
- Medical Spanish
Rosagna Rubiano is the Director of Clinical Services & Training.
Languages Spoken
- English
- Spanish (native fluency)
Rokeasha (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2024. In this role, she ensures operational excellence by providing strategic operational support across Medical Services and will have operational involvement in the administration of clinical services to maintain consistency in processes and delivery of services.
Rokeasha assists the Associate Vice President, Director of Clinical Services and Training, and Director of Nursing in developing, maintaining, and reviewing operational protocols that promote and ensure optimization of efficiency and outcomes.
Before joining Columbia Health, Rokeasha served as the Practice Administrator at Advantage Care Physicians' Brooklyn location. She brings more than 20 years of experience in healthcare administration and operations, having worked at Weill Cornell, NYC HHC, and Mount Sinai Hospital.
Outside of work, Rokeasha enjoys traveling, going to Broadway shows, and cooking.
Professional Experience
- Practice Administrator, Advantage Care Physicians (Brooklyn)
- Weill Cornell
- NYC HHC
- Mount Sinai Hospital
Education
- Bachelor of Arts
Languages Spoken
- English
Dr. Robert Bernales joined Columbia Health in 2020. He is a member of the West Clinical Team. Dr. Bernales is a board-certified physician specializing in primary care and preventive medicine. Prior to Columbia Health, Dr. Bernales practiced as an attending physician with the Long Island FQHC in several locations throughout Nassau County, New York. He completed his residency training at Nassau University Medical Center, a Northwell Health affiliate.
Professional Experience
- Attending physician, Long Island FQHC, Inc.
- Urgent care physician, Belmont Park Backstretch Clinic
- Clinical preceptor, Elmont Family Health Center
- Staff physician, Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii Mission to Payatas and Illocos Sur, Philippines
Education
- D.O., New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
- M.P.H., Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
- B.A., Johns Hopkins University
Certifications and Licensure
- Licensed to practice medicine in the State of New York
- Board Certified in Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
- BLS, ACLS, and PALS Certified
Memberships
- Diplomate, American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians
- American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
- American Osteopathic Association
- New York State Osteopathic Medical Society
- Hawaii Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons
Dr. Rick OāKeefe joined Columbia Health in 2004 and is a member of the East Clinical Practice Team. Prior to Columbia, Rick worked in academic family medicine with a focus on increasing the quality and access to care for underserved communities in urban areas. OāKeefe developed programs that care for marginalized and LGBT adolescents in school-based and street settings.
As part of Columbia Health, Rick is a member of the men's health team, serves as medical advisor for GHAP (Gay Health Advocacy Project) and facilitates the Integrative Medicine Workgroup. He earned an M.A. in Social and Organizational Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2015.
Education
- M.D., St. Louis University School of Medicine
- M.A., Teachers College, Columbia University
- B.S., University of California, Davis
Certifications and Licensure
- New York State License
- American Board of Family Medicine Certified
Published Articles
- OāKeefe, R., Haileselassie, L., Cabrini, P., āPrevalence of Intimate Partner Violence in Male Studentsā, American College Health Association Annual Meeting, Austin, TX, May 2017
- Versnik-Nowak, A., DeGise, J., Daugherty, A., Seward, S., Setty, S. and Tang, F., OāKeefe, R. Prevalence and Predictors of CAM use among Ivy League students: Implications for Student Health Services, Journal of American College Health, 6(6). 2015.
- Pinksy, L., Chiarelli, D., Klausner, JD, Kull, R., OāKeefe, R., Heffer, C., and Seward, S., Rates of Asymptomatic Non-urethral Gonorrhea and Chlamydia in a population of University Men who have Sex with Men. Journal of American College Health, Vol. 60, no. 4, August 2012.
- OāKeefe, R., Tesar, C.; Sex Talk: What Makes it Hard to Learn Sexual History Taking, Family Medicine 1999, May 31 (5), 315-16.
Awards and Honors
- Daniel Leicht Social Medicine Award
- Family Practice Directors Award for Excellence in Family Medicine Education
Memberships
- American Academy of Family Physicians
Ramona Lanzo joined Columbia Health in 1994. Prior to Columbia, Ramona worked as a laboratory technologist in various medical facilities and hospitals. She has been in the laboratory services field since 1985. Ramona attended Bronx Community College, where she majored in medical laboratory technology, and Lehman College with a concentration health services administration.
Rafaela De La Huerta, FNP, joined Medical Services in 2022 and was promoted to Associate Director, Clinical Services in 2024. She is also a member of the West Practice Clinical Care Team. Rafaela provides primary care services for students with a focus on health promotion and education, providing treatment for acute and chronic injury and illness, and comprehensive reproductive and sexual health services including offering long-acting reversible contraception.
Prior to joining Columbia Health, Rafaela worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner in community health in the Bronx, New York, serving the healthcare needs of patients across the lifespan, including in-school-based health centers where she focused on adolescent reproductive health. She began her career as Paramedic/Firefighter and later in Nursing and it was in these roles that she became acutely aware of health care disparities/social determinants of health and the need to prevent illness and injury with access to primary care.
When she isn't working, she enjoys outdoor sports, traveling, spending time in nature, and time with family.
Professional Experience
- Morris Heights Health Center, Bronx, NY
- Institute for Family Health/ Care for the Homeless, New York, NY
- City of West Palm Beach Fire Rescue
Education
- M.S.N., Columbia University, with a sub-specialty in Womenās Health
- B.S.N., Columbia University, - "entry to practice" award recipient
- B.A. with Distinction, Pace University in New York
Certifications and Licensure
- New York State Family Nurse Practitioner
- Board Certified in Family Primary Care
Languages Spoken
- English
- Spanish
Paula (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2025 as a member of the East Clinical Practice Team. As a Nurse Practitioner, she delivers comprehensive primary care to students, with a strong focus on health promotion and disease prevention. Her role includes the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of both acute and chronic medical conditions. Paula also conducts thorough health assessments, including detailed medical histories and physical examinations, as indicated by the patientās reason for the visit.
Before joining Columbia Health, Paula worked as a Nurse Practitioner in a Community Primary Care setting, specializing in adult care, serving people through in-person and telehealth visits, and providing health care services for acute and chronic conditions. Also, preceptor for students at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and LIU POST University Nurse Practitioner Programs. Prior working as a Nurse Practitioner, she worked as a certified adult and pediatric emergency room nurse in a level 1 trauma center.
Outside of work, Paula enjoys travel, swimming, and rollerblading. She loves podcasts on self-improvement, personal growth, and mental health care.
Professional Experience
- Nurse Practitioner in a Community Primary Care
- Preceptor for students at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and LIU POST University Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Certified adult and pediatric emergency room nurse in a level 1 trauma center
Education
- M.S., Family Nurse Practitioner, SUNY Downstate Medical Center
- B.S., Nursing, Hunter School of Nursing
- A.A.S., Nursing, QCC New York
Certifications and Licensure
- Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC)
- New York State Family Nurse Practitioner
- New York State Registered Nurse
- CEN - Certified Emergency Nurse
- CPEN - Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse
- TNCC
- BLS
- ACLS
- PALS
Memberships
- Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
Languages Spoken
- English
- Spanish
Patricia Coleman is a Registered Nurse at Medical Services. She is a member of the East Clinical Team.
Mina (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2024 as a Registered Nurse at Medical Services. She is a member of the West Clinical Team. In this role, Mina provides pre- and post-clinical visit assessments; follow-up of patients for interim continuity of care by clinicians, emergency department transfer, hospitalization, and procedures; acute and chronic primary nursing care, wound care, travel assessment, allergy assessment, and the administration of vaccines, allergy shots, and medication.
Mina brings 7.5 years of experience in college health to Columbia Health, having most recently served as a nurse at the Health Services at Brown University in Rhode Island. In that role, she gained expertise in all aspects of studentsā physical and psychological wellbeing, with a focus on urgent care, immunizations and health promotion. Prior to her career in college health, she worked in acute care at Rhode Island Hospital.
Minaās professional interests focus on the social, cultural, and economic factors that influence studentsā ability to maintain their health, well-being, and sense of belonging in school. She considers cultural competency as essential in supporting students for optimal health outcomes. Mina leverages her life experience and dedication as a health professional to advocate for students effectively.
Outside of Nursing, Mina enjoys exploring her new home, New York City, with her three daughters, enjoys outdoors events, walking, volunteering, and cooking her traditional foods.
Professional Experience
- Registered Nurse, Brown University
- Registered Nurse, Rhode Island Hospital
Education
- M.S.N., Grand Canyon University
- B.S.N., University of Rhode Island
Certifications and Licensure
- Registered Professional Nurse: RI and NY
- BLS
- AAT (Auricular Acupuncture Technician)
Memberships
- American Nurse Association
Languages Spoken
- English
Mikaela joined Columbia Health in 2025 and is a member of the West Clinical Team. As a Registered Nurse at Medical Services, Mikaela provides pre- and post-clinical visit assessments; follow-up of patients for interim continuity of care by clinicians, emergency department transfer, hospitalization, and procedures; acute and chronic primary nursing care, wound care, travel assessment, allergy assessment, and the administration of vaccines, allergy shots, and medication.
Prior to joining Columbia Health, Mikaela was at Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine at Columbia Doctors, and prior to that, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Nebraska Medicine.
Mikaela is interested in travel and sports.
Professional Experience
- Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine at Columbia Doctors
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Nebraska Medicine
Education
- B.S., Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Certifications and Licensure
- Basic Life Support
- New York State Registered Nurse
Martine Duplan joined Columbia Health in 2017. She is a member of the East Clinical Team.
Professional Experience
- Homecare, Field Nursing
- Hospital MedSurg-ICU
- Nursing Home Supervisor
Education
- R.N.
- B.S.N.
Certifications and Licensure
- ACIS
- BLS
Marcia Malcolm-Alexander is a medical assistant at Columbia Health Medical Services.
Marcel Pierre-Louis (he/him) joined Columbia Health in 2020. In his current role as Director of Nursing at Medical Services, Marcel provides overall planning, quality assurance, supervision, and coordination of clinical care provided by the Medical Services' nursing, medical assistant, and infection prevention and public health support teams. As part of the senior leadership of Medical Services, Marcel works collaboratively to optimize team-based care and ensure workflows prioritize efficiency and student-centered care. Additionally, the Director of Nursing takes a lead role in planning and executing key university-wide partnerships, including the annual flu fair.
Prior to his Nursing career, Marcel worked for health-based non-profits in New York City and Los Angeles. He received his Master's of Healthcare Administration from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in December 2021.
Professional Experience
- Assistant Director, Infection Prevention & Public Health Support, Columbia Health
- Assistant Nurse Manager, Infection Control & Occupational Health, Columbia Health
- Registered Nurse, Columbia Health
- Assistant Nurse Manager for Orthopedics, Westchester Medical Center
- General Staff Nurse for Respiratory Care, Westchester Medical Center
Education
- M.H.A., Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
- B.S.N., Chamberlain College of Nursing (President's Honors)
- B.A., University of Maryland, College Park
- A.A.S., Westchester Community College
Certifications and Licensure
- New York State Registered Professional Nurse
- Basic Care Life Saving
- Advanced Care Life Saving
Memberships
- Sigma Theta Tau - Global Nursing Fraternity
Madeline (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2023. She is a member of the East Clinical Team. As a Registered Nurse at Medical Services, she provides pre- and post-clinical visit assessments; follow-up of patients for interim continuity of care by clinicians, emergency department transfer, hospitalization, and procedures; acute and chronic primary nursing care, wound care, travel assessment, allergy assessment, and the administration of vaccines, allergy shots, and medication.
She started her nursing career in 2020 working inpatient at NYP-Columbia in a medicine-stepdown unit taking care of critically ill patients. She transitioned to working as a travel registered nurse at local NYC hospitals and in California. As a travel nurse, she worked in a variety of medical-surgical units (general, oncology, surgical, etc.). She looks forward to providing care for university students.
In her free time, Madeline enjoys cooking, trying new cuisines, exercising, and watching her favorite TV shows.
Professional Experience
- Travel registered nurse in NY State and CA
- NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Education
- B.A.,Psychology - University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- B.S., Nursing - New York University (NYU)
Certifications and Licensure
- Registered Nurse ā NY State
- Registered Nurse ā California
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Languages Spoken
- English
- Spanish
Lucia Clase is a Medical Assistant at Medical Services.
LaāNae Gresham joined Medical Services in 2025 as a Nurse Practitioner and is a member of the East Clinical Practice Team.
As a Nurse Practitioner, LaāNae provides primary care to students while including the promotion of health and prevention of disease, as well as evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic illness and acute medical issues. LaāNae conducts focused evaluations of patient health history and performs physical examinations for complex, acute, critical, and chronically ill patients or as indicated by the patient's reason for the visit.
LaāNae has experience and interest in internal medicine, case management, and diabetic education.Seafood is LaāNaeās favorite food, and they enjoy decorating and styling and practicing meditation and prayer.
Education
- Associates Degree, Applied Science, Respiratory Care (AAS, Respiratory Therapy)
- Bachelors Degree, Psychology
- B.S.N., Registered Nursing
- M.S.N, Master of Science in Nursing
Certifications and Licensure
- Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC
- Commission for Case Manager Certification, CCM
Memberships
- Nurse Practitioners Association
Kristen (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2023. She is a member of the West Clinical Team. She provides pre- and post-clinical visit assessments; follow-up of patients for interim continuity of care by clinicians, emergency department transfer, hospitalization and procedures; acute and chronic primary nursing care, wound care, travel assessment, allergy assessment, and the administration of vaccines, allergy shots, and medication.
She has been working as a nurse for four years. She began her career working in both inpatient and outpatient positions and then transitioned to school nursing. She is excited to continue her nursing journey in the college health field.
Outside of work she enjoys reading, trying new recipes, going to concerts, and exploring the city.
Professional Experience
- Leman Manhattan Preparatory School ā New York, NY
- EF Academy - Thornwood, NY
- NYU Langone Medical Center ā New York, NY
Education
- B.S., Nursing ā State University of New York at Binghamton
Certifications and Licensure
- Registered Nurse ā New York
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Languages Spoken
- English
Korey Wood (he/him) joined Columbia Health Medical Services in October 2025 as a Nurse Practitioner. He is a member of the West Clinical Practice team. In this role, he provides comprehensive care to students, addressing both acute and chronic health concerns. He focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, and education to help students make informed choices about their well-being. He also collaborates with colleagues to create a supportive environment that prioritizes both physical and mental health on campus. Korey has expertise in Gender-affirming and LGBTQ+ healthcare.
A few fun facts about Korey: he can break into song or dance at any moment, no stage required. Space fascinates him and he loves studying stars and galaxies. To relax, he plays video games and prefers to play fantasy-based role-playing games such as Elder Scrolls. He is a huge anime and manga fan: his favorite anime show ever is "Spy x Family." He also enjoys horror movies and his favorite horror movie is "Night of the Living Dead."
Education
- B.S.N., University of South Alabama
- M.S.N., Walden University
Kayla Nebbitt (she/her) joined Medical Services in April 2023 as a Nurse Practitioner and is a member of the West Clinical Practice Team.
In her role as a Nurse Practitioner, Kayla provides comprehensive acute and chronic primary clinical care, reproductive and sexual health care, transgender health care services including PrEP and PEP, and opioid use disorder care.
Prior to joining Columbia Health, Kayla practiced as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) at Community Healthcare Network (CHN), serving people in community health through in-person and telehealth visits, providing care services in acute and chronic primary care and suboxone for patients with OUD; reproductive & sexual health inclusive of contraception, pap smears, PrEP, and hormone replacement therapy. While at CHN, Kayla was a preceptor in the Nurse Practitioner Fellowship Program. Prior to working as an FNP, Kayla worked as a Registered Nurse in Seattle and Massachusetts.
Along with her dedication and interest in the wellness care of the patients and their communities, Kayla shares her enjoyment of tennis and traveling.
Professional Experience
- Family Nurse Practitioner at Community Healthcare Network
Education
- BS and MS in Nursing as Family Nurse Practitioner, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions
- BS in Human Physiology with a Chemistry Minor, University of Oregon
Kai Hang Lee joined Columbia Health Medical Services as a Nurse Practitioner in January 2026. She is a member of the West Clinical Practice Team. In this role, she provides comprehensive primary services in order to diagnose and manage acute and chronic medical conditions and promote health and disease prevention.
In their free time, Kai likes jogging, hiking, and watching TV shows.
Professional Experience
- Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care
- Registered Nurse in Primary Care
Education
- M.S. in Nursing at Pace University
- BS., in Nursing at CUNY School of Professional Studies
- Associate of Applied Science in Nursing at CUNY Kingsborough Community College
Certifications and Licensure
- Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC)
- New York State Family Nurse Practitioner
- New York State Registered Nurse
Memberships
- Nurse Practitioner Association New York State
Languages Spoken
- English
- Mandarin
- Cantonese
Julissa (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2023. She is a member of the West Clinical Team. She provides pre- and post-clinical visit assessments; follow-up of patients for interim continuity of care by clinicians, emergency department transfer, hospitalization and procedures; acute and chronic primary nursing care, wound care, travel assessment, allergy assessment, and the administration of vaccines, allergy shots, and medication.
Prior to joining Columbia Health, Julissa had an impressive 26-year career in the United States Army as a surgical technician rising through the ranks to become a Sergeant 1st Class. Upon retirement Sergeant 1st Class Julissa Rosado, USA. Ret. returned to college to pursue a career in nursing, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. Over the past 5 years, Julissa has worked as a registered nurse in Louisville, Kentucky in the Telemetry Unit, Progressive Cardiac Care Unit, Surgical Specialty Unit, the Veterans Affairs Hospital, and the Emergency Department.
Julissa enjoys all outdoor activities, particularly hiking and bicycling. She is a burgeoning mystery and spy fictional writer and looks forward to writing and publishing her own book.
Professional Experience
- Registered Nurse in Telemetry Unit, Progressive Cardiac Care Unit, Surgical Specialty Unit, the Veterans Affairs Hospital and the Emergency Department ā Louisville, KY
- SFC USAR, Retired
Education
- BS, Nursing, Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky
Awards and Honors
- Daisy Award 2023
Languages Spoken
- Spanish
- English
Jon (he/him/his) joined the Columbia Health, Medical Services team in 2021 as a Registered Nurse and became the Assistant Director, Clinical Support in 2024. He is passionate about delivering patient-centered, holistic, affirmative, and collaborative care. He also serves as a nurse on the Transgender and Gender Expansive Team (TGET).
Before moving to New York, Jon grew up, studied, and worked as a nurse in Massachusetts. His previous experiences include treating adults in a smaller community hospital and caring for children on a surgical & trauma unit in Boston.
Jon enjoys spending time with his husband and their cat, playing volleyball & softball, eating pie, visiting the Cape, dancing to Charli XCX and Rihanna (not well), and reading comic books.
Professional Experience
- Boston Childrenās Hospital ā Pediatric Surgical and Trauma Unit
- Sturdy Memorial Hospital ā Adult Medical/Surgical/Telemetry Unit
Education
- B.S. Nursing, B.S. Psychology ā University of Massachusetts Amherst
Certifications and Licensure
- New York and Massachusetts State Registered Professional Nurse
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization (PEARS)
Languages Spoken
- English
Hayley (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2024 and is a member of the West Clinical Practice Team. As a Nurse Practitioner, she provides primary care to students while including the promotion of health and prevention of disease, as well as evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic illness and acute medical issues. Hayley conducts focused evaluations of patient health history and performs physical examinations for complex, acute, critical, and chronically ill patients or as indicated by the patient's reason for the visit.
Prior to joining Columbia Health, Hayley previously worked as nurse practitioner at an ambulatory care center specializing in infectious disease.
Outside of work, Hayley enjoys cooking, pilates, traveling and spending time with her cat.
Professional Experience
- Nurse Practitioner, Ambulatory Care Center specializing in infectious disease
Education
- M.S.N., Columbia University.
- B.S.N., University of Vermont
Certifications and Licensure
- New York State Family Nurse Practitioner
- New York State Registered Nurse
- ANCC certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Memberships
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
- American Nurses Association
Languages Spoken
- English
Gyamfi Frempong (he/him) joined Columbia Health in 2026. As Assistant Director of Practice Operations, he supports physicians and clinical leadership to improve patient experience and access and ensures compliance with healthcare regulations and policies.
Before joining Columbia Health, Gyamfi worked in operations in hospitality and healthcare settings, managing daily operations, improving administrative processes, supporting high-performing teams, and maintaining exceptional service standards.
In his free time, he enjoys traveling, organizing events, and finding new ways to stay active and balanced.
Education:
- B.B.A., Business Administration and Information System, Monroe University
Dr. Thum (he/him) joined Columbia Health in 2024 and leads the East Clinical Practice Team as the Associate Director, Clinical Services. He provides acute and chronic primary care, including assessment, diagnosis, and management of illnesses. He also focuses on patient education, prevention, wellness, and coordination with specialists and external medical resources as needed.
Dr. Thum is an emergency physician and informaticist specializing in usability, Health IT safety, and innovative healthcare methods like telemedicine and digital health. He is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and Clinical Informatics. He graduated magna cum laude from Drexel University, completed his MD at Rutgers University ā New Jersey Medical School, and is an alumnus of the Columbia University Department of Biomedical Informatics. With extensive experience in usability, implementation, workflow redesign, and change management, Dr. Thum has contributed to an NIH-funded study on acute pain management for older adults in the Emergency Department. He has consulted for telemedicine startups and organized nationally attended connected health conferences. His leadership includes implementing Epic EHR systems across three hospitals and managing telemedicine services for over 1 million people across 18 states.
Dr. Thum advocates for equitable access to high-quality healthcare for all, regardless of race, origin, gender identity, socioeconomic background, or sexual orientation. He has promoted this viewpoint while teaching and supervising fellows, residents, medical students, advanced practice providers, and patients.
Dr. Thum lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with his partner and three children. He enjoys cooking vegan gourmet meals and traveling.
Professional Experience
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Mount Sinai Health System
- Medical Director, Oscar Health Insurance
Education
- M.D., New Jersey Medical School
- B.S., Drexel University
Certifications and Licensure
- Certified by American Board of Emergency Medicine
- Certified by American Board of Preventive Medicine
- ACLS, PALS, BLS certified
Awards and Honors
- Fellow, American Board of Emergency Medicine
- Diplomate, American Board of Preventive Medicine
Memberships
- American College Health Association
- American College of Emergency Physicians
Languages Spoken
- English
Faiza (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2025 as a member of the East Clinical Practice Team. As a Nurse Practitioner, she delivers comprehensive primary care to students, with a strong focus on health promotion and disease prevention. Her role includes the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of both acute and chronic medical conditions. Faiza also conducts thorough health assessments, including detailed medical histories and physical examinations, as indicated by the patientās reason for the visit.
She is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who has experience providing care to a diverse population of all ages. She is a graduate from Columbia University in the City of New York. Her specialties include family medicine, women's wellness, LGBTQ+ care, and primary care.
Outside of work, Faiza enjoys fitness, traveling, and hiking.
Professional Experience
- Westside Family Medicine (Family medicine, women's wellness, LGBTQ care, and primary care)
- Manhattan Medical Arts (Family medicine, primary care, ADHD)
Education
- M.S., Columbia University
- Post-Masters, Binghamton University
Certifications and Licensure
- AANP Certification
Awards and Honors
- MDE Merit Scholarship
Memberships
- AANP
Languages Spoken
- English
- Urdu
Eunjeong joined Columbia Health in 2022 as a Nurse Practitioner. She is part of the East Clinical Practice Team.
Dionne (she/her) joined Columbia Health in July 2025. She is a member of the West Clinical Team. As a Registered Nurse at Medical Services, she provides pre- and post-clinical visit assessments; follow-up of patients for interim continuity of care by clinicians, emergency department transfer, hospitalization, and procedures; acute and chronic primary nursing care, wound care, travel assessment, allergy assessment, and the administration of vaccines, allergy shots, and medication.
Prior to joining Columbia Health, Dionne held several roles, including supervisor at Providence Rest Nursing and Rehabilitation, school nurse for the Department of Education, and IV infusion nurse.
Outside of work, Dionne loves to dance and enjoys traveling.
Professional Experience
- Supervisor, Providence Rest Nursing and Rehabilitation
- School Nurse, Department of Education
- IV Infusion Nurse
Education
- B.S.N., Nursing Science
Certifications and Licensure
- Registered Nurse ā NY State
Languages Spoken
- English
Dr. Diane Kim (she/her) joined Columbia Health in September 2025. She is a member of the West Clinical Practice Team. She provides acute and chronic primary care, including assessment, diagnosis, management and promotion of patient education and wellness. Dr. Kim has experience working in pediatric critical care, emergency department and primary care settings. Her professional interests include public health, social determinants of health and global health. She is committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered, evidence-based medical care while also addressing systems-level issues that impact health outcomes.
Prior to Columbia Health, Dr. Kim was an Emergency Department Pediatrician at Childrenās Hospital of Philadelphia; a General Pediatrician at Baker Health Pediatric; and a Critical Care Unit Hospitalist at Childrenās Hospital at Montefiore.
When not working, she enjoys traveling and dancing.
Education
- M.D., SUNY Upstate Medical University
- M.P.H., Boston University School of Public Health
- M.S., Boston University Graduate Medical Sciences B.S., Boston College
Certifications and Licensure
- Licensed New York State Physician
- American Board of Pediatrics
- PALS and BLS certified
Published Articles
- Megan J Job , Diane Kim , Francia Acosta , Sandra Valera , Anabel Fernandez , Katherine M Laycock , Adam J Ratner , Andrew P Steenhoff , Kristen Feemster , Sarah Geoghegan, āAttitudes of pregnant women in the Dominican Republic towards a future maternal Group B Streptococcus vaccineā, Vaccine. 2024, 42, 22-126169. Austin Mercadante, Diane Kim, Bradley Clark, Diagnosis of Echocardiographic Right Ventricular Hypertrophy by 15-lead Electrocardiogram in Pediatric Population. JACC. 2021 May, 77 (18_Supplement_1) 516.
- Christopher Pace, Diane Kim, Jianmin Gao*, āExperimental Evaluation of CHāĻ Interactions in a Protein Coreā, Chem. Eur. J. 2012, 18, 5832-6. Christopher Pace, Hong Zheng, Ruben Mylvaganam, Diane Kim, Jianmin Gao*, āStacked Fluoroaromatics as Supramolecular Synthons for Programing Protein Dimerization Specificityā, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2012, 51, 103-7.
Delia joined Columbia Health in June 2025. In her role as a Medical Assistant, she takes vital signs, assists clinicians with exams, and makes sure patients feel welcomed and comfortable. She works to create a warm and friendly environment, helping patients feel at ease while supporting the medical team in providing efficient care.
Sheās been a medical assistant for 4 years and enjoys her experience in the medical field. Sheās excited to be part of the Columbia University community and to contribute to the well-being of those we serve.
Outside of work, Delia enjoys spending time with her daughter and exploring new places.
Education
- High School diploma
- MA certificate
Languages Spoken
- Spanish
- English
Colby Golder has provided nutrition therapy since she received a masterās degree in nutrition from Teachers College at Columbia University in 2009. As part of her clinical training in dietetics, Colby worked at the eating disorder unit of the New York State Psychiatric Institute. She was part of a multidisciplinary team that focused on the research and treatment of eating disorders for in-patient care.
Most recently, Colby worked at the prestigious Renfrew Center for eating disorders in New York City. Colby was involved in every level of therapeutic care including the day program, the intensive outpatient program, and individual nutrition counseling. She gained vast experience in nutrition therapy for those struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive exercise, and other forms of disordered eating. She routinely conducted weekly group sessions that focused on nutrition education, the management of therapeutic meals, and post-meal support therapy.
In addition to her work at Medical Services, Colby also works in a private practice focusing on nutrition, eating disorders, and weight management by working with patients to cultivate a healthy relationship with food.
Professional Experience
- Renfrew Center of New York
- Private Practice in Nutrition
Education
- M.S., Nutrition Education, Teachers College, Columbia University
- B.A., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Certifications and Licensure
- R.D.N., Certification of Dietetic Registration
- C.D.N, New York State Dietetic Association
Memberships
- Academy for Eating Disorders
Christine Napoleon is a medical assistant at Medical Services.
Carissa joined Columbia Health in 2021 as a registered nurse and joined the case management team in 2024. Prior to joining Columbia Health she has worked as a nurse, starting at a comprehensive ambulatory care center, followed by a clinical nurse position at Montefiore in Maternal Child Health and Pediatrics.
Before beginning her career as a nurse, she spent over a decade as a New York State EMT, an EMT volunteer in Honduras and Guatemala and a public health aide in Rockland County.
Professional Experience
- OB/GYN, Maternal-Child Health, and Pediatrics Montefiore Hospital
- Harlem Health Center
Education
- B.S.N., Columbia University School of Nursing
- B.S., Biological Sciences, University of California at Santa Barbara
Certifications and Licensure
- Registered Professional Nurse, New York State, New Jersey, and Connecticut
- Basic Life Support
Languages Spoken
- English
- Spanish - advanced conversational, intermediate writing and reading
- Bengali - novice-intermediate conversational
Aurora (Rory) Cruz joined the Columbia Health team in 2026 as a Clinical Case Manager on the John Jay East team at Medical Services. Rory is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is responsible for high-level assessment and care planning for students with chronic and acute complex medical conditions. She predicts, facilitates, and evaluates the patientās care plan to ensure high-quality, effective patient care. In addition, Rory coordinates referrals to resources within the community to further address the medical, mental health, behavioral health, and social needs of the patients.
Rory is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked in academic, clinical, and community-based settings. She has professional experience in psychotherapy, higher education, clinical case management, and legal services. Grounded in a culturally responsive, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach, Aurora has worked extensively with individuals navigating complex psychosocial, educational, and systemic challenges, such as interpersonal concerns and life transitions.
Her professional interests in the field include student mental health support, anxiety and mood disorders, maternal mental health, postpartum depression, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practice with Latina/o populations.
Outside of work, Aurora enjoys traveling with her family, exploring New York City restaurants and cafƩs, and prioritizing wellness and self-care.
Education:
- M.S.S.W., Columbia School of Social Work
- B.A., City College of New York
Certifications and Licensure:
- LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Languages Spoken:
- English
- Spanish
Ariel (she/her) joined Columbia Health in October 2022 as a Health Services Assistant at Medical Services. In this role, she provides a welcoming experience for incoming patients and maintains the reception area. She answers the telephone and responds to inquiries, resolves any issues, and assists patients as they complete the necessary forms and documentation.
Prior to joining Columbia Health, Ariel was a scheduling coordinator for Mount Sinai Urology Department.
In her free time, she enjoys swimming and reading poetry.
Professional Experience
- Scheduling Coordinator, Mount Sinai Urology
Languages Spoken
- English
Annietia (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2024. In her role as medical assistant, she rooms patients, prepares them for the visits, chaperones and assists during procedures, and assist with lab testing and EKGs.
Annietia has been a medical assistant for the past 14 years.
Education
- Sanford-Brown Institute
Anna Combs joined Columbia Health in 1995. Prior to Columbia, Anna was employed with Kelly Temps and had several working assignments in customer service. She is originally from Brooklyn and joined the United States Army after high school. Annaās interests include indoor and outdoor sports, music, and gardening.
Awards and Honors
- Honorable Discharge, United States Army
Ann Marie Alexander is a health services assistant at Columbia Health.
Medical Services Staff Directory
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