ISSO Morningside and Manhattanville, Student Services

Yajaira manages all administrative aspects of our two locations. She is responsible for the oversight of department finances including reporting, compliance reports, review of financial transactions such as processing invoices, expense reports and other payments through Accounts Payable.

She serves as primary Liaison with Central Human Resources and Office of General Counsel. She is responsible for managing the review and application of job description, applicant review as well as hiring and onboarding process. 

Ximena is part of the office that provides documentation services for, and advisement to, the international community of students, faculty and scholars on the Columbia University Medical Campus (CUIMC).

• Email: [email protected]

Tomasz is a member of the ISSO Compliance Team. He provides F-1 visa documentation services and advisement for students enrolled in English as a Second Language courses and initial F-1 students for the Morningside campus.

Tomasz is also a NAFSA mentor and Trainer Corps member. He has an MPA degree from NYU and an EdM from Teachers College, Columbia University. 

As a member of the Programming Team, Stacy develops and delivers programs and events designed to build community among Columbia’s international students. The Programming Team fosters belonging, develops intercultural competence, promotes leadership and global mindfulness, and supports overall international student success.

Stacey is part of the office that provides documentation services for, and advisement to, the international community of students, faculty and scholars on the Columbia University Medical Campus (CUIMC).

As a member of the Student Advising Team, Simone assists our large population of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to visas, enrollment, employment, and travel.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Shay assists the very large number of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to employment, visas, enrollment and travel.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Seong Hwan assists our large population of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to visas, enrollment, employment, and travel.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Scott assists the very large number of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to employment, visas, enrollment and travel.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Saundra assists the large population of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to visas, enrollment, employment, and travel.

Samantha oversees the Student Advising team for the Morningside campus. She also serves as the main point of contact for academic departments.

The advising team assists our large population of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including but not limited to, visas, employment, enrollment, travel, and tax-filing obligations.

The team provides information sessions at orientation programs and offers employment-related workshops throughout the academic year.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Regina assists the very large number of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to employment, visas, enrollment and travel.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Noelle assists our large population of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to visas, enrollment, employment, and travel.

As a member of the Compliance Team, Nikolas assists Associate Director Maria Reynoso in processing visa documents and database management. He works with colleagues on the Student Advising Team in other matters related to student compliance issues.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Michelle assists the very large number of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to employment, visas, enrollment and travel.

As a member of the Compliance Team, Mazaher assists Associate Director Maria Reynoso in processing student visa documents and database management. He works with colleagues on the Student Advising Team in other matters related to student compliance issues.

Martha became interested in working with international students though a student worker position in the International Student and Scholars Office during her undergraduate studies in international relations in Boston, MA. Subsequently she spent nearly five years studying and working in Geneva, Switzerland, during which time she earned a master's in international history and politics. She has been living in the NYC area and advising international students since 2015. Outside of work you may find her reading historical fiction, escaping the city to go on a hike or visiting family in upstate NY or southern Italy.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Mark assists our large population of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to visas, enrollment, employment, and travel.

Maria Reynoso is the Interim Executive Director for the ISSO and the Director of Compliance for ISSO Morningside. In her role as Interim Executive Director, she oversees the development, coordination, and delivery of services for the ISSO as a whole. She also serves as the primary liaison between ISSO and Columbia’s Office of the Provost. As Director of Compliance, she is responsible for certifying the university’s compliance with federal regulations, directing the Compliance team, and overseeing the issuance of all student visa documents.

Maria has over 25 years of experience serving Columbia in the field of International Education and Compliance. Having been an international student herself, she thoroughly enjoys having the opportunity to support Columbia’s international community.

She received an Executive Masters of Public Administration from Columbia University; an LL.M. in Banking, Corporate and Finance Law from Fordham Law School; and an LL.B. from La Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Ureña in the Dominican Republic.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Marc assists our large population of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to visas, enrollment, employment, and travel.

Lana is the Assistant Director for Information Technology for ISSO. Within this capacity, she acts as one of the key figures responsible for addressing and resolving any technical issues within the office. She has been with Columbia University since 2013 and with the ISSO since 2016. 

Lana boasts more than three decades of professional experience. Before becoming part of Columbia, she worked as a Systems Analyst and Application Developer at the United Nations' Works and Relief Agency (UNRWA). In this role, Lana was instrumental in developing and maintaining software applications and databases that spanned across the Middle East to support UNRWA's operations.

Fluent in Arabic, Lana had a firsthand experience of international student life as she once was a foreign exchange student in the U.S. during her youth. Having spent time in New York City, she cherishes its multicultural essence—embracing the diversity in people, languages, music, art, and cuisine. Lana finds joy in taking leisurely strolls around the campus, particularly at Riverside Park, where she can unwind and enjoy a peaceful walk.

Kimberly comes to Columbia from Fordham University, where she handled the instructional H-1B and J-1 scholar populations. She has an M.S. degree in Human Resources Management, as well as an M.S. in Education Administration, both from Fordham University. She is a native New Yorker, who enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

• Email: [email protected] Students -- please do not contact this number.
  Contact your ISSO campus team for assistance: Morningside Students or CUIMC Students.
• Phone: 212-853-1749Students -- please do not contact this number.
  Contact your ISSO campus team for assistance: Morningside Students or CUIMC Students.

As Director, Kathy leads the advisory team at ISSO-CUIMC and is responsible for overseeing federal immigration compliance of the international community of students, faculty and scholars at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center campus. She also oversees the development, coordination, and delivery of immigration-related services.

Kathy has had an extensive career at the Medical Center, the longest tenure is at the ISSO-CUIMC. Her longstanding leadership of the ISSO-CUIMC and breadth of immigration knowledge is noteworthy and beneficial for Columbia University’s international community. She is well-recognized at CUIMC for her expertise in the field.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Jordan assists our large population of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to visas, enrollment, employment, and travel.

Jennifer is part of the Student Advising team. She serves as the main point of contact for academic departments on the Morningside campus.

The advising team assists our large population of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including but not limited to, visas, employment, enrollment, travel, and tax-filing obligations.

The team provides information sessions at orientation programs and offers employment-related workshops throughout the academic year.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Jennifer assists the very large number of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to employment, visas, enrollment and travel.

Jane is the Director of Faculty and Scholar Services for ISSO Morningside and Manhattanville. In her role, she leads the Scholar Advising Team, overseeing the development and delivery of visa sponsorship services for the international faculty, researchers, Visiting Scholars and Visiting Student Interns belonging to the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses. Jane also serves as the Responsible Officer for Columbia University's J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, which facilitates a robust slate of academic, professional and cultural exchanges each year. 

Jane has been with the ISSO since 2000. She is passionate about international education and finding new ways to support and facilitate faculty and research exchanges within Columbia University. This passion for international education was sparked early in her career while working as an educator with the U.S. Peace Corps in the Fiji Islands and in Japan through the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. 

Jane holds an M.A. in International and Comparative Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College and a B.S. from Saint Michael's College in Vermont.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Jacob assists our large population of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to visas, enrollment, employment, and travel.

Hadija is part of the office that provides documentation services for, and advisement to, the international community of students, faculty and scholars on the Columbia University Medical Campus (CUIMC).

Gwyneth is part of the office that provides documentation services for, and advisement to, the international community of students, faculty and scholars on the Columbia University Medical Campus (CUIMC).

As a member of the Compliance Team Evelyn assists Associate Director Maria Reynoso in processing visa documents and database management. She works with colleagues on the Student Advising Team in other matters related to student compliance issues.

Ella is an International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. Her expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel 

Ella enjoys working with Columbia’s international students as she was once an international student in the U.S. herself. Given her first-hand experience, she intimately understands the challenges of navigating the U.S. immigration system as well as the rewards that come with pursuing higher education in this country.

Ella’s favorite neighborhood in the city is Astoria in Queens. When not helping students, she enjoys grabbing a quick lunch from Roti Roll on 109th and Amsterdam. 

Liz is responsible for the development, coordination, processing and delivery of advising and related support services for University-sponsored O-1 petitions and permanent residence for the Morningside, Manhattanville and CUIMC campuses.  She serves as an expert resource for faculty, researchers, scholars and staff on a wide range of employment-based issues including how nonimmigrant visa status factors into the permanent residence process.

• Email: [email protected]Students -- please do not contact this number.
  Contact your ISSO campus team for assistance: Morningside Students or CUIMC Students.
   
• Phone:  +1 212 853 -1414Students -- please do not contact this number.
  Contact your ISSO campus team for assistance: Morningside Students or CUIMC Students.

As a member of the Compliance Team, Dawn assists Associate Director Maria Reynoso in processing visa documents and database management. She works with colleagues on the Student Advising Team in other matters related to student compliance issues.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Daniel is part of the Riverside Drive office that assists our large population of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to visas, enrollment, employment, and travel.

Colleen is part of the Scholar Advising Team, providing services to Columbia’s Morningside and Manhattanville scholar communities. They work with academic departments in bringing international faculty and researchers to the university,  provide orientation programs for J-1 scholars and workshops and one-on-one training for department staff members with whom they work.

• Email: [email protected]Students -- please do not contact this number.
  Contact your ISSO campus team for assistance: Morningside Students or CUIMC Students.
   
• Phone: +1 212 853 1415Students -- please do not contact this number.
  Contact your ISSO campus team for assistance: Morningside Students or CUIMC Students.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Clayton assists our large population of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to visas, enrollment, employment, and travel.

As a member of the Compliance Team, Claire assists Associate Director Maria Reynoso in processing visa documents and database management. She works with colleagues on the Student Advising Team in other matters related to student compliance issues.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, ChuChu assists our large population of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to visas, enrollment, employment, and travel.

As a member of the Programming Team, Chad develops and delivers programs and events designed to build community among Columbia’s international students. The Programming Team fosters belonging, develops intercultural competence, promotes leadership and global mindfulness, and supports overall international student success.

Ben is the Assistant Director for Communications. In his role, he oversees, manages and maintains all communications-related materials for the ISSO: the website, email marketing, user testing, social media, interactive forms and various other types of online communications. His main objective is to put the “user”–which comprises the Columbia international student and scholar community as well as university members –first.

Ben has been with the ISSO since 2015. He is passionate about working with the international community, and loves learning about all of their amazing projects, goals and experiences that led them to Columbia.

Prior to joining Columbia, Ben worked at New York University's Office of Global Services for several years in multiple capacities. He holds an M.P.S. in Interaction Design New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and a B.A. in Visual Arts with an Emphasis in Graphic Design and Business from the University of San Francisco.

Ben has also studied abroad in London and loved it so much that he would look into living there if he didn’t live in NYC. In his free time, Ben enjoys walking around Columbia’s various campuses. He thinks this is a great way to exercise while also experiencing NYC’s vibrant neighborhoods.

Alexis is a Senior International Student Adviser at ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. Her expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel.

Alexis is a nationally recognized advocate for international education and US immigration policy. She holds degrees from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and Pitzer College. She is proficient in Japanese and Spanish.

In her free time, Alexis is an avid traveler. Her travels have taken her to Panama, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Italy, England, Mexico, Canada, Dominican Republic and 31 U.S. states. Her favorite place to visit near campus is the West Harlem Piers just off 125th Street, where you can get a stellar view of the Hudson River.