Staff Directory

Dr. Zach Kornhauser is the Senior Director of Faculty Assessment and Development at the Columbia School of Professional Studies. In this role, Kornhauser oversees faculty assessment in relation to reviews and promotions, and faculty development in relation to training opportunities for teaching effectiveness, technology in the classroom, and faculty satisfaction.

Kornhauser previously served as an Associate Director at the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) at Columbia University. At the CTL, he was responsible for demonstrating evidence for effective practice and evaluating the impact of innovations in curricular development, professional development programs, and online and digital projects. Prior to joining the CTL, Kornhauser was as an Associate Measurement Scientist at the Council for Aid to Education (CAE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping institutions measure and improve learning outcomes for their students. At CAE, he was the primary investigator on a number of initiatives focused on measuring students’ cognitive growth in college. Kornhauser also worked at the Community College Research Center (CCRC), where he was the Co-Primary Investigator for program evaluation of a government-funded initiative aimed at improving education within community colleges.

Kornhauser received his doctorate in Applied Developmental Psychology from Fordham University. He has conducted research on a number of topics related to higher education including issues related to teaching and learning, grade inflation, college student outcomes, and motivation on low-stakes assessments. Kornhauser has been teaching in the Applied Analytics program at SPS since the Fall of 2017. He also served as a teaching fellow at Fordham University between 2012 and 2014, and was named the graduate teacher of the year for the 2012-2013 academic year.

Yijun (Diana) Dai is a Senior Instructional Designer at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies (SPS). With over eight years of experience across higher education and industry, she has been dedicated to designing learning experiences that create lasting value for individual learners, institutions, and organizations navigating an ever-changing world.

At her previous institutions, Yijun collaborated closely with faculty to design and develop courses and training for students and professionals. In addition to course development, she has worked on technical and instructional support for instructors and students to ensure the best learning experience.

As an advocate of student-centered learning and learner agency, she is passionate about creating active and personalized learning experiences to enhance learning outcomes and engagement. She also believes purposeful use of new media and emerging technologies can make learning more accessible and effective to all.

She holds an M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania and is currently pursuing a second master's degree in Computing in Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. As a life-long learner, she keeps learning new knowledge and skills in different fields, which gives her lots of inspiration. She would love to bring the benefits of life-long learning to more individuals. 

Tracey Rosario earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Human Resource Management, from Pace University. She spent over six years in the financial services industry, focusing on employee benefits, onboarding, and payroll, before joining the Faculty Affairs team at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies in December 2024.

Outside of work, Tracey enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, trying new recipes, and cheering on the Yankees and Knicks.

Dr. Tiffany Hughes is Associate Dean of Graduate Programs at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, where she provides leadership for the School’s portfolio of 19 master’s programs. An authentic, values-based leader, her ideas and frameworks have influenced practice at both the School and University levels. Known for strengthening teams, she builds trust, creates clarity, and develops structures that enable people and programs to succeed. Since joining SPS in 2017, she has contributed to the development of academic and student-facing infrastructure that supports long-term academic quality and student success. Dr. Hughes brings more than 15 years of higher education leadership experience, with prior roles at Stevens Institute of Technology, CUNY, and SUNY. She holds an Ed.D. from Northeastern University, an M.A. from the University at Buffalo, and a B.A. from Quinnipiac University. She values well-being, time with her family, travel, and summers at the beach.

Steven Thomas serves as Director of Instructional Support at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, where he has been part of the department since 2017, beginning as one of its first Instructional Support Specialists. He brings a blend of strategic vision and operational rigor, having helped design and scale the infrastructure of an award-winning academic support unit. Steven excels at cultivating diverse, high-performing teams and fostering cultures grounded in collaboration and continuous improvement. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communication from CUNY Baruch College and a master’s degree in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution from Columbia University. His unwavering commitment to operational excellence, talent development, and service-driven leadership has enhanced SPS’s academic support ecosystem, delivering consistent, high-quality experiences for stakeholders across the School.

Sheila Song is a senior instructional designer with SPS. Prior to joining SPS, Sheila worked for GlobalEd 2 for five years, providing design and development support to an interdisciplinary problem-based curriculum. She also served as the program evaluator for UConn’s WiSTEM Mentoring Program, where she conducted both process and outcome evaluations using surveys and focus group methodologies.

Sheila holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Cognition, Instruction, and Learning Technology, along with a master’s degree in Educational Psychology and a graduate certificate in Program Evaluation. Her research focuses on motivation, problem-based learning, and technology-integrated teaching and learning.

Grounded in a constructivist perspective, Sheila approaches teaching and learning as active, collaborative, and contextually situated processes. These principles inform her instructional design practice and guide her work in creating meaningful and effective learning experiences.
 

Sean Netzel is a Course Developer at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies with a wide range of experience in education including teaching, instructional design, digital accessibility, and LX/UX.

In his previous experiences, Sean taught internationally at several institutions for eight years before moving back to the U.S. to pursue an M.S.Ed. He currently manages the course facilitation of ASU's Universal Learner and Study Hall programs.

Sean has a B.A. in Philosophy from UCLA and certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Trinity College London. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Education from California State University Fullerton.

Sarah Goez is a first-generation Colombian American and proud New York native. She earned her Bachelor's degree in International Relations from New York University, where she also studied Chinese and spent a semester in London exploring European and Middle Eastern studies.

Sarah began her career at Columbia University with the Global Centers | Santiago team before transitioning to the Pre-College Program. There, she played an integral role in instructor support, curriculum operations, and program execution, assisting more than 230 instructors and helping to advance academic initiatives across a diverse portfolio of courses. She later served as Coordinator for Student Life at the School of Professional Studies, where she supported graduate student engagement, advised student organizations, and helped cultivate an inclusive and vibrant campus community. This experience strengthened her commitment to supporting students both inside and outside the classroom.

Now, as Assistant Director of Instruction & Curriculum, Sarah supports academic planning, curriculum management, instructional operations, and faculty engagement. Drawing on her experience across both Academic Affairs and Student Life, she is passionate about fostering high-quality learning experiences and advancing initiatives that support student success and academic excellence.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys traveling, crocheting, hiking, and discovering new coffee spots around New York City.

Sam is a webinar specialist at the School of Professional studies. He has been at SPS since 2015. In his role, he is responsible for providing technical support during live sessions, and maintaining the support, coaching, and feedback cycle during the SPS course execution phase. Prior to working at SPS, Sam spent time as an audio engineer and also had a stint in academic publishing, on the editorial side.
 

Roya Heydari is the Senior Associate Director of Curriculum and Teaching for Pre College Programs within Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies. She has a background in science education and education research and development spanning from secondary education to varying degrees of higher education. In her role as Senior Associate Director, Roya oversees the STEM course portfolio for Pre College, supporting classroom experiences through program- and course-development, syllabus review, and instructional support. She also works collaboratively with senior leadership in overseeing Pre-College’s credit-bearing program, College Edge, to ensure eligible high school students from the surrounding community engage in a meaningful college experience by earning college credit as they learn alongside Columbia’s undergraduate students.

Roya received her doctorate in Science Education from Columbia University, Teachers College. Her work focused on the identity development of students in informal science settings. She focused her work and research on students traditionally marginalized from the field of science, specifically high-school and undergraduate girls of color. Roya has a wide range of experiences in educational assessment and development in both informal and formal learning settings; specifically combining quantitative and qualitative methods to holistically understand, assess, and develop learning experiences. She is particularly passionate about harnessing the powers of science and science education for social change, and working with educators and leaders to ensure transformative educational experiences are accessible for all students.

Roya holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Science Education from Columbia University, Teachers College, and a B.A. in Biological Sciences from Binghamton University.

Rebecca Castillo is the associate director of the CSPA where she plans and organizes CSPA’s three annual conventions and workshops. As well, Castillo develops curriculum and manages the Crown Awards, Gold Circle Awards, and the National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year program. Castillo co-edited and produced the award-winning book, Magazine Fundamentals. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, where she was a member of CSPA as a high school student, Castillo graduated from Columbia College, where she studied film. She received her M.A. from the Columbia Journalism School, where she studied digital media, photography and video. She has worked at CSPA since her graduation from Columbia College in 1994.

Rafael is a proud and unwavering Boston Sports fan who thrives off friendly competition. A graduate of Boston College and most recently, a masters graduate of the SPS Sustainability Management program, Rafael was drawn to his passions working with higher education because of the positive impact academia has always had on his life.  Born and raised in the inner city of Dorchester, MA and the youngest son of Dominican immigrant parents, education became the greatest vehicle for Rafael. After being accepted into the METCO, Inc. program as a preschooler, Rafael had the privilege of attending school in an affluent suburb town, which dramatically molded his childhood and coming of age as a young adult navigating unfamiliar yet rewarding spaces. 

Outside of work, Rafael likes to enjoy the outdoors such as hiking or longboarding and participating in all kinds of team sports. As an avid admirer of the arts, you can always find Rafael drawing, reading, or watching one of his favorite anime.

Rachel Lapkin is an enthusiastic professional who joined the Faculty Affairs team at SPS as of December of 2022.  After obtaining her Bachelor's degree in Social Science with a concentration in work, labor, and organizations from Ramapo College of New Jersey, Rachel is excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the faculty community and contribute to the institution's academic excellence.

Before joining the team, Rachel worked as a Human Resources Generalist for Sea Pearl, Inc, an Arthrex sales distributor where she led benefits open enrollment as well as developed the first-ever Sunshine Act compliance training for new and existing employees.

In her free time, Rachel finds joy in cooking, hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Phoebe Ballard joined SPS in April of 2017. In her role, Phoebe oversees the work the Online Curriculum and Instruction (OCI) team, leads cross-functional discussions about online learning operations at SPS -- including coordination with other SPS teams, and partners with senior leadership, academic directors, faculty, and staff to plan, develop, and maintain high-quality online programs, courses, and services. 

Prior to joining SPS, Phoebe enjoyed a 14-year career at the The University of Toledo as the Director of Instructional Design and Development for one of the largest online learning operations in the state of Ohio. In that role, she managed course design, strategic planning, assessment, and research initiatives for the instructional design, multimedia, and assistive technology teams, spearheaded the design, implementation, and assessment of online faculty development programs, and oversaw the QM review process and its University-wide implementation. 

Phoebe has been an active member of the Quality Matters community since 2011. She is a QM Certified Peer and Master Reviewer for Higher Education, CPE, and K-12 programs, as well as a Certified Facilitator for QM’s Applying the Quality Matters Rubric (APPQMR) and Improving Your Online Course (IYOC) workshops. Most recently, she served as the State Lead and Professional Development Coordinator for the Ohio QM Consortium's Executive Committee, and the Member-at-Large on the national leadership team of the QM Instructional Designer Association (QM-IDA).

Phoebe has extensive online teaching experience in higher education. Since 2010, Phoebe has taught online and web-assisted courses in The University of Toledo’s Department of Art and Department of Communication, as well as online faculty development courses for The University of Toledo's University College. As faculty, Phoebe was named the 2013 Emerging Outstanding Alumna for The University of Toledo’s College of Communication and the Arts' and a two-time recipient of an international Blackboard Catalyst Award for Exemplary Course Design.

Phoebe holds an M.Ed. in Educational Technology and a B.A. in Studio Art, both from The University of Toledo. Her presentation and research interests include online faculty development, academic support services for online learners, legal and ethical issues impacting online delivery, and quality assurance at scale.

Olivia Rogo has been with Columbia University's School of Professional Studies since 2021 and currently serves as Assistant Director of Instruction & Curriculum. Prior to this role, Olivia has served in the Advising, Admissions, and Student Life Offices within SPS. Through her various positions at Columbia, Olivia has developed a unique perspective of the student experience, and is passionate about providing an exceptional educational experience.

She holds an M.S. in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University and B.A. in Journalism and British & American Literature from NYU.

Nyesha is an accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in faculty affairs and social advocacy. As the Associate Director of Faculty Affairs, she excels in managing complex academic processes and fostering collaboration across diverse teams.

Driven by a passion for empowering others through education and support, Nyesha brings a deeply human-centered approach to her work, one that prioritizes listening, equity, and meaningful connection. She is committed to building environments where faculty and staff feel valued, heard, and equipped to thrive. Her leadership style blends strategic thinking with genuine care for the people she serves, making her a trusted partner across the institution.

Nyesha's commitment to fostering growth, inclusivity, and resilience defines her approach to leadership and collaboration, and she continues to be a vital force in shaping a supportive and forward-thinking academic community. She is also currently pursuing her own academic journey, reflecting her belief that growth and learning are lifelong commitments.

Nicole Behman is a Course Developer for Columbia University's School of Professional Studies (SPS). She earned her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Kean University. Prior to entering the Instructional Design field, Nicole worked as an English as a Second Language public school teacher and Curriculum Developer, teaching grades K-12 for nine years. During the pandemic, she began her instructional design career while assisting in building and designing over 3,000 online courses for Essex County College, and has worked frequently with SMEs on course developments in various institutions. She has also been the instructional designer for the remote ESL classes she teaches for Hudson County Community College. Nicole has also been employed as an instructional designer for Relay Graduate School of Education.

Nick started at SPS in the Summer of 2018. He first started working in the realm of education as a children’s ESL teacher in Taiwan. Once he returned stateside he started working at the University of Florida as an education technologist during their transition from Sakai to Canvas, which coincided with a governmental push to put seven degree programs online in seven months. To meet these goals, Nick was pulled into multiple areas of course production; he built and supported courses, recorded lectures, tested software, and in the process forged the first link of his Canvas maester chain.

After talking to Nick for any length of time, he will mention his dog (Mermaid) or his veganism. You can usually find him at free events, Taco Bell, concerts, or just getting pulled around Brooklyn on various dog-sitting adventures.

Nelson Orellana is a Specialist in Instruction and Curriculum with Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs, where he supports the development and delivery of engaging academic experiences for high school students.

Having previously served in multiple roles within Pre-College, Nelson brings a strong foundation in instructional support, program operations, and student engagement. His work focuses on ensuring that both instructors and students are equipped for success in dynamic learning environments.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Computer Science and holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Mercy University. Nelson is passionate about supporting effective teaching practices and fostering meaningful learning experiences.

Monique Williams, also known as Mo, brings over six years of experience in Human Resources Management within the Manufacturing and Shipping industry. She has been with Columbia University for approximately a year and a half and was recently promoted to a Senior Generalist role in the Faculty Affairs department. Outside of work, Monique enjoys knitting scarves, a hobby that showcases her creativity and attention to detail!

Michael has been a key contributor at SPS since 2012, building infrastructure and expertise that have fundamentally shaped how the school delivers online education at scale. As Senior Director of Online Support and Academic Technology (OSAT), he leads a specialized team with deep fluency across learning management systems, educational technology, online meeting/collaboration solutions, systems administration, faculty training, and helpdesk operations. OSAT has become a crucial support for SPS faculty at the intersection of educational technology and pedagogy. Most recently, spearheading initiatives to equip faculty with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate an AI-transformed academic landscape. This work encompasses AI literacy resources, AI summits, practical AI training, and access to vetted AI tools.

Michael brings an unusually broad perspective to his role. Beyond the university, he is an active figure in the contemporary art world, having founded several gallery spaces, exhibiting art around the world, and running a culture blog. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art (Performance) from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Certificate in Business from Columbia University.

Megan O'Donovan is the Associate Director of the Summer Session and Continuing Education Programs at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies. She supports the operations of Columbia University's Summer Session, year-round Visiting Student Programs, and four accredited Certificate programs offered in partnership with the School of Arts and Sciences. All programs serve visiting students and matriculated Columbia University students from around the globe.

Before joining SPS in 2018, Megan supported the efforts of a nonprofit labor organization that represented thousands of tradesmen and women from several local affiliates of national and international unions. Megan holds a Master of Science in Strategic Communication from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication, with a focus on Public Relations and Marketing, from The City College of New York.

Meg has been with the School of Professional Studies since 2018 and currently serves as an Associate Director for Faculty Affairs. In this role, she supports and manages a growing team of six while overseeing payroll and onboarding processes for both part-time and full-time faculty.

A passionate advocate for higher education, Meg earned her Master of Arts in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, in 2022. She is dedicated to positively influencing the sector through her work, striving to create meaningful and impactful experiences for educators and students alike.

Outside of work, Meg is focused on personal growth and becoming the best version of herself. She enjoys nature, staying active, playing and coaching softball, and diving into a good book. 

Matthew Emile Vaughan, PhD, serves as the Associate Director of Instructional Design and Operations at the School of Professional Studies (SPS). Since joining SPS in 2015, Dr. Vaughan has served in various capacities, but all have had to do with the enhancement of teaching and learning across our online programs.

Dr. Vaughan's academic work is interdisciplinary: integrating religious studies and education. His current research focuses on the philosophy of education, specifically exploring the transformative potential of dialogical learning. Dr. Vaughan’s scholarship has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals.

In addition to his work at SPS, he is a member of the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Religion, where he currently serves as the Regions Director.

Mary Pickett is the Director of the American Language Program. She has worked in the ESL profession since 1993, as a teacher, teacher-trainer and administrator. She has taught in Italy, Germany, Ecuador and the United Kingdom, as well as in the US. She has been a teacher-trainer and assessor for the University of Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching for Adults) and has trained more than 400 teachers in North America and in South Africa. From 2006 to 2010 she was the academic director for a small group of private language schools in New York, and in 2010 she joined the ALP as the Associate Director for Intensive and Part-Time Programs. She took over as director in 2015.

Mariah earned her Bachelor of Arts from the Historically Black College, Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. She bridges the line of communication between faculty and administrators to get any project or task done. With over 10 years of experience in Customer Support, Team Building, Event Planning, and Collaborations; she is no stranger to making impossible tasks possible. A native of Harlem, Mariah is proud to be working in her community on the prestigious campus of Columbia University. When not at work, she is an avid World Traveler and die-hard Chicago Bulls fan. 

Lucas serves as Associate Director within SPS Instructional Support, providing operational and data-driven leadership for the team. His work focuses on service delivery, systems administration, and data-informed decision-making, including Zendesk management, metrics analysis, and application oversight. Lucas serves as a primary liaison to program administrators and SPS shared services, ensuring clear communication across academic and operational partners. He has led projects to expand and refit instructional and event spaces, supporting academic, co-curricular, and special programming. Lucas holds a BA in Art History and Visual Arts from Columbia University. A native of Chile and lifelong New Jersey resident, he enjoys tackling challenges with curiosity and working closely with colleagues across teams.

Laurena Marji is the Coordinator of Pre-College Programs within Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, where she supports operational, academic, and administrative workflows that shape the Pre-College student and instructor experience. She joined Columbia SPS in February 2023 as an Enrollment Coach on the Admissions Team, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the Pre-College student lifecycle through her work with prospective students and families.

Laurena is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Information and Knowledge Strategy at Columbia University, with a focus on knowledge management, digital transformation, and human-centered organizational design. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with a minor in Disaster Studies from the State University of New York at New Paltz.

Outside of work, Laurena enjoys hiking, engaging with the arts, and building community. She is passionate about the transformative power of higher education and committed to creating inclusive, supportive spaces where students can thrive.

Laura Bennett serves as the Assistant Dean for the Pre-College Programs within Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies. Laura oversees all aspects of the Pre-College Program, which offers rigorous courses for high achieving high school students and serves nearly 5000 domestic and international students annually. Collaborating with the Associate Dean of Continuing Education, she oversees the creation and implementation of new projects within the Pre-College programs.

Laura has worked in the field of education for 20 years. Prior to this position, she served as a high school teacher and teacher leader in the South Bronx for 13 years. During her tenure as a teacher, she was awarded several prestigious travel fellowships, including two Fund for Teachers Fellowships, a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Fellowship, and a Heifer International Study Tour for Educators Fellowship. Through the Fund for Teachers Fellowships, she studied women of the ancient world in Greece, Turkey, and Croatia, as well as human rights violations in Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. The Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Fellowship provided opportunities to travel and teach in Morocco, while the Heifer International Study Tour took her to Honduras, where she studied poverty in rural communities.

Laura has two Master’s degrees in Education and Educational Leadership.

Kayleigh joined Faculty Affairs in March 2022. Before that, she worked in Customer Support in the manufacturing industry for over 3 years.

She has her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from James Madison University and her Master's degree in Social Organizational Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University.

In her free time, she likes to read and go for long nature walks.

Katherine joined Columbia University in November 2023 as a Human Resources Generalist with Columbia World Projects, now known as Columbia Global. In this role, she specialized in the recruitment and onboarding of both New York-based and global staff. In February 2024, Katherine transitioned to the Faculty Affairs team at the School of Professional Studies, where she focused on managing faculty appointments. Before her tenure at Columbia, Katherine worked in the tech industry as a Talent Acquisition Specialist with Via Transportation, a New York City-based transportation startup that also provides shuttle services for Columbia University.

Karen McFadden is the inaugural Associate Dean of Academic Services & Innovation at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies (SPS). In this role, she leads a centralized academic services unit comprising over 50 full-time staff across key areas including academic operations, curriculum and instruction, online support and academic technology, faculty assessment and development, faculty affairs, faculty recruitment, and instructional support. Her collaborative, solutions-oriented leadership has been pivotal in fostering innovation, scaling value-added services, and enhancing operational excellence to support SPS’s diverse portfolio of programs, including 18 graduate degrees, Columbia Pre-College programs, Columbia Summer Sessions, and an extensive range of non-degree offerings.

Karen’s career at SPS has been marked by a series of diverse roles that have allowed her to build rich relationships through the school and the larger university. As Director of Academic Innovation, she led the development of new program initiatives that aligned academic strategies with institutional goals. She also served as Deputy Director of Career Services for the Applied Analytics program and was the school’s first Director of Faculty Recruitment, shaping policies and practices to attract and support a world-class faculty of scholar practitioners.

Before joining Columbia, Karen gained significant experience in corporate roles and as the founder of a boutique executive recruiting firm. These experiences honed her ability to lead teams, develop strategy, manage complex change initiatives, and drive innovation across products, platforms, and processes.

Karen is a proud Columbia University alumna, with a Master of Science degree in Applied Physiology and Nutrition. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania.

Prior to joining the SPS Instructional Support team at Columbia University, Julissa spent 14 years working in New York City’s Fashion District, where she developed a strong foundation in customer support, coordination, and strategic communication. She brings this experience into her role as Assistant Director, supporting and overseeing the day-to-day operational functions of the Instructional Support team. Having worked across all Instructional Support roles, Julissa offers a comprehensive, hands-on understanding of the team’s workflows and service model.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Julissa is a native New Yorker. She earned her BA in Childhood Education and Sociology from Hunter College.

Julie Santana’s background in English education and educational technology aids her in the instructional design process. Julie has prior experience as an English teacher in the K-12 setting and as an educational workshop leader. She strives to implement technology in meaningful and intentional ways to transform how instructors deliver content and how students demonstrate an understanding of key competencies. Julie is particularly interested in assistive technology, strategies for creating a spirit of community and collaboration in learning spaces, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). 

Joni joined SPS as a webinar specialist in 2018 after serving as a freelance webinar assistant with SPS as well as teaching at New Jersey City University, Maryland Institute College of Art, and other institutions. In her current role she oversees part-time staff and manages the constantly changing needs of faculty, students, and staff working and learning in online settings. She provides training and technical support and is passionate about fostering active, rigorous, and flexible learning environments for Columbia.

Joni has a Master in Fine Art in Writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a Master of Art in Communication from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia, and a Bachelor of Art in English from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec. She is the author of three novels.

John Pesantez is the senior Academic Technology Specialist for the Online Support & Academic Technology team, supporting students, faculty, and staff in their use of the Canvas learning management system that powers Courseworks, as well as supporting the various academic technologies that integrate with Canvas. He joined the SPS OSAT team in 2013 as a Platform Support Specialist to support SPS's burgeoning online program, and he helped with the school's transition from the previous LMS to Canvas.

John Fleming joined Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies in Spring of 2025, and currently serves as a Faculty and Curriculum Specialist. Prior to Columbia, John worked as an editor and researcher at the Newington-Cropsey Academy of Arts in Hastings-On-Hudson, managing the manuscripts and materials of professors and student artists. His aim is to use data-driven solutions to foster a diverse and exciting learning environment for Columbia’s Pre-College Programs.

John holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Web Programming and Applications from NYU. Outside of work, he enjoys writing, game design, and producing music.

Joel Chaffee has been with Columbia University's American Language Program (ALP) since 2008. He advises prospective and incoming students on program options, and requirements for admission. He helps students be prepared to begin ALP, and be compliant with all university requirements for matriculated students.
Outside of work he is a fan of the New York Liberty, and Gotham FC. 

Jessica Yen is the Assistant Dean of Summer Session and Visiting Student Programs at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies. In this role, she oversees Columbia University’s Summer Session, working in close partnership with Arts & Sciences academic departments to offer more than 300 course sections and serve approximately 2,000 Columbia University undergraduate and graduate students, as well as visiting students from around the world. She also leads academic-year visiting student programs and oversees four certificate programs and three summer-only CPA programs.

Jessica brings over 14 years of experience in higher education. Prior to joining Columbia, she held multiple roles at Johns Hopkins University across admissions, recruitment, and marketing. Her experience includes work in the A&S Summer and Intersession office, followed by a transition to the JHU Carey Business School during its AACSB accreditation period. While serving as Marketing Manager in the Global Communications Department, she led the development of integrated marketing plans for the School’s flagship MBA program. In these roles, she traveled extensively both domestically and internationally, including annual participation in the Business School’s signature trip to China alongside the Dean, where she represented the Admissions Department.

Jessica earned her BA in Advertising/Public Relations from Penn State University (We Are!) and her MA in Communication (Health concentration) from Johns Hopkins University. She is passionate about global education and values opportunities to connect with students and faculty from around the world.

Jessica Tong is the Assistant Director for the Summer Session and Continuing Education program. Her background includes experience in nonprofit, customer support, event planning, and project management. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the City College of New York and a Master of Public Affairs from Metropolitan College of New York. A life-long New Yorker, Jessica is a community builder/connector who is always willing to help anyone in need.

Jennifer (Jen) Southard, J.D., M.Ed., is a Course Developer for the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University.

Jen’s strong commitment to education and the holistic development of students began in 2012 when she became a volunteer tutor to academically struggling students in local elementary schools.  In this capacity, she was assigned a third grader who detested multiplication, but was a wicked card player.  After a quick purchase of a deck of cards, coupled with some even quicker thinking, Jen began to appreciate the value of effective instructional design as she crafted card games that incorporated multiplication into their rules.  Soon, that same reluctant student not only remembered his times tables, but also was able to apply them such that he won game after game.

This experience inspired Jen to make a career pivot into curriculum design and she began teaching writing classes at colleges on and around Long Island. Alongside her work at Columbia, Jen also serves as an Instructional Designer, Adjunct Professor, and Clinical Educator in the Learning Resource Program at Adelphi University.

Jennifer Bensko Ha is the director of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. She is the fourth person to hold this position since the association's founding in 1925.

Ha is an alumna of CSPA and a graduate of Columbia College. She began her career at Newsweek, where she was first online editor, then senior editor in charge of daily operations for the website. Following that, she held various leadership roles at Fortune.com before being named editorial director. Later she led web operations at WNYC Radio, where she was the executive director of digital media. Her work has been published in Newsweek, Fortune, and Foreign Policy, among others.

She has served as a judge and as a head judge for the Overseas Press Club Awards, and has organized several panels at SXSW. Most recently, Ha held the position of senior executive director of communications and creative services at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies.

Jennie Johnson is the Senior Associate Director of Instructional Design and Special Projects at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies. She has over fifteen years of experience designing impactful and innovative learning experiences in higher education and corporate training contexts.

In her current role, Jennie provides end-to-end design support on high-profile, complex course design projects that further School and University priorities, and supervises the day-to-day work of the School’s instructional designers.

Prior to joining Columbia in 2015, Jennie was an instructional designer at Manhattan College where she assisted in the creation of faculty course design workshops, helped establish an integrative learning community of practice for faculty, and co-created a set of hybrid course development and delivery standards.

Before transitioning to higher education, Jennie worked as an instructional designer for Management Concepts where she designed instructor-led courses in multiple modalities, supported the implementation of a Learning Content Management System, and championed a design approach that emphasized learning transfer and behavior change back on the job.

Jennie holds an M.A.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and B.A. in English from The College of William and Mary. Additionally, she is a Quality Matters-certified Peer Reviewer and Applying the Quality Matters Rubric Online Facilitator.

Jamie Douglas, Senior Director of Faculty Recruitment and Planning, supports and oversees full-time and part-time faculty recruitment across M.S. degree programs and non-degree programs at the School of Professional Studies. In this role, Jamie serves as a senior member of the Faculty Affairs team, working closely with Program Directors and program teams to identify experts to teach specific courses by developing robust recruitment strategies. He is also the school’s subject matter expert on faculty search policy, process, procedures, and proven practices in advertising, sourcing, interviewing, and other topics related to faculty recruitment and retention strategy.  

Jamie comes to us from 2U, where he worked as the Northeast Regional Academic Manager of the bootcamp program. In that role, he was responsible for instructional team staffing and performance management, leveraging data analytics and insights to drive decision-making.  Before taking on that role, Jamie recruited faculty for several key 2U bootcamp programs and Kaplan Test Prep.  

Before entering recruitment, Jamie taught Kaplan SAT and LSAT prep courses for pre-college and adult learners.  He also taught English to Chinese university students as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

Jamie is a graduate of the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. 

Dr. Jalisha Jenifer is the Senior Associate Director of Faculty Assessment and Development at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies. In her role, Jalisha supports faculty in their pedagogical development, manages training opportunities focused on teaching effectiveness, and evaluates pedagogical programming initiatives.

Jalisha has a background in psychological research with a focus on learning sciences and student motivation. In addition to publishing research relevant to the teaching and learning domain, Jalisha has experience teaching a variety of psychology and pedagogy-based courses both in person and synchronously online at the pre-college, undergraduate, and graduate level. At SPS, Jalisha teaches in both the Applied Analytics and Strategic Communication M.S. programs.

Prior to joining SPS, Jalisha taught and conducted research as a postdoctoral fellow at Barnard College, Columbia University. She has also served as a teaching fellow for the Chicago Center for Teaching and as a learning consultant at the McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning.

Jalisha received her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Chicago with certifications in Education Sciences and College Teaching and with fellowships through the National Science Foundation and the Institute of Education Sciences. Jalisha also holds a B.A. in Psychology with a certificate in Neuroscience from Princeton University.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Jacmel is a native New Yorker who loves the fast pace of the city and enjoys a NY slice of pizza any day of the week. Jacmel is a first-generation college graduate who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from SUNY University at Albany.

Before Columbia, Jacmel worked for a non-profit organization that strives to provide housing and services for the homeless population in NYC and Westchester. While working with the organization, Jacmel held various roles such as Case Manager and Program Assistant at a Rapid Re-housing Men’s Shelter in the Bronx.

During Jacmel’s spare time she enjoys traveling to new places, spending time with family/friends and brunching. Fun facts: She hopes to have traveled to at least 30 countries before the age of 50. Jacmel’s dream is to own an abandoned church or courthouse and convert it into a beautiful wedding venue where she can fulfill her lifelong dream of being a Wedding Planner (when she wins the lottery of course).

Hana Namkung is the Student Life Coordinator at the American Language Program (ALP), where she supports students’ experiences outside the classroom and helps build a vibrant and inclusive community.

Before joining the ALP, Hana spent a year in Taiwan as an English Teaching Assistant through the Fulbright Program, where she fostered cross-cultural exchange and language learning.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in World Politics from Hamilton College. As an undergraduate, Hana studied abroad in both South Korea and Spain, experiences that continue to inform her commitment to intercultural engagement and student support.

Ms. Freeman, a 25-year nonprofit sector professional, joined Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies in 2009. She serves as Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, advancing the School’s mission through strategic portfolio planning and evaluation, academic governance, and cross-functional initiatives supporting program review, development, and long-term academic excellence. Before Columbia, Ms. Freeman worked in arts administration, higher education, and HIV prevention and research at institutions such as the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the University of Pennsylvania, and Prevention Point Philadelphia.

Ms. Freeman serves on the Board of Trustees for the Perkins Gardens Trust of Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center, a 28-acre nonprofit estate in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, NY. She holds a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from Temple University and an M.S. in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University.

Evan Chan has been with Columbia University’s American Language Program (ALP) since 2009. He is involved with the ALP's day-to-day operations and is the primary liaison with the Registrar’s Office and the School of General Studies.

Evan holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from SUNY at Buffalo.

Outside of work, Evan is a long-suffering fan of the New York Metropolitans and is on the constant hunt for cheap meals.

As the Assistant Director of Graduate Programs at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS), Erin advances cross-disciplinary master’s programs through strategic planning, academic operations, and process optimization. She collaborates with program directors and administrators to implement best practices that enhance academic quality, promote operational excellence, and align program initiatives with institutional priorities. From overseeing academic reviews and curriculum management systems to improving administrative processes, Erin develops effective solutions that strengthen academic programs and support students, faculty, and staff.

Since joining SPS in 2021, Erin has made significant contributions to enhancing the student experience. In her previous role as the Coordinator of Student Support, she launched the SPS Academic Resource Center, providing a centralized hub for academic success resources across the School and the University. She also led the revitalization of the SPS Tutoring Program and the rebranding of the SPS Academic and Professional Development Grant—initiatives that expand student access to academic support and experiential learning opportunities.

A native of eastern Long Island, Erin holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and Statistics from Stony Brook University (SBU). She is a proud mentor through SBU's Mentor Connect Program, supporting current students and alumni in their academic and professional development.

Outside of work, Erin enjoys reading with her book club, staying active at the gym, cheering on the New York Rangers, and spending time with her cat, Mango.

Dr. Erik Nelson is the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Columbia University in the School of Professional Studies (SPS). Dr. Nelson is charged with establishing a unified vision for the Academic Affairs unit, providing curricular leadership to the school’s portfolio of academic offerings, including 6 academic divisions, 19 master’s degree programs and a growing suite of professional programs.

Focusing on developing best in class, academically rigorous face-to-face, hybrid, and online learning programs, he models and supports an entrepreneurial mindset throughout the organization, assisting colleagues to produce and deliver market-driven cross-disciplinary programming. Dr. Nelson also leads the effort to build a constant culture of assessment at the school, ensuring that all SPS programs attain academic excellence. Additional responsibilities include chairing the Academic Excellence Committee, developing academic policy, coordinating Middle States Accreditation reporting, establishing an outcomes-oriented educational research agenda, as well as overseeing institutional, state, and national regulatory matters.

Dr. Nelson is also tasked with building coalitions within the University, raising the visibility of SPS Academic Offerings at Columbia, establishing productive working relationships across a wide variety of individuals and groups, and is a leading voice for the organization in both internal and external settings. Prior to this position, Dr. Nelson was the Associate Dean for Online Learning at Columbia University. 

Eric Clausen is the Associate Director of Learning Management Solutions at SPS. He previously served in the department as Webinar Assistant and later Senior Platform Support Specialist for several years. He has held a broad range of instruction and support positions at several institutions including Rutgers University, The Cooper Union, Texas A&M University, and Christian Brothers University. In his current role, Eric provides administrative support for our current LMS, Canvas, as well as designs faculty training for the ever-changing online learning landscape.

Known for her problem-solving skills and approachable nature, Elaine Antigua enjoys helping faculty and students navigate technology and resources to enhance their academic experiences. Born and raised in NYC, she takes pride in contributing to the Columbia community, which feels like home.

Outside of work, Elaine is passionate about spending quality time with family and friends and loves traveling, meeting new people, and exploring different perspectives and experiences.

Ebi is a Junior Instructional Designer at Columbia SPS who finds joy in helping individuals achieve their learning goals and creating positive and meaningful learning experiences.

Before her current role, Ebi gained valuable experience at SPS as a Course Developer and Instructional Design Intern. As a Course Developer, her primary responsibility involved revising and updating online courses across various disciplines, ensuring courses passed quality assurance tests for each academic cycle. As an Instructional Design Intern, she drew on her M.A. studies in Instructional Technology and Media to complete assigned tasks while learning and developing her skills in the instructional design field. Ebi holds an M.A. in Instructional Technology and Media from Teachers College, Columbia University, a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School, and a B.A. from Brandeis University.

Donna Holder is a Recruitment Specialist of Faculty Recruitment and Planning. She manages the sourcing, recruitment and screening of a diverse pool of high caliber candidates for full-time and part-time faculty roles and instructional positions across the School of Professional Studies.

Donna has held various roles at Columbia University including: Associate Director of Student and Alumnae Education at Barnard College and Career Counselor at Columbia School of Social Work.  Most recently Donna served as a Human Resource Recruiter at Carnegie Hall and The Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center.  During Donna’s spare time she enjoys traveling, fashion, interior decorating, jazz and the arts.  

Donna holds an MA in Communication and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and a BS in Communications from Cornell University. 

Dominique Studer, Director of Faculty Affairs, leads strategic initiatives in faculty development, engagement, and systems optimization at Columbia's School of Professional Studies. She oversees comprehensive faculty lifecycle processes while serving as primary administrator for the Faculty Information System (FIS). With expertise in data analytics and process improvement, Dominique drives faculty excellence through innovative initiatives including the Faculty Research Committee, AI in Teaching & Learning Committee, and Dean's Applied Research Award, while advancing the school's AI and research priorities.
Previously, she pioneered recruitment infrastructure at Glasgow Caledonian New York College and earned the 2017 Dean's Excellence Award for outstanding work in Student Advising at Columbia SPS. She holds a B.S. from Marymount Manhattan College (Magna Cum Laude) and an M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution from Columbia University. A thrill-seeker at heart, she adventures alongside her husband and three fur babies!

Dave McAlinden has worked with several education groups and brings a wealth of knowledge about instructional design and theory to his position with the Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS). Dave joins SPS from Columbia University’s Center for Veteran Transition and Integration. While there, he served as an instructional designer and supported the development and implementation of a massive, open, online course. He also brings with him a global perspective on education and several years of teaching experience as a head instructor for one of the largest private education companies in the Republic of Korea.  

Dave has a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Letters and a Post-Bac Certificate in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Portland State University. He also holds a Master's Degree in Instructional Design and Delivery from Manhattan College in New York City. He is currently completing his Doctorate in Applied Learning Sciences at University of Miami.

Cali began her career at universities in Canada, where she developed a strong foundation in talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational strategy in a higher education context. There, she gained extensive experience in the higher education sector and a passion for fostering inclusive, dynamic work environments. She joined SPS in November of 2023, where she has continued to hone her skills, focusing on enhancing faculty onboarding and supporting their success across the academic year. With a deep commitment to supporting both individual and institutional growth, she brings a unique blend of international experience and dedication to supporting our faculty at SPS.

Chantel Ross joined the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University as an Instructional Support Assistant in 2025. In this role, she supports the Instructional Support team in delivering high-quality logistical services. Alongside her work at SPS, Chantel is a student at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), where she is pursuing a Master of Public Administration. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Public Interest from the University of Washington.

Cassandra (Cassie) Scannella is a senior instructional designer for Columbia University's School of Professional Studies (SPS). Cassie earned her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Adult Education and Training, from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. While at Point Park, Cassie interned with the University of Pittsburgh’s Pitt Online team assisting the instructional designers with course development processes. After completing her degree, Cassie moved to Boston, MA and worked for Suffolk University as an Educational Development Specialist with the Center for Teaching and Scholarly Excellence. She also worked as a consultant for IRETA- Institute for Research, Education and Training in Addictions- as an online course developer. Cassie’s most recent experience prior to Columbia was with Saint Peter's University in Jersey City, NJ where she was the Instructional Designer. At Saint Peter's, Cassie worked very closely and frequently with faculty on course developments for the School of Professional and Continuing Studies. 

Cassie has a profound interest in PBL (Problem-Based Learning) as she strongly believes in the pedagogical approaches that encompass student-centered learning experiences. 

Carrie McAuliffe is the Associate Director of Curriculum and Teaching for Pre-College Programs at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies. She oversees the Non-STEM course portfolio, supporting high-quality classroom experiences through course development, syllabus design, and instructional support. Carrie works closely with the Team for Instructional & Pedagogical Support (TIPS) to provide curriculum development, one-on-one coaching, and in-classroom support for Pre-College instructors.

Prior to joining Academic Affairs, Carrie served on TIPS and brings over 15 years of experience across NYCDOE middle schools and higher education. Her work centers on mentoring novice teachers, bridging theory and practice, and supporting meaningful teaching and learning. Carrie is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in English Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and holds and MA from Teachers College and a BA in English from St. Lawrence University.

Camilo Irizarry is a Senior Instructional Designer at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies (SPS). Prior to SPS Camilo Irizarry was an Instructional Designer at New York University's Center for Academic Excellence and Support. Camilo has worked with faculty on course redesigns, instructional support, and various faculty development workshops, helping to improve the learning experience for both students and faculty.  Camilo is an advocate of a student-centric approach to learning, believing that learning should be an active process. Prior to NYU Camilo was a social worker advocating for youth within the educational system, dealing firsthand with many of the trials and tribulations facing youth in the inner city.

Camilo holds a  Master's Degree in Instructional Design and Delivery from  Manhattan College, and a Bachelor's Degree History from the University at Albany, State University of New York. 

Cailyn McCarthy, Director of Faculty Affairs at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS), oversees all areas of faculty support, including the hiring and onboarding process for faculty, new hire orientation, and the management of the full-time faculty recruitment process and the full-time faculty review process.

Cailyn first joined SPS in April 2016 as the Faculty Affairs Specialist. Before joining SPS, Cailyn served as the Academic Appointments and Payroll Assistant at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD), managing the hiring/appointment process for all faculty and non-faculty academic appointments. Prior to the GSD, Cailyn worked as the Human Resources Assistant at NEPC, LLC., an independent, full-service investment consultant firm in Boston Massachusetts, where she supported all human resource and operations functions.

Prior to working at SPS Brennon has a diverse 8 years of working throughout the customer service Industry including banking, retail, hospitality/Food and Sales. Using his People skills and unwavering comedic spirit he thrives in meeting new people, building relationships, and being a resource of help and positive energy wherever he goes.

Born and Raised in Harlem not far from Columbia University, Brennon enjoys working in close proximity to campus for the benefits of walking to and from work.

Outside of work in his free time Brennon is a huge movie, sports and tv show buff. Brennon enjoys exploring and traveling the world looking for new things to learn and new food to try.
 

Audrey Holt is the Associate Director of Faculty Assessment and Development at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies. In this role, Audrey supports faculty pedagogical development by overseeing peer-to-peer training programs, facilitating semesterly data collection, and collaborating across teams to expand SPS’s offerings around AI in education.

Before joining SPS, Audrey worked at Yale University’s Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning as a teaching fellow and Graduate Assistant Director of Undergraduate Writing and Tutoring, designing pedagogical workshops and forums on topics from accessible teaching to grading and feedback. She is also finishing her Ph.D. in English Literature from Yale and holds a B.A. in Writing Seminars and English from Johns Hopkins University.

Astrith (she/her) brings strong organizational skills to her role at Columbia University SPS. Outside of work, this Brooklyn native enjoys reading and creative pursuits.

Dr. Ariel Fleurimond is the Senior Director of Instructional Design and Curriculum Support at Columbia University, where she leads a multidisciplinary team of associate directors, instructional designers, instructional media developers, course developers, and interns responsible for the design, development, and delivery of online and hybrid programs across the university.

With more than two decades of experience in education, Dr. Fleurimond has held a wide range of leadership and practitioner roles at Columbia, including Instructional Designer, Faculty Development Specialist, Course Developer, Associate Director, Director, and now Senior Director. She has overseen course and program development pipelines across schools and disciplines, including all 18+ degree programs offered by SPS. She has also provided instructional design support for strategic impact programs and partnerships, like the CCIP, SPS Pre-College Program, and Union Theological Seminary, School of Social Work, CU Law School, and more. Dr. Fleurimond has also partnered with senior leadership on faculty development, executive education, and instructional innovation initiatives.

Dr. Fleurimond’s research centers on the human experience of change, with a goal of helping institutions maintain academically rigorous environments that are inclusive and responsive to the realities of faculty and students. She holds a BA in Psychology from New York University with minors in General Education and Computer Programming, an MAEd in Art Education, and an MEd in Educational Technology. Dr. Fleurimond earned her EdD in Instructional Technology from Teachers College, Columbia University, where her doctoral research examined faculty adoption of online learning through the lens of Diffusion of Innovation theory.

Dr. Fleurimond is an active regional, national, and international conference presenter on online learning, instructional design, and organizational change in higher education, sharing research and applied case studies on how institutions can more effectively support teaching innovation.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Fleurimond is an artist and avid crafter who enjoys illustration, music, crochet, and game design, and she has previously served on nonprofit and educational advisory boards supporting STEAM access and student success.

Antonio Rodriguez is the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s associate director of administration, managing the association’s financial, technology, membership development, and staffing operations.

After attending CSPA events as a high school student from Long Island, New York, Antonio became interested in studying at Columbia. While pursuing a B.A. in Political Science, he worked for CSPA as a student worker and graduated from Columbia College in 1999. Following graduation, he was hired as the full-time administrative coordinator, was later named assistant director, and is now an associate director.

During his tenure, Rodriguez has used his technological expertise to implement electronic payment processing, online event registration, and live streaming for events and announcements. He works with his Columbia colleagues to ensure compliance with financial, employment, and privacy policies across CSPA programs and events.

Annette Bhatia has worked with Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies since April 2017. As Assistant Dean of Continuing Education, Dr. Bhatia currently oversees the Pre-College Programs, which include Immersion (non-credit), College Edge (for credit), and Youth in STEM. Dr. Bhatia launched the Academic Year Immersion Program in the fall of 2020, offering over 40 courses covering 10 weekends during the height of the pandemic, leading to a successful year-round non-credit college exploration program for high school students. She has expanded opportunities for Summer Immersion to include online offerings as the programs transition back to on-campus course offerings, and works with the University's undergraduate departments to increase enrollment in the College Edge programs. Dr. Bhatia launched and currently leads the Programs’ Committee on Instruction, which evaluates all Pre-College curriculum and faculty appointments. Additionally, in partnership with the Dean’s office, she launched the Program’s first Advisory Board, bringing together principals and headmasters of several New York City public, private, and charter schools. Annette also currently serves as co-chair of the School’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee.

Dr. Bhatia has increased access initiatives to provide scholarship funding for underrepresented groups which is a lifelong passion of hers as a first generation college graduate. She has also previously led the publication of the Academic Program Review, chaired the School’s Assessment Committee during the 2019-2020 Academic year, and led program discovery and review processes leading to more streamlined practices for course management and faculty hiring. Dr. Bhatia has extensive experience in higher education and comes with a strong student affairs background, previously working in our Student Affairs Division as the Director of Student Services. Dr. Bhatia has held positions at BMCC/CUNY and the University of Arizona prior to joining Columbia University.

A loyal wildcat, Dr. Bhatia holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education, M.A. in Political Science, and her B.A. in Political Science and Mexican American Studies from the University of Arizona.

Angelica Minaya is a Specialist in Academic Affairs at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies. She supports academic operations through knowledge management, intranet administration, divisional planning coordination, and internal communications. Her work includes the Academic Affairs intranet, maintaining policy documentation, and supporting curriculum and course inventory processes.

Angelica holds a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College and a Bachelor of Science from Binghamton University. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and some Turkish.

As a Curriculum Design Specialist at Canon USA I have had the opportunity to design, develop and launch a variety of performance-based learning solutions for new program launches, products, sales skills, business processes, and systems.

I've also had the opportunity to work at Columbia as a Course Developer at Columbia for over 5 years where I helped populate courses and conduct quality assurance checks and usability testing to identify and resolve any issues or inconsistencies in course materials, ensuring a seamless learning experience for students.

Amber is a powehouse of organization and creativity, known for her exceptional ability in strategic planning and execution. In her role as Assistant Director to the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, she adeptly develops and implements initiatives that align with the university’s broader mission, ensuring SPS remains at the forefront of academic excellence. 

Her leadership effectively guides teams and steers cross-departmental collaborations while fostering a positive and inclusive culture, driving productivity and innovation. With her expertise in operations + project management she is able to analyze intricate situations and devise impactful solutions and with her background in communication, she excels in articulating complex ideas clearly and effectively to a wide range of audiences, from faculty and administrative staff to external partners and stakeholders.

Prior to this position, she has worked in operations and as a digital communications and media project manager for e-learning and research.