Admission

Office of Admission

Welcome to the Office of Admission at Teachers College, Columbia University! Below you will meet our dynamic team, which is committed to providing exceptional service and a seamless process for all Education, Health, and Psychology applicants. Each member of our team is assigned to a specific academic department. Please read through our bios to find your dedicated admission representative who can provide answers questions related to your program of interest. For all general inquiries, contact us at admissions@tc.columbia.edu.

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Kate W. Brittain
Assistant Vice President of Admission & Enrollment Management

Kate is responsible for overseeing the Office of Admission, which includes graduate admission strategy and policy, domestic and international recruitment, campus tours & customer service, and applicant operations and processing. She also spearheads effective cross-college collaborations between Enrollment Management, academic departments, and campus partners to strategically shape the incoming class and meet institutional enrollment goals. Kate brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, having served in development, alumni relations, and admissions, most recently serving as the Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Rutgers University – New Brunswick.  She holds an M.S. in Public Administration from Villanova University and a B.A. in History and Psychology from Rutgers University – New Brunswick.  Kate lives in New Jersey with her husband and son and, when not hard at work, you will most likely find her striking a yoga pose, watching college athletics, or spending precious time with family.

Deanna Ghozati Gregory
Deanna Ghozati Gregory
Senior Associate Director of Admission

Curriculum & Teaching
Mathematics, Science & Technology

Hailing from Westbury, Long Island, I earned my B.A. in Psychology at Stony Brook University and went on to attend Teachers College as a student in the Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology. A proud ’06 graduate of TC, my journey in admission began as a part-time student worker, and has led me to my current role as Senior Associate Director. I work directly with two outstanding departments—Mathematics, Science & Technology and Curriculum & Teaching. Whether I am witnessing our Instructional Technology & Media students determine which emerging technologies enrich the learning experience or observing our Elementary Inclusive Education students pursue new ways to re-imagine education in diverse 21st-century classrooms, I am constantly in awe of the work being done at TC. Although the students in my departments have varied backgrounds before arriving here, it is exciting to witness them come together with the shared mission of strengthening education throughout the world. I am an avid tennis fan, a cupcake and Disney enthusiast, an accomplished subway surfer, and I aim to have at least one meal a week involving buffalo chicken.

Alexandra Marshak
Senior Associate Director, Admission Operations

Born and raised right here in Manhattan, with a public school teacher for a mother, I knew from an early age what makes TC a special place. I studied Anthropology for my bachelor's at SUNY Binghamton and continued on to earn a master's in Museum Studies during my graduate career in Philadelphia. I was able to translate what I learned in a meaningful way for my position as the director of Information Management at a medical school recruiting company, where I was a team member for a decade. I am now proud to be a member of the TC community. Responsible for all the operations in the Office of Admission, I look forward to finding ways to streamline the student journey and backend processes that allow moving through the application process to be as seamless as possible for applicants and staff alike. In my personal time, I enjoy baking (and taste-testing!) goodies with my two young boys and watching bad (but oh-so-good) sci-fi movies with my husband.

Niki Siniscalchi
Nicole Siniscalchi
Senior Associate Director of Admission

Organization & Leadership

I first began my exciting journey at TC over a decade ago as an M.A. student in the Higher & Postsecondary Education program. Originally from Poughkeepsie, NY, I came to TC shortly after completing my undergraduate studies at Siena College, where I studied Psychology, and more importantly, realized my passion for working in higher education! Engaging with students on and off campus, counseling applicants through the admission and enrollment processes, and hearing how TC students hope to change the world inspires me on a daily basis. While in pursuit of my own graduate degree at the College, I was fortunate enough to acquire a graduate assistantship within the Office of Financial Aid, which helped to shape my professional career within Enrollment Services. I ultimately worked in the field of financial aid for several years before making the transition into TC's Office of Admission. I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute to the TC community as a member of the amazing Office of Admission team, as liaison to the Department of Organization & Leadership, and as an alumna! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, staying active at the gym and through fitness classes, running, traveling, and watching a variety of different sports. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have!

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Ashley Blasland
Associate Director of Admission

Counseling & Clinical Psychology

A Syracuse native, I earned my bachelor's degree in English from the University of Virginia, and my master's degree in Higher & Postsecondary Education from our very own Teachers College! Prior to finding a home at TC, I spent several years working in a law firm and performing in theaters across the country. My passion for student services was sparked through my work in Residence Life at UVA, where I had the opportunity to directly navigate hundreds of students through their first year of college. Although I originally joined the incredible admission team as the Welcome Center Coordinator, I later held the role of Assistant Director for over four years, and most recently transitioned to an Associate Director, specifically working with the Counseling & Clinical Psychology Department. At TC, I am fortunate to engage with dynamic applicants regularly, and I am in constant awe of our vibrant Psychology students who strive to make meaningful change in the field of mental health. I also very much enjoy supervising our amazing Student Ambassadors, who bring joy to our community through their campus tours! When I'm not counseling students, I can be found writing children's stories, scouting out New York City's best mac n' cheese, and voicing cartoons—my favorite being an 8-year-old superhero named Rocket Girl. I would love to hear from you with any questions you may have throughout your graduate school search and application process!

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David Estrella
Assistant Director of Admission

Education Policy & Social Analysis
Human Development

My introduction to working in admissions came during my undergraduate years at Emory University, where I served as a student ambassador. Now, I continue my ambassador role here at Teachers College as an Assistant Director in a unique position working remotely from Las Vegas, Nevada. Having completed a master's degree from the University of Chicago and a master's degree from Teachers College in the Department of Counseling & Clinical Psychology, I’m happy to provide insight about the graduate school experience and share my TC experience with those of you hailing from the West Coast. In addition, I work specifically with the Education Policy & Social Analysis and Human Development Departments. I invite you to contact me with any questions you may have.

Robin Kim
Assistant Director of Admission

Arts & Humanities

My higher education journey began when I received my bachelor’s in International Business and minor in History at the George Washington University. My time as a student leader in multicultural Greek life, various student clubs, and the university writing center inspired my passion for enhancing the college student experience, which led me to Teachers College! After receiving my master’s in the Higher and Postsecondary Education program and an advanced certificate in College Advising from TC, I am thrilled to be back! Throughout my career, I have worked in student affairs, orientation, student conduct, and diversity, equity & inclusion. Originally from northern Virginia, I had the privilege of growing up around the world in countries including South Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Poland. Here at TC, I’m excited to be serving and working with a community that is so diverse and welcoming to everyone. Outside of work, I’m a huge Marvel geek, a mother to the most adorable Shiba Inu, and you can often find me enjoying a concert in the city!

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Sam Lewis
Assistant Director of Admission & Diversity, Access, and Outreach

Health and Behavioral Studies
Non-degree Programs

Hailing from Chicago, I discovered my passion for serving students during my undergraduate years at Illinois State University, where I studied political science. This interest peaked and prompted me to subsequently earn my master’s in Higher Education Administration from the University of New Orleans. Throughout my educational and professional career, I have had the pleasure of building partnerships with community-based organizations, school counselors, community colleges, and other educational institutions to bridge the gap for historically disadvantaged and underrepresented students. I’m excited to continue to be a resource for students as they journey through the admission process here at TC in my role as an assistant director! In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, listening to my fave R&B albums, and trying out local eateries.

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Mina Mizutani
Assistant Director of Admission

Biobehavioral Sciences
International & Transcultural Studies

As a proud alumna of Teachers College, with my MA in Higher and Postsecondary Education, I’m thrilled to be working for a community that has continually nourished my personal and professional growth. I graduated with my BA in Sociology from Willamette University, where my previous positions at this institution involved helping students navigate their first year of college and guiding students in academic support. During my time at Willamette, I also played for the Women’s Tennis Team before transitioning to a Student Volunteer Assistant Coach role which allowed me to work in recruitment and with prospective students. This experience is what ultimately launched my curiosity toward admissions and led me to Teachers College. Aside from working in higher ed, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, doing calligraphy, finding new music to listen to, and road tripping. While doing all these things, I’m most likely eating snacks from Trader Joe’s.

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Taylor Garlow
Admission Experience Specialist

My love and passion for working with students began during my undergraduate time at Syracuse University as an Orientation Leader, a Student Ambassador, and as the president of a large student-run dance group. I was craving a similar role when I came to TC to complete my master's in Nutrition Education. I was so incredibly thrilled when I was hired as a Student Ambassador! It was the highlight of my experience as a student and truly shaped my time at TC. Now, as the Admission Experience Specialist, I get the privilege of supervising our amazing group of Student Ambassadors! I strive to provide them with the same positive experience I had so we can best serve our current and future students. Together, we aim to make the student experience unique, enriching, and memorable. Outside of Admissions, I continue my love for food and nutrition through cooking and baking fun recipes. You can also find me binging the latest Netflix crime documentary or exploring new spots in NYC!

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Lydia Brown
Admission Coordinator

Born and raised in New Britain, CT, I developed a passion for education through involvement in public schools and community activities. I knew from a young age that education was a pivotal pillar in my life. I began my higher education journey at Ithaca College, where I pursued an interdisciplinary degree in arts and education and discovered my love for student services as a tour guide in the Admission office. Before arriving at TC, I spent two years completing AmeriCorps service as a tutor for middle and high school students during the pandemic. I am thrilled to use the knowledge I gained as an educator to contribute to the Office of Admission and interact with our community's incredible changemakers. Outside the office, you can find me reading, writing, and making art in the haven of NYC’s beautiful parks or cuddling with my adorable orange tabby, Toby.

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Leanne Aira Villanueva
Administrative Fellow

Higher and Postsecondary Education 
Master of Arts

Aloha! I am thrilled to continue my educational journey at TC and participate in a vibrant community with diverse viewpoints. The support and guidance I have gained so far from fellow aspiring educators and professors have been tremendous! I am even more excited to share this experience with prospective students as this year’s Administrative Fellow for the Office of Admission. Before TC, I served as a student ambassador at the University of Hawai’i - West O’ahu (UHWO), where I also worked as an AmeriCorps Early College Outreach coordinator, serving and supporting lower-income, under-represented, and first-generation college students. I have realized my true passion is working with students and pursuing a career in higher education. I look forward to making meaningful connections and broadening my development as a student affairs practitioner. When I am not working or busy studying, you will most likely find me watching movies, catching up with family, exploring New York City, and trying different cuisines with friends. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am more than happy to help!

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