Admission

Our thoughts are with those impacted by the wildfires in Southern California. If needed, applicants from California applying to one of our programs with a January 15th final deadline may request an extension to allow more time for their application materials to be submitted. Please reach out to the designated department email address for your program (listed below) for more information.

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 applicants to our programs across the fields of education, health, and psychology. To view our different programs, please visit our Programs Search page.

We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions you may have about applying to Teachers College. The Office of Admission is open from 9am to 5pm ET, Monday through Friday. For inquiries, please utilize the email address below, based on the academic department of your program of interest:

Deanna Ghozati Gregory
Deanna Ghozati Gregory
Director of Recruitment

she/her/hers

Hailing from Westbury, Long Island, I earned a B.A. in Psychology at Stony Brook University and an M.A. in Psychology in Education at Teachers College. My journey in higher education began as a student ambassador, a role that was pivotal in shaping my career in admissions. Over the past two decades, I have cultivated my admission skills and developed a strong enthusiasm for recruitment and event planning. This experience led me to my current position, where I oversee on-campus, off-campus and virtual recruitment initiatives, and aim to enhance the overall campus experience. I am proud to be part of such a vibrant and caring community at TC. Our innovative faculty and incredibly talented student body continually inspire me. Outside of work, I am an avid tennis fan, a cupcake and Disney enthusiast, and I aim to have at least one meal a week involving buffalo chicken.

Niki Siniscalchi
Nicole Siniscalchi
Director of Operations & Strategic Planning

she/her/hers

I first began my exciting journey at TC over a decade ago as a master's 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! During my time at TC, I have been fortunate to serve in a number of capacities across Enrollment Management. In my current role, much of the work I do is focused on improving student resources and access, application and portal management, utilizing data-driven enrollment planning, and more efficiently streamlining admission operations. I am grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to the TC community as a member of the amazing Office of Admission team and as an alum. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, staying active at the gym and through fitness classes, traveling, and watching sports.

ashley smiling
Ashley Blasland
Senior Associate Director of Admission

she/her/hers

Originally from Syracuse, NY, my passion for student services was sparked during my time as an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia. Through my work in Residence Life at UVA, I closely guided hundreds of students in navigating their first year of college, and I found it to be incredibly rewarding. After earning my Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Drama, I initially pursued other passions of mine by working in a law firm and performing in theater productions across the country for several years. Eventually, however, I began to crave the unmatchable energy of a university campus, and I was fortunate enough to find my home at TC! Ten years (and one TC Master’s degree in Higher Education!) later, I am still in constant awe of our vibrant community members who strive to make meaningful change in the fields of education, mental health, nutrition, and many more. I find so much joy and inspiration in connecting with our prospective students, and truly feel honored to be a part of their path. When I'm not counseling students, I can be found writing children's stories, practicing the ukulele, scouting out New York City's best mac n' cheese, and voicing cartoons—my favorite being an 8-year-old superhero named Rocket Girl.

Alexandra Marshak
Senior Associate Director of Admission Operations

she/her/hers

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.

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David Estrella
Senior Assistant Director of Admission

he/him/his

My introduction to working in admissions came during my undergraduate years at Emory University, where I served as a student ambassador. Having worked in various leadership positions at Teachers College for close to two decades, I continue my ambassador role as an Assistant Director in a unique position working remotely from Las Vegas, Nevada. With a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and Teachers College’s Psychology in Education program, 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. I look forward to assisting you with your own graduate school journey.

Michelle Dieguez
Assistant Director of Admission

she/her/hers

Originally from Yonkers, NY, I earned a B.A. in Literature from SUNY Purchase College and an M.A. in Performing Arts Administration from NYU. While working towards my bachelor's degree, I immersed myself in a variety of student leadership positions (admissions ambassador, student orientation leader, and social media manager) that helped me uncover an underlying passion for working in higher education administration. After graduating, I returned to my alma mater and began working as an admissions advisor while pursuing my master’s degree at NYU. My passion for higher education administration led me to join the amazing team at Teachers College as an assistant director of admission. Moreover, I am honored to work at an institution that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its students, staff, and curriculum. In my role, I am very excited to help the next wave of changemakers leave their mark on the next generation. In my spare time, I love to dance, read books, and play tennis.

Rachael Dugo
Rachael Dugo
Assistant Director of Admission

she/her/hers

Originally from the Jersey Shore, I cultivated a love for the academic environment early on with exposure to higher education at Princeton University through my mother’s work. Later on, this interest blossomed during my time at The University of Tampa, where I served as a student ambassador, also earning a B.S. in Elementary Education and a M.A. in Professional Communication. My experience as an ambassador laid the foundation of my career in admissions, where I found my true calling. I served as an admissions counselor, an assistant director, and an associate director with The University of Tampa before finally starting my role here at TC. It brings me great joy getting to combine my unique skill set of recruitment, event planning, communication, and operations on the daily and I am honored knowing that our team at TC makes a difference in the lives of students. Outside the office, I enjoy spending time with my cat, Waffles, and going to the beach.

Anastasiya Glubokovskikh
Assistant Director of Admission Operations

she/her/hers

Born and raised in a family of two teachers in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, I developed my passion for international education early. I began my journey of volunteering and working in education while teaching in the American Corner of Kaliningrad, where I was a co-founder. Later, I worked with international students in Moscow, Krakow, Idaho, and Maryland. My experience and passion led me to New York— and Teachers College, the top graduate school of education in the U.S. I want to make the admission experience enjoyable and smooth for students — since I was a student in two of the busiest cities in the world, can relate to them. I received my bachelor’s degree from Hunter College in New York and am currently finishing my master’s degree in TESOL. My goal is to contribute my best to the Office of Admission and make a meaningful impact on our dynamic operations processes. Outside the office, you can find me watching crime documentaries, traveling, trying different cuisines and knitting.

Emma Reynolds
Assistant Director of Admission

she/her/hers

Originally from Western Massachusetts, I first developed my love of working in student services during my undergraduate years at Boston College. There, I worked in multiple roles, including tour guide, first-year retreat leader, and student employee for the Office of Health Promotion. After graduating with my B.A. in Applied Psychology & Human Development and International Studies, I pursued my passion for social justice as an AmeriCorps Volunteer through Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest, before joining the nonprofit world working with high-school and college-aged students. My love of engaging with students and guiding them through the next phase in their lives led me to Teachers College, where I am so excited to work for an organization that prioritizes community, diversity, and inclusion. Outside of work, I can often be found reading, finding NYC’s best cup of coffee, and spending time outside.

Lydia Brown
Lydia Brown
Senior Admission Coordinator

she/they

Born and raised in New Britain, CT, I developed a passion for education through involvement in public schools and community activities. From teaching dance classes to facilitating outdoor games at summer camp, working in education has consistently been a pivotal pillar in my life. I began my higher education journey at Ithaca College, where I pursued an interdisciplinary degree in Arts Education and discovered my love for student services as a tour guide. After graduating during the beginning of the pandemic, I shifted gears and spent two years in AmeriCorps service as a tutor for middle and high school students. Now at TC, I am thrilled to be using 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 practicing yoga in the haven of NYC’s beautiful parks, or cuddling with my adorable orange tabby, Toby.

Danielle Ohemeng
Admission Coordinator

she/her/hers

Originally from the California Bay Area, I began working in admissions in high school and continued finding opportunities to assist others in their educational journeys during my college years while studying mathematics education at High Point University. Before TC, I spent two years as a Peace Corps Ghana education volunteer, teaching math and English reading literacy to middle school students. This experience allowed me to obtain my Masters degree in International Education Management from Middlebury Institute of International Studies, where I served on the Student Council as Social Activities Coordinator and as Peace Corps Club President. I am excited to continue serving students here at TC and see their educational goals be achieved. Outside of the office, I am most likely exploring the Theater District, planning my next trip, or re-learning a language.

Lily Reiser
Admission Coordinator

she/her/hers

Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, I attended undergrad at Goucher College in Maryland. There, I earned my bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology with a concentration in health and medicine and a minor in psychology. At Goucher, I found fulfillment and purpose as a student ambassador. Serving as a bridge between the College and prospective students, I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with individuals eager to embark on their higher education journey. The prospect of supporting and guiding TC applicants brings me joy, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead. I am also passionate about international education and have studied abroad in Peru and Bali. Outside the office, I love kayaking, listening to music, working with clay, playing badminton, bargain shopping, and trying out new restaurants in NYC and Wisconsin.

Julie Kakish
Julie Kakish
Administrative Fellow

she/her/hers

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, I earned my B.A. from UCLA and am currently in the M.A. program in Higher & Postsecondary Education here at TC. I developed a passion for working in education during my position as an AVID tutor for 7th and 8th graders. Throughout my undergraduate journey at UCLA, my passion was solidified, as I saw the transformative impact that higher education can make on individuals and society as a whole. I began my journey of working in higher education during my student worker position at UCLA Extension, where I got the opportunity to work with tons of amazing students pursuing various certificate programs. Now, I am happy to be working as the Administrative Fellow with the Office of Admissions. I am excited to be both a student and a supporter of students at TC and am looking forward to applying my newfound knowledge to my position. Outside of work, I enjoy going to the beach, staying active at the gym, trying new coffee shops, and spending time with my family and friends.

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