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 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. 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 admission began as a student worker, and led me to my current position, Director of Recruitment. I am proud to be a member of such a vibrant and caring community at TC. We have visionary faculty and an incredibly talented student body who are committed to creating a more just and equitable world. Outside of work, 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.

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 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 Management. 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 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, running, traveling, and watching a variety of different sports.

Alexandra Marshak
Senior Associate Director, 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.

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.

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.

David smiling
David Estrella
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.

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
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.

Wendy Wu
Administrative Fellow

she/her/hers

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, I earned my B.A. in Education Sciences and Psychological Science from the University of California, Irvine. Throughout my undergraduate years, I had the opportunity to work in a variety of roles related to student success, including academic advising, local high school outreach, and first-year transitional experience programs. Driven to continue advancing equity in education, I am currently pursuing an M.A. in Higher and Postsecondary Education at Teachers College to learn how to improve college access among students of underrepresented groups. I am excited to be a part of the Admission team, and I hope to support students in achieving their personal and professional goals. As the first in my family to attend graduate school, I understand the difficulties and stress of applying. I hope to use my experiences to make the application process smoother for prospective students. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, going to K-pop and Indie concerts, listening to true crime podcasts, and napping!

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