 Sudi Shayesteh, Director, Office of AccessABILITY |
Sudi Shayesteh is the director of the Office of AccessABILITY and oversees the daily operations of the program involving administrative, budget, staff supervision and trainings. Sudi serves as a resource for campus and community to help with interpretation of the ADA law and problem solving through interactions with students, staff and faculty members . She is a licensed School Psychologist and a Mental Health counselor with certificate degree in bilingual education.
Sudi’s background of over twenty years in higher education and disability services has led her to various leadership positions including co-chairing the CUNY Council on Student Disability Issues, and as the incoming President and President of New York State Disability Service Council in Higher Education during 2015-18. Sudi is an adjunct professor at School of Professional Studies’ Disability Studies program. Sudi Shayesteh, N.C.S.P, MS.Ed, LMHC |
 Margaret Keane |
Margaret Keane’s background is in special education and she has been working for close to a decade with college students with disabilities in several roles, including as a disability services administrator and as a Learning Specialist. Margaret holds a Master’s Degree in Disability Services in Higher Education from CUNY SPS and then two additional Master’s degrees in education and business administration. She has extensive knowledge regarding the accommodations process according to ADAAA and other disability-related laws as well as helping students build their executive functioning skills so they can take ownership of their college experiences.
Margaret Keane, MSDSHE, MA |
 Stephanie David |
Stephanie David advises and advocates for program students, work with faculty and staff to ensure student accommodations, and works closely with graduate programs and students (SSW, ED, etc.) to facilitate information and accommodation. Steph enjoys working with students, staff, and faculty and her passion for learning has led her to acquire three Bachelor’s Degrees. Stephanie has completed her Master’s Degree in Disability Services in Higher Education at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (SPS).
Stephanie David, MS |
 Kimberly Palermo |
Kim Palermo assists students by providing accommodation-related advising and collaborates with faculty and staff to help students succeed with their learning while securing their disability-related accommodations. Kim is our designated counselor for students on Autism Spectrum and works closely with CUNY Project REACH, which focuses on self-advocacy, socialization, and communication skills. Kim has over 10 years of experience working in higher education in various areas related to student support. Her background includes school and educational psychology, tutoring and mentoring, and coordinating/managing instructional support programs for student success.
Kim has earned her MS in School/Community psychology from The College of New Rochelle and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Walden University. Kim is an educator and advocates for students, and after a long career working for an online university, Kim is excited to be working and connecting with students, faculty, and staff face-to-face here at Hunter College. Kimberly A. Palermo, Ph.D. |
 Kira Liberato |
Kira Liberato also assists students by providing accommodation-related advising and collaborates with faculty and staff to help students succeed with their learning while securing their disability-related accommodations. Kira has a BA in Psychology with a concentration in Sociology from SUNY Plattsburgh. Her background includes direct service provision of persons with mental health diagnoses in supportive housing, transitional housing, and supported education. She has a deep passion for supporting and advocating for students with disabilities with setting and pursuing their educational and professional goals which led her to pursue her M.S.Ed in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling.
Kira Liberato, BA |
 Jose Fernandez |
Jose Fernandez is our assistive technology specialist. He believes that technology can be very helpful, but also confusing, so he trains students, faculty and staff when needed. Jose oversees the maintenance and updating of the technology and computers at the center and other labs at Hunter. He also collaborates with other CUNY campuses regarding assistive technology, and stays current with the latest information regarding software and hardware.
Jose has a Master of Science in Education in Rehabilitation Counseling, and over 20 years of experience within the field. Jose Fernandez, M.S.Ed |
 Debra Sito |
Debra Sito engages directly with students, faculty, and staff to oversee the provision of Classroom Accommodations Services such as reading and notetaking services. She is a tireless advocate for including diverse abilities and backgrounds not only in classrooms but in all facets of college life and beyond. Debra has served as a Board Advisor and volunteer for several educational organizations while holding research and media/entertainment leadership positions. She earned her master’s degree from Harvard University and her bachelor’s from Hofstra University.
Debra Sito, MBA |
 Jasper Thacker |
Jasper M. Thacker Bowell has been an ASL/English Sign Language Interpreter for 20+ years. They attended and graduated from the Interpreter Training Program at LaGuardia Community College. Jasper has worked around the country and the world as an interpreter, working with everyone from mothers giving birth to Presidents Clinton and Obama. As Coordinator of Interpreting Services, Jasper has worked closely with Hunter students and faculty to ensure their communication needs. He is honored to play a minor role in assisting his students to achieve their educational goals.
Jasper Thacker, Cert. SLI |
 Alaa Eldosoky |
Alaa Eldosoky has a BA in Studio Art from Hunter College and is completing an MS in Adolescent Special Education. With a background in special education and experience in organizing youth and community programs, Alaa is passionate about increasing their knowledge and creating awareness about accessibility, technology, and design. Alaa promptly coordinates testing accommodations for registered students as part of their role at the Office of AccessABILITY. Alaa works closely with faculty and staff to ensure every student has an accessible testing accommodation process.
Alaa Eldosoky, BA |
 Jehan Jamee |
Jehan Jamee is the Testing Co-Coordinator for the Office of AccessABILITY. She is responsible for streamlining testing accommodations services in the Access Testing Center and works directly with students, faculty, and staff. Jehan has obtained her BA in psychology and a minor in Communications at Baruch College and has extensive experience providing supportive services to various populations, including individuals with disabilities. Jehan is dedicated to ensuring equal opportunity for students at Hunter College and providing guidance to their academic success through testing accommodations.
Jehan Jamee, BA
|
 Tasita Gumbs |
Tasita Gumbs is the Administrative Assistant for the Office of AccessABILITY. She manages our East Building office, organizes coordinators’ and counselors’ schedules, assists our students with referral to various programs and resources on campus, and assists the program director with the day-to-day activities of the office.
Tasita also helps to train work-study students, and provides assistance in meetings, workshops and program events. Tasita Gumbs, AA |