 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 |
 Jim Poyerd |
As our LEADS Advisor at Hunter College, Jim Poyerd helps to transition students into the college setting, assisting with choosing majors and careers while providing academic counseling, teaching career development skills, and preparing students for life after they complete their degrees. Jim acts as an advocate for the AccessABILITY students and is a consultant to the faculty and staff. He collaborates with Access-VR colleagues and helps students transition to internships and employment through individual advisement and group workshops.
Jim earned an MSEd in School and Community Counseling Psychology from Bonaventure College and an MA in Forensic Psychology from CUNY-John Jay College of Criminal Justice. James Poyerd, M.S.Ed |
 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 |
 Pariya Karroubi |
Pariya Karroubi works directly with students, staff, and faculty to oversee provisions of classroom accommodations such as note-taking services. Pariya graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a BA in Legal Studies, and has extensive experience in organizing services for private and public organizations while carrying managerial and administrative responsibilities. Pariya aims to provide an equitable accommodation process to advance participation and access for our students with disabilities in classrooms.
Pariya Karroubi, BA |
 Yashira Rodriguez |
Yashira Rodriguez has a BA degree in Psychology from Lehman College, CUNY. She is responsible for coordinating Testing Accommodations and other center activities related to the computer lab. Yashira works directly with students, staff, and faculty to schedule and administer exams, answer questions and supervise student assistants at the center. Yashira is committed to ensuring all program students are provided with their testing accommodations in a timely manner.
Yashira Rodriguez, 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 |