Meet the Student Affairs Team
Laurie Sullivan, PhD
Senior Associate Dean of Student Affairs & Wellbeing
laurie.sullivan@hmhn.org | 862-660-5019
In her role as Dean of Student Affairs and Wellbeing, Dr. Sullivan leads the department's strategic efforts to assist students and promote comprehensive wellness. Her leadership covers policy issues, academic support, mental health, accessibility, accommodations, as well as all other aspects of student wellness. Outside of HMSOM, Dr. Sullivan enjoys spending time with her daughter, and her dog, Bear.
Staci T. White, MPA, CLC
Director, Student Affairs and Wellbeing
staci.white@hmhn.org | 862-660-5121
Staci is a multifaceted leader, grounded in kindness, with 30+ years of experience across nonprofit, healthcare, and education sectors. She connects unexpected puzzle pieces at the intersection of strategy, storytelling and wellbeing to embolden individuals and organizations to be audacious architects of their impact. As the Director of Student Affairs and Wellbeing, she partners with the Senior Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Wellbeing on strategic planning for the office, with emphasis on operations, wellbeing of students and team members and student leadership. She also serves as the Student Affairs and Wellbeing liaison with stakeholders within Hackensack Meridian Health Network and in the broader community. In 2025, Staci was honored to be the first recipient of the school’s Dr. Bonita Stanton Inspiration Award for her commitment to inspiring others to grow, collaborate, and for making meaningful contributions in service of colleagues, students, and the broader community.
Outside of HMSOM, Staci enjoys experiencing all forms of art and finding new creative outlets. She is also a music enthusiast who relishes in live music as often as possible.
Christina Surretsky, MBA
Administrative Assistant II
christina.surretsky@hmhn.org | 862-660-5181
In her role within the Office of Student Affairs and Wellbeing, Chris provides comprehensive administrative support to the Senior Associate Dean of Student Affairs & Wellbeing, Dr. Laurie Sullivan, and the broader department. In her free time, she enjoys theater, yoga, reading, writing, and spending time with her family.
Lisa Marie Bronson, BA, NBC-HWC
Wellness Coordinator
lisa.bronson@hmhn.org | 973-571-3553
Lisa Marie is a nationally certified wellness coach, educator and administrator who catalyzes growth in individuals and organizations. Over the course of twenty years in medical education she digitized systems, developed curriculum, and bootstrapped new programs in academic affairs at SUNY Downstate, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, the University of Medicine and Health Sciences and HMSOM before joining the Department of Student Affairs and Wellbeing at HMSOM. During Lisa Marie’s tenure as Wellness Coordinator, her role has evolved from one-on-one wellness coaching and student support services to a focus on the development and implementation of programming across all eight domains of wellbeing. As a result HMSOM wellbeing programming encompasses a spectrum from anatomy trivia night to yoga classes, with a specific focus on food security for medical students. In 2023 Lisa Marie was honored to be the inaugural recipient of the Service to Students Award during the 5th Annual Student Clinician Humanism Ceremony. The award reflects her conviction that physicians-in-training need and deserve humanistic, compassionate support in order to provide that same quality of care to their patients.
Outside of HMSOM, Lisa Marie is a gardener, traveler and ailurophile who delights in the diversity of cultures in the NY/NJ region.
Pankti Rana, MBA, CAPM
Project Manager
pankti.rana@hmhn.org | 862-660-5141
Pankti Rana is a Project Manager in the Student Affairs & Well-being department at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. With a knack for building operational infrastructure from scratch, she works across platform implementations, workflow design, and PMO governance building the systems and structure that keep the department running smoothly and the team focused on student success.
Outside of work, she's a lifelong learner who loves to travel, is always picking up a new language, and unwinds with her cat.
Heather Mills, EdM, MSW
Support Services Coordinator
heather.mills@hmhn.org | 862-660-5145
Heather serves as a One Stop Shop for student support, providing one-on-one support, including interventions, advocacy, referrals, and follow up services for students who are experiencing significant difficulties related to mental health, physical health, family emergencies, financial issues, and other obstacles that may present barriers to their retention and/or graduation.
Outside of HMSOM, Heather is a huge Football fan (Go Birds!) who loves to travel and experience different cultures.
Susan Reilly
Student Compliance Coordinator
As the Student Compliance Coordinator (HMSOM), Ms. Reilly is responsible for all compliance requirements for medical students, from their initial on boarding as first-year students until their graduation. These requirements include tracking immunizations and annual in-service training. Outside HMSOM, Ms. Reilly is an enthusiastic sourdough baker. She has a passion for the arts and loves attending various live performances. An avid outdoor enthusiast, she especially enjoys the winter season.
Jennifer Tunnicliffe
Manager, Special Events
jennifer.tunnicliffe@hmhn.org | 862-660-5012
Jennifer Tunnicliffe is recognized for her ability to architect organizational infrastructure and foster collaborative connections across diverse departments. With a career spanning over three decades, she has cultivated expertise in strategic event management, program development, and project management.
Currently serving as the Manager of Special Events for the Office of Student Affairs and Wellbeing at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Jennifer leads the planning and execution of critical milestone events, such as the White Coat Ceremony, Residency Fairs, Match Day, and Commencement. She is noted for her precision in venue selection, contract negotiation, and budget management, ensuring seamless delivery for both senior leadership and students.
Jennifer’s professional journey is defined by versatility and impact. Her background includes a tenure at Montclair State University, where she oversaw two Annual Scholarship Dinners that raised nearly $1.6 million, and at Ramapo College of New Jersey, where she managed the president's college-owned property and campus-wide events. Her corporate experience at McKinsey & Company laid a strong foundation in complex project management, recruiting, and human resources, while her non-profit work with organizations such as Covenant House NJ and the Boys & Girls Clubs highlights her commitment to impactful, mission-driven programming.
Beyond her professional roles, Jennifer is a dedicated leader in her community. Her volunteer commitments have included serving as the Founding President of the West Orange Women’s Club, President of the West Orange Board of Education (an elected position), and President of the West Orange Council of PTAs. She also served as President of both the Liberty Middle School and Kelly Elementary School PTAs, demonstrating a deep, ongoing commitment to public education and civic engagement.
Marie Thompson
Special Events Coordinator
marie.thompson1@hmhn.org | 862-660-5166
Marie Thompson doesn't just plan events; she architects experiences. Fueled by a signature blend of moxie and an unflinching eye for detail, she has built a career turning ambitious visions into flawlessly executed realities. She is the current mastermind behind student-facing events for the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, her latest stage for creating memorable, high-impact moments.
Her career is a highlight reel of high-stakes execution. She has commanded the largest and most complex corporate events for GDS Group, proving her mettle in the corporate arena. At Drape Kings, she worked to execute high level event pre-production for high profile events such as NYC Fashion Week shows, political events, concerts, the Met Gala, as well as large scale fundraisers and private events.
But the real story is in the hustle. This is an event pro who, back in college at Rider University, managed all of the student life events. She hit the road with Linkin Park's Projekt Revolution Tour as a ""Monster Promoter"" for Monster Energy Drinks, executing VIP parties across the country. She understands what it takes to captivate an audience because she's been on the front lines, in the trenches, and behind the velvet rope.
When the house lights come up, she trades the production headset for a spot in the front row of a punk or metal show. This passion for the authentic and unconventional extends to her home, where she champions the underdogs, caring for her one-eyed dog, three-legged cat, and old man cat. She balances the noise with quiet moments, unwinding with a good book and time spent with family.
It's this unique fusion of corporate polish and creative grit that defines her. Whether the stage is a black-tie gala, a rock tour, or a university campus, Marie brings the vision, the skill, and the moxie to make it unforgettable.
Alexandria O'Brien, MA
Student Life and Leadership Coordinator
alexandria.obrien@hmhn.org | 862-660-5113
Alex O'Brien serves as the Student Life Coordinator for SAW. She helps to coordinate all student-led events, student conferences, and manages all of the campus’ SIGs and student organizations. Students can come to her for any questions regarding campus activities, student life exploration, and potential events and programs. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master's in Human Services. She is passionate about advocating for underrepresented groups in America and about issues regarding mental health.
Outside of HMSOM, Alex enjoys reading poetry, watching movies, and playing video games.
Iris Ortiz
Administrative Assistant II
iris.ortiz1@hmhn.org | 973-634-5598
Iris is the Administrative Assistant II for Student Life, who started at HMSOM in February 2025. She primarily oversees room reservations within HMSOM, serves on the Wellness Committee, and is the secondary representative for the SAW department’s food voucher program. With a background in psychology, yoga, and an interest in mental health, Iris thrives in a wellness-focused work environment. Outside of HMSOM, she loves to stay active by attending Pilates and yoga classes or taking walks around her neighborhood, occasionally with her cat in its stroller. She also has a passion for travel and exploration.
Vanessa Gonzalez, MS
Sr. Manager, Positive Learning Environment
vanessa.l.gonzalez2@hmhn.org | 862-660-5158
In this role, Vanessa manages the school's Positive Learning Environment mission. She works collaboratively across clinical and academic learning environments to support their well-being and promote a positive educational experiences. She is passionate about promoting learner well-being through relationship building, education, and continuous improvement to support the excellence of the school, the health system, and the dedicated faculty, staff, and students who drive its mission forward. In her free time, she focuses on carving out time for exercise, self-care, and family time!
Deborah Ebbert, MA, MS
Director of Academic Records and Registrar
deborah.ebbert@hmhn.org | (862) 660-5110
As Director of the Office of Academic Records (OAR) and Registrar, Deborah leads a team of experts dedicated to managing student academic records and supporting administrative processes throughout the medical education journey. The core responsibilities of the OAR include:
- Upholding and enforcing Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) compliance, ensuring the highest standards of student privacy and data protection
- Maintaining official academic records, including transcripts, grades, enrollment data, and associated education record information
- Coordinating course registration, including Away Electives, and all related academic scheduling
- Monitoring academic progress by ensuring students meet degree requirements, verifying enrollment and credentials, and supporting accreditation standards
- Confirming degree completion and processing diplomas for graduating students
- Serving as a key liaison between students, faculty, administration, and external stakeholders
Outside of work, Deborah enjoys traveling, getting lost in a good book, and watching Milo — her almost 18-year-old miniature dachshund — explore the backyard.
Jaimie Dubicki, MBA
Transitions Coordinator
jaimie.dubicki@hmhn.org | (862) 660-5149
Jaimie is detail-oriented and dedicated to supporting students throughout their academic journey. Her responsibilities include issuing transcripts, letters of enrollment, and other verification requiring the official school seal, as well as providing SOMA Portal administration, training, and assistance. She assists in guide publication and student information materials for Step Exams, ERAS, and Away Electives, along with online forms for official reporting of student requests such as course changes and grade appeals. Jaimie also assists with degree conferral, mailing of diplomas, and graduation verification, ensuring a seamless transition for students from enrollment through graduation.
Outside of work, Jaimie is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur and avid reader who takes pride in being a devoted plant mom. She also enjoys playing D&D, staying active, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Rachel Roth, MBA
Assistant Registrar
rachel.roth@hmhn.org | (862) 660-5068
As Assistant Registrar, Rachel supports the Registrar in leading the daily operations of the office. Rachel manages all aspects of the Away Elective process, including processing VSLO applications, affiliation agreements, and registration and tracking of Away Electives. She works with post-online registration requests, step extensions, course maintenance, and grade changes. Additionally, she tracks external degree programs to ensure program and document completion. When she's not in the office, she loves being outside, hiking, traveling, and is always on the lookout for new coffee shops to explore along the way.
Lindsey Dedow, PsyD
Assistant Dean
lindsey.dedow@hmhn.org | 862-660-5106
As the leader of the entire Advising and Career Development team, Dr. Dedow sets the strategic direction for the department's programs and staff. She directly oversees key student- and faculty-facing initiatives, including the "Road to Residency" program, faculty mentoring, Phase 3 advising, the Student Advisory Board, and leaves of absence. When she isn't in the office, Dr. Dedow loves to be outdoors, whether she's hiking, biking, camping, or skiing. She also enjoys knitting, practices mindfulness and holistic health, and unwinds by watching the BBC on PBS.
Rachel Cirelli, MA
Director
rachel.cirelli@hmhn.org | 862-660-5106
As a leader in the Office of Advising and Career Development, Ms. Cirelli oversees the department's daily operations and staff. She spearheads essential student programs, from managing the Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) process and mentoring platform to developing the Careers in Medicine workshops. When she's not in the office, she enjoys a mix of creative and active pursuits, including hiking, yoga, writing, fashion, and comedy.
Kelsey Bradford, MD
Senior Advisor
kelsey.bradford@hmhn.org | 862-660-5046
Dr. Kelsey Bradford empowers medical students to successfully navigate their journey from academic training to their professional careers. By offering tailored guidance through one-on-one and group advising sessions, she equips them with the tools to explore medical specialties, define their career goals, and build impactful professional strategies. Beyond her commitment to student success, Dr. Bradford enjoys exploring diverse culinary landscapes, traveling to experience new cultures, and immersing herself in the arts.
Tyler Sampson, MSW
Assistant Director
Tyler.Sampson@hmhn.org | 862-660-5014
Mr. Sampson connects students with career opportunities by serving as the Advising Liaison for the Specialty Interest Group (SIG) leaders and their faculty advisors. Additionally, he provides integral support to the broader Advising and Career Development unit and its leadership. In his free time, Tyler is a gamer and writer who loves exploring new places and cuisines.
Natalie Aloyets Artel, MSW
Senior Advisor
natalie.aloyetsartel@hmhn.org | 862-660-5012
Ms. Aloyets-Artel works directly with medical students, offering one-on-one and group advising to help them navigate their academic and professional journeys. Her support covers everything from exploring medical specialties and setting goals to creating ILPs and planning for Phase 3. When she isn't advising students, Natalie loves to travel, read, stay active, and enjoy time with family and friends.
YoungJae Lee, MBA, LCSW
Senior Residency Advisor
youngjae.lee@hmhn.org | 862-660-5158
Ms. Lee empowers medical students to successfully navigate the residency application process. She directs the "Roadmap to Residency" program and develops a comprehensive suite of workshops and services to support students at every step. Through both one-on-one advising and group sessions, she provides the guidance students need to achieve their career goals. When she's not in the office, Youngjae enjoys walking her dogs, staying active, reading, and the art of organizing.
Albaliz Tello
Senior Residency Advisor
albaliz.tello@hmhn.org | 862-660-5013
Dr. Tello empowers medical students to successfully navigate the residency application process. She directs the "Roadmap to Residency" program, developing a comprehensive suite of workshops and services to help students put their best foot forward. Through one-on-one and group advising, she provides the personalized guidance students need to achieve their career goals. When not advising students, Alby is a devoted animal lover who loves being outdoors, traveling to new places and staying active.
Dwayne Kelly, MPA
Senior Advisor
Dwayne.Kelly@hmhn.org | 862-660-5015
Mr. Kelly partners with medical students to help them navigate their path from the classroom to their careers. Through one-on-one and group advising, he helps them explore medical specialties, set achievable goals, and build effective career strategies.When he's not advising students, Dwayne is an avid gamer and car enthusiast who loves to travel and experience new cultures. He is also dedicated to mentoring others and his own journey of self-mastery.
Sara Herman, MSW, LSW
Senior Advisor
sara.herman@hmhn.org | 862-660-5164
Ms. Herman partners with medical students to help them chart their academic and professional paths. Her guidance covers everything from exploring medical specialties and setting goals to creating effective ILPs and planning for Phase 3. She also runs the Accountability group for M1s and M2s. When she's not in the office, Sara can often be found treasure hunting in thrift stores, gardening, or enjoying an adventure with her family. She also loves listening to music and staying active in nature.
Yaa (Nana) Opoku-Mensah, MPH
Senior Advisor
yaa.opoku-mensah@hmhn.org | 862-660-5100
Ms. Opoku-Mensah partners with medical students to help them navigate their academic and professional journeys. Her guidance covers everything from exploring medical specialties and setting goals to creating effective ILPs and planning for Phase 3. When she's not advising students, she is an avid baker and painter who also loves exploring new cuisines and getting lost in a good book.
Priyadarshini Dattathreya, MBBS, MD, MMed
Senior Manager, ACE
priyadarshini.dattathreya@hmhn.org | (862) 660-5134
Dr. Dattathreya provides overall leadership for the effective development, planning, implementation, and functioning of the program and service offerings for all academic support activities and initiatives that impact student success. She provides academic support to students through individual, small group and large group sessions. Outside of work, she's an avid reader, a keen runner, and loves to experiment with new recipes in the kitchen.
Jasmine Mathew, MPH, MCHES
Manager, Academic Coaching and Enrichment (ACE)
jasmine.mathew@hmhn.org | (862) 660-5163
Ms. Matthews develops individualized collaborative study plans for medical students to address learning skills, time and study management, knowledge organization, testing skills/preparation, and other areas of academic concern. She organizes educational programming, resources, and workshops centered on knowledge acquisition, effective approaches for different courses, and self-efficacy in independent, life-long professional learning.
Barry Bachenheimer, Ed.D, MA, M.Ed, NREMT
Medical Education Learning Specialist
barry.bachenheimer@hmhn.org | (862) 660-5142
As a Medical Education Learning Specialist, Barry develops individualized collaborative study plans for medical students to address learning skills, time and study management, knowledge organization, testing skills/preparation, and other areas of academic concern. He also organizes educational programming, resources, and workshops centered on knowledge acquisition, effective approaches for different courses, and self-efficacy in independent, life-long professional learning.
His approach to student support is informed by 34 years of experience across the educational spectrum, from K-12 teaching and administration to higher education. Alongside his career in traditional education, he has dedicated 40 years to emergency services as an EMT and firefighter, teaching various pre-hospital disciplines such as tactical medicine. When he is not working with students or first responders, you can find Barry swimming, cycling, cheering on his favorite sports teams, or playing trumpet in a community band.
Grace Bandoh, PhD
Director of Student Accessibility Services
grace.bandoh@hmhn.org | (970) 402-8710
Ms. Bandoh evaluates disability documentation, determines eligibility, and coordinates academic and campus accommodations. She leads the Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS), manages staff, and guides strategic planning to support student access and success. She also oversees accurate, timely accommodation processes, monitors legal developments, and ensures documentation meets federal and state requirements.
Ms. Bandoh consistently engages with literature on accessibility, disability services, inclusive education, and leadership to enhance her understanding and professional development.
In her free time, she hikes and explores nature parks and conservation areas to support wellbeing and foster a deeper appreciation for environmental sustainability.
Daniel Chan, MA/MS
Assistant Director of Student Accessibility Services
daniel.chan@hmhn.org | (862) 660-5077
Mr. Chan works as a point of reference for students, staff, and faculty in disability service at HMSOM. His day to day includes planning and proctoring Phase 1 and 2 exams for students registered with Student Accessibility Services and ensuring the smooth running of the office. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, pets and family. He also loves arguing about why Star Trek is better than Star Wars.
Shania Hemphill, BA/MHA
Access Assistant
shania.hemphill@hmhn.org | (862) 660-5001
Shania supports the ACE team by coordinating the Peer Tutoring Program, managing tutor onboarding and payroll processes, and providing operational support for academic coaching services and student success initiatives. She also supports the Student Accessibility Services team as a Chief Proctor by assisting with exam administration. She works closely with faculty, staff, and medical students to ensure programs run efficiently and effectively. When she’s not supporting students, Shania enjoys working out, discovering new restaurants, shopping, binge-watching TV shows and movies, and spending time with friends and family. She also enjoys music from every genre and believes there’s a playlist for every mood.
Gianna Hernandez, BS
Access Assistant
gianna.hernandez@hmhn.org | (862) 660-5179
Proctor for Phase 1 and Phase 2 exams. Administrative Assistant for the HMSOM Office of Student Accessibility Services.
In her free time, Gianna enjoys traveling, discovering new coffee shops, and playing tennis. She values opportunities to explore new places, connect with different communities, and stay active.
Diane Russo
Manager, Title IX Coordinator
(862) 660-5124 | Diane.Russo@hmhn.org
Ms. Russo is the designated official for all inquiries and reports concerning the school's Title IX Policy and other misconduct violations. The Title IX policy is founded on federal legislation that prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex in educational institutions that receive federal funding. In her capacity, Ms. Russo manages the procedures for handling and resolving reported concerns and instances of misconduct. She ensures the implementation of appropriate responsive actions and disciplinary measures in accordance with institutional policy and federal law. Furthermore, she is responsible for taking steps to prevent recurrence and any form of retaliation.