Student Affairs Team

  • Jean-Marie Alves-Bradford, MD

    • Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Support & Services

    Dr. Alves-Bradford is the associate dean of student affairs, support & services in the Office of Student Affairs. In this capacity, she serves as the primary contact for university issues related to student affairs and oversee the system of community support, class activities, and other services provided for students. She continues to serve as the associate dean for medical school professionalism, where she spearheads the school’s training programs for departments, clerkships, and courses related to student mistreatment issues. Dr. Alves-Bradford assists students in resolving personal and academic issues, as well as serving as a trusted point of contact for students seeking guidance and advice.

    Dr. Alves-Bradford is an associate professor of psychiatry at CUIMC. She has served as the director of the Washington Heights Community Service (WHCS), the associate clinical director at the New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), the inaugural director of the Department of Psychiatry’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the training director for Columbia University’s NIMH-funded T32 Research Fellowship in Global Mental Health. She has served as an instructor in "Foundation of Clinical Medicine" and was instrumental in coaching residents interested in community psychiatry. Dr. Alves-Bradford received her bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and completed her medical degree at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University. She has been a Columbia faculty member since completing her psychiatric residency at Columbia University, where she served as chief resident.

  • Salila Kurra, MD

    • Associate Dean for Student Career Development

    Salila Kurra serves as associate dean for student career development in the Office of Student Affairs. In this role she oversees career services to promote career exploration and guide students through the residency application and Match processes. Having served as an advisory dean since 2016 and a former endocrinology fellowship program director, Dr. Kurra has significant experience with mentoring, training, and educating students and trainees. She also works in the curricular sphere, where she has been serving as the endocrine section director for “The Body: In Health and Disease” since 2011, and will continue as a member of the VP&S curriculum re-imagining creative workgroup. 

    Dr. Kurra is an associate professor of medicine at CUIMC and clinical chief in the Division of Endocrinology. She is the medical director of the Columbia Adrenal Center and a specialist in adrenal, thyroid, and bone disease. Dr. Kurra received her bachelor’s degree from Brown University and earned her medical degree at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons. She has remained on faculty since completing her residency in internal medicine and her fellowship in endocrinology at Columbia University.

  • Maya Ardon

    • Sr. Director of Student Affairs

  • Keshia Pershad, M.S.

    • Student Services Coordinator

    Keshia is a native New Yorker (from the Bronx) and yes, she loves the Yankees! She attended Villanova University for undergrad and is currently obtaining a MS here at Columbia in Information and Knowledge Strategy. She’s worked at Columbia University for a little over 8 years and truly enjoys being a resource for our students. As the Student Services Coordinator, please contact her if you have any questions about policies, procedures, dual degree and special programs, leaves of absence, and any communications from our office.

  • Alycia Esteban

    • Administrative Coordinator

    Alycia joined VP&S in 2024 as the Administrative Coordinator in Student Affairs. Alycia studied Psychology and Latin American & Latino studies at The City College of New York. Alycia has a background in student services and events, coming from Success Academy and CCNY Office of Student Leadership, she enjoys working with students and families. In her spare time, she loves going on adventures and exploring new parts of New York with her family.

  • Natalie LeBrecht

    • Residency Services Coordinator

    Natalie joined the Office of Student Affairs at VP&S as Residency Services Coordinator after working at New York University, where she served as the Department Administrator for the Graduate Film program for seven years, overseeing general office operations.  Prior to NYU, she worked at nonprofit art organizations providing direct executive support and working in development. She has lived in New York City since 2000 and enjoys composing and producing music in her spare time. Please loop in Natalie if you are requesting a letter of recommendation from Dean Mellman.  

  • Beatrice Rice

    • Director, Student Clubs and Activities

    Beatrice Rice, a native of Brooklyn with a passion for mentoring, warmly serves as the Director of Student Clubs and Activities for the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) at Columbia University. She brings a wealth of experience in student engagement, equity, and inclusion, and is deeply dedicated to nurturing holistic student development.

    Beatrice earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from CUNY York College and a Master of Science degree from The Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University, and is currently pursuing her second Master's degree in Public Health at the CUNY School of Public Health.

    Prior to joining VP&S, Beatrice spent 6.5 years at Fordham University, where she held various positions within the Career Center, including Employer Relations Specialist and Assistant Director of Student Engagement, Equity & Inclusion. During her tenure, she led Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and provided career counseling to students.

    With a background in luxury retail and a keen interest in crime documentaries, Beatrice brings a diverse range of interests and experiences to her work. In her leisure time, she enjoys watching crime documentaries and going on long-distance runs, finding solace and inspiration in the rhythm of her footsteps. Beatrice is enthusiastic about continuing her journey of supporting student development and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community at Columbia University.

  • Raquel Tipiani

    • Program Assistant, Student Activities/VP&S Club

    Raquel joined VP&S in 2023 as the Program Assistant in the Student Activities/VP&S Clubs Office. She was born in Pisco, Peru, and was raised and educated in New York City. Prior to joining VP&S she worked at Bank Street College of Education and Teachers College. She has lived in the neighborhood, West Harlem, most of her life and appreciates the positive impact from Columbia University. Raquel enjoy traveling and camping.