Meet Our Staff

Manuel Mantilla
Director
As the Director of Student Disability Services, Manuel collaborates closely with faculty, staff, and students to ensure the equitable provision of opportunities. This involves actively supporting educational development and ensuring the implementation of appropriate accommodations. Manuel engages directly with students to assess their needs and determine reasonable accommodations based on documented disabilities. Furthermore, he facilitates the fostering of independence by imparting essential self-advocacy skills to empower them in navigating their educational journey. Manuel also serves as a valuable resource within the campus and community, providing guidance on ADA law interpretation and assisting in problem-solving through interactions with students, staff, and faculty members.
Email: Manuel.Mantilla@baruch.cuny.edu

Lillian Shmulevich
Associate Director
Works closely with the Director to ensure that all students receive equal opportunities by supporting educational development and making sure that appropriate accommodations are provided. The Associate Director will meet with you to determine reasonable accommodations based on documented disabilities and encourage independence by teaching students self-advocacy skills.
Email: Lillian.Shmulevich@baruch.cuny.edu

Ronald Bissessar
Assistive Technology Manager
The Assistive Technology Manager assesses students’ needs in the area of assistive technology and provides individual accommodation and trainings as needed. Ron coordinates with departments throughout the campus to ensure assistive technology is in place and student with disabilities have equal access. He also works with faculty to ensure electronic content is made accessible and classroom accommodations are met in a timely manner.
Email: Ronald.Bissessar@baruch.cuny.edu

Sydacia Bunbury
LEADS Counselor
Sydacia assists students with disabilities with the skills and insight needed to make academic and career choices that will lead to successful and fulfilling employment. She will provide career counseling, resume and interview preparation, internship and job seeking assistance and advocacy skills.
Email: Sydacia.Bunbury@baruch.cuny.edu

Danielle Russo
CUNY Office Assistant
The CUNY Office Assistant is responsible for scheduling appointments, registering students with the department, proctoring exams as well as assisting students with other disability related issues.
Email: Danielle.Russo@baruch.cuny.edu

(Vacant)
Disability Accommodation Specialist

Email:

Reginald Coupet
Assistive Technology Specialist
The Assistive Technology Specialist works closely with the Assistive Technology Manager to ensure appropriate assistive technology accommodations are met and placed throughout the campus. Reginald also trains students on the use of assistive technology and assists with maintaining the Student Disability Services webpage.
E-mail: Reginald.Coupet@baruch.cuny.edu