Meet the Staff
Nicole Smith, PhD
Executive Director
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
ABOUT NICOLE
Dr. Smith holds a doctoral degree in education with an emphasis in special education, a master’s degree in special education, and two teaching credentials. She pursued various career paths before landing in higher education. She has worked in human resources and law enforcement and has taught in the K-12 system as well as at the university level in both master’s and bachelor’s degree programs. Since 2011, Dr. Smith has served in higher education as a lecturer, faculty advisor/clinical supervisor, and in various administrative roles overseeing departments in student affairs, including disability offices, student equity, career/transfer, and academic advising. She has a passion for supporting students with disabilities in their endeavors and in achieving their academic goals.
One of Nicole’s favorite quotes:
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” – Brene Brown
Ayda Shahi, MSW
Center Director, Testing Services
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
ABOUT AYDA
As the Center Director, Ayda oversees accommodated testing at the OSAS Testing Center and provides direct support to a caseload of OSAS students. Prior to working at USC, Ayda served as an academic advisor and a social worker in the New York City public school system. Her experience includes working with K-12, at-risk youth, and individuals with mental health conditions. Ayda is passionate about working with students in higher education, providing support and resources so every student can succeed.
One of Ayda’s favorite quotes:
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
Madison Shaw, M.A., M.Ed.
Associate Director, Policy, Programming & Evaluation
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
ABOUT MADISON
Madison joined the OSAS staff as a Graduate Advisor in 2017 and transitioned to the Disability Specialist role in July 2018. She earned an M.Ed in Educational Counseling from the USC Rossier School of Education and an M.A. in Psychology from Touro University. Some of Madison’s key interests include student mental health and well-being, and the retention and persistence of students with disabilities. Madison is passionate about serving students in higher education and hopes to earn a Psy. D in the future. As an Assistant Director, Madison provides direct support to a caseload of OSAS students and assists with student service processes, outreach, and educational events.
One of Madison’s favorite quotes:
“Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.” -William Ellery Channing
Alex Mazzeo, M.Ed
Assistant Director, Clinical and Professional Programs
Pronouns: He/Him/His
ABOUT ALEX
Alex began his educational journey at the University of Florida, where he earned his B.S. in Psychology and M.Ed. in Student Personnel in Higher Education. While finishing his master’s degree, Alex completed his practicum internship in the Disability Resource Center, directly supporting outreach and student programming efforts to promote disability as a valued aspect of diversity. He went on to serve as an Exam Accommodations Coordinator at UC Santa Cruz, and later as a Disability Specialist at UCLA. Alex is passionate about student development, educational equity, and social justice, and strives to incorporate these values into his everyday practice.
One of Alex’s favorite quotes:
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” – James Clear
Crystal Velasco, M.S., CRC
Assistant Director, Accessibility Services
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
ABOUT CRYSTAL
Crystal brings over eight years of experience in disability support services, with a focus on creating inclusive environments and ensuring equitable access for students with disabilities. Before joining OSAS, she served as a DSPS counselor and Assistive Technology Specialist in the California community college system, where she developed non-credit programs and promoted digital accessibility. Crystal holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and is passionate about empowering students and fostering inclusive learning environments.
One of Crystal’s favorite quotes:
“In Lak’ech: You are my other me. If I do harm to you, I do harm to myself. If I love and respect you, I love and respect myself.” Luis Valdez
Steve Crays, MSPM
Office Manager
Pronouns: He/Him/His
ABOUT STEVE
Steve earned his B.S. from UMass Boston and his M.S. in Project Management from the University of Southern California in 2025. After building a foundation in project management, technology, and operations, he transitioned to disability services in 2017 as an Assistive Technology Specialist at Easterseals Massachusetts. There, he developed a strong commitment to expanding equitable access to assistive technology for low-income students with disabilities while also serving as Office Manager and Regional Center Manager for the Assistive Technology Regional Center. Steve joined the OSAS team in January 2022 as Office Manager, where he leverages his expertise in operations, project management, and technology to strengthen organizational systems, support cross-campus collaboration, and advance the office’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality services for students with disabilities.
One of Steve’s favorite quotes:
“You can have everything in life you want if you help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar
Lanett Brydie
OSAS Administrative Assistant
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
ABOUT LANETT
Lanett worked at the USC Widney Alumni House before joining the Office of Student Accessibility Services in 2017. She is the front-line contact for students, families, and campus partners, providing general guidance regarding the OSAS registration process and policies. She also enjoys music and attending U2 concerts.
One of Lanett’s favorite quotes:
“Make your mind over and make a difference in the lives of others.”
Libby Lessentine, M.S.
Senior Accessibility Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
ABOUT LIBBY
Libby started her career in disability services in 2009 at Washington University in St. Louis, working directly with students, faculty, and campus partners to plan and provide accommodations. She was excited to join USC’s OSAS office in the summer of 2023, serving as a Senior Accessibility Advisor. Libby’s career in higher education also includes experiences in Career Services and Academic Advising. She earned her BA in Urban Studies from Rhodes College and her MS in Higher Education Administration with an emphasis in Student Services from the University of Memphis.
One of Libby’s favorite quotes:
“Find out who you are and do it on purpose” – Dolly Parton
Esther Kim, M.Ed.
Lead Specialist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
ABOUT ESTHER
Esther earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from UC Irvine and her master’s degree in educational studies from Johns Hopkins University. During and after her graduate studies, she worked in Title 1 schools as a general education teacher, special education teacher, and case manager. She has extensive experience developing and interpreting IEPs and 504 plans, providing trauma-informed case management, and supporting diverse student populations to promote educational equity. Esther is especially passionate about the transition from K-12 to higher education, expanding access to equitable educational opportunities, and building community-centered support systems that empower students to succeed.
One of Esther’s favorite quotes:
“If we give our children sound self-love, they will be able to deal with whatever life puts before them.” – Bell Hooks
Allison Reisz
Lead Specialist, Assistive Technology and Alternative Format
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
ABOUT ALLISON
Allison came to OSAS from USC’s Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, where she supported students, staff, and faculty through the Office of Inclusion and Diversity. In this past role, Allison fostered improvements in accessibility and equity by implementing necessary practices and protocols to meet the needs of USC students and faculty alike. In her current role as a Lead Specialist of Assistive Technology and Alternative Format, she primarily supports students with print disabilities. Allison has a strong passion for cultivating an equitable environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their abilities.
One of Allison’s favorite quotes:
“Things are only impossible until they’re not!” – Capt. Jean-Luc Picard
Darlene Serrano, MSPM
Lead Specialist, Classroom Accommodations
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
ABOUT DARLENE
Darlene earned her B.S. in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton, and her M.S. in Project Management from USC. Darlene has over a decade of experience in disability accessibility and student support services, working in both public and private universities. Throughout her career, Darlene has been actively involved in accessibility programming, training, process improvement initiatives, and supporting students in navigating campus access and accommodations. Within OSAS, she partners with faculty to deliver training, consultation, and ongoing support for classroom accommodations and supports a caseload of students.
One of Darlene’s favorite quotes:
“Your identity is your most valuable possession. Protect it” – Mrs. Incredible
Open Position
Lead Specialist, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
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Open Position
Lead Specialist
ABOUT
Open Position
Lead Specialist
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Erica Hällebo, M.S.
Notetaking Specialist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
ABOUT ERICA
Erica earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Southern California and an M.S. in Education with a focus in child and adolescent psychology from the University of Edinburgh. While studying for her Master’s, Erica conducted research on neurodivergent representation on academic websites. Erica joined OSAS in August 2021 and is excited to be a part of the Trojan family once again. Erica’s goals are to continue advocating for neurodiversity in education and to increase social awareness on and off campus. As the Notetaking Services Specialist, Erica oversees all notetaking-related accommodations and also manages a caseload of students.
One of Erica’s favorite quotes:
“The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases.” – Carl Jung
Matt Hertz, M.S.
Accessibility Specialist
Pronouns: He/Him/His
ABOUT MATT
Matt began his academic career at California State University, Channel Islands, where he earned his B.A. in Psychology. He then earned his M.S. in Counseling with emphasis on College Student Personnel at Cal Lutheran University. Matt served as an Office Graduate Assistant at Disability Support Services during his time at CLU. Before Matt’s current role at OSAS, he served as a Career Counselor at California State University, Channel Islands. He is extremely passionate and an advocate for mental health in higher education. As an Accessibility Specialist, Matt’s primary role is to support a caseload of OSAS students. Matt strives to support all students while focusing on academic, personal, and career aspirations.
One of Matt’s favorite quotes:
“Never let the fear of striking out stop you from playing the game” – Babe Ruth
Laura Kettle, M.A.
Accessibility Specialist
Pronouns: She/Her
ABOUT LAURA
Laura comes to us from Cal State LA, where she was a Disability Management Specialist and the designated specialist for students with Autism. While there, she served as an advisor to the Neurodivergent Collective, was a member of the Disability Justice Coalition, and worked extensively with formerly incarcerated students. She earned her B.A. in Theatre Arts at Cal State Fullerton and M.A. in Special Education at Cal State LA, with a concentration in Moderate to Severe Disabilities. She previously worked as a K-12 Special Education teacher, working primarily with Alternate Curriculum students. She is passionate about disability justice and making space at the table for everyone.
One of Laura’s favorite quotes:
“There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart.” – Jane Austen
Victoria Kim, M.S.
Accessibility Specialist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
ABOUT VICTORIA
After receiving her B.A. in Liberal Studies from UC Riverside, Victoria took her time to explore the world of education. She started her professional journey in the K-12 system and ECE Special Education. Her passions for accessible education, holistic development, and inclusivity led her to earn a M.S. in College Counseling and Student Development from Azusa Pacific University. One day, Victoria would love to earn a doctoral degree to raise awareness of mental health among underrepresented students. Victoria began her career with OSAS as a Testing Services Assistant in 2019. She is currently an Accessibility Specialist who provides direct support to a caseload of OSAS students.
One of Victoria’s favorite quotes:
“We’ve all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That’s who we really are.” – Sirius Black
Kelly Liang, M.A.
Accessibility Specialist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
ABOUT KELLY
Kelly is an Accessibility Specialist with over 7 years of experience working in higher education, including roles in residential education and disability services. She is passionate about supporting students and advancing access through inclusive practices and student-centered services. She holds a B.A. in History from the University of California, Irvine, and a M.A. in Postsecondary Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Student Affairs from San Diego State University. In her current role, Kelly is dedicated to ensuring that all students have the necessary tools, resources, and opportunities to succeed.
One of Kelly’s favorite quotes:
“When you learn something from people, or from a culture, you accept it as a gift, and it is your lifelong commitment to preserve it and build on it.”― Yo-Yo Ma
Patty Oh, M.A.
Accessibility Specialist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
ABOUT PATTY
Patty earned her M.A. in Educational Counseling from San Diego State University. Prior to joining OSAS, Patty worked in higher education for 8 years, serving students with disabilities at both El Camino College and Cal State Fullerton. Patty is committed to advancing accessibility through universal design and inclusive practices. She deeply believes in empowering individuals to advocate for themselves and in fostering environments where everyone feels valued and supported.
One of Patty’s favorite quotes:
“Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.” -Conan O’Brien
Mauricio Saldana
Assistive Technology and Alternative Format Coordinator
Pronouns: He/Him/His
ABOUT MAURICIO
Mauricio graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2013, where he got his BA in Politics. Mauricio started as a student worker for the Disability Resource Center. After graduating, he accepted a staff role at the DRC as the Alternate Media Production Manager. After 7 years, Mauricio now works at OSAS as the Services Assistant, where he provides support for any Assistive Technology requests.
One of Mauricio’s favorite quotes:
“Learning never exhausts the mind” – Leonardo Da Vinci
Open Position
Assistive Technology Coordinator
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Celeste Carmona, M.Ed.
Center Supervisor, Testing Services
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
ABOUT CELESTE
Celeste started her career in disability services at Cypress College as a student worker in their Disability Support Services office. She continued her disability-related work at California State University, Fullerton as a Testing Student Assistant and received her B.S. in Human Services. Celeste has a passion for accessibility in higher education and recently completed her Master’s in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) at the USC Rossier School of Education. As the Center Supervisor for the OSAS Testing Center, Celeste oversees day-to-day operations and quality assurance, and provides direct support to a caseload of OSAS students.
One of Celeste’s favorite quotes:
“It always seems impossible until it’s done” – Nelson Mandela
Russell Lainez
Testing Services Administrator
Pronouns: He/Him/His
ABOUT RUSSELL
Russell earned his B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles while working as a Student Office Assistant for UCLA’s College Academic Counseling (CAC). At CAC, Russell supported a staff of 13+ counselors, counseled students in the College of Letters and Science, and led the revamp of one of CAC’s social media initiatives. As a Testing Services Coordinator, he happily continues to serve students and provide administrative support. In the future, Russell would love to work as a high school counselor or at the higher education level.
One of Russell’s favorite quotes:
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom” – Anais Nin
Kyle Bray
Testing Services Coordinator
Pronouns: He/Him/His
ABOUT KYLE
Kyle earned his Bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting and Electronic Communication Arts from San Francisco State University in 2017. Upon moving to Los Angeles, he began working in classroom media at AMDA, which fostered his burgeoning interest in higher education. This interest, combined with an extensive background in the hospitality industry, has given Kyle a strong foundation from which to support students and help them achieve their goals. Outside of OSAS, Kyle is a musician and avid chess player.
One of Kyle’s favorite quotes:
“How often I found where I should be going only by setting out for somewhere else.” – R. Buckminster Fuller
Ruby Castillo, BA
Testing Services Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
ABOUT RUBY
Ruby earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Monterey Bay. She brings a strong background in trauma-informed case management, behavioral health support, and community-based services across Los Angeles. Her professional experience includes supporting youth and families impacted by housing instability, domestic violence, developmental disabilities, and systemic barriers. Through her work in case management, behavioral intervention, and program coordination, Ruby has developed a deep commitment to equity, family engagement, and empowering individuals to navigate complex systems with confidence. As a Testing Services Coordinator with the Office of Student Accessibility Services, Ruby is passionate about fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where students feel respected, understood, and equipped to succeed.
One of Ruby’s favorite quotes:
“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” – Frida Kahlo
Sherry Ngo, M.Ed
Testing Services Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
ABOUT SHERRY
Sherry earned her B.A. in English at the University of California, Irvine, before earning both her M.Ed. and teaching credential at the University of California, Riverside. She has previously worked as an ELA teacher at the middle school level and as a student teacher at the high school level. In her free time, she loves reading books and discovering new music. She enjoys supporting and working with students.
One of Sherry’s favorite quotes:
“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” -Frida Kahlo
Ada Sanchez, M. Ed.
Testing Services Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her
ABOUT ADA
Ada holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Reed College (Class of 2023) and a Master’s in Educational Counseling from the University of Southern California (Class of 2025). Her academic and professional background reflects a deep commitment to equity and student success. Throughout her studies, Ada explored the intersection of community, access, and education. Her undergraduate thesis, “How Ethnic Enclaves Interact with the City,” investigated the role of cultural identity in urban environments. She also co-authored and presented the published research project “Global Belonging: Access and Equity for International Graduate Students in Higher Education,” furthering her dedication to inclusive and supportive learning spaces. She is passionate about fostering environments where all students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
One of Ada’s favorite quotes:
“What you do, what you think, makes you beautiful.” – Scott Westerfeld.
Reina Stewart, B.A.
Testing Services Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her
ABOUT REINA
Reina earned her B.A. in Sociology, with a minor in Africana Studies at California State University, Northridge. Following her undergraduate studies, she held roles in the social service sector, providing person-centered support and service linkage to school-aged youth with developmental disabilities. Reina is passionate about nurturing others’ potential for success and is thrilled to be working with the OSAS team! In her free time, Reina enjoys building LEGO sets, playing Fortnite, and trying new restaurants with her loved ones.
One of Reina’s favorite quotes:
“I am deliberate and afraid of nothing” -Audre Lorde
Patches
OSAS Emotional Support Mascot
Pronouns: They/Them
ABOUT PATCHES
Every great office needs someone who listens without interrupting, never judges, and is always ready for a hug. That’s where Patches comes in.
Legend has it that Patches wandered into the office one ordinary day looking for a forever team—and never left. Since then, Patches has become the unofficial keeper of calm, traveling from desk to desk whenever someone needs a little extra encouragement, a confidence boost before a meeting, or simply a reminder to smile.
Patches has attended countless brainstorming sessions, survived stressful deadlines, celebrated promotions, comforted teammates during tough days, and has an impressive record of keeping office secrets. While no one knows exactly how Patches works their magic, everyone agrees that life is just a little brighter when Patches is nearby.
Whether you’re tackling a big project or just having one of those days, Patches is always happy to lend a fuzzy paw and remind you that you’ve got this.
Favorite quotes:
“Take it one stitch at a time—you don’t have to have it all figured out today.” – Anonymous