Meet Our Staff
The full time staff of the Office for Students with Disabilities consists of the Director, who is a learning disabilities specialist and a counselor, the Coordinator for Services for Students with Disabilities, also a counselor, Tutor Coordinator, Master Tutor and a CUNY Office Assistant. Part-time staff includes readers, note takers and tutors.
- Matthew S. Joffe, Director 718-482-5278
- Jhony Nelson, Coordinator of Services 718-482-5260
- Clara Roca, Office Manager 718-482-5279
- Astrid Niebles, Tutor Coordinator 718-482-5269
- Maria Diaz, Master Tutor 718-482-5279
Matthew S. Joffe, Director
Matthew S. Joffe, Director, came to LaGuardia in August, 1994. He has over 25 years experience as an educational therapist and psychotherapist. In addition, he holds certificates in mediation and alcoholism and chemical dependency counseling. He is an accomplished actor, having co-written and performed in two original plays in New York City. A music lover, his tastes range from classical and world music to the blues and cabaret. His other passions include art glass and food from around the world.
Jhony Nelson. Coordinator of Services
Jhony Nelson has been working at LaGuardia since September 1991. He came to this college from Andrews University (www.Andrews.edu) where he received a graduate degree in counseling. He is an active member of Phi Delta Kappa since his initiation in 1990. He is a certified Instructor of the Phi Theta Kappa Leadership Development Program. He has also received a certificate in Assistive Technology Applications from the College of Extended Learning at California State University, Northridge. His motto is: Yes, It is Possible!
Clara Roca, Office Manager
A native of Lima, Perú, Clara has been a New Yorker for over 26 years. She has been with OSD since 1996, serving as the chief liaison between the staff and students. As OSD's Office Manager she is also responsible for the smooth running of day to day operations of the office. Her ability to multi-task is only matched by her genuine interest in the students' academic achievement.
Astrid Adriana Niebles, Tutor Coordinator
"I attended LaGuardia Community College in the Spring of 1994. I received an AA degree in Human Services/Mental Health from LaGuardia Community College. After graduating from LaGuardia, I began working as a part time tutor in the Office for Students with Disabilities. In February of 1999 I was promoted to the position of Tutor Coordinator. I am responsible for coordinating primary and secondary services for degree seeking students at LaGuardia C. C. who are disabled."
Maria E. Diaz, Master Tutor
"I was promoted to the position of Master Tutor in 2000 after working as an English tutor at OSD since 1998, and as a peer tutor for one semester in the English Writing Center. As the Master Tutor, I not only tutor students taking English courses, I also tutor students in ESL, Reading Proficiency, and ACT preparatory express courses. In addition to tutoring, I serve as a liaison between the students and the other tutors in our department, as well as with the Tutor Coordinator, Astrid Niebles. Working at OSD is a challenging and fulfilling experience because the services provided to OSD students are essential to their college careers and because working together with the students to achieve the same goals creates a familial atmosphere."