Meet the Staff

Ryan Travia, Ed.D.

Associate Vice President for Student Success

Contact Information

Ryan Travia
Associate Vice President for Student Success
Hollister Hall, Room 222
781-239-4218
rtravia@babson.edu

Alison Markson, LICSW, Psy.D

Director of Counseling and Psychological Services

Alison has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Reed College, a master’s in social work from Boston University, and a doctorate in psychology from William James College. Dually-licensed as both a social worker and psychologist, Alison has 25+ years’ experience in the mental health field, the last 11 of which have been as director of the counseling center at Curry College.

Contact Information

Alison Markson, LICSW, Psy.D
Director of Counseling and Psychological Services
Park Manor South, Room 020
781-239-6352
amarkson@babson.edu

James Blue, Psy.D

Assistant Director of Counseling and Psychological Services

James joined the Babson College CAPS team in June of 2019 and was promoted to Assistant Director in 2022. James has a variety of clinical experiences, including high school counseling, college counseling, and early intervention for psychosis in an outpatient setting. Prior to coming to Babson College, James worked at Roger Williams University’s counseling center for four years, where he also trained as an intern and postdoctoral fellow. James’ clinical style integrates several approaches, including interpersonal therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. James’ clinical interests include anxiety, depression, identity development, substance use, and relationship issues. James eared his BA from Gordon College and his doctorate from William James College. In his spare time, James enjoys exercise, fishing, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Contact Information

James Blue, Psy.D
Assistant Director of Counseling and Psychological Services
Park Manor South, Room 023
781-239-5202
jblue@babson.edu

Mebiulqui "Mebi" Eustate, LMHC

Staff Clinician

Mebi has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mercy College and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Boston College. Mebi is a licensed mental health counselor who has spent the last five years working in the counseling center at Northeastern University, previously having worked as an in-home therapist at two Boston-based agencies. Mebi is fluent in Spanish.

Contact Information

Mebiulqui "Mebi" Eustate, LMHC
Staff Clinician
Park Manor South, Room 018
781-239-5208
meustate@babson.edu

Sarah Gilani, M.D.

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Sarah Gilani joined the Babson community in 2019 as the staff psychiatrist for Counseling and Psychological Services. She completed psychiatry residency training at Tufts Medical Center. She has extensive experience working with college students. Dr.Gilani uses a thorough evaluation of biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors to offer an integrative approach to treatment. She combines psychodynamic, supportive, and behavioral therapy, along with medication management, when necessary. Dr. Gilani has clinical interests in psychotic disorders, eating disorders, and the growing field of telepsychiatry. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children.

Cindy Tang

Staff Clinician

781-239-5207

Cindy has a bachelor’s degree in counseling psychology and a master’s in clinical mental health counseling, both from Lesley University. Cindy is coming to Babson from Advocates in Framingham, MA, where she provided therapy to a wide range of clients through a community mental health agency. Cindy completed her clinical training in the counseling centers at Wheaton College and Fitchburg State University.

Contact Information

Cindy Tang
Staff Clinician
Park Manor South, Room 024
781-239-5207
ctang1@babson.edu

Kathleen Purple

Administrative Coordinator

Kathleen joined Babson College in September 2020. Bringing over a decade of administrative experience, she is energized by tending to both social and structural needs. Helping students is her calling. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Bridgewater State University, which she transferred to on a merit scholarship after graduating from Massasoit Community College. In her spare time Kathleen enjoys playing a variety of games, spending time with her family, and singing.

Contact Information

Kathleen Purple (She/Her/Hers)
Administrative Coordinator
Counseling and Psychological Services | Wellness & Prevention Services
Park Manor South, Room 028
781-239-6200 (CAPS) | 781-239-5200 (WPS)
kpurple@babson.edu

Daniel Dymecki

Pre-Doctoral Trainee

Dan is currently at William James College pursuing a doctorate degree in clinical psychology, where he also earned his Master’s degree. He comes to Babson with prior clinical experience in psychiatric hospital settings, private group practices, the VA hospital system, and a high school specialized education program. Grounded in Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy approaches, Dan brings humor and curiosity to his work. In addition to treating depression, various forms of anxiety, and trauma and stressor related disorders, he also has specialized experience treating sleep disorders and obsessive compulsive and related disorders. As a former athlete and current personal trainer, Dan values the integration of physical and mental well-being for overall health and performance.

Contact Information

Daniel Dymecki
Pre-Doctoral Trainee
Park Manor South, Room 025
781-239-6200
ddymecki@babson.edu

Rebecca "Becky" Schwartz

Pre-Doctoral Trainee

Becky is currently at William James College pursuing a doctorate degree in clinical psychology, where she also earned her Master’s degree. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and anthropology from Brandeis. Becky is joining the Babson CAPS team from her position as a clinical intern at the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC). Her clinical approach integrates principles from cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Becky’s clinical experience is primarily in rape crisis counseling and high school counseling. Her clinical interests include sexual trauma, and sexual and relationship issues.

Contact Information

Rebecca "Becky" Schwartz
Pre-Doctoral Trainee
Park Manor South, Room 025
781-239-6200
rschwartz@babson.edu

Alison Doak, MS, RD, LDN

Registered Dietitian

Alison is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Educator. She helps students manage a variety of medical conditions and encourages good food and meaningful lifestyle changes to improve overall health and wellness. Alison will help you create strategies to meet your goals, fuel your body, and improve your relationship with food.

Alison earned a BA in International Studies from Colby College, and a MS in Food and Nutrition from Framingham State University, where she serves as a visiting lecturer and instructor. She also consults at a fitness center and teaches classes on a variety of nutrition topics. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, cooking, crossword puzzles, and spending time with her family.

Contact Information

Alison Doak
Registered Dietitian
Health Services
Hollister Hall
781-239-6363
alison.doak@gsmtp.babson.edu

Polly McCabe, MSN, APRN-BC, FNP

Director of Health Services

Polly McCabe has been a nurse practitioner at Babson since 2011. She previously served in the role of Associate Director starting in 2014. Polly earned her BSN from the Ohio Wesleyan University-Riverside School of Nursing and her MSN from Simmons College in Boston. She became a certified nurse practitioner in both Adult Primary Care and Women’s Health in 1995, followed by employment in outpatient settings that provided adult episodic care, primary care and ambulatory OBGYN services. Polly earned an International Society of Travel Medicine Certificate in Travel Health™ in 2014. Clinical areas of interest include sexual and reproductive health, travel health, wellness education and public health. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, golfing, traveling, sipping tea, and spending time with her husband, four grown children, and their dogs. She has also been a First Year Seminar instructor.

Contact Information

Polly McCabe
Director of Health Services
Health Services
Hollister Hall, Office 004
781-239-6363
pmccabe@babson.edu

Helena Stacey, BSN, RN, CPN

Triage Nurse

Helena Stacey joined Babson College as a Triage Nurse in January 2020. In 2013, she entered nursing school after deciding to leave her profession as a trial attorney. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Curry College's ACCEL program in 2014. Prior to joining Babson College, Helena worked as a Certified Pediatric Nurse on an inpatient medical unit at Boston Children's Hospital. Some areas of her practice included diabetes, cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease, sickle cell disease, lupus, and asthma. She is a loyal Boston sports fan and also loves watching college hockey. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, trips to the Cape, and spending time with her husband, four sons, and dog Maisie.

Contact Information

Helena Stacey
Triage Nurse
Health Services
Hollister Hall, Room 132
781-239-6363
hstacey@babson.edu

Susana Loo Li MSN, FNP-C

Nurse Practitioner

Susana joined Babson College in August 2020 as a Nurse Practitioner. She obtained her Bachelor and Master of nursing from Binghamton University. Previously, Susana was a cardiac telemetry nurse taking care of patients with cardiac abnormalities in addition to an Adjunct Professor at Binghamton University.  After becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she worked as a primary care provider at a federally qualified health center where she worked with underserved populations. Susana is fluent in Spanish. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, sleeping, hiking, kayaking, Muay-thai, cooking and dancing.

Contact Information

Susana Loo Li
Nurse Practioner
Health Services
Hollister Hall, Exam Room
781-239-6363
slooli@babson.edu 

Colman Lydon

Office Manager

781-239-6363

Colman Lydon (He/Him/His) joined Babson in early 2021 as an administrative assistant, and then became the office manager that following fall. He graduated from Stonehill College in 2019 with a degree in Criminology and Communications. Outside of Babson, Colman enjoys NPR Tiny Desk Concerts, mango smoothies, and Settlers of Catan.

Contact Information

Colman Lydon
Office Manager
Health Services
Hollister Hall, Room 131
781-239-6363
clydon@babson.edu

Sandra Marwill, MD

Physician

Dr. Sandra Marwill is a staff physician in the health services department.  She completed an internal medicine residency and fellowship at the Boston University Medical Center and received a Master’s in Public Health at Boston University. She has extensive experience in community health where she works as a primary care physician at the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center in Framingham Massachusetts.  Her clinical interests include prevention of heart disease, diabetes, women’s health and substance use disorders. Outside of work she enjoys cross country skiing, biking, running and swimming with her husband.

Contact Information

Sandra Marwill
Physician
Health Services
Hollister Hall, rm. 130
781-239-6363
smarwill@babson.edu

Deirdre Botsch, BSN, RN

Triage/Covid Compliance Nurse

Deirdre joined Babson in September 2020 back when the COVID testing center was in the garage as a per diem Nurse. She later took over the management of the testing center in September 2021. After the testing center closed in May, she took a position in Health Services as a triage/ COVID Compliance Nurse. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern New Hampshire University. Deirdre still works per diem at Spaulding Hospital in Cambridge on a cardiopulmonary step-down unit. Some of her areas of practice includes advanced heart disease and cardiac devices, respiratory illnesses and ventilated patients, transplant patients, spinal cord injuries, and neurological injuries. Deirdre is a dedicated Patriots fan, and in her spare time she enjoys going on hikes with her dog Axel, attending live music events, trying new restaurants, travel, cooking and dancing.  

Contact Information

Deirdre Botsch
Triage/Covid Compliance Nurse
Health Services
Hollister Hall, rm. 130
781-239-6363
dbotsch@babson.edu

Amanda Planck, CMA

Certified Medical Assistant

Amanda Planck is a Certified Medical Assistant who joined Babson’s Health Services team in 2021. She has an associate’s degree and medical assisting certificate from Quinsigamond Community College. Prior to coming to Babson, she worked as a CMA in pediatrics and primary care offices. Her hobbies include hiking, swimming, volleyball, learning, and playing video games. She is passionate about working with young adults and helping students to succeed.

Contact Information

Amanda Planck
Certified Medical Assistant 
Health Services
Hollister Hall, rm. 130
781-239-6363
aplanck@babson.edu

Sandra Dickie, FNP-BC

Associate Director

Sandra Dickie initially joined Babson College as a per diem Nurse Practitioner in 2020. She returned as a full-time Nurse Practitioner and Associate Director of Health Services in July 2022. Prior to joining Babson College, she worked as a nurse practitioner at Boston Children’s Hospital Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine Clinic, Framingham State University, and Wellesley College. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources, with emphasis on education, policy and advocacy from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She decided to pursue a second career as a Nurse Practitioner and graduated from Simmons College in Boston with a Master of Nursing degree and is Board Certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is passionate about working with young adults, with a strong interest in patient education and self-advocacy. She has been a volunteer with MetroWest Free Medical Program since 2010, serving un-and under insured patients in the greater Boston area. In her free time, she enjoys gardening with native plants, walking her two Golden Retrievers, Angel and Moly, with her husband and hanging out with her four young adult children at home and on Cape beaches.

Contact Information

Sandra Dickie
Associate Director of Health Services
Health Services
Hollister Hall, rm. 130
781-239-6363
sdickie@babson.edu

Karla Hoxha Brown, FNP-BC

Nurse Practitioner

Karla Hoxha Brown attended the University of Massachusetts where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.  She then completed her graduate degree at Regis College in their nurse practitioner program.  Her initial experience as a nurse practitioner was in community health.  She was a clinician at the Sidney Borum Jr. Health Center, a program of Fenway health, for 12.5 years.  She served a diverse population including homeless youth, disenfranchised youth, HIV positive individuals and individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.  She then transitioned to college health in 2016 at Suffolk University.  She joined the Babson community in 2021.  Her clinical experiences/interests include sexual health, gynecologic health, HIV medicine, hormone treatment, infectious diseases and primary care.  Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.   

Contact Information

Karla Hoxha Brown
Nurse Practitioner 
Health Services
Hollister Hall, rm. 130
781-239-6363
khoxhabrown@babson.edu

Alex Rautiola, FNP-BC

Nurse Practitioner

Alexandra joined Babson College in August 2020 as a Nurse Practitioner. Previously she worked as a Nurse Practitioner at a federally qualified community health center in Boston specializing in both primary care and substance use disorders and as a Registered Nurse on a cardiac step-down unit at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. She obtained her Master’s in Nursing in 2016 from Simmons College in Boston. Prior to choosing a career in the medical field, she worked in advertising and got her BA in Art History at Union College in Schenectady, NY. She is a born and bred New Englander and you can find her on the beach in the summer and skiing (weather permitting) in the winter. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband, two children, and their black lab. 

Contact Information

Alex Rautiola 
Nurse Practitioner 
Health Services
Hollister Hall, rm. 130
781-239-6363
arautiola@babson.edu

Katia Santiago-Taylor, M.S.

Director of Wellness & Prevention Services

Katia Santiago-Taylor is the director of Wellness & Prevention Services at Babson College. In her capacity she leads a comprehensive, student-centered, and evidence-based health program focused on four major functional areas: alcohol and other drugs, mental health and emotional well-being, sexual health, and violence prevention. In addition, Katia will provide ongoing leadership for the Peers On Wellness (POW!) peer health education program. Wellness & Prevention Services also includes programming initiatives, advocacy, and direct services for students impacted by gender-based misconduct.

Prior to joining Babson College she was the Policy Director at the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) leading BARCC’s legislative agenda and statewide collaborations for systems change. She joined BARCC in February 2013 as the Manager of Systems Advocacy, overseeing BARCC’s Medical Advocacy, Hotline, Access to Forensic Information (AFI), Legal Advocacy, and Case Management Programs. Under her leadership, BARCC’s Incarcerated Survivor Support program was created. Prior to joining BARCC, she was at the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA), where she held several positions. She has been working in the Victim Services Field since 1999, first as a Victim Witness Advocate in the Middlesex County DA's Office, and at the Suffolk County DA's Office.

During her tenure at the Suffolk County DA's Office, she was a part of the Judicial Demonstration Project that created a model Domestic Violence Court at the Dorchester District Court, which required a great deal of work with interagency community collaborations and community-building. She also worked as an advocate in the Elders and Persons with Disabilities Unit working with vulnerable populations and taking the initiative to create and actively participate in community outreach & education and training initiatives. She currently serves as a board member of Mass NOW.

Katia earned a bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University. As a bicultural/bilingual Latina woman, Katia has a deep commitment and proven track record of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in her work.

Contact Information

Katia Santiago-Taylor, M.S. (She/Her/Ella)
Director of Wellness & Prevention Services
Hollister Hall, Suite 122
781-239-5201
ksantiagotaylor@babson.edu

Mica Sher

Assistant Director of Wellness & Prevention Services

Mica Sher is a change agent and licensed social worker who has grown professionally in their positions on the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women Campus Program Grant at William Paterson University and Passaic County Community College. The aim of the Campus Program is to reduce the harms of intimate partner violence and provide victim services to students. Mica first supported the need for culturally responsive, domestic, and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking prevention initiatives at William Paterson University as the LGBTQIA+ Services Provider. As they finished their clinical hours in graduate school, they served as an intern at WPU’s Counseling Health and Wellness, counseling the Peer Health Advocates and collaborating on wellness goals. These roles affirmed their dedication to student safety, wellness, and inclusive resources.

After graduating with their Master of Social Work and becoming a Licensed Social Worker in the year of uncertainty and loss, they were given another opportunity to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, and sexual assault with college students. In November 2020, Mica became the Director of the Center for Violence Prevention at Passaic County Community College. At PCCC, they focused efforts on engaging men on campus as role models in violence prevention. By serving students at an administrative level, they implemented trauma-informed, culturally specific response through service provision, student engagement, and community partnership.

As we know, spaces aren’t guaranteed to be safe for everyone. Being victimized or struggling with mental health challenges during college can impact a student’s ability to succeed. With creative programming and a passion for healthy coping, Mica builds safer spaces for students and survivors to thrive.

Contact Information

Mica Sher, LSW (They/Them)
Assistant Director of Wellness & Prevention Services
Hollister Hall, Suite 122
781-239-5852
msher@babson.edu

Kathleen Purple

Administrative Coordinator

Kathleen joined Babson College in September 2020. Bringing over a decade of administrative experience, she is energized by tending to both social and structural needs. Helping students is her calling. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Bridgewater State University, which she transferred to on a merit scholarship after graduating from Massasoit Community College. In her spare time Kathleen enjoys playing a variety of games, spending time with her family, and singing.

Contact Information

Kathleen Purple (She/Her/Hers)
Administrative Coordinator
Counseling and Psychological Services | Wellness & Prevention Services
Park Manor South, Room 028
781-239-6200 (CAPS) | 781-239-5200 (WPS)
kpurple@babson.edu

Denicia Ratley

Director of Religious & Spiritual Life

As the Director of Religious and Spiritual Life, Denicia supports various faith communities on campus, oversees a team of Chaplains and the daily operations of the Glavin Chapel. With a pastoral heart and passion for justice, she is intentional about creating spaces for religious diversity and tolerance. Denicia is also a First Year Seminar Instructor where she facilitates classroom conversations and interactions around community engagement, microagressions and privilege. Her ability to understand and teach cross culturally, combined with a sense of humor and excitement, creates an environment for students to authentically learn and thrive. Denicia join Babson in 2016 as the Assistant Director of Faith, Reflection, and Chaplaincy. She has accompanied colleagues and students on Service Learning Immersion Trips to Indian River Florida, New Orleans, and Tanzania. Denicia graduated from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary with a MA in World Missions and Evangelism, concentrating on Cross Cultural Counseling, and a MA in Theology and Ethics. During her time in graduate school, she was the president of the Women Student Association and the Black Student Association. Denicia was a Pierce Fellow, which introduced her to contemplative practices and reflective tools. She completed her Overseas Mission Practicum in Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona, serving and assisting Muslim refugees from Sudan, Iraq and Turkey. This experience confirmed Denicia’s passion for cross cultural experiences and interfaith dialogue. Denicia received a BA in Human Development and Family students and a minor in African American Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In her spare time, Denicia enjoys reading historical and current research around mass incarceration and racial disparities within the Black community as well as helping women find confidence in themselves by deconstructing beauty standards and apprehensions around makeup and natural hair. 

Contact Information

Denicia Ratley
Director of Religious & Spiritual Life
Glavin Chapel, Room 101
781-239-5969
dratley@babson.edu

Rabbi Neal Gold

Jewish Chaplain/Hillel Director

Rabbi Neal Gold joined Babson in 2018 as the Jewish Chaplain & Hillel Director. Neal holds a BA in Philosophy and Religion from Colgate University, earned his MAHL and received rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and received an MA in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University. Prior to coming to Babson, he served as the national Director of Content and Programming for ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America, and was a delegate at the 37th World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem on October 16. For 18 years, he led synagogues in New Jersey and Massachusetts. In addition to his work at Babson, Neal teaches university-level adult education courses for Me’ah, a program of Hebrew College, and currently serves as President of the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis.

Neal is the author of many academic and popular writings about Judaism, and he is the editor of Radiance: The Collected Prose and Poetry of Danny Siegel, to be published by the Jewish Publication Society in 2020. He is passionate about teaching Jewish spiritual texts, and interfaith conversations and bridge-building. He enjoys music, writing, yoga, and fly-fishing.

Contact Information

Rabbi Neal Gold
Jewish Chaplain/Hillel Director
Glavin Chapel
781-239-4505
ngold@babson.edu

Dr. Donna McKenzie

Catholic Chaplain

Dr. Donna McKenzie joins the multi-faith team as Catholic Chaplain, having previously served in similar capacities at Albertus Magnus College and Smith College. Dr. McKenzie has specialized training in Catholicism and theological ethics, and comes to Babson with extensive teaching and ministry experience. Dr. McKenzie earned a bachelor’s degree in cell biology from Smith, a master of divinity degree from the Weston School of Theology, and a doctorate in ethics from the Graduate Theological Union. Dr. McKenzie has held various teaching, research, and administrative appointments at Fordham University, Cornell University, and the Graduate Theological Union.

Contact Information

Donna McKenzie
Catholic Chaplain
Glavin Chapel
781-239-5969
dmckenzie@babson.edu