1. Student Experience
  2. Student Affairs

Student Affairs

With students at the heart of all that we do, the Office of Student Affairs creates holistic learning opportunities, programs and services that prepare environmentally focused students to lead, serve and become engaged members of a global society.

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    Our goal is to provide developmental advising and mentoring as we help YSE students identify and understand the resources and options available, empowering them to make more informed choices that facilitate opportunities to help find a sense of belonging and build relationships across differences. In this process, we hope to foster wellbeing, leadership, and life skills so that they can thrive personally and intellectually at YSE and beyond.

    The Office of Student Affairs seeks to be transparent in the way we do our work and to engage with students and colleagues in ways that improve the services we provide and the experiences of all the students we serve. 

    Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Andrés Fernández Álvarez joined YSE in June 2021. Prior to Yale, Andrés was an Associate Dean at Brown University, an Assistant Dean at Oberlin College, an Assistant Director of MBA Admissions at Columbia University, an Advisor for Global Programs at New York University, the Translator to the Venezuelan Ambassador to the United Nations and a Project Manager in a Refugee Camp in Zambia. He hopes to provide developmental advising/mentoring and helping students identify and understand their resources and options, empowering them to make more informed choices, facilitating opportunities to find a sense of belonging and to build relationships across differences. 

    Lauren Horner joined YSE in July 2022. Prior to YSE, Lauren served as a Health Educator at Yale Health focusing on health and wellness programming and supporting students 1-on-1 with lifestyle management. Lauren is committed to improving the connection, well-being, and belonging of students by encouraging them to embrace their passions and reach their highest potential outside of the classroom. She hopes to partner with students in helping them overcome obstacles while providing motivation, support, and resources.

    Энэ өдрийн мэнд (Good Day): As someone with an international background — I was born in Mongolia and raised in Ireland —I am your international friend and colleague. I grew up in an area where I experienced environmental issues, such as air pollution, firsthand and it is a privilege to be part of an academic community working on solutions. 

    I have worked in higher education since 2015, both abroad and in the states, assisting international students in admissions and student affairs. It is my belief that respecting and understanding our differences regardless of our backgrounds is an essential component of supporting students.  

    When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling with my family and exploring new places we haven’t been before, making eye-opening discoveries and life-long memories.  

    It is my honor to be part of YSE where the possibilities of making an impact are endless.
     

    Stefany Batista is a licensed clinical social worker in both the state of New York and Connecticut. Stefany earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Disaster Studies, and Black Studies from the State University of New York at New Paltz in 2014 and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University School of Social Work in 2016. Her experience includes working with children, adults and the elderly as well as populations of diverse ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and sexual orientation/identities. She has practiced social work in both hospitals and college settings.

    Stefany has volunteered her work both nationally and internationally especially in Haiti and Jamaica. She’s passionate and deeply committed to helping others achieve their greatest potential. Her social work practice has been focused on crisis intervention, psychotherapy, and group therapy through a holistic approach. Stefany particularly loves connecting with students to help them maximize their resources and provide support and counseling while navigating their professional studies. Stefany is bilingual in Spanish and English.

    Cristina joined YSE in 2017 as an administrative assistant providing support to the Student Affairs and Registrar offices. When Cristina isn’t working she can be found trying new restaurants, exercising, or watching her favorite HGTV home improvement shows.