Contact Us
Immigration Services is your resource for immigration matters and the University's liaison with U.S. federal agencies that are concerned with issues related to international students and employees who are working or studying here. We provide support and advising services to UMass Chan's international student and scholar community, as well as to the academic and research departments who host them.
Vanessa Paulman, M.S.
Director, Immigration Services
508-856-2942
vanessa.paulman@umassmed.edu
Vanessa Paulman has served as the Director of Immigration Services, in the Human Resources Office for the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) since August 2014. Paulman has over 15 years of student and scholar advising, program development and organizational management experience. Faculty, scholars and students turn to her for insightful advice and strategic direction. Paulman offers a demonstrated ability to promote positive intercultural communication, interpret a solid understanding of the U.S. Immigration system, and educate others on HR related immigration, policy and nonresident tax issues. Paulman holds a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England and a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs from Florida State University.
Kate Carroll
Immigration Systems and Compliance Manager
508-856-3987
kate.carroll@umassmed.edu
Kate Carroll has served as an Immigration Specialist in the Human Resources Office for the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) since October 2012, serving as Immigration Systems and Compliance Manager since November 2020. Kate is the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) for UMMS’ F-1 student program and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for UMMS’ J exchange visitor program. She has been working in the field of immigration advising since 2004. Kate currently serves as a primary point of contact for foreign national residents and fellows in UMMS’ Graduate Medical Education (GME) program. Kate also serves as the UMMS Sunapsis super-user and is responsible for eForm development and maintenance. Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dickinson College and is pursuing a Masters Degree in Technology Management at UMass Dartmouth.
Melissa Scher
Immigration Services Manager
508-856-3344
melissa.scher@umassmed.edu
Melissa Scher has served as an Immigration Specialist II, in the Human Resources Office for the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) since March 2014, serving as Immigration Services Manager since November 2020. Prior to joining UMMS, Scher has worked at law offices, Seyfarth Shaw LLP and Fragomen and in higher education at Babson College providing immigration services and solutions. Scher’s specialties include F-1 and J-1 visa regulations, nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories. Scher holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish for the Business Professions from Worcester State University.
Veda Genkos
Immigration Specialist II
508-856-2663
veda.genkos@umassmed.edu
Veda Genkos has served as an Immigration Specialist II, in the Human Resources Office for the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) since September 2019. Prior to joining UMMS, Genkos worked in higher education serving in the International Students & Scholars Office at Clark University for over 16 years. While working at Clark University, Genkos served most recently as Assistant Director acting as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). Genkos specialty is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) in which she has over 9 years’ experience.
Danielle Tillilie
Immigration Specialist II
508-856-4771
Danielle.Tillilie@umassmed.edu
Danielle Tillilie has served as an Immigration Specialist II in the Human Resources Office for the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) since November 2020. Prior to joining UMMS, Tillilie has worked as an international student and scholar advisor at the Institute for International Education, Johns Hopkins University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Tillillie’s specialties include F-1 and J-1 visa regulations. Tillilie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the College of Charleston and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (ESL) from Arizona State University.
Kaitlyn Janos
Immigration Services Project Assistant
774-455-4786
Kaitlyn.Janos@umassmed.edu
Kaitlyn Janos has served as an Immigration Services Project Assistant at UMass Chan Medical School since January 2019. Prior to joining the Immigration Service Office, Kaitlyn has been with the Human Resources department since October 2017, where she worked in the Service Center. Kaitlyn has become the super user for Tracker I-9 project and spends much of her time focused on data information for the Immigration Services Office.
Please click here for Immigration Services Team Assignments to UMMS Departments
Office Locations
South Street (Shrewsbury) Campus
333 South Street, HR 2nd Floor
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Main Phone Number: (508) 856-5260 [select option 3]
Fax Number: (508) 856-5922
(ALL MAIL RECEIVED AT THIS LOCATION)
Lazare Research Building (LRB) - Worcester Campus
Room 815 - 8th floor in the Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology area. Take a right as you exit the elevator and head down the hallway to your right. The office will be on your left hand side about halfway down the hallway.
(MAIL NOT RECEIVED AT THIS LOCATION)
Appointment Availability
Walk-in hours for quick questions, travel signatures, document collection, etc., are available in the LRB room 815 at the following times:
Mondays 1pm - 4pm
Tuesdays 11am - 1pm
Wednesdays 11am - 1pm
Virtual or in-person advising is also offered by appointment. Please contact your department's designated immigration team member to schedule a meeting.