Merrill D. Parra, Director

Merrill D. Parra has worked in the field of higher education for more than thirty years. She currently serves as the director of Student Disability Services and Veterans/Reservists Affairs, and is overseeing the revitalization of the current program for veterans at Lehman. Prior to coming to Lehman College, she served as the director of the national model Homebound Program (T.R.I.O.) at Queensborough Community College. As a pioneer in distance learning, Parra has worked closely with the faculty to offer innovative methods of course delivery for students with disabilities who are unable to attend classes on a college campus. She has served on many committees at the local, state, and national levels and is well versed on issues confronting low income and first generation students from diverse backgrounds. Parra is a grant writer, an educator, and advocate for independent living, having served in the Board of Directors for the Queens Independent Living Center for fifteen years. She worked to establish a part time T.A.P. program for students with disabilities, and served on N.Y.SE.D.’s Task Force for the implementation of the E-Text legislation (Chapter 219). Parra earned a B.A. in sociology from Queens College and a Master's in Social Work from Columbia University.

Barbara Thompson, Coordinator

Barbara Thompson comes to Lehman with a decade of combined experience in higher education, event planning, marketing, and public relations. She has been recognized for her contributions and dedication to our men and women in the Armed forces by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy. Thompson has worked with student Veterans at Nichols College and has coordinated events for Armed Forces Day, U.S. Army Appreciation Day, and the United Way Campaign. Thompson comes from a military family and has worked closely with veterans for most of her professional life. She holds a bachelor's degree in communications and human relations and a paralegal certificate.

Doreen Patrick, CUNY Office Assistant

Doreen Patrick began working as a CUNY Office Assistant for the Office of Student Disability Services in November 2006. Previously she worked for the Payroll Office at Lehman College for four years and prior to coming to Lehman she had worked in the Nursing Department at Bronx Community College. She enjoys helping students and provides many services, including registration assistance, testing accommodations, and other services as needed.