Kerri Thom, MD, MS

Professor of Epidemiology & Public Health and Medicine
Associate Dean for Student Affairs
kthom@som.umaryland.edu

As the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Dr. Thom serves as the primary advocate, advisor, and support leader for medical students throughout their educational journey. This role is dedicated to fostering student success across academic, professional, and personal domains—from orientation through graduation and residency placement.

The Associate Dean oversees programs and services related to career counseling, wellness, professionalism, student organizations, and navigating student policies. Working closely with faculty and institutional leadership, the Associate Dean ensures that students receive individualized guidance, timely support, and equitable access to opportunities. Dr. Thom signs all prepared MSPE's (Medical Student Performance Evaluations). The office also partners with students to cultivate a respectful, inclusive learning environment and to address concerns related to academic progress or professional development.

John Allen, MD

Assistant Professor of Medicine
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
john.allen@som.umaryland.edu

As an Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Dr. Allen serves primarily in a counseling and career advisory role. Dr. Allen prepares MSPE's,  has a strong interest in medical student advocacy and wellness and works with the student in the Rural-MD Scholars Program.

Marissa Flaherty, MD

Assistant Professor for Psychiatry
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
mflaherty@som.umaryland.edu

As an Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Dr. Flaherty serves primarily in a counseling and career advisory role. Dr. Flaherty prepares MSPE's and has a strong interest in medical student advocacy and wellness.

Elizabeth Lamos, MD

Associate Professor of Medicine
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
elamos@som.umaryland.edu

As an Assistant Dean for student Affairs, Dr. Lamos serves primarily in a counseling and career advisory role. Dr. Lamos prepares MSPE's and is the Student Affairs liaison for the school's dual-degree and joint-degree programs and their students. 

Tonya Webb, PhD

Associate Professor of Medicine
Assistant Dean for Student Engagement and Student Life for Student Affairs
TWebb@som.umaryland.edu

As the Assistant Dean for Student Engagement and Student Life, Dr. Webb leads strategic efforts to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment for medical students. Dr. Webb develops and implements programs that enhance student engagement across the continuum—from recruitment and retention to curriculum development and campus culture. She collaborates closely with educational leadership to strengthen the School’s commitment to student support, providing oversight to student-led groups and ensuring representation in co-curricular activities. 

Neda Frayha, MD

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Part-Time
Faculty Member, Office of Student Affairs
NFrayha@som.umaryland.edu

Dr. Frayha is the creator, producer, and host of The OSA Insider podcast, the first medical education podcast to originate from a medical school's Office of Student Affairs. In this role, she collaborates closely with UMSOM medical students, residents, and faculty members to explore topics relevant to medical student life and the journey to becoming a physician. 

Kevin Brown, MS
Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education Operations
kbrown@som.umaryland.edu
Direct Line: 410-706-7668

 

Sofia Cascio, MBA
SOM Director of Student Financial Planning
scascio@som.umaryland.edu
Direct Line: 410-706-4237

Ms. Cascio manages the Financial Wellness Program for the School of Medicine. She oversees all aspects of student financial planning and debt counseling, establishes short and long-term debt management plans, develops training materials and seminars, and more. Ms. Cascio serves as liaison between financial aid and financial wellness services. She has adopted the FIRST program (Financial Information, Resources, Services, and Tools), a resource provided by the Association of American Colleges (AAMC). Ms. Cascio is passionate about helping medical students make sound financial decisions that will help them during and after medical school.

Adam Esselman, MA
Senior Academic Services Specialist
aesselman@som.umaryland.edu
Direct Line: 410-706-1927

Bailey Jenkins
Academic Services Coordinator
Bailey.Jenkins@som.umaryland.edu
Direct Line: 410-706-7476

Kristen McCartin, CMP
Assistant Director of Events
kmccartin@som.umaryland.edu

Juanita Simmons, B.S.
SOM Assistant Director of Financial Assistance
juanitasimmons@som.umaryland.edu
Direct Line: 410-706-0293

Ms. Simmons works closely with the Director of Student Financial Planning Ms. Cascio to provide financial aid and wellness service to medical students. Ms. Simmons has an abundance of experience in all financial aid processes from FAFSA to disbursement and refunds. Joining SOM from another USM school, Ms. Simmons has a deep understanding of not only federal aid, but also of MD state aid, institutional awards, and Veteran Education benefits. Ms. Simmons takes pride in providing excellent customer service and is adept at quickly assessing students financial aid issues and provides guidance to solving inquiries. Ms. Simmons is passionate about helping students understand their aid options and goes above and beyond to meet students’ individual needs.

Brian Wynder
SOM Records & Registration Coordinator
Office: HSF 1 – Rm 147
Email: bwynder@som.umaryland.edu