Ashley Simmons Coffey is a life-long international educator and a NAFSA Trainer Corps member and Leaderof the Campus & Community Programming network. She presents extensively in the field of international education about integrating international students and scholars into the fabric of the campus and surrounding community and internationalization at home (non-mobile) initiatives to help students, faculty, and staff acquire intercultural competence and global awareness. Ashley earned her Graduate Certificate in International Education from the University of Kentucky, Master of Arts in International Relations from Syracuse University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics & Political Science from Tougaloo College.

Ashley oversees the international student counselors, appointments, and office programming.

Appointments available by request only.

 

Born and raised in Sweden, Stefan grew up in an environment where his parents worked and ministered to refugees and immigrants who entered the country. His dad was an international student himself who came to study in the U.S. This passion helped propel him into the field of international education. He received bachelor’s degree in History and Sociology from the University of Kansas and a master’s in International Relations from Webster University. He has worked at ISSSO at the University of Houston since 2013. Stefan likes to read and write in his spare time as well as spend time with his family and friends.

Stefan oversees compliance for non-immigrant students, front desk processing, and customer service support. Works as a liaison with academic support staff and University offices for enrolled international students. Acting PDSO/RO for the University.

Appointments available by request. Services students for in-person and virtual walk-ins as part of the advising team on a rotational basis.

 

Nicole grew up in Shanghai, China before moving to the U.S. and speaks fluent mandarin. She received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts at UH Clear Lake. Nicole began working at UH in 2019 and transitioned to her current position in 2022. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing with her small dog, and visiting art shows and galleries when possible. The favorite part of her job is ensuring that students are in compliance while supporting international students with their immigration-related questions and concerns.

Nicole’s responsibility is to help students meet their enrollment requirements to maintain their status in the U.S. Primary contact for how to maintain F-1 status, RCL’s, and enrollment requirements.

Available by appointment to meet with students, scholars, and alumni with questions about change of status to F-1, reinstatement to F-1 status, medical reasons and below hours, F-1 employment authorizations, transitions, and cultural issues. Services students for in-person and virtual walk-ins as part of the advising team on a rotational basis.

 

Available by appointment to meet with students, scholars, and alumni with questions about change of status to F-1/J-1, reinstatement to F-1/J-1 status, medical reasons and below hours, F-1/J-1 employment authorizations, J-1 orientations, transitions, and cultural issues. Services students for in-person and virtual walk-ins as part of the advising team on a rotational basis.

 

For Allison, Houston is her hometown, but she left to explore the world before she felt the need to return home. As a seasoned traveler and educator, Allison spent time in Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines and has only recently moved back to Houston in May 2023 where she began working at UH. Allison received her bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas and J.D. at the Fordham University School of Law. Her educational background also includes a master’s in Applied Linguistics and TESOL at Texas A&M University-Commerce. She has worked with international students since 2010 and uses her free time for traveling, yoga, Pilates, and listening to music. Allison enjoys the opportunity to meet and speak with students and scholars from all over the world.

Available by appointment to meet with students, scholars, and alumni with questions about change of status to F-1/J-1, reinstatement to F-1/J-1 status, medical reasons and below hours, F-1/J-1 employment authorizations, J-1 orientations, transitions, and cultural issues. Services students for in-person and virtual walk-ins as part of the advising team on a rotational basis.

 

Cathy began working in the field of international education in 2009 and has been living in Houston since 2021. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a master’s degree. Cathy is fluent in Chinese, enjoys watching movies, and spends time traveling with her family. The most enjoyable part of her job is helping international students adapt to the American culture whilst learning about their home countries and cultural traditions.

Available by  appointment  to meet with students, scholars, and alumni with questions about change of status to F-1/J-1, reinstatement to F-1/J-1 status, medical reasons and below hours, F-1/J-1 employment authorizations, J-1 orientations, transitions, and cultural issues. Services students for in-person and virtual walk-ins as part of the advising team on a rotational basis.

 

Originally from Nepal, Upaj holds a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Northampton, UK, where he studied as an international student. He received his Bachelor’s in English and Sociology from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. He was also a J-1 scholar through a U.S. Department of State sponsored program, an experience that deepened his understanding of global education and cross-cultural exchange. His academic background and personal experiences have shaped his passion for international education and student advocacy.

Upaj speaks Nepali, Hindi, and English. In his free time, he enjoys photography, videography and trekking, capturing the beauty of nature and diverse cultures.
Upaj is the primary support for F-1 alumni on OPT for their OPT/-X reporting requirements and oversees the J-1 reporting, check-in, and document issuance. He also advises international students and scholars on visa regulations and cultural integration.

 

Assists with ISSSO programming, coordinates ISSSO’s International Friendship Program, and assists with various cultural events hosted by the office. This position also helps students with questions regarding driver's license, social security applications, and ways to get involved on- and off-campus.

 

Yu grew up in Zhengzhou, China but has traveled back and forth between the U.S. multiple times. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language while in China, she came to the U.S. to study a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Washington. She lived in Houston from 2018 to 2021 before returning to China and then moved to Houston on a more permanent basis in 2023.  It wasn’t long after where she began to work for ISSSO in April of 2024.  Outside of work, Yu enjoys spending time with family, learning Spanish, and traveling. The best part of her job is being able to meet international students and scholars from all over the world. As she was once an international student, it brings a great sense of happiness for her to help others.

Manages the front desk customer service support, DS-2019 support, and finances for ISSSO.

 

Nirel is a dedicated and passionate professional with a background in Communications and Public Relations. A graduate of Oakwood University, she earned her degree with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Business Management. Her experience as a resident assistant sparked a deep interest in student life and higher education, leading her to pursue a career focused on supporting student development. Nirel is committed to helping students feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout their college journey. In her free time, she enjoys trying new foods, reading, and catching up on sleep.

Provides front-line support for students, scholars, alumni, and dependents. Assists non-immigrants with requests not requiring an appointment.

 

Provides front-line support for students, scholars, alumni, and dependents. Assists non-immigrants with requests not requiring an appointment.

 

Assists ISSSO with programming, webinars, reports, and additional office processes and procedures.