Staff Bios

Director

Designated School Official (DSO), Responsible Officer (RO)

Claudia Sotomayor Hart was born and raised in Lima, Peru. She came to the United States as an international student beginning her studies at Richland College. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Master’s degree in Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management both from Southern Methodist University. Claudia has been in the International Higher Education field for more than 12 years also serving NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Claudia believes that international students, professors and their families are essential to enhancing the experiences of current SMU students, professors and staff by sharing their values and cultures. She hopes all international students and professors find the opportunity to also learn the values of the United States creating a true exchange of experiences and cultural understanding as we respect our differences and embrace our similarities. It is Claudia’s goal as the Director of the ISSS Office to create an environment where all students feel they are home when they visit our office. Claudia is fluent in English and Spanish and has studied French.

Associate Director

Principal Designated School Official (PDSO)

Anna Marzillo was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and moved to Dallas, Texas in 1987. Anna has raised 3 wonderful children in Dallas and has worked in the SMU International Student & Scholar Services office since 2001 serving as the SEVIS Database Manager and Associate Director. Anna always enjoys meeting and providing services to all the new students and their families every semester that come from 89 different countries!

Senior International Programs Specialist

Designated School Official (DSO)

Originally from Durango, Mexico, Yessica moved to Dallas at the age of 16. In 2010, she joined the International Student and Scholar Services office, gaining over 14 years of experience in international student services. Yessica specializes in record management and reporting for international students, with a focus on SEVIS compliance. Her personal experience as an international student learning English later in life, combined with her knowledge of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), enables her to support the diverse needs of the international student community effectively.

Yessica is married and a proud mom of three, one of whom is currently a student at SMU. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies and series, listening to podcasts, attending concerts, and doing arts and crafts.

Assistant Director

Designated School Official (DSO), Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO)

Kelly Garcia, a Dallas area native, holds both a master’s and a bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University (SMU). Kelly strives to ensure that all international students and scholars feel welcomed and supported, while also encouraging them to engage with and learn from U.S. culture, fostering a true exchange of ideas and understanding. It is her goal to create a warm and inclusive environment where every visitor feels at home in the office.

International Programs Specialist

Designated School Official (DSO)

International Programs Specialist

Designated School Official (DSO)

Ginger was raised in a small town north of Houston, Texas and moved to the DFW area in 2001.  She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Sam Houston State University and a Master of English with an emphasis in TESOL from Texas A&M University - Commerce.  She taught special education for many years, and in 2012, an opportunity to teach English to international students at the university level presented itself.  She fell in love with the students and higher education and feels blessed to be a part of the ISSS office at SMU.  She is passionate about helping international students achieve their academic and personal goals while here in the United States.  Ginger is married to Chris, and they have two daughters, Olivia and Emilia.  In her free time, she loves a good road trip and likes to read, go for walks, and watch movies with her family.

Programming Coordinator

Ana Reyna is originally from Mexico but has also lived in Geneva, Switzerland, and Dallas, Texas. She graduated high school from the first International School in the World in 2020. In December 2023, she graduated from SMU with a B.A. in Earth Science and French Studies and a B.S. in Educational Studies. Ana is fluent in English and Spanish and has a working proficiency in French. She has been part of the ISSS team at SMU since 2021 when she joined the International Leadership program in her sophomore year. Then, she took on the role of Programming assistant and is now the Programming Coordinator supporting the student experience, intercultural engagement, and international programs.