Meet the Leadership Team
Jennifer Hernandez-Khan, Program Manager
Email: jenhernandez@jjay.cuny.edu
Dr. Jennifer Hernandez-Khan serves as the founding Program Manager for the Academic Preparation Program (APPLE Corps) at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She earned her EdD in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy from Fordham University. Although she completed her doctoral studies at a private institution, she proudly attributes her educational roots to the public school system. Since joining the APPLE Corps team in 2015, Jennifer has been honored to walk alongside students on their journeys, and remains inspired every day by their resilience, ambition, and dreams.
La Vaughn Emanis-Samuel, Senior Academic Advisor
Email: lemanis@jjay.cuny.edu
La Vaughn leads the academic advisement team, supporting students from their first semester through graduation. She is passionate about helping students make the most of their college experience through intentional planning, meaningful connections, and opportunities for growth and success. A proud CUNY alumna, La Vaughn began her educational journey at Borough of Manhattan Community College, earned her bachelor’s degree from Baruch College, and later completed her M.S. at the CUNY School of Professional Studies. Having benefited firsthand from the opportunities the CUNY system provides, La Vaughn understands that every student's path is unique. She is dedicated to helping students recognize their strengths, achieve their goals, and reach their full potential both inside and outside the classroom.
Muldy Flecher, Internship Specialist
Email: mflecher@jjay.cuny.edu
Muldy comes to us from the Young Adult Borough Center at Boys & Girls High School for Good Shepherd Services. For over five years, Muldy served as the Internship & Career Coordinator where he was responsible for placing students in different internship opportunities throughout New York City along with conducting workshops and work-readiness seminars. Muldy earned his Graduate and Undergraduate degrees from Stony Brook University.
Claire Sternberg, Service-Learning Specialist
Email: csternberg@jjay.cuny.edu
Claire has over ten years of experience in the City University of New York system and currently serves as the Service-Learning Specialist for the APPLE Corps program, where she fosters experiential learning opportunities that empower students. She is passionate about the impact of learning by doing—ask her about her college service-learning story! Claire earned an Advanced Certificate in Disability Services in Higher Education from the CUNY School for Professional Studies and a Master’s in the Sociology of Education from New York University.
Doménica Pérez, First-Year Transition Specialist
Email: dramirez-perez@jjay.cuny.edu
I’m a passionate higher education professional with nearly 10 years of experience within the CUNY system, dedicated to supporting and championing students throughout their academic journey. I bring a unique cultural lens and a deep commitment to empowering first-generation and underrepresented students to succeed in college and beyond. Currently, I’m pursuing an Advance Certificate in Management, as well a Master’s in Business Management and Leadership to further strengthen my skills in strategic planning, program development, and student-centered leadership. My experience spans across dual enrollment coordination, college readiness coaching, and student service project support. Whether I’m leading orientations, designing interventions, or creating collaborative opportunities for faculty and students, my mission is the same: to help students thrive. As APPLE Corps First Year Student Transition Specialist, I am excited to continue helping students feel supported, confident, and ready to succeed in their academic journey and beyond.
Alisha Springer, Sophomore Success Specialist
Email: aspringer@jjay.cuny.edu
Alisha brings over eight years of experience in student support and is passionate about empowering students to navigate their academic journeys with confidence. Throughout her career, she has supported students through academic advisement, peer mentorship, student engagement, leadership development, and college transition initiatives. As the Sophomore Success Specialist, she is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where students can overcome challenges, explore their interests, build meaningful campus connections, and achieve their academic and professional goals. Alisha earned her bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration at Baruch College.
Nayelle Pace, Program Assistant
Email: npace@jjay.cuny.edu
Nayelle is a recent John Jay College and APPLE Corps alumna with a B.A. in Forensic Psychology and a minor in Counseling. She is currently pursuing her M.A. in General Psychology at City College. As an APPLE Corps alumna and a former Lead Peer Success Coach, Nayelle brings firsthand experience and a strong understanding of the APPLE Corps student experience to her current role as Program Assistant. In this role, she supports APPLE Corps transfer students throughout their transition to John Jay and helps them navigate their academic and college experience.