The DIS staff is comprised of experienced immigration specialists and program support who strive to provide accurate and responsive immigration-related support to advance the NIH research mission.

We have three key teams at DIS. Two of our teams primarily focus on case processing for NIH scientists. Our customer service team addresses general inquires and manages our office communications, including our website and newsletters.

If you have a question related to an open case at DIS and are already in touch with a DIS staff member, you may contact them directly. Otherwise, please refer to our Contact Us webpage.

Director’s Team

Director: Candelario Zapata, RO
Chief Compliance Officer/Deputy Director: Margaret Richmond, ARO
Immigration Policy Analyst: Valerie Martini, ARO
Program Specialist: Jamie Siemsen​
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Customer Service Team

Team Leader: Anabelle Filbert,​ ​ARO
Immigration Specialist: Noelle Brooker, ARO​
Immigration Specialist: Nia Thornton, ARO​

FTE / Employee Processing Team

Team Leader: Elisa Facetti, ARO​​
Immigration Specialist: Daniel Forgosh, ARO
Immigration Specialist: Jiyoon Cha
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Team Leader: Katie McLaughlin, ARO
​Immigration Specialist: Charlie Oliver, ARO
Immigration Specialist: Jeff Augustine, ARO
Immigration Specialist: Heisol Zelaya, ARO​​​

FDA Team

E-mail DISFDA

International Patient Services Team

E-mail IPSTeam

Waiver Team

E-mail DISWaiver

Revised 05​/2025​​