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OSA Academic Handbook
Offices of the DeanOffice of Student AffairsOSA Academic HandbookFinancial Aid and Wellness

Financial Aid and Wellness

Our mission is to educate, support, and empower you to make sound financial decisions while in medical school and beyond. We are here to provide real-time and proactive solutions to address your financial needs, including Financial Aid Assistance, Financial Planning, and Financial Wellness Counseling.

OSA Contacts

Our staff is passionate about helping students regarding finances. We are here to support you every step of the way!

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

Ms. Cascio manages the Financial Aid and 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 the central 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 joined SOM with over 12 years of experience in Financial aid and other financial services. She has a deep understanding of federal, state, and institutional policies and processes regarding financial aid.

Juanita Simmons, B.S. in Education
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 comes to the School of Medicine with over 8 years of experience in financial aid administration. 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.  

Contact our office:

Office hours

Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Email us : SOMFINAID@som.umaryland.edu