Meet the Student Life Deans

As the dean of students, Chris brings over a decade of liberal arts-focused student affairs expertise, with a background in residence life, student conduct, Title IX, and disability support. In the dean of students role, Chris works directly with students, and also supports the work of academic support, disability and accessibility resources, international student services, residence life, student engagement, and student rights and responsibilities. Chris is committed to working collaboratively to both reduce and remove barriers to equitable educational access, and to celebrate student engagement and success.

Steve Abrahão is the associate dean of students for academic life with over 12 years of experience in higher education. Steve has maintained a student-centered approach and ethic of care for students and families that inspire students to thrive, overcome challenges, and give back to their communities, graduating with the intention of making a positive difference in the world for others. His leadership fosters inclusion, enthusiasm, and joy while building community and engaging staff, faculty, and students in campus-wide initiatives and projects.

Yasodha Gopal, M.D. (she/her/hers) brings nearly three decades of experience as a physician and an advocate of college student well-being. She believes in an integrative and holistic model of well-being using the power of conversation to catapult us into collective healing.

Yasodha is devoted to her students and their families in cultivating mind, body, and spirit through presence and inclusion. Her collaborative, compassionate, and student-centered support team includes Reed’s health and counseling services, athletics facilities and outdoor programs, sexual health advocacy relationship and education, and community well-being. Dr. Gopal is thrilled to serve Reed College students and trusts that they are committed to finding joy and vitality through engagement in all aspects of campus life.

Claudia Ramírez Islas (she/her/hers) graduated from Lewis & Clark College with a bachelor of arts in studio art with a mathematics minor and graduated from San Diego State University with a master of arts in postsecondary educational leadership with a specialization in student affairs. Driven by a passion for advocacy and social justice, Claudia prides herself in striving for diverse, equitable, inclusive and brave spaces for individuals to freely express themselves and share their stories of strength and resilience. Claudia is committed in transforming predominantly white spaces into more inclusive environments through the dissemination of systemic barriers that encumber the experience of historically marginalized populations by utilizing antiracist pedagogical practices. 

Claudia proudly holds various identities that are often not represented at the institutional and leadership level which has prioritized her commitment to mentor, challenge, educate and empower others from marginalized backgrounds to proudly take up space, be bold and speak up, while utilizing one's privilege to educate and help elevate the voices of those not traditionally at the table.

Leo Cruz (he/him) is honored to serve as the assistant dean for student rights & responsibilities at Reed College. Since joining Reed in June 2023 as the assistant director of residence life, he has been committed to fostering an equitable, inclusive, and supportive community for all students. With a background in residence life and student conduct, he brings a well-rounded perspective on student advocacy and community-building.

Leo values the power of listening and the importance of considering multiple perspectives when making decisions. He is dedicated to helping students navigate challenges with fairness, accountability, and care—ensuring that each student’s experience is met with thoughtfulness and respect.

Leo holds a master’s degree in college counseling and student development from Azusa Pacific University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from George Fox University. He looks forward to continuing his work with the Reed community to cultivate an environment where every student can thrive.