2019 Executive Planning Committee Members
Dr. Josh Baker, Director of the Forming Occupational and Community Understanding for Success (F.O.C.U.S) program at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Dr. Pamela Hudson Baker, Director of George Mason University’s Division of Special Education and disability Research
Stanley “Bud” Buckhout, Associate Director of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University
Micah Fialka-Feldman, Outreach Coordinator of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University
Dr. Heidi Graff, Director of George Mason University’s Learning into Future Environments (LIFE) Program
Karly Grifasi, Director of Communications & Events, Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University
Diana “Dee” Katovitch, Assistant Director of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University
Rachel Korpan Lee, Logistics Coordinator for the 2019 State of the Art Conference at George Mason University
Stephanie Smith Lee, Chair of the Think College Accreditation Workgroup, and Senior Policy Advisor, National Down Syndrome Congress
Dr. Linda Mason, Director of the Helen A. Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities at George Mason University
Dr. Beth Myers, Executive Director of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University
Julie Pollard, Director of Transition and Inclusive Education at Highline College
Denise Rozell, Director of Policy Innovation at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities
Sara Jo Soldovieri, Manager of Inclusive Health Policy & Programming at the National Down Syndrome Society
Cate Weir, Project Coordinator at the Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts, Boston
2019 Advisory Board members
The members of our Advisory Board are instrumental to the State of the Art Conference's success. They provide input, review proposals, and share information. Many thanks go to:
If you are interested in serving on our Advisory Board (and reviewing proposals) for the 2019 State of the Art Conference, please contact Rachel Korpan Lee at rkorpant@gmu.edu. Reviewer/Advisors receive a discounted registration in appreciation of their hard work.
- Dr. Jennifer Camota Luebke, Ability Revolution, Inc.
- Dr. Stuart Carroll, The College of New Jersey
- Dr. Paul Cavanagh, New York Institute of Technology
- Joan Cornachio, CUNY/Hunter
- Edie Cusack, College of Charleston
- Rebecca Daley, Beyond Literacy
- Tammy Day, Vanderbilt University
- Nicci T. Dowd, Saint John Paul the Great High School
- Dr. Richard Ferrante, USC School of Medicine
- Beth Foraker, National Catholic Board on Full Inclusion
- Yvonne Hu-Cotto, Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Group
- Michelle Kogel, Iowa Lakes Community College
- Eric Marshburn, University of North Carolina Greensboro
- Jawanda Mast, parent and advocate
- Dr. Cindi May, College of Charleston
- Kerry McKenna, K3 Transition Resources LLC
- Sue Moraska, Houston Community College
- Dr. Robin Moyher, Mason LIFE Program
- Dr. Susan Onaitis, Mercer County Community College
- Clare Papay, Think College UMass Boston
- Liz Plachta, Ruby's Rainbow
- Dr. Seb Prohn, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Sue Reeves, Aggies Elevated at Utah State University
- Anna Ward, Appalachian State University
- Dana Yarbrough, Virginia Commonwealth University
If you are interested in serving on our Advisory Board (and reviewing proposals) for the 2019 State of the Art Conference, please contact Rachel Korpan Lee at rkorpant@gmu.edu. Reviewer/Advisors receive a discounted registration in appreciation of their hard work.
2019 ORGAN IZATIONS REPRESENTED
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2019 States REPRESENTED
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2019 State of the Art biographies
W. Drew Andrews
W. Drew Andrews, EdD. is the Technical Assistance Coordinator at the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities at the University of Central Florida. He received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of North Florida and his specialist and Ed.D. from the University of Florida. Drew has taught elementary, middle and high school students with disabilities and developed transition programs for students ages 18-22.
Deb Arenberg
Deb Arenberg, M.Ed. is the Academic Coordinator of the Certificate in Undergraduate Studies in College and Career Attainment at Rhode Island College. Deb has worked at the Sherlock Center on Disabilities, Rhode Island’s UCEDD, for the past 11 years. She has worked on a variety of projects including statewide PBIS and MTSS and the Certificate of Graduate Studies in Autism Education. Deb is adjunct faculty at RIC, teaching courses in the Special Education and Disabilities Studies departments.
Joshua Baker
Josh is an Assistant Professor in special education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the current director and creator of F.O.C.U.S. Josh received his Ph.D. in 2008 from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in special education with a research emphasis on accessing the general education curriculum for students with Intellectual Disability and Autism. Josh came to UNLV in 2012 and started planning the inclusive post-secondary education program in Las Vegas. Josh has always been an advocate for full inclusion and believes that all individuals should be given the opportunity to achieve their personal goals!
Pamela Hudson Baker
Dr. Pamela Hudson Baker is an Associate Professor of special education and Director of the Division of Special Education and disAbility Research at George Mason University. She earned her doctorate in leadership studies from Bowling Green State University, and her M.Ed. and B.S. from the College of William and Mary. Dr. Baker has served as an investigator on a variety of state and federal grants to support educator preparation and focuses her research efforts on building capacity among teachers, administrators, and other educators to facilitate the responsible inclusion of exceptional learners across a variety of settings. She currently serves on the Executive Committee for the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) and as chair of the Product Review Committee for CASE. Prior to making the move to higher education, she was the coordinator of a regional day treatment center where students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) received specialized services.
Shelby Bates
Shelby Bates (LSW, BCBA) joined IN! after completing a Master of Social Work at Saint Louis University. During her time in St. Louis, she interned with Jobs with Justice, where she fell in love with community organizing. Prior to graduate school, Shelby completed a B.S. in Secondary Special Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and spent much time working with individuals with disabilities. Shelby is fueled by her experiences growing up with a sibling with a disability. Her position as Outreach Coordinator allows her to blend many of her passions.
John Beecher
John Beecher currently serves as the Budget Director for the School of Education at Syracuse University. He has worked in higher education for more than 15 years, with prior stops at Duke University, SUNY ESF, SUNY Cortland and Cornell University, primarily in research and financial administration. He is a Certified Research Administrator and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science both from the University at Buffalo.
Carley Blades
Carley Blades is the Assistant Director of Inclusive Education Services (IES) at the University of Central Florida. She has a M.Ed. in Counselor Education and is pursuing an EdD in Educational Leadership. Prior to working with IES, she worked for 6 years in Housing and Residence Life as a Resident Assistant and Graduate Resident Coordinator. She is passionate about on-campus housing and inclusive education.
Daniel Brawner
A native of Nashville, TN, Daniel Brawner graduated from Brentwood High School in 2016 with an Occupational Certification/Special Education Diploma. He is in the Class of 2020 at Vanderbilt University enrolled through the Next Steps. Prior to his college career, he spent his youth honing his outdoorsmen skills within the Boy Scouting of America program, which led him to receive the rank of Eagle Scout in 2014. Daniel enjoys spending his free time hunting, fishing, and flying drones. He also has a passion for his personal fitness, astronomy, and fast cars.
Mary Bryant
Mary Bryant developed and directs the Path to Independence (P2I) program at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR). P2I is in its 4th year and is a project of the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED), which is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). Bryant's inspiration for the program was her daughter, Kailin, who has Down syndrome. Kailin graduated from P2I in 2017. Bryant also coordinates the Think College Nevada Coalition, a group of universities, colleges and other Nevada stakeholders who are interested in expanding the postsecondary education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities in Nevada.
Stanley "Bud" Buckhout
Stanley “Bud” Buckhout is the Director of InclusiveU and Associate Director of the Taishoff Center of Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University. He has worked in education for over 20 years. He earned his Teaching Certificate, M.S. in Special Education and a C.A.S. from Le Moyne College. He has worked in exploring research and facilitation of groups to aid in the identification of student instructional needs at the collegiate, district and school level. He has implemented trainings at many educational levels to develop effective learning environments for students.
Bryana B. DeMonte
Bryana B. DeMonte has been with the Career and Community Studies Program as the Academic Coordinator since 2013. She is responsible for advising students through their course selection process as well as providing the supports and tools to be successful during their academic careers. Her role as academic coordinator provides her the opportunity to build relationships with faculty, staff, and mentors across TCNJ’s campus. She instructs several CCS core curriculum courses including Academic Support Seminar, Assistive Technology and Living Independently for Everyone. She also serves as an adjunct professor in the Liberal Learning Department and School of Education’s Department of Language and Literacy. Bryana has a special interest in Assistive Technology and enjoys researching new apps and software. She also enjoys guiding and supporting student mentors of the CCS program to reach their fullest potential as student leaders. Bryana received her Master of Arts in Special Education from The College of New Jersey and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Deaf Studies.
Neil Duchac
Neil Duchac, DrPH, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Social Work and Human Services and the Executive Director of the Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth at Kennesaw State University. Dr. Duchac's research interests include developmental disabilities, inclusive education, military mental health and the intersection of public and mental health.
Abby Farkash
Abby Farkash, a junior Neuroscience major, is one of 60+ site leaders for University of Delaware alternative Breaks (UDaB). UDaB is an entirely student-run student-led alternative break and social justice education program that serves around 600 undergraduate students on UD’s campus. UDaB immerses student-led teams in direct service and experiential learning with community organizations to increase knowledge of social justice issues and encourage life-long active citizenship.
Karly Grifasi
Karly Grifasi is a producer, events manager, and communications professional who works with the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education to develop marketing initiatives, events, websites, videos, and anything else to help further the mission of the Center. Her 20 years of experience in television production, working for Saturday Night Live, and NBC’s TODAY Show, combined with several years in the global non-profit world, have given her an innate ability to find creative solutions for any challenge.
Meg Grigal
Meg Grigal is a national expert on inclusive higher education and transition for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the co-director of Think College at the ICI at UMASS Boston. She serves as a principal investigator on a variety of research grants including: the I3 Think College Transition Model Project, the National Coordinating Center for TPSID Model Demonstration Programs and the Future Quest Island Stepping Up to Technology project. She co-authored the groundbreaking book, THINK COLLEGE, as well as many other book chapters, journal articles, and research to practice briefs and recently produced a short documentary on inclusive higher education.
Gary Hagy
Gary Hagy manages data, technology, and training systems at Wayfinders at Fresno State. He enjoys the freedom to bring new ideas and cutting-edge practices to an innovative program to ultimately improve the lives of others.
Ty Hanson
Ty Hanson is an inclusive higher education specialist for Think College at the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Ty supports students, families, and professionals as they navigate the transition from high school to college. She believes in the importance of using a student-centered and collaborative approach to transition planning while reinforcing the expectation that all students, including those with disabilities, have the right to achieve their college dreams. Ty's research interests include college based-transition services, program evaluation, dual-enrollment consortiums, sustainability, and inclusive research.
Kathy Hargis
Kathy Hargis has led Lipscomb University’s risk management program since 2005. She oversees emergency management, business continuity planning, Title IX compliance, international risk and safety, and environmental health and safety, along with the enterprise risk management duties for the university. With more than 25 years of experience in risk management, Hargis has also worked in the corporate field. She received the 2018 Distinguished Risk Manager Award from the University Risk Management and Insurance Association. Hargis has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Kentucky University and an MBA with a specialization in conflict management from Lipscomb University.
Julie Harmon
Julie Harmon is the Inclusion Coordinator at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Julie's expertise in inclusive education, accommodations and modification, advocacy and the law started 27 years ago when her son was born with Down syndrome. Julie spent 17 years as the Director of Parent Services at PEAK Parent Center, the Colorado Parent Training and Information Center before coming to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Julie is the proud parent of two boys with Down syndrome, Nick 27 and Noah 19. Julie works tirelessly to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and to see a world in which people with disabilities have the opportunity to realize their life aspirations.
Jasmine James
Jasmine James is the Program Coordinator for the Academy of Inclusive Learning and Social Growth at Kennesaw State University. In this role, she coordinates and supervises the Peer-Mentor Program. A native of New Orleans, Ms. James holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology . In, her spare time she may be found spending time with her family, volunteering, or making a trip home for some gumbo.
Rebecca Jewell
Rebecca Jewell is the CLSC Program Coordinator of Residential and Campus Engagement. Over the course of 4 years, Rebecca has served in a variety of roles within CLSC both as an undergraduate student and core staff.
Katie Johnson
Katie Johnson, a senior Public Policy major, serves as a Site Leader Trainer for University of Delaware Alternative Breaks (UDaB). UDaB is an entirely student-run student-led alternative break program that serves around 600 undergraduate students on UD’s campus. UDaB immerses student-led teams in direct service and experiential learning with community organizations to increase knowledge of social justice issues and encourage life-long active citizenship.
Erica R. Kaldenberg
Erica R. Kaldenberg is an Associate Research Scientist with the Univeristy of Iowa REACH program. She is interested in better understanding and improving outcomes for students with intellectual and cognitive disabilities who pursue postsecondary educational opportunities.
Christi Kasa
Christi Kasa, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor for the Department of Teaching and Learning and the Director of the Office of Inclusive Services in the College of Education at the University of Colorado. Her teaching, research, and consulting are guided by her passion to create successful inclusive schools for all students. Christi teaches both graduate and undergraduate classes focusing on differentiated instruction, best practice for inclusive schooling, and communication strategies for people with autism. Christi began her career teaching in the public schools of California as a general education teacher and special education teacher.
Diana “Dee” Katovitch
Diana “Dee” Katovitch is the Coordinator of the Peer2Peer Project, and Assistant Director of the Taishoff Center. She graduated from Syracuse University (B.S. School of Education ’90; Certificate of Advanced Study in Disability Studies, ’14) and SUNY Cortland (M.S. in Reading ‘95); and is a doctoral student in higher education at Syracuse University. She is the author of two books about students with intellectual disabilities: The Power to Spring Up: Postsecondary Education Opportunities for Students with Significant Disabilities (Woodbine House, 2009) and Beautiful Children (People Ink Press, 2016). Dee is also on Fulbright Specialist Roster in inclusive higher education.
Kelly R. Kelley
Dr. Kelly R. Kelley received her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Since 2010, she has served as the University Participant (UP) Program Coordinator, Consultant, and Co-Director. She is also an Associate Professor at Western Carolina University. She enjoys working with schools, families, and students from rural areas to improve secondary transition practices for young adults. Dr. Kelley has 33 publications including a recent book on postsecondary education. She has presented at 158 international, national, and state conferences. Her research interests include secondary transition, assistive technology, independent living, and inclusive postsecondary opportunities for individuals with intellectual disability.
Paula D. Kohler
Paula D. Kohler Ph.D. is Executive Director of the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and Professor of Exceptional Student Education at the University of Central Florida. She also serves as co-director of the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT) funded by the U. S. Department of Education, and is an Emeritus Professor at Western Michigan University from where she retired as Associate Vice President for Research.
Rachel Korpan Lee
Having been the Logistics Coordinator for the State of the Art Conference since 2011, Rachel considers it an honor to see the conference grow in size and scope, and her favorite part of the job is educating people about the possibilities of PSE for students with ID/DD. Utilizing her MA in History, she is also a USA Today bestselling novelist under the name Caroline Lee, with her 52nd book releasing later this month. You can find her at www.CarolineLeeRomance.com.
Sarah Lamb
Sarah Lamb is the Assistant Program Coordinator for the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative Program at Westfield State University. Sarah began as an education coach with the Westfield Public Schools supporting students with intellectual disability in inclusive postsecondary education. During her time as an educational coach, she promoted student growth and independence and provided academic and employment supports in a variety of settings. Sarah is the primary contact for students and coaches on the Westfield State University campus.
Stephanie Smith LeeStephanie Smith Lee has a long history of leadership in the movement to promote and expand inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE). In 2001, when her daughter, Laura, was in high school Stephanie approached George Mason University about creating the first inclusive university program, MasonLIFE. Laura and two friends were the first students. Shortly afterwards, Stephanie served as the Director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) in the US Department of Education (from 2002-2005) and in that position funded model IPSE programs and the development of the first national program database, used the bully pulpit and media to promote IPSE, and spearheaded the development of OSEP monitoring indicators that created accountability for postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities.
In 2005 through 2012, Stephanie directed the Riggio Postsecondary Education and Transition Project at the National Down Syndrome Society. Working with Madeleine Will, NDSS Board member, the project was instrumental in obtaining research funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitative Research (NIDRR), and Project of National Significance technical assistance funding from the Department of Health and Human Services. As Director of the Riggio project Stephanie worked with 13 states in developing state-wide advocacy efforts leading to IPSE and served as project director for a partnership with the College Transition Connection that developed five IPSE programs in South Carolina.
As chair of the Inclusive Higher Education Committee (IHEC), she led the effort to include financial aid for students with ID, and authorize TPSID model programs and the National Coordinating Center, in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. This involved working with Congress, drafting legislative language and Committee testimony, mobilizing the grassroots, and serving on the US Department of Education HEOA Negotiated Rulemaking Group. Since then, Stephanie has continued to serve as IHEC Co-Chair and leads work to develop consensus about the reauthorization of the HEA ID provisions. 100 organizations signed on to a letter to Congress with the IHEC recommendations and IHEC members are meeting with Congressional staff regarding the reauthorization.
In 2009, Stephanie collaborated with NIDRR and George Mason University on the first State of the Science conference. Since 2010 she has served on the Executive Committee of the State of the Art Conference on Postsecondary Education and Students with Intellectual Disabilities.
In 2013, Stephanie joined the National Down Syndrome Congress as Senior Policy Advisor with a focus on creating, expanding, and funding IPSE opportunities. In this role she co-chairs the IHEC and Chairs the National Coordinating Center Accreditation Workgroup that is creating model program standards. Stephanie provides technical assistance to programs and families, state and federal policy advice, and speaks frequently at state, national and international conferences.
Rob LeSueur
Rob LeSueur is the Community Integration Specialist within the Mason LIFE program, a program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at George Mason University. He is doctoral student of special education focusing on systematic change. Rob has worked with the Mason LIFE program for over 5 years in various roles. Rob LeSueur is a board member and project manager with Ukraine Special Needs Orphanages Fund (USNOF). He has been with USNOF since the beginning in 2002.
Ann Marie Licata
Dr. Ann Marie Licata serves as the Director of the Pennsylvania Inclusive Higher Education Consortium. She comes to her role with a breadth of experiences including classroom teaching, elementary and middle school principalships in both public and private schools, teaching in higher education and served as the Assistant State Director for a non-profit organization, Communities In Schools. With nearly 30 years of service to students, families, and the communities enable her to dynamically lead the activities of the Consortium. Her research interest in disability studies and advocacy, leadership, and institutional mission are a natural fit for the worthy work she pursues. Dr. Licata has successfully presented her research at state, national, and international levels. Her most recent publication “Focus on Down Syndrome…. A Case Study” is featured in Pediatric Physical Therapy, 5th edition. Inspired by her loving family which includes six children, Dr. Licata resides in Hummelstown, PA.
Jonathan Lindgus
Jonathan Lindgus has been a member of the UMSL community for over a decade. He received an M.Ed. in Counseling from UMSL in 2005 and is currently working toward a doctorate in Education. In 2007 Jonathan joined the Office of Residential Life as Director and in that role was part of the team that brought the Succeed Program to UMSL. After working with the program for over 5 years, in August 2017 Jonathan became the Director of Succeed. Jonathan’s academic research interests are in the area of intellectual and developmental disabilities in Higher Education.
Allison Maloney
Allison Maloney is a Lecturer for GA Tech Excel. She received her Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at Tulane University. Recently she worked at the New Orleans Health Department as a Program Coordinator in HIV/hepatitis prevention and substance use. While there she led capacity building efforts, spearheaded rapid testing events, and provided mental health, wellness and sexual health education for minority and LGBTQ youth. Allison is a graduate of Georgia Tech (BIOS ‘15) and a former Excel peer mentor. Allison was instrumental in designing and organizing Excel’s first Summer Academy. Upon returning to Excel, Allison has augmented the program by designing a Health and Wellness course, aiding with competency development, and editing curriculums focused on social skills and the transition out of college.
Reilly McCluskey
Reilly McCluskey is a sophomore at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Reilly is interested in political science and government
Megan McFarland
As a former English Learning Specialist for Vancouver Public Schools, Megan McFarland comes to TCIO with experience in a variety of inclusive classroom settings. She earned her BA in English Composition from Humboldt State University and her Masters of Education from Portland State University, along with a dual secondary teaching license in English and Special Education. Before joining TCIO, Megan was the director and curriculum designer for a national high school leadership education program.
Ashley McKeen
Ashley McKeen is the lecturer, academic advisor, and curriculum developer for the Excel program at Georgia Tech. She is an experienced mathematics teacher and has worked at the middle and high school levels. In her current position, she coordinates with professors around campus finding classes that can be modified so the students in Excel can find them meaningful to their educational development. Ashley is also pursuing her EdD in Educational Leadership at Georgia State University, focusing her dissertation topic on inclusive leadership in the postsecondary setting.
Matt McMahon
As a Program Coordinator for Violence Prevention at the University of Delaware, Matt implements educational programming for students. His efforts focus on underrepresented students. In his work, Matt helps students navigate the cultural issues surrounding sexuality, substance misuse, and expected behavior from an inclusive perspective. He holds an MA in International Relations and Diplomacy from Seton Hall University and has worked on preventing gender-based violence with the United Nations in Guatemala and Thailand. He also served as the Regional Advisor for Gender and Diversity with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Southeast Asia.
Doug Meeker
As the CEO/Founder of 3R Behavioral Solutions, the developers of the Life Sherpa behavioral training and support platform, Doug is channeling his technology background to help the neurodiverse lead more independent lives. Doug has been involved in disability initiatives since his son was diagnosed with Autism. As a board member, for A Place To Be, he has grown the organization from start-up to sustainability. Doug’s background is in digital media and software as a senior leader for AOL, Best Software, Examiner.com and Gannett. Doug serves on the Verizon Consumer Advisory Board and on the board of AHEDD, a disability employment organization.
Tracy Murphy
Tracy Murphy has an extensive background advocating for others and serving diverse populations. Her experience includes Director of Employment Services for Easter Seals Colorado, Special Education teacher for the Denver Public School system, and Program Supervisor of the Youth and Adult Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program for Jefferson County Human Services. Tracy has a BA in Communication Disorders with a minor in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She received the Jefferson County Human Services Inclusivity Award in 2017 and the Rocky Mountain Workforce Development Association Proud Partner Award in 2018.
Kagendo Mutua
Kagendo Mutua, Ph.D., is a Professor of Special Education, and Director/Co-Founder of the CrossingPoints Transition Program at the University of Alabama. Her expertise is in transition leadership and the education of youth with ID. She has more than 20 years of providing leadership, teaching, and researching transition of youth with ID. Additionally, Dr. Mutua has served in various transition-related roles, including coordinating transition services at Kent State’s Center for Innovation in Transition and Employment. Her research interests center on social justice issues of access and participation by persons marginalized due to the severity of their disability, race and/or class.
Beth Myers
Beth Myers, Ed.D. is the Executive Director of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University. She is also a Research Assistant Professor in the Teaching and Leadership Department of the School of Education, teaching in the Inclusive Elementary and Special Education Program and leading graduate students in a Special Education Consultant internship program. Beth holds degrees in elementary education, special education, and literacy from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania.
Lyndsey Nunes
Lyndsey Nunes, Ph.D., BCBA, has served as the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative Program Director at Westfield State University since 2013. Lyndsey has 10 years of experience working with students with disabilities between the ages of 8-22 in a variety of settings such as public & private substantially separate schools and home-based programs. She earned her Ph.D. from UMASS Amherst focusing her dissertation research on the development and enhancement of self-determination skills of students in inclusive PSE programs in Massachusetts. Lyndsey’s research interests include self-determination, inclusive PSE, dual-enrollment consortiums, developing data collection tools, program evaluation and staff development.
Clare Papay
Clare Papay is a Senior Research Associate at Think College at the Institute for Community Inclusion, UMass Boston, where she conducts research on inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disability. Clare works for the National Coordinating Center for the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities model demonstration program funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education.
Misty Parsley
Dr. Parsley has bachelors and masters degrees in Speech Language Pathology and a doctorate degree in Special Education Administration. She has dedicated her career to students with disabilities, previously serving as an autism consultant and special education coordinator in public schools. Misty is an associate professor and the Director of Special Education Programs at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN where she teaches in the graduate and undergraduate special education programs. She started the IDEAL program, Igniting the Dream of Education and Access at Lipscomb, in January 2014 and was a 2015 TPSID grant recipient.
Julie Pollard
Julie Pollard is the ief In that role, she directs ACHIEVE, the first inclusive post-secondary transition program in Washington State. Julie holds a Master’s degree in Education. Julie's passion for inclusion began at age 14 and hasn't faltered in the 33 years since. Her life's work has been focused on the meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities.
Alia M. Pustorino-Clevenger
Dr. Alia M. Pustorino-Clevenger serves as the Director for Student Life Assessment and Co-Curricular Community Engagement in the Division of Student Life at Duquesne University. She is a seasoned higher education professional whose work focuses on connecting students in meaningful non-academic community-based experiences and assessing learning and program outcomes. Her scholarly interests expand from this domain, exploring variables of persistence, self-efficacy and self-determination in student populations with specific interests in underrepresented, marginalized, or vulnerable populations. Dr. Pustorino-Clevenger also has done extensive research on basic needs insecurity and campus engagement as impact areas for 21st century collegians.
Denise Rozell
Denise Rozell is the Director, Policy Innovation at AUCD working primarily on issues affecting youth in post-secondary education, transition, employment and independent living. Denise has thirty years of experience in disability policy at the federal and state level working on almost all issues and legislation affecting individuals with disabilities beginning with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Before joining AUCD, Denise spent 15 years as the Assistant Vice President for State Government Relations at Easter Seals as the primary resource to Easter Seals 75 affiliates in building capacity to increase awareness of and support for disability issues in state government. Denise holds a BA in political science from Occidental College and a JD from the University of California, Berkeley.
Chelsea Russell
In her role at the VCU Center on Transition Innovations, Chelsea Russell supports various projects related to higher education and disability. This includes serving as an academic advisor and outreach/ volunteer coordinator for VCU ACE-IT in College, an inclusive college program for students with I/DD. She has previously worked in higher education academic affairs and as an elementary school teacher.
Amy K. Schuler
Amy K. Schuler has been with the Career and Community Studies Program since 2010. During this time she has supported and advanced the program in a variety of capacities including Academic Specialist and Vocational Coordinator. In her current role as Assistant Director, she is responsible for the program’s daily operations, student coordination and the advancement of core goals and partnerships. She also serves as an instructor for the CCS program and as an adjunct professor for The College of New Jersey’s First Seminar Program and the School of Education’s Department of Language and Literacy.
Amy received her BS in Communication from Boston University and her MAT in Special Education from The College of New Jersey. Prior to joining TCNJ, Amy had extensive experience in marketing, philanthropy, and event planning in both the private and public sectors.
James Sellers
James Sellers is the Program Manager for the Career and Life Studies Certificate (CLSC) program at the University of Delaware. He brings over a decade of experience with low-income, first generation transition programming to support CLSC students as they advocate for and engage with the academic, social, and career opportunities offered on the UD Campus and in the surrounding community.
Kristen Shields
Kristen Shields is a current student in CLSC and a UDaB participant. Kristen’s UDaB group partnered with the National Relief Network in Leesburg Florida to assist elderly and impoverished members of the community to maintain and repair homes in an effort to rebuild as they recover from hurricane damage.
Nicole Geiger is the Transition Career Specialist for ACHIEVE, an inclusive higher education program at Highline College in Des Moines, WA. In this role, she develops individualized internships for ACHIEVE students at community businesses. She previously worked for 5 years as an Employment Consultant at a supported employment services provider, where she found customized jobs for individuals with disabilities and supported them to be successful on the job.
Cara Streit
Cara has been with the Threshold Program for 12 years in multiple roles, including Director of Residence Life and Director of Alumni Programs. She also teaches in the undergraduate College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at Lesley University and is a member of several diversity and inclusion committees on campus. She specializes in facilitating and sustaining meaningful inclusion of ALL students in undergraduate courses, student activities, and other campus experiences. Cara holds a Doctorate in Education, a graduate certificate in Program Planning, Management, Monitoring & Evaluation and a Master's in Social Work.
Russ Thelin
Russ is a Senior Policy Fellow at the University of Massachusetts Boston Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI). A 28-year professional of the Vocational Rehabilitation program, he has worked in numerous capacities from clinician to executive. From these experiences, Russ has been sought to provide technical assistance in multiple programs for people with disabilities including, but not limited to; Vocational Rehabilitation, Developmental Disability, Higher Education, Social Security, Corrections and other agencies and organizations. Russ is a recipient of the Ethics in Government Award presented by the Daniel’s Ethics Fund, Zions Bank, and the University of Utah Eccles School of Business (2014). He is also the recipient of the Garth Eldredge Excellence in Rehabilitation Award of the Utah Rehabilitation Association.
Lisa Ulmer
Lisa Ulmer joined Destination Dawgs in 2016 as the Academic Instructor. Lisa is a full-time faculty member at the Institute on Human Development and Disability in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Lisa earned her PhD from UGA in Special Education in 2008 and received her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Florida State University. Previously, Lisa worked in special education for thirteen years. She has taught students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a community based vocational settings as well as in an inclusive classroom setting. She most recently served as a Department Head for Special Education in Oconee County. She is a member of AHEAD, the NEGATT RESA Transition Consortia and the GA Council for Exceptional Children among others.
Megan Vranicar
Megan Vranicar received her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Vanderbilt University. While a student at Vanderbilt, Megan served as an “ambassadore” for the Next Steps program and was highly involved in Vanderbilt’s Best Buddies chapter. She spent time teaching middle school special education before choosing to continue her involvement with the Next Steps program as a job coach. She also has experience researching and developing a plan for an inclusive higher education program for Columbia State Community College.
Jacquelyn Warren
Jackie received her M. Ed. in Counseling from UMSL and returned to work at the University in their Residential Life department. As Assistant Director, Jackie is responsible for all student staff, and residential programing that takes place on campus. She is a key member of the housing team that supports the students in UMSL’s post-secondary program Succeed that live on campus inclusively.
Cate Weir
Cate Weir is the project director for Think College National Coordinating Center (NCC) at the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston. In that position she works with the Think College team to coordinate all activities of the NCC, including training, technical assistance, research and dissemination. She has over 30 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live full lives in the community, including over a decade focused on inclusive postsecondary education.
Ryan Wennerlind
Ryan Wennerlind is the associate director of Project F.O.C.U.S. at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). Project F.O.C.U.S. is in its third year with 16 students with intellectual/developmental disabilities or autism who attend UNLV. In addition to being the associate director of Project F.O.C.U.S., Ryan is a third-year doctoral student at UNLV. His research interests include transition planning and post-secondary education outcomes for individual with intellectual disability.
Amy Williamson
Amy Williamson, Ph.D., currently serves as the CrossingPoints Program Coordinator at UA. She has worked with young adults with ID for over 15 years, through the education system and other community-based programing. Dr. Williamson’s true passion lies in supporting individuals with ID in realizing their value and reaching far beyond what they ever thought was possible. Her research centers around human rights, transition programing, and other related areas such as sexuality and disability. She serves on various local, statewide, and national committees as an advocate to further transition opportunities both in the community and in Institutions of Higher Education.
Kerri Wolfer
Kerri Wolfer serves as Campus Life Coordinator for the Transition and Access Program (TAP) at the University of Cincinnati. Kerri holds a Master of Social Work degree from Michigan State University and a BA in Psychology from Miami University. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the state of Ohio. In addition to teaching for TAP, she is responsible for collaboration with Resident Education & Development staff, management of the social learning programs, and supporting students in their residential communities.
Alex Zarabi
Alex Zarabi is a student in the Class of 2020 at Vanderbilt University enrolled through Next Steps. He enjoys playing and watching athletics, and he hopes to find a job where he can help others, particularly within the athletic field. He is a hardworking and dedicated young man who has completed internships with the Vanderbilt basketball teams, with the Preschool for Children with Autism at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, at the Green Hills YMCA, and with the Belmont University baseball team as an assistant to the athletic trainers.
W. Drew Andrews, EdD. is the Technical Assistance Coordinator at the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities at the University of Central Florida. He received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of North Florida and his specialist and Ed.D. from the University of Florida. Drew has taught elementary, middle and high school students with disabilities and developed transition programs for students ages 18-22.
Deb Arenberg
Deb Arenberg, M.Ed. is the Academic Coordinator of the Certificate in Undergraduate Studies in College and Career Attainment at Rhode Island College. Deb has worked at the Sherlock Center on Disabilities, Rhode Island’s UCEDD, for the past 11 years. She has worked on a variety of projects including statewide PBIS and MTSS and the Certificate of Graduate Studies in Autism Education. Deb is adjunct faculty at RIC, teaching courses in the Special Education and Disabilities Studies departments.
Joshua Baker
Josh is an Assistant Professor in special education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the current director and creator of F.O.C.U.S. Josh received his Ph.D. in 2008 from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in special education with a research emphasis on accessing the general education curriculum for students with Intellectual Disability and Autism. Josh came to UNLV in 2012 and started planning the inclusive post-secondary education program in Las Vegas. Josh has always been an advocate for full inclusion and believes that all individuals should be given the opportunity to achieve their personal goals!
Pamela Hudson Baker
Dr. Pamela Hudson Baker is an Associate Professor of special education and Director of the Division of Special Education and disAbility Research at George Mason University. She earned her doctorate in leadership studies from Bowling Green State University, and her M.Ed. and B.S. from the College of William and Mary. Dr. Baker has served as an investigator on a variety of state and federal grants to support educator preparation and focuses her research efforts on building capacity among teachers, administrators, and other educators to facilitate the responsible inclusion of exceptional learners across a variety of settings. She currently serves on the Executive Committee for the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) and as chair of the Product Review Committee for CASE. Prior to making the move to higher education, she was the coordinator of a regional day treatment center where students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) received specialized services.
Shelby Bates
Shelby Bates (LSW, BCBA) joined IN! after completing a Master of Social Work at Saint Louis University. During her time in St. Louis, she interned with Jobs with Justice, where she fell in love with community organizing. Prior to graduate school, Shelby completed a B.S. in Secondary Special Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and spent much time working with individuals with disabilities. Shelby is fueled by her experiences growing up with a sibling with a disability. Her position as Outreach Coordinator allows her to blend many of her passions.
John Beecher
John Beecher currently serves as the Budget Director for the School of Education at Syracuse University. He has worked in higher education for more than 15 years, with prior stops at Duke University, SUNY ESF, SUNY Cortland and Cornell University, primarily in research and financial administration. He is a Certified Research Administrator and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science both from the University at Buffalo.
Carley Blades
Carley Blades is the Assistant Director of Inclusive Education Services (IES) at the University of Central Florida. She has a M.Ed. in Counselor Education and is pursuing an EdD in Educational Leadership. Prior to working with IES, she worked for 6 years in Housing and Residence Life as a Resident Assistant and Graduate Resident Coordinator. She is passionate about on-campus housing and inclusive education.
Daniel Brawner
A native of Nashville, TN, Daniel Brawner graduated from Brentwood High School in 2016 with an Occupational Certification/Special Education Diploma. He is in the Class of 2020 at Vanderbilt University enrolled through the Next Steps. Prior to his college career, he spent his youth honing his outdoorsmen skills within the Boy Scouting of America program, which led him to receive the rank of Eagle Scout in 2014. Daniel enjoys spending his free time hunting, fishing, and flying drones. He also has a passion for his personal fitness, astronomy, and fast cars.
Mary Bryant
Mary Bryant developed and directs the Path to Independence (P2I) program at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR). P2I is in its 4th year and is a project of the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED), which is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). Bryant's inspiration for the program was her daughter, Kailin, who has Down syndrome. Kailin graduated from P2I in 2017. Bryant also coordinates the Think College Nevada Coalition, a group of universities, colleges and other Nevada stakeholders who are interested in expanding the postsecondary education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities in Nevada.
Stanley "Bud" Buckhout
Stanley “Bud” Buckhout is the Director of InclusiveU and Associate Director of the Taishoff Center of Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University. He has worked in education for over 20 years. He earned his Teaching Certificate, M.S. in Special Education and a C.A.S. from Le Moyne College. He has worked in exploring research and facilitation of groups to aid in the identification of student instructional needs at the collegiate, district and school level. He has implemented trainings at many educational levels to develop effective learning environments for students.
Bryana B. DeMonte
Bryana B. DeMonte has been with the Career and Community Studies Program as the Academic Coordinator since 2013. She is responsible for advising students through their course selection process as well as providing the supports and tools to be successful during their academic careers. Her role as academic coordinator provides her the opportunity to build relationships with faculty, staff, and mentors across TCNJ’s campus. She instructs several CCS core curriculum courses including Academic Support Seminar, Assistive Technology and Living Independently for Everyone. She also serves as an adjunct professor in the Liberal Learning Department and School of Education’s Department of Language and Literacy. Bryana has a special interest in Assistive Technology and enjoys researching new apps and software. She also enjoys guiding and supporting student mentors of the CCS program to reach their fullest potential as student leaders. Bryana received her Master of Arts in Special Education from The College of New Jersey and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Deaf Studies.
Neil Duchac
Neil Duchac, DrPH, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Social Work and Human Services and the Executive Director of the Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth at Kennesaw State University. Dr. Duchac's research interests include developmental disabilities, inclusive education, military mental health and the intersection of public and mental health.
Abby Farkash
Abby Farkash, a junior Neuroscience major, is one of 60+ site leaders for University of Delaware alternative Breaks (UDaB). UDaB is an entirely student-run student-led alternative break and social justice education program that serves around 600 undergraduate students on UD’s campus. UDaB immerses student-led teams in direct service and experiential learning with community organizations to increase knowledge of social justice issues and encourage life-long active citizenship.
Karly Grifasi
Karly Grifasi is a producer, events manager, and communications professional who works with the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education to develop marketing initiatives, events, websites, videos, and anything else to help further the mission of the Center. Her 20 years of experience in television production, working for Saturday Night Live, and NBC’s TODAY Show, combined with several years in the global non-profit world, have given her an innate ability to find creative solutions for any challenge.
Meg Grigal
Meg Grigal is a national expert on inclusive higher education and transition for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the co-director of Think College at the ICI at UMASS Boston. She serves as a principal investigator on a variety of research grants including: the I3 Think College Transition Model Project, the National Coordinating Center for TPSID Model Demonstration Programs and the Future Quest Island Stepping Up to Technology project. She co-authored the groundbreaking book, THINK COLLEGE, as well as many other book chapters, journal articles, and research to practice briefs and recently produced a short documentary on inclusive higher education.
Gary Hagy
Gary Hagy manages data, technology, and training systems at Wayfinders at Fresno State. He enjoys the freedom to bring new ideas and cutting-edge practices to an innovative program to ultimately improve the lives of others.
Ty Hanson
Ty Hanson is an inclusive higher education specialist for Think College at the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Ty supports students, families, and professionals as they navigate the transition from high school to college. She believes in the importance of using a student-centered and collaborative approach to transition planning while reinforcing the expectation that all students, including those with disabilities, have the right to achieve their college dreams. Ty's research interests include college based-transition services, program evaluation, dual-enrollment consortiums, sustainability, and inclusive research.
Kathy Hargis
Kathy Hargis has led Lipscomb University’s risk management program since 2005. She oversees emergency management, business continuity planning, Title IX compliance, international risk and safety, and environmental health and safety, along with the enterprise risk management duties for the university. With more than 25 years of experience in risk management, Hargis has also worked in the corporate field. She received the 2018 Distinguished Risk Manager Award from the University Risk Management and Insurance Association. Hargis has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Kentucky University and an MBA with a specialization in conflict management from Lipscomb University.
Julie Harmon
Julie Harmon is the Inclusion Coordinator at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Julie's expertise in inclusive education, accommodations and modification, advocacy and the law started 27 years ago when her son was born with Down syndrome. Julie spent 17 years as the Director of Parent Services at PEAK Parent Center, the Colorado Parent Training and Information Center before coming to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Julie is the proud parent of two boys with Down syndrome, Nick 27 and Noah 19. Julie works tirelessly to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and to see a world in which people with disabilities have the opportunity to realize their life aspirations.
Jasmine James
Jasmine James is the Program Coordinator for the Academy of Inclusive Learning and Social Growth at Kennesaw State University. In this role, she coordinates and supervises the Peer-Mentor Program. A native of New Orleans, Ms. James holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology . In, her spare time she may be found spending time with her family, volunteering, or making a trip home for some gumbo.
Rebecca Jewell
Rebecca Jewell is the CLSC Program Coordinator of Residential and Campus Engagement. Over the course of 4 years, Rebecca has served in a variety of roles within CLSC both as an undergraduate student and core staff.
Katie Johnson
Katie Johnson, a senior Public Policy major, serves as a Site Leader Trainer for University of Delaware Alternative Breaks (UDaB). UDaB is an entirely student-run student-led alternative break program that serves around 600 undergraduate students on UD’s campus. UDaB immerses student-led teams in direct service and experiential learning with community organizations to increase knowledge of social justice issues and encourage life-long active citizenship.
Erica R. Kaldenberg
Erica R. Kaldenberg is an Associate Research Scientist with the Univeristy of Iowa REACH program. She is interested in better understanding and improving outcomes for students with intellectual and cognitive disabilities who pursue postsecondary educational opportunities.
Christi Kasa
Christi Kasa, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor for the Department of Teaching and Learning and the Director of the Office of Inclusive Services in the College of Education at the University of Colorado. Her teaching, research, and consulting are guided by her passion to create successful inclusive schools for all students. Christi teaches both graduate and undergraduate classes focusing on differentiated instruction, best practice for inclusive schooling, and communication strategies for people with autism. Christi began her career teaching in the public schools of California as a general education teacher and special education teacher.
Diana “Dee” Katovitch
Diana “Dee” Katovitch is the Coordinator of the Peer2Peer Project, and Assistant Director of the Taishoff Center. She graduated from Syracuse University (B.S. School of Education ’90; Certificate of Advanced Study in Disability Studies, ’14) and SUNY Cortland (M.S. in Reading ‘95); and is a doctoral student in higher education at Syracuse University. She is the author of two books about students with intellectual disabilities: The Power to Spring Up: Postsecondary Education Opportunities for Students with Significant Disabilities (Woodbine House, 2009) and Beautiful Children (People Ink Press, 2016). Dee is also on Fulbright Specialist Roster in inclusive higher education.
Kelly R. Kelley
Dr. Kelly R. Kelley received her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Since 2010, she has served as the University Participant (UP) Program Coordinator, Consultant, and Co-Director. She is also an Associate Professor at Western Carolina University. She enjoys working with schools, families, and students from rural areas to improve secondary transition practices for young adults. Dr. Kelley has 33 publications including a recent book on postsecondary education. She has presented at 158 international, national, and state conferences. Her research interests include secondary transition, assistive technology, independent living, and inclusive postsecondary opportunities for individuals with intellectual disability.
Paula D. Kohler
Paula D. Kohler Ph.D. is Executive Director of the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and Professor of Exceptional Student Education at the University of Central Florida. She also serves as co-director of the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT) funded by the U. S. Department of Education, and is an Emeritus Professor at Western Michigan University from where she retired as Associate Vice President for Research.
Rachel Korpan Lee
Having been the Logistics Coordinator for the State of the Art Conference since 2011, Rachel considers it an honor to see the conference grow in size and scope, and her favorite part of the job is educating people about the possibilities of PSE for students with ID/DD. Utilizing her MA in History, she is also a USA Today bestselling novelist under the name Caroline Lee, with her 52nd book releasing later this month. You can find her at www.CarolineLeeRomance.com.
Sarah Lamb
Sarah Lamb is the Assistant Program Coordinator for the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative Program at Westfield State University. Sarah began as an education coach with the Westfield Public Schools supporting students with intellectual disability in inclusive postsecondary education. During her time as an educational coach, she promoted student growth and independence and provided academic and employment supports in a variety of settings. Sarah is the primary contact for students and coaches on the Westfield State University campus.
Stephanie Smith LeeStephanie Smith Lee has a long history of leadership in the movement to promote and expand inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE). In 2001, when her daughter, Laura, was in high school Stephanie approached George Mason University about creating the first inclusive university program, MasonLIFE. Laura and two friends were the first students. Shortly afterwards, Stephanie served as the Director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) in the US Department of Education (from 2002-2005) and in that position funded model IPSE programs and the development of the first national program database, used the bully pulpit and media to promote IPSE, and spearheaded the development of OSEP monitoring indicators that created accountability for postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities.
In 2005 through 2012, Stephanie directed the Riggio Postsecondary Education and Transition Project at the National Down Syndrome Society. Working with Madeleine Will, NDSS Board member, the project was instrumental in obtaining research funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitative Research (NIDRR), and Project of National Significance technical assistance funding from the Department of Health and Human Services. As Director of the Riggio project Stephanie worked with 13 states in developing state-wide advocacy efforts leading to IPSE and served as project director for a partnership with the College Transition Connection that developed five IPSE programs in South Carolina.
As chair of the Inclusive Higher Education Committee (IHEC), she led the effort to include financial aid for students with ID, and authorize TPSID model programs and the National Coordinating Center, in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. This involved working with Congress, drafting legislative language and Committee testimony, mobilizing the grassroots, and serving on the US Department of Education HEOA Negotiated Rulemaking Group. Since then, Stephanie has continued to serve as IHEC Co-Chair and leads work to develop consensus about the reauthorization of the HEA ID provisions. 100 organizations signed on to a letter to Congress with the IHEC recommendations and IHEC members are meeting with Congressional staff regarding the reauthorization.
In 2009, Stephanie collaborated with NIDRR and George Mason University on the first State of the Science conference. Since 2010 she has served on the Executive Committee of the State of the Art Conference on Postsecondary Education and Students with Intellectual Disabilities.
In 2013, Stephanie joined the National Down Syndrome Congress as Senior Policy Advisor with a focus on creating, expanding, and funding IPSE opportunities. In this role she co-chairs the IHEC and Chairs the National Coordinating Center Accreditation Workgroup that is creating model program standards. Stephanie provides technical assistance to programs and families, state and federal policy advice, and speaks frequently at state, national and international conferences.
Rob LeSueur
Rob LeSueur is the Community Integration Specialist within the Mason LIFE program, a program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at George Mason University. He is doctoral student of special education focusing on systematic change. Rob has worked with the Mason LIFE program for over 5 years in various roles. Rob LeSueur is a board member and project manager with Ukraine Special Needs Orphanages Fund (USNOF). He has been with USNOF since the beginning in 2002.
Ann Marie Licata
Dr. Ann Marie Licata serves as the Director of the Pennsylvania Inclusive Higher Education Consortium. She comes to her role with a breadth of experiences including classroom teaching, elementary and middle school principalships in both public and private schools, teaching in higher education and served as the Assistant State Director for a non-profit organization, Communities In Schools. With nearly 30 years of service to students, families, and the communities enable her to dynamically lead the activities of the Consortium. Her research interest in disability studies and advocacy, leadership, and institutional mission are a natural fit for the worthy work she pursues. Dr. Licata has successfully presented her research at state, national, and international levels. Her most recent publication “Focus on Down Syndrome…. A Case Study” is featured in Pediatric Physical Therapy, 5th edition. Inspired by her loving family which includes six children, Dr. Licata resides in Hummelstown, PA.
Jonathan Lindgus
Jonathan Lindgus has been a member of the UMSL community for over a decade. He received an M.Ed. in Counseling from UMSL in 2005 and is currently working toward a doctorate in Education. In 2007 Jonathan joined the Office of Residential Life as Director and in that role was part of the team that brought the Succeed Program to UMSL. After working with the program for over 5 years, in August 2017 Jonathan became the Director of Succeed. Jonathan’s academic research interests are in the area of intellectual and developmental disabilities in Higher Education.
Allison Maloney
Allison Maloney is a Lecturer for GA Tech Excel. She received her Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at Tulane University. Recently she worked at the New Orleans Health Department as a Program Coordinator in HIV/hepatitis prevention and substance use. While there she led capacity building efforts, spearheaded rapid testing events, and provided mental health, wellness and sexual health education for minority and LGBTQ youth. Allison is a graduate of Georgia Tech (BIOS ‘15) and a former Excel peer mentor. Allison was instrumental in designing and organizing Excel’s first Summer Academy. Upon returning to Excel, Allison has augmented the program by designing a Health and Wellness course, aiding with competency development, and editing curriculums focused on social skills and the transition out of college.
Reilly McCluskey
Reilly McCluskey is a sophomore at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Reilly is interested in political science and government
Megan McFarland
As a former English Learning Specialist for Vancouver Public Schools, Megan McFarland comes to TCIO with experience in a variety of inclusive classroom settings. She earned her BA in English Composition from Humboldt State University and her Masters of Education from Portland State University, along with a dual secondary teaching license in English and Special Education. Before joining TCIO, Megan was the director and curriculum designer for a national high school leadership education program.
Ashley McKeen
Ashley McKeen is the lecturer, academic advisor, and curriculum developer for the Excel program at Georgia Tech. She is an experienced mathematics teacher and has worked at the middle and high school levels. In her current position, she coordinates with professors around campus finding classes that can be modified so the students in Excel can find them meaningful to their educational development. Ashley is also pursuing her EdD in Educational Leadership at Georgia State University, focusing her dissertation topic on inclusive leadership in the postsecondary setting.
Matt McMahon
As a Program Coordinator for Violence Prevention at the University of Delaware, Matt implements educational programming for students. His efforts focus on underrepresented students. In his work, Matt helps students navigate the cultural issues surrounding sexuality, substance misuse, and expected behavior from an inclusive perspective. He holds an MA in International Relations and Diplomacy from Seton Hall University and has worked on preventing gender-based violence with the United Nations in Guatemala and Thailand. He also served as the Regional Advisor for Gender and Diversity with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Southeast Asia.
Doug Meeker
As the CEO/Founder of 3R Behavioral Solutions, the developers of the Life Sherpa behavioral training and support platform, Doug is channeling his technology background to help the neurodiverse lead more independent lives. Doug has been involved in disability initiatives since his son was diagnosed with Autism. As a board member, for A Place To Be, he has grown the organization from start-up to sustainability. Doug’s background is in digital media and software as a senior leader for AOL, Best Software, Examiner.com and Gannett. Doug serves on the Verizon Consumer Advisory Board and on the board of AHEDD, a disability employment organization.
Tracy Murphy
Tracy Murphy has an extensive background advocating for others and serving diverse populations. Her experience includes Director of Employment Services for Easter Seals Colorado, Special Education teacher for the Denver Public School system, and Program Supervisor of the Youth and Adult Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program for Jefferson County Human Services. Tracy has a BA in Communication Disorders with a minor in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She received the Jefferson County Human Services Inclusivity Award in 2017 and the Rocky Mountain Workforce Development Association Proud Partner Award in 2018.
Kagendo Mutua
Kagendo Mutua, Ph.D., is a Professor of Special Education, and Director/Co-Founder of the CrossingPoints Transition Program at the University of Alabama. Her expertise is in transition leadership and the education of youth with ID. She has more than 20 years of providing leadership, teaching, and researching transition of youth with ID. Additionally, Dr. Mutua has served in various transition-related roles, including coordinating transition services at Kent State’s Center for Innovation in Transition and Employment. Her research interests center on social justice issues of access and participation by persons marginalized due to the severity of their disability, race and/or class.
Beth Myers
Beth Myers, Ed.D. is the Executive Director of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University. She is also a Research Assistant Professor in the Teaching and Leadership Department of the School of Education, teaching in the Inclusive Elementary and Special Education Program and leading graduate students in a Special Education Consultant internship program. Beth holds degrees in elementary education, special education, and literacy from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania.
Lyndsey Nunes
Lyndsey Nunes, Ph.D., BCBA, has served as the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative Program Director at Westfield State University since 2013. Lyndsey has 10 years of experience working with students with disabilities between the ages of 8-22 in a variety of settings such as public & private substantially separate schools and home-based programs. She earned her Ph.D. from UMASS Amherst focusing her dissertation research on the development and enhancement of self-determination skills of students in inclusive PSE programs in Massachusetts. Lyndsey’s research interests include self-determination, inclusive PSE, dual-enrollment consortiums, developing data collection tools, program evaluation and staff development.
Clare Papay
Clare Papay is a Senior Research Associate at Think College at the Institute for Community Inclusion, UMass Boston, where she conducts research on inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disability. Clare works for the National Coordinating Center for the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities model demonstration program funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education.
Misty Parsley
Dr. Parsley has bachelors and masters degrees in Speech Language Pathology and a doctorate degree in Special Education Administration. She has dedicated her career to students with disabilities, previously serving as an autism consultant and special education coordinator in public schools. Misty is an associate professor and the Director of Special Education Programs at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN where she teaches in the graduate and undergraduate special education programs. She started the IDEAL program, Igniting the Dream of Education and Access at Lipscomb, in January 2014 and was a 2015 TPSID grant recipient.
Julie Pollard
Julie Pollard is the ief In that role, she directs ACHIEVE, the first inclusive post-secondary transition program in Washington State. Julie holds a Master’s degree in Education. Julie's passion for inclusion began at age 14 and hasn't faltered in the 33 years since. Her life's work has been focused on the meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities.
Alia M. Pustorino-Clevenger
Dr. Alia M. Pustorino-Clevenger serves as the Director for Student Life Assessment and Co-Curricular Community Engagement in the Division of Student Life at Duquesne University. She is a seasoned higher education professional whose work focuses on connecting students in meaningful non-academic community-based experiences and assessing learning and program outcomes. Her scholarly interests expand from this domain, exploring variables of persistence, self-efficacy and self-determination in student populations with specific interests in underrepresented, marginalized, or vulnerable populations. Dr. Pustorino-Clevenger also has done extensive research on basic needs insecurity and campus engagement as impact areas for 21st century collegians.
Denise Rozell
Denise Rozell is the Director, Policy Innovation at AUCD working primarily on issues affecting youth in post-secondary education, transition, employment and independent living. Denise has thirty years of experience in disability policy at the federal and state level working on almost all issues and legislation affecting individuals with disabilities beginning with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Before joining AUCD, Denise spent 15 years as the Assistant Vice President for State Government Relations at Easter Seals as the primary resource to Easter Seals 75 affiliates in building capacity to increase awareness of and support for disability issues in state government. Denise holds a BA in political science from Occidental College and a JD from the University of California, Berkeley.
Chelsea Russell
In her role at the VCU Center on Transition Innovations, Chelsea Russell supports various projects related to higher education and disability. This includes serving as an academic advisor and outreach/ volunteer coordinator for VCU ACE-IT in College, an inclusive college program for students with I/DD. She has previously worked in higher education academic affairs and as an elementary school teacher.
Amy K. Schuler
Amy K. Schuler has been with the Career and Community Studies Program since 2010. During this time she has supported and advanced the program in a variety of capacities including Academic Specialist and Vocational Coordinator. In her current role as Assistant Director, she is responsible for the program’s daily operations, student coordination and the advancement of core goals and partnerships. She also serves as an instructor for the CCS program and as an adjunct professor for The College of New Jersey’s First Seminar Program and the School of Education’s Department of Language and Literacy.
Amy received her BS in Communication from Boston University and her MAT in Special Education from The College of New Jersey. Prior to joining TCNJ, Amy had extensive experience in marketing, philanthropy, and event planning in both the private and public sectors.
James Sellers
James Sellers is the Program Manager for the Career and Life Studies Certificate (CLSC) program at the University of Delaware. He brings over a decade of experience with low-income, first generation transition programming to support CLSC students as they advocate for and engage with the academic, social, and career opportunities offered on the UD Campus and in the surrounding community.
Kristen Shields
Kristen Shields is a current student in CLSC and a UDaB participant. Kristen’s UDaB group partnered with the National Relief Network in Leesburg Florida to assist elderly and impoverished members of the community to maintain and repair homes in an effort to rebuild as they recover from hurricane damage.
Nicole Geiger is the Transition Career Specialist for ACHIEVE, an inclusive higher education program at Highline College in Des Moines, WA. In this role, she develops individualized internships for ACHIEVE students at community businesses. She previously worked for 5 years as an Employment Consultant at a supported employment services provider, where she found customized jobs for individuals with disabilities and supported them to be successful on the job.
Cara Streit
Cara has been with the Threshold Program for 12 years in multiple roles, including Director of Residence Life and Director of Alumni Programs. She also teaches in the undergraduate College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at Lesley University and is a member of several diversity and inclusion committees on campus. She specializes in facilitating and sustaining meaningful inclusion of ALL students in undergraduate courses, student activities, and other campus experiences. Cara holds a Doctorate in Education, a graduate certificate in Program Planning, Management, Monitoring & Evaluation and a Master's in Social Work.
Russ Thelin
Russ is a Senior Policy Fellow at the University of Massachusetts Boston Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI). A 28-year professional of the Vocational Rehabilitation program, he has worked in numerous capacities from clinician to executive. From these experiences, Russ has been sought to provide technical assistance in multiple programs for people with disabilities including, but not limited to; Vocational Rehabilitation, Developmental Disability, Higher Education, Social Security, Corrections and other agencies and organizations. Russ is a recipient of the Ethics in Government Award presented by the Daniel’s Ethics Fund, Zions Bank, and the University of Utah Eccles School of Business (2014). He is also the recipient of the Garth Eldredge Excellence in Rehabilitation Award of the Utah Rehabilitation Association.
Lisa Ulmer
Lisa Ulmer joined Destination Dawgs in 2016 as the Academic Instructor. Lisa is a full-time faculty member at the Institute on Human Development and Disability in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Lisa earned her PhD from UGA in Special Education in 2008 and received her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Florida State University. Previously, Lisa worked in special education for thirteen years. She has taught students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a community based vocational settings as well as in an inclusive classroom setting. She most recently served as a Department Head for Special Education in Oconee County. She is a member of AHEAD, the NEGATT RESA Transition Consortia and the GA Council for Exceptional Children among others.
Megan Vranicar
Megan Vranicar received her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Vanderbilt University. While a student at Vanderbilt, Megan served as an “ambassadore” for the Next Steps program and was highly involved in Vanderbilt’s Best Buddies chapter. She spent time teaching middle school special education before choosing to continue her involvement with the Next Steps program as a job coach. She also has experience researching and developing a plan for an inclusive higher education program for Columbia State Community College.
Jacquelyn Warren
Jackie received her M. Ed. in Counseling from UMSL and returned to work at the University in their Residential Life department. As Assistant Director, Jackie is responsible for all student staff, and residential programing that takes place on campus. She is a key member of the housing team that supports the students in UMSL’s post-secondary program Succeed that live on campus inclusively.
Cate Weir
Cate Weir is the project director for Think College National Coordinating Center (NCC) at the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston. In that position she works with the Think College team to coordinate all activities of the NCC, including training, technical assistance, research and dissemination. She has over 30 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live full lives in the community, including over a decade focused on inclusive postsecondary education.
Ryan Wennerlind
Ryan Wennerlind is the associate director of Project F.O.C.U.S. at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). Project F.O.C.U.S. is in its third year with 16 students with intellectual/developmental disabilities or autism who attend UNLV. In addition to being the associate director of Project F.O.C.U.S., Ryan is a third-year doctoral student at UNLV. His research interests include transition planning and post-secondary education outcomes for individual with intellectual disability.
Amy Williamson
Amy Williamson, Ph.D., currently serves as the CrossingPoints Program Coordinator at UA. She has worked with young adults with ID for over 15 years, through the education system and other community-based programing. Dr. Williamson’s true passion lies in supporting individuals with ID in realizing their value and reaching far beyond what they ever thought was possible. Her research centers around human rights, transition programing, and other related areas such as sexuality and disability. She serves on various local, statewide, and national committees as an advocate to further transition opportunities both in the community and in Institutions of Higher Education.
Kerri Wolfer
Kerri Wolfer serves as Campus Life Coordinator for the Transition and Access Program (TAP) at the University of Cincinnati. Kerri holds a Master of Social Work degree from Michigan State University and a BA in Psychology from Miami University. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the state of Ohio. In addition to teaching for TAP, she is responsible for collaboration with Resident Education & Development staff, management of the social learning programs, and supporting students in their residential communities.
Alex Zarabi
Alex Zarabi is a student in the Class of 2020 at Vanderbilt University enrolled through Next Steps. He enjoys playing and watching athletics, and he hopes to find a job where he can help others, particularly within the athletic field. He is a hardworking and dedicated young man who has completed internships with the Vanderbilt basketball teams, with the Preschool for Children with Autism at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, at the Green Hills YMCA, and with the Belmont University baseball team as an assistant to the athletic trainers.