Brian Abery
Brian Abery, Ph.D. serves as a Senior Research Associate at the University of Minnesota's Institute on Community Integration. He is Director of the Rehabilitation and Research Center on Home and Community Based Services Outcome Measurement, Principal Investigator of the National Center for College Students with Disabilities, Co-Director of the ICI’s Global Disability Rights and Inclusion Program, as well as adjunct faculty in the Special Education Program. He has been PI of numerous federal and state projects designed to enhance the self-determination, social inclusion, and employment of youth with disabilities. Current projects include a nation-wide evaluation of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program and the development of a culturally responsive education program for teaching youth and young adults with IDD and trusted support teams skills in supported decision making (SDM).
Maddie Adams
Maddie Adams is an Access Consultant in East Carolina University’s Disability Support Services, bringing both professional experience and community connections to the role she began in 2023. She has several years of experience working with individuals with disabilities in K-12 settings and nonprofit sectors. As a newer professional in higher education, Maddie brings a fresh, balanced perspective to accessibility work, making her insights especially valuable for audiences of all experience levels. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education at ECU, where her dedication to accessibility and strong community connections have quickly made her a trusted resource for faculty, staff, and students alike.
Rachel Adams
Rachel Adams, M.Ed. (she/her) is a Ph.D. candidate in Higher Education and the Associate Director of the Disability Services Office at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she oversees students coaching/mentoring programs, offers campus education and training on various disability-related topics, and instructs two undergraduate classes. Her research interests are centered around access to and through higher education, inclusive pedagogy, disability identity development, and disability justice in higher education.
James Albrecht
James Albrecht, M.S.Ed. works as an Accessibility Specialist at Portland Community College (PCC), is a member of the Committee on Accessible College Culture and identifies as a college employee with a disability. James has worked in the accessibility services field for 11 years and is passionate about working with students and employees to remove barriers and develop community and culture.
Luisana Alvarez
Luisana Alvarez is a native Tucsonan and University of Arizona alumna with a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education with a bilingual emphasis. She was a 6th grade math teacher for students with learning disabilities for 6 years prior to making the change to higher education. Now Luisana is an Access Consultant for the University of Arizona’s Disability Resource Center, working with first year students. She is also the liaison to the cultural centers.
Jamilah Anderson
Jamilah Anderson, M.Ed. is the Associate Director of Disability Services at George Mason University. She received her BA in Music from the University of Richmond and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership (Administration and Supervision) from Virginia Commonwealth University. In her nearly 20-year career in education, she has spent over 15 years working with and advocating for people with disabilities in the community, K-12 and post-secondary environments. After her K-12 experiences as a special educator, school-based administrator, and then district-level administrator, she made a professional transition to higher education to join Disability Services at George Mason University as the Associate Director of the Mason Autism Support Initiative in 2018. She has been the Associate Director of Disability Services since February 2020.
Karen Andrews
Karen Andrews, M.Ed. is an aspirational, inspirational, and transformational leader in higher education disability services. With more than 15 years of higher education disability experience and more than 12 years in K12 special education as a teacher and special education administrator, Karen brings a passion to the work that is rooted and grounded in a social justice model of disability services that focuses on participation, access, equity, diversity, and rights. Karen currently serves as the Executive Director of the Disability Resource Center at the University of Arizona. She has past experience at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, the University of California Irvine, the University of Alaska Anchorage, George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, and Strayer University in Manassas, Virginia. Karen’s work extends nationally has served on the Board of the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) as a Director-at-Large for six years, is the current AHEAD Board liaison to the Knowledge and Practice Communities, and is a former chair for the organization’s Race, Ethnicity, Diversity and Disability (REDD) Knowledge and Practice Community. She is the 2022 awardee for the AHEAD Duraese Hall Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award. Karen is an experienced and inspirational conference speaker and presenter. Every day, Karen and her service animal, Dooley, show up to advance the cause of disability rights, promoting wellbeing and belonging for all. Karen earned a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education and an M.Ed. in Adult Education and Development.
Amy Apicerno
Amy Apicerno, Ed.D's higher education experience spans over 20 years and includes providing and overseeing student support services in various roles at different types of institutions of higher education up and down the east coast of the US. She pursued doctoral studies to focus on access and retention for underrepresented student populations and has served as a career advisor, director of advising and student services, registrar, assistant vice president and associate dean of academic services.
Katherine C. Aquino
Katherine C. Aquino, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Administrative and Instructional Leadership and the Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnerships in The School of Education at St. John’s University. Dr. Aquino holds a B.S. in Psychology, an M.A. in School Psychology, a Ph.D. in Higher Education Policy, and an Advanced Certificate in Instructional Design and Delivery. Her research focuses on disability and accessibility within the organizational environment and is dedicated to investigating the complexity of disability in the postsecondary setting. Her work has been published in the Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, Journal of College Student Development, and the Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, among others. She has co-authored and co-edited the books Disability as Diversity in Higher Education: Policies and Practices to Enhance Student Success and Improving Postsecondary Choice and Pathways: Student Access and College Match. Her newest book, The New Accessibility in Higher Education: Disrupting the System for an Inclusive Future, is scheduled to be published in spring 2025 by Oxford University Press. Katherine has significant experience in accreditation, assessment, and program review initiatives and works with organizations to ensure data integrity, compliance, and program effectiveness. Katherine consults on topics around accessibility, program review, and data accountability.
Jennifer Randhare Ashton
Jennifer Randhare Ashton, Ph.D. (she/her) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Education and Human Development at SUNY Brockport. She teaches future inclusive educators at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Her research interests include examining contemporary P-12 special education and higher education practices from a Disability Studies in Education perspective. She has written several scholarly articles that have been published in the International Journal of Inclusive Education, International Journal of Whole Schooling, Classroom Discourse, Teacher Education Quarterly, and the Peace Review Journal.
Jenna Atkinson
Jenna Atkinson, M.L.S. serves as the Director of Access at HEC Partners, consulting with institutions of higher education on providing accommodations for students with disabilities. Jenna brings over 12 years of experience in Disability Resources & Services, with a comprehensive background in ADA compliance, case management, assistive technology, and electronic and information technology. She holds a Master’s Degree in Legal Studies from the University of Arizona. Jenna's career includes previous roles at Mesa Community College, Utah Valley University, and Texas A&M-San Antonio, further enriching her expertise in the field. She has presented on disability topics at national disability and education conferences such as Postsecondary Training Institute, Accessing Higher Ground, and state chapters of AHEAD. Outside of her professional life, Jenna is passionate about traveling and enjoys spending time with her dog.
Brenda E. Aviles
Brenda E. Avilés (she/her/hers/ella) serves as a District ACCESS Advisor for Disability Services at Collin College. Bringing over twenty years of experience in higher education across various roles in public and private institutions, Brenda integrates her personal insights from navigating her own disabilities and parenting a disabled college student. Currently, she’s a doctoral candidate in the Higher Education program at the University of North Texas (UNT), where her scholarly research explores the work of Disability Resource Professionals at the nexus of disability culture and accessibility to critically examine how sociopolitical frameworks within campus support systems shape the identities and experiences of disabled college students, aiming to contribute thoughtfully to the field's understanding and practices.
Jamie Axelrod
Jamie Axelrod, M.S. is the Director of Disability Resources at Northern Arizona University and Past-President of AHEAD. Jamie presents regularly on topics related to disability access and higher education, having expertise in disability law and policy, communication and information technology (ICT) access, and the reasonable accommodation process. Jamie is a regular and well-respected contributor to professional listservs, including AHEAD’s discussion boards, and is a go-to consultant for complex issues. He has worked for the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s athletic department, as a mental health therapist, and for Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc., a disability rights advocacy law firm where he served as an advocate for individuals with disabilities who were claiming that their civil rights had been violated. Jamie has served as co-chair of Northern Arizona University’s Commission on Disability Access and Design and on AHEAD’s Board of Directors.
Sonia Badesha
Sonia Badesha, MRC, CRC (she/her) is Director of the Student Disability Resource Center at the University of South Carolina. She earned her Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling with a focus on Psychiatric Disabilities from USC in 2012 and maintains an active Certified Rehabilitation Counselor credential. She has worked with the SDRC since 2012, serving as consultant and advisor on matters of compliance, policy, and student accommodations. In her role as Director, she oversees disability and accessibility related matters at South Carolina and facilitates accommodations for students with disabilities on the Columbia and Palmetto College campuses as well as the Law School and School of Medicine.
Jossette Bailey
Jossette Bailey, M.A. (she/they) is an Access Consultant at Purdue University. Prior to joining Purdue, Jossette served as an Accommodation Specialist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she took on a variety of roles within the disability services team. After completing five years as a graduate student in the Department of Romance Studies and serving as a Graduate Teaching Fellow in French, Jossette's passion for fostering disability acceptance, inclusion, and advocacy led them to transition into the field of disability services.
Ornella Barile
Ornella Barile, M.S. is an accessibility manager who provides support and resources to students with documented disabilities, including students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She also works closely with students and their families while engaging in the interactive process to determine the appropriate supports for their needs. Her duties include providing reasonable accommodations, offering academic advising, career guidance, and ensuring compliance with ADA, Section 504, and FERPA. As manager and cluster chair for the Center for Student Accessibility (CSA), she provides leadership and training, and collaborates with internal and external partners, including Palm Beach County School District, FAU CARD, Palm Beach County Library System, Division of Blind Services and Lighthouse of Broward.
Lucy Barnard-Brak
Lucy Barnard-Brak is a Professor of Special Education at the University of Alabama. Her research examines the educational experiences and outcomes of individuals with disabilities.
Victoria Benjamin-Banks
Victoria Benjamin-Banks, M.A. serves as the Director of the Survivor Advocacy and Feminist Education (SAFE) Center. Victoria is a first-generation college graduate and CSU alum, having earned two Bachelor’s in Sociology and Women and Gender Studies. She also holds a master’s degree in Ethnic Studies, where her focus was on white women’s racialization and intersectional considerations for domestic violence survivors. She’s an intersectional feminist with a background in massage therapy and energy work. Victoria also served as an advocate at Crossroads Safehouse during her undergraduate education. Her personal experiences as a white, cis-gender, working-class single mother and survivor helped her understand the nuanced importance of contending with dominant identities, especially Whiteness, while also healing from trauma. Victoria loves the month of October, spending time with her partner and children, hiking, watching stand-up comedy, making herbal infusions, and raging against white supremacy and the patriarchy.
Barclay Bentley
Barclay Bentley, M.Ed., CRC has been working with individuals with disabilities for 20 years; starting with summer programs for children and teenagers and continuing into higher education. Barclay holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master of Rehabilitation Counseling, both from Auburn University (AU). In 2011, Barclay joined the AU Office of Accessibility (OA) as a graduate student. He was hired full-time as an Accommodation Specialist in 2013, promoted to Assistant Director in 2018, and named OA Director in May 2022. Barclay leads the OA staff as they support AU students, and also serves as the primary contact for accommodations related to Housing, Dining, and Service Animals.
Jennifer Biggers
Jennifer Biggers, M.Ed. is the lead disability specialist at the Student Disability Resource Center at the University of California, Riverside. In this role, she supports students with disabilities across undergraduate and graduate programs, including UCR’s School of Medicine. With 17 years of experience in disability services, Jennifer began her journey working in the K-12 setting with students with disabilities as both a teacher and administrator. Her expertise lies in executive functioning support, creating mentorship opportunities, and program development. Jennifer currently oversees the SDRC Peer Mentor Program, SDRC Bootcamp (transition readiness support), and along with campus partners, “The Multi-Sensory Experience” events.
Jennifer Billeci
Jennifer Billeci serves as the Executive Director of the Student Disability Center at the University of California, Davis, where she leads a dynamic team in support of 4,300+ disabled students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With more than 20 years of experience in disability services on higher education campuses, her leadership is defined by a commitment to innovation, cross-campus collaboration, and improving the overall educational experience for disabled students. Her professional background spans both public and private institutions, giving her a comprehensive perspective on disability compliance, student advocacy, and institutional policy development.
Kelsey Bohlke
Kelsey Bohlke, LPC, CRC, is the Assistant Director for Emory Oaks, a program to help autistic students navigate Emory University during their time on campus. She also partners with other on-campus departments and organizations to ensure they feel confident in their ability to support and include neurodiverse students in the campus community and co-teaches Emory’s neurodiversity course with Dr. Segall. Ms. Bohlke received her BA from Emory University and an MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from Georgia State University.
Jamie Bojarski
Jamie Bojarski, Ph.D. is the Director of Student Access at Vanderbilt University and has been in the role since 2018. After graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, she began her work in disability services as a therapeutic aid in the K-12 system. She then worked as a graduate assistant in the Disability Services and Programs office while working on her MEd at the University of Southern California. Upon graduation, Jamie worked as a support services coordinator at Indiana University and then as the assistant director of the disability resource office at NC State University. While at NCSU, Jamie earned her Ph.D. in Educational Research. Jamie truly enjoys the students and colleagues she works with on a daily basis.
Blaze Bowers
Blaze Bowers, J.D. (he/him) is a Regional Director for Client Relations & Engagement for Grand River Solutions. In this role, Blaze facilitates relationships with prospective and current clients. He partners with schools, businesses, non-profits, and institutions of varying types, collaborating to assess organizational needs, identifying relevant solution services, and supporting clients through the implementation of products and services. Blaze engages with Grand River Solutions leadership and team members in strategic planning and business development, while collaborating to identify emerging needs and future solutions in the various client sectors.Blaze is an experienced executive and cabinet-level higher education student affairs and compliance administrator and university-level instructor, having served as Chief Student Affairs Officer, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Compliance, a Title IX Coordinator, an Institutional Compliance Officer, and an adjunct faculty member. In his previous role, Blaze served as Assistant Vice President for Academic and Student Support Services & Senior Title IX and Institutional Compliance Officer at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU).
Kelli Bradley
Kelli Bradley, LMSW, MBA, is the Executive Director of Disability and Access at the University of Texas at Austin, where she has advocated for and overseen the growth of staff and resources necessary to support and accommodate the increasing numbers of students with disabilities seeking accommodations. Kelli has been a regular presenter at the AHEAD conferences and served as a consultant for disability services offices at other universities regarding best practices for policies and procedures. Kelli has built successful partnerships that have contributed to a shared understanding of, and responsibility for, ensuring access for students across campus. Kelli is a lifelong learner who prioritizes and encourages professional development in the field of disability in higher education as well as in areas that advance skills and knowledge more broadly.
Ashley Brickley
Ashley Brickley is the Director of the Disability Center at Mizzou, where she leads efforts to create an inclusive campus for disabled students. With over 15 years in higher education disability resources, she combines her professional and personal perspectives as a disabled woman to advocate for accessibility and inclusion in higher education. Ashley received her Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Psychology at Iowa State University, her Master of Arts in Education in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs at the University of Northern Iowa, and is currently a PhD candidate in the Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis program at Mizzou.
Rick Bryck
Rick Bryck, Ph.D.’s work centers on the study of executive function (EF), including understanding disparities in EF, and testing the efficacy of interventions, programs, and strategies aimed at enhancing EF. He has served as an investigator on grants exploring: a cognitive training program for low income children, the well-being and academic effects of resilience training for neurodivergent college students, the effects of metacognitive and EF scaffolds in math problem solving, and as both a program evaluator and campus lead on NSF funded projects providing STEM mentoring for neurodivergent students. Rick regularly presents professional learning workshops on EF and educational techniques for enhancing learning, and regularly teaches an online course for educators, Student Engagement, Self-Regulation, and Motivation.
Andrew Buck
Andrew Buck, Ph.D. is a Research Scientist at The Ohio State University Nisonger Center. He earned his PhD in Educational Policy from OSU's College of Education and Human Ecology. Andrew leads the Northeast Hub region for the National Science Foundation Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES initiative, The Alliance of Students with Disabilities for Inclusion, Networking, and Transition Opportunities in STEM, which aims to increase the quantity of students with disabilities earning STEM degrees and transitioning to the STEM workforce through implementation of a model mentorship program. His current research aims to amplify the voice and perspective of Autistic STEM students through interviews, which inquire about academic, social, and employment supports and services deemed valuable for promoting their success. He serves as co-advisor for an OSU student organization supporting STEM students with disabilities and allies.
Tessa Cahill
Tessa Cahill, M.A. is the Inaugural Director of the Accessibility and Disability Service at the University of Maryland. She obtained a BS in Communication Disorders with a specialization in Deaf Studies and Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from Springfield College and a MA in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Tessa has dedicated her professional career to assisting college students with disabilities navigate their college experience. Tessa is also involved with the MidAtlantic ADA Center's Leadership Network, and the Maryland chapter of the Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD).
John Caldora
John Caldora, M.Ed. is the Associate Director of Student Accessibility Services at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.
Bree Callahan
Bree Callahan, M.Ed. is the ADA Coordinator at the University of Washington and provides leadership, coordination, and oversight to advance the University’s strategic priorities relating to access and accessibility. She has over 20 years’ experience in higher education, determining accommodations and providing consultation on ADA compliance matters of digital, physical, and program access. Bree has presented at local, state, and national conferences on a variety of topics relating to disability and access, transition of students with disabilities to postsecondary education, and systemic change toward more inclusive campuses.
Sandy Calvert
Sandy Calvert, Ph.D. brings 31 years of higher education experience serving in leadership roles in Admissions, Academics, and Student Disability Services. Her varied experiences during her tenure in higher education have honed skills in student development, student success, and retention. She currently serves as the Assistant Dean for Student Support in Student Disability Services at Florida Southern College.
Margaret Camp
Margaret Camp, M.Ed. is the director at Student Accessibility Services at Clemson University and has been a frequent contributor and presenter at national and affiliate AHEAD events.
Miguel Capers
Miguel Capers, Ed.D., is the Testing and Accommodation Coordinator at Howard University, with a doctorate specializing in Equity & Diversity from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His career spans from K-12 to Higher Education. Dr. Capers is also a Commissioner for the Commission for Individuals with Disabilities in Prince George's County, MD, advocating for strategic solutions to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.
Rob Carr
Rob Carr is Strategic Accessibility Coordinator at Web AIM and has been in digital accessibility space since 2010.
Sandra Cash
Sandra Cash, Ph.D. brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education and a deep commitment to creating inclusive, supportive learning environments. She currently leads a team of 12 Access Consultants at Purdue University. She began her career as a Resident Director, excelling in student mentorship and community-building. Later, as Director of Accessibility and Accommodations at a small private institution, Sandra led psychoeducational groups focused on ADHD and Autism, supporting students’ academic and personal success. Sandra recently completed her Ph.D. in Psychology, where her research examined grit and student success among low-income, first-generation, and disabled students. Her academic journey, coupled with her extensive background in accessibility, positions her as a dedicated advocate for inclusive practices in higher education.
Pete Celeste
Pete Celeste is a dedicated advocate for disability services and education, offering a unique perspective shaped by his personal experiences as a disabled individual. His commitment to enhancing the educational experience for all students is evident in his current role as Senior Access Consultant at Purdue University, where he focuses on improving access and support for disabled students. Before his academic pursuits, Pete served in the United States Navy and worked in Emergency Medical Services along the East Coast. Following a life-changing accident that resulted in mobility challenges, he returned to higher education with a resolute commitment to advancing disability rights and support services. An active member of the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), Pete continually engages with initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity within higher education. His leadership and advocacy efforts are informed by both his academic background and extensive involvement with disability services. Outside of his professional endeavors, Pete enjoys outdoor activities, a good cup of coffee, and values time spent with family. He is also passionate about travel, seeking opportunities to broaden his horizons and experiences.
Rosemarie Cervantes
Rosemarie Cervantes, M.S. has over 20 years of dedicated service in educational settings, and has made a significant impact in supporting students with disabilities. As a teacher specialist, including roles as a learning disability specialist, they have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by students and are committed to fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments. Their extensive experience includes developing tailored strategies to accommodate diverse learning needs, advocating for student rights, and collaborating with educators and families to ensure that all students have the support necessary to succeed academically. Passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion, they are dedicated to empowering students to reach their full potential and navigate their educational journeys effectively.
Hersh Chaitin
Hersh Chaitin, Ph.D is a Professor at Palm Beach State College (PBSC) where he is a strong advocate for students with learning disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). To improve the learning environment and support the success of our ASD students, he has researched the experiences, aptitudes, and challenges to success in post-secondary education. Further, he recently presented that research at ICONEST conference in 2023, and subsequently published the full manuscript in the Proceedings of ICONEST 2023. He and his team continue to investigate the academic, social/communication, and emotional challenges associated with ASD student attrition in postsecondary education. Further, he is a member of Palm Beach State College Institutional Review Board (PBSC-IRB), where he continues to serve. His areas of expertise for the panel are experiment design, statistics, and data requests. Previously, while at FAU College of Medicine as a Post-Doctoral Public Policy Analyst, he spent significant efforts to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). He presented and published our results at the Academy Health Conference 2020. He further continued his work on neuroinflammation resulting from AD and published peer-reviewed manuscripts on the topics.
Jessica Chittams
Jessica Chittams is the Director of Student Accessibility Services at UMES. With over 16 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities in various professional roles, Jessica is passionate about working alongside students with disabilities to help them achieve their goals and plan for what comes next.
Yasminda Choate
Yasminda Choate, M.S., M.Ed. has taught college-level writing for over 20 years in Oklahoma and Texas. She has been at Seminole State College, a rural two-year NASNTI, since 2012 and has served in multiple roles including Writing Program Coordinator, Distance Education Coordinator, and Vice-Chair of Language Arts and Humanities. Her research interests as a doctoral candidate at the University of Oklahoma are faculty development, higher education policy and law, and prison reform. She lives on a hobby farm in her hometown with her daughter, two dogs, five cats, and an excessive number of poultry.
Grace Clifford
Grace Clifford, M.A.Ed. is the Director for Disability Services at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine. Born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, Grace is a double alumnus of Baldwin Wallace University where she received her undergraduate degree in Psychology (’09) and a Master’s in Leadership in Higher Education (’11).She has authored and co-authored several publications and pending publications regarding disability accommodation determination and disability access; including chapters in: Principles and Practice of College Health (Vaughn, Viera 2020), Equal Access for Students with Disabilities: The Guide for Health Science and Professional Education, Second Edition (Meeks, Jain, Laird, 2020), and Disability as Diversity (Meeks, Neal-Boylan, 2020), and a chapter in the upcoming AMA publication Reimagining Medical Education: The Future of Health Equity and Social Justice. She is also currently serving as a co-chair, co-curriculum developer and Instructor for the Disability Resource Professional (DRP) Academy. Her research focuses on developing group models to support students with executive functioning and psychological based disabilities, barriers to seeking accommodations for under-resourced students, and improving disability access in health science and professional education.
Chelsea Cobb
Chelsea Cobb, LMHC-MA Co-Directs the College Mental Health Educational Program, CMHEP at Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College at Boston University. She joined the Services Division at the Center team in 2017 and supervised the development of the Peer Mentor Intern (PMI) program. PMIs are graduates of the NITEO, who return to build their career readiness support and skills. Chelsea co-developed the Healthy Relationship curriculum, which addressing practice gaps in curriculum-based preventative interpersonal skills instruction and restorative justice learning for Title IV respondents. Chelsea expertise and interest include community building, program development, collegiate resilience and wellness and recovery. Chelsea now Co-directs the College Mental Health Educational Program, a robust offering of classes, activities, workshops and more for young adults seeking academic resilience, holistic support, and community connections. She also oversee the Flourishing Families an educational program that supports parents, guardians, and caregivers of young adults who live with a mental health and/or substance use conditions.
Kayla Concannon
Kayla Concannon, MS, OTR/L, CBIS is a neurodivergent occupational therapist, certified brain injury specialist, sex educator, educational accessibility researcher, and Assistant Director of Villanova University's Office for Access and Higher Education. Philadelphia, PA.
Crystal C. Coombes
Crystal C. Coombes is 504 Practice Lead with more than 35 years of experience in private and public industry, higher education, and disability management. Crystal previously served as ADA/504 Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator in addition to her role as the Assistant Vice President of Equity and Access Services with the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at George Mason University. During her extensive career, she has developed, implemented and managed several inaugural programs and services including that of a multi-campus division of Student Affairs. Crystal has an extensive background in mental health and crisis assessment/management, equity and access services, disability and workers compensation, compliance and risk management, and investigation. She holds various professional certifications including licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and as a national mediator.
Clayton A. Copeland
Clayton A. Copeland, Ph.D. is the director of the Accessibility Leadership Lab (ALL) at the University of South Carolina’s School of Information Science. Much of her research focuses upon equity of access to information for people with disabilities. Copeland also pursues research interests in universal design and Universal Design for Learning, literacy, facilities planning, technology, and materials and programming for children and young adults. She manages the Linda Lucas Walling Collection for Disabled Children and recently co-authored and edited Disabilities and the Library Fostering Equity for Patrons and Staff with Differing Abilities.
Jan Coplan
Jan Coplan, M.Ed is the Senior Director of Career Connections and Employer Relations at Landmark College.
Lyla Crawford
Lyla Crawford, M.S. has been with the DO-IT program at the University of Washington since 1997. DO-IT works to promote the inclusion of students with disabilities in challenging academic and career programs. Lyla has been involved in developing print and electronic resources for students, educators, parents, career advisors, employers and other support personnel who work with students with disabilities as they pursue educational and career goals. In addition to developing materials and programs for students, parents, educators and employers and conducting research on best practices and strategies, she has served on the National Science Teachers Association Special Education Advisory Board, and also served as the Secretary (for ten years) and later as the President for the Washington Association on Postsecondary Education and Disability (WAPED) Board.
Victoria Cyriac
Victoria Cyriac received her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston. She is currently a graduate student at Hardin-Simmons University studying to become a Speech Language Pathologist. She enjoys helping people of all ages that are neurodiverse. She is also am interested in Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing. She is excited to continue learning the different aspects that this field has to offer.
Bryan Dallas
Bryan Dallas, Ph.D., CRC, LCPC is the principal investigator for Huskies BELONG and oversees the program. Dr. Dallas is an associate professor of vocational rehabilitation counseling at NIU, which prepares graduate students to serve individuals with disabilities in educational, work, and/or independent living settings. Dr. Dallas has served Illinois college students with disabilities for several years, including facilitating transitional programs for new students.
Dan Darkow
Dan Darkow, M.S. is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Miami’s student affairs in higher education doctoral program and received his BS degree in management information systems from Wright State University and MS in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University. His is currently the Director of the Miller Center for Student Disability Services. Ensuring disability access and inclusion is at the forefront of his personal and professional lives. He views disability as a powerful identity and recognizes the sociopolitical nature of claiming disability. Dan values his connection with disabled and non-disabled students and actively works to create a culture of access. His research interests include disability access and disclosure, accommodation usage, and the experience of disabled college students.
Cynthia Davalos
Cynthia Dávalos, Ph.D. serves as Associate Vice President for Graduate, Undergraduate and Equity Affairs (GUEA) at the University of California Office of the President. As a seasoned higher education professional, much of her twenty-five year career has been with the University of California system. Cynthia has an extensive background in launching and supporting campus and systemwide initiatives in undergraduate and graduate student success, underrepresented student outreach and recruitment, and equity, diversity and inclusion strategies and policies. She has worked closely with university leaders to navigate crises, economic downturns and leadership transitions. She has led several division-wide strategic planning efforts and accountability processes. She also served as adjunct faculty in the Department of Post-Secondary Educational Leadership at San Diego State University where she has stewarded the careers of many emerging student affairs and higher education professionals.
Courtney Grant Davis
Courtney Grant Davis, Ed.D., serves as the Faculty Development Manager and College Curriculum Manager at the nation’s largest nursing school. She holds a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership, with a focus on non-traditional and underserved learners, and is dedicated to enhancing student experiences and expanding access to higher education nationwide. Dr. Davis also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Health Care Administration and Management. In addition to her academic credentials, she is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), bringing a unique blend of healthcare expertise and educational leadership to her role.
Abigail Davis
Abigail Davis, Ph.D. received both her Bachelor's degree in English Education and her Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Biola University. She holds a Masters of Divinity from Gateway Seminary and the Ph.D in Higher Education from Azusa Pacific University. She started her career as a 7 - 12 grade English teacher in public schools in California. She transitioned to working with college students when she moved to China and taught English at the Sichuan College of Education. After two years working abroad, Abigail returned to the states and continued working in higher education, specifically in Student Life. Her previous jobs have provided her with experience in Residence Life, Housing, Student Conduct, Title IX, and Retention. She is the Director of the ACCESS Program at Lipscomb University which allows her to help educate the whole student, helping them to find success both in and out of the classroom.
Ruth Davison
Ruth Davison, Ph.D. serves as the Director of Compliance for TIX and ADA at UMW. Prior to joining UMW, Dr. Davison worked at Pensacola State College, the University of West Florida and the University of Louisville. She served as a faculty member for 15 years at the University of West Florida in the College Student Affairs graduate prep program. Dr. Davison received her PhD and MA from the University of Louisville studying Higher Education Administration with a research concentration in school law.
Everett Deibler
Everett Deibler, M.A. has his degree in Special Education and Human Development from George Washington University. Prior to joining JBC, he spent five-plus years as a Learning Specialist at Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC), Where he provided training to faculty and staff around the concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and disability sensitivity. Everett has over 11 years of experience in facilitating programs and discussions on the local, state, and national levels around student empowerment, person-centered approaches, inclusion, disability awareness, and disability sensitivity. Audiences include students, family members, state agencies, service providers, employers, secondary and post-secondary school faculty and staff.
Melanie DeLeon
Melanie DeLeon, M.S.,CI/CT, SC:L, NAD IV, NIC is the ASL Interpreter and Transcription Coordinator at Portland Community College. Prior to coming to PCC in 2019 she held several roles with the Oregon Judicial Department, Court Language Access Services including Certification and Training Coordinator, and was the Staff ASL Interpreter for many years. She was appointed by Governor Kitzhaber to the Oregon Health Care Interpreter Council (2013) where she served for 6 years. In 2024 she was appointed to the Rules Advisory Committee for ASL interpreting licensure for the State of Oregon. Her passion is advocating for meaningful communication access for the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard-of-Hearing communities.
Antonia DeMichiel
Antonia DeMichiel, M.A. currently serves as a Disability Advising Manager in the Office of Accessible Education at Stanford University. She holds a Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of San Francisco. She has worked in Disability Services for six years at a variety of institution types including a public university, a small, private arts college and a religious affiliated university. Her professional practice is deeply informed by her lived experience as a physical disabled woman and the principles of the social model of disability. She regularly presents and writes on topics related to disability identity development and service provision for AHEAD and ACPA - College Student Educators International.
Nathaly Shoua Desmarais
Nathaly Shoua Desmarais, Psy.D. is the Assistant Dean of OSA Student Success and Wellbeing and oversees medical student personal and academic counseling and serves as a resource for students who need guidance and assistance during their medical journey. As a clinical psychologist trained in testing and assessment, she has supported students with disabilities navigating medical school and residency. She also serves as the chair of the Disability Resources Committee at Florida International University College of Medicine.
Dominique Dial
Dominique Dial, CRC, CVE is the Director of the Center for Access and Accommodative Services (CAAS) at Triton College in River Grove, Illinois. As the Director, she is responsible for overseeing the reasonable accommodation process for students with disabilities and the Skill Enhancement and Employee Development (SEED) Program for neurodivergent students. Dominique developed a passion for supporting students with disabilities while working for a state vocational rehabilitation agency and as a transition specialist at a high school. Dominique has been a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor since 2006 and a Certified Vocational Evaluator since 2021. Dominique earned a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a Master's in Secondary Special Education and Transition at the University of Kansas. Dominique is currently enrolled in the Educational Leadership doctoral program at DePaul University with a concentration in Higher Education.
Lisa Diekow
Lisa Diekow currently serves as the Associate Director for Testing Services at the University of Florida, Disability Resource Center. As a career-committed educator and mentor, she is committed to positively influencing the student and student employee experiences. Throughout her time at the University of Florida, Lisa has served in a variety of student-facing roles within Student Life, with the last 8 years directly supporting students with disabilities. Lisa’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Reading Education and Master of Science in Education degree from Potsdam College, N.Y.
Marcie Dimac
Marcie Dimac, Ed.D. is a seasoned professional in the field of disability services, currently serving as the Manager for Disability Services at Western Governors University. With a robust academic foundation, Marcie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Psychology from East Tennessee State University, followed by a Master’s in College Student Development from Appalachian State University. She further advanced her expertise by obtaining a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, where her dissertation focused on the self-disclosure experiences of students with psychiatric impairments in fully online university settings. Since 2007, Marcie has dedicated her career to supporting students with disabilities, leveraging her extensive knowledge and experience to create inclusive educational environments. Her work emphasizes the importance of accessibility and advocacy in higher education, particularly in virtual settings. Passionate about fostering a supportive community for all students, Marcie employs best practices to enhance communication and engagement among diverse populations. Through her commitment to student success and well-being, Marcie continues to contribute significantly to the field of disability services, ensuring that all students have equitable opportunities to thrive in their educational journeys.
Antonia DeMichiel
Antonia DeMichiel, M.A. currently serves as a Disability Advising Manager in the Office of Accessible Education at Stanford University. She holds a Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of San Francisco. She has worked in Disability Services for five years at a variety of institution types including a public university, a small, private arts college and a religious affiliated university. Her professional practice is deeply informed by her lived experience as a physical disabled woman and the principles of the social model of disability. She regularly presents and writes on topics related to disability identity development and service provision for AHEAD and ACPA.
Latoya Dixon
Latoya Dixon serves as an Accessibility Resource Specialist at NDC. With extensive experience in disability services in higher education, she has established herself as a dedicated advocate for accessibility, focusing on transition-age youth and college students with disabilities. In her previous role, she worked in a disability services office in higher education, providing accommodations to students with documented disabilities. Latoya holds an M.A. in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and is actively pursuing her doctorate in Deaf Studies/Deaf Education, with a concentration on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the disparities within the deaf community. Ms. Dixon is a strong believer in equal access for the deaf community, which is the central focus of her doctoral research.
Justin Dove
Justin Dove, M.S. became director of the SDC in December 2020, leaving his home state of Missouri for CSU. He has his master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from Missouri State University. He began his professional career in the Disability Center at the University of Missouri as an exams coordinator and access advisor. After five years, he became director of the Disability Resource Center at his alma mater. Justin has been a competitive bowler for most of his life. He loves game shows, enjoys cooking, working out, and taking random road trips in his jeep.
Destiny Dranginis
Destiny Dranginis is an Access Coordinator in the Educational Access Center at Boise State University in Idaho. Before transitioning to higher education disability services Destiny worked with students with disabilities in the high school setting as a special education teacher and community support specialist.
Heaven Dunn
Heaven Dunn is a Case Manager in Student Disability Services at East Texas A&M University. She is a proud graduate of A&M-Commerce with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and has been a valuable member of the Disability Services Office for nearly five years. In her role as a Case Manager, Heaven collaborates with various faculty and staff to ensure student access by coordinating campus referrals, assisting with crisis intervention and training, and providing on-going communication with students in need of additional academic support. Moreover, Heaven serves as the primary advisor for the Atypical Ambassadors, a program dedicated to connecting students with Autism to the ETAMU campus by providing access to campus resources, promoting wellness, supporting career development, and facilitating hands-on experiences.
Teressa Eastman
Teressa Eastman, M.B.A. earned an MBA from Wichita State University in 1992 and has served as the Director of Disability Services at Butler Community for 21 years. She has previous experience working in Special Education in the public school system. At Butler Community College, Teressa serves as the chairperson of the college’s CARE Team, as well as, a member of the college’s four-person Threat Assessment Team. Teressa also serves on the college’s Inclusion Council, Textbook Affordability Team which works on open educational resources for students, and Satisfactory Academic Progress Review Team for Financial Aid. Teressa is also active nationally with the Association of Higher Education and Disability by serving as a co-chair of the Community College Special Interest Group. As a person with a disability, Teressa strongly believes in the value of the Americans with Disabilities Act and advocates for the rights and responsibilities of the disabled population.
Alex Ecklund
Alex Ecklund, M.A. serves as the Director for the Office of Disability Resources at UMW. ODR serves over 600 students annually representing 20% of our student body. Prior to joining UMW, Alex worked at Ohio University in Accessibility Services. He received his MA and BA at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
Jack Elkins Nesheim
Jack Elkins Nesheim joined Disability Services as a Front Office Assistant in May 2021 and currently serves as the Programs Coordinator/Academic Coach. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Spanish Literature from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Heather Evans
Heather Evans, Ph.D. is a socio-legal scholar who does research in the field of Critical Disability Studies. She has conducted statistical analyses, ethnographic fieldwork, and evaluation research. Heather specializes in “invisible disability”, focusing on disclosure, identity management, and accommodations among people with physical, mental, and sensory differences that are not readily apparent. Heather’s current work examines ableism in healthcare and integrating disability allyship into medical education. Heather earned a Ph.D. in Sociology at the University of Washington (UW). She is UW faculty and the Director of the Disability Studies Program. Heather is also the Research Director at the NW ADA Center and an Associate Director at the ADA National Network.
Christina Fabrey
Christina Fabrey, M.Ed., PCC, BCCis the Director of the Student Success Center at Virginia Tech, having previously served as the Associate Dean for Advising and Academic Achievement at Prescott College. With a passion for promoting college student success and organizational excellence, Christina has been a higher education administrator and disability provider for over 15 years. Christina is a Professional Credentialed Coach (PCC) certification from the International Coach Federation, Board Coach Certification (BCC) through the Center for Credentialing Education Global, and Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification through Champlain College. As a Coach Trainer and Mentor, Christina has trained hundreds of higher educational professionals in coaching skills for over the last decade. Having developed coaching programs at several institutions, she is grounded in coaching all students, including students with disabilities and students working towards academic recovery. Christina is active in the Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) by co-chairing their Coaching Knowledge and Practice Community and their Coaching Evaluation Community of Practice. Christina has published numerous chapters and articles on student coaching, holistic student care and resilience in higher education. Her recent edited anthology, Coaching in Disability Resources: From Transactional to Transformational, was published in the spring of 2023 and co-edited with Master Certified Coach, Jodi Sleeper-Triplett.
Parker Farthing
Parker Farthing, M.Ed. is a First Gen, neurodivergent, queer, professional with a chronic illness who currently serves as the Assistant Dean of Advising at Hampshire College. Throughout his career, Parker has sought out roles in which he works with students who are struggling academically. Both in the classrooms teaching academic recovery courses and in one-on-one coaching dynamics, Parker strives to help individuals deconstruct the negative narratives they've created about their ability to be successful and develop an understanding of how they learn best. Parker holds a M.Ed. in Higher Education from Virginia Tech and a B.A. in Outdoor Leadership & Education from Warren Wilson College.
Meri Faulkner
Meri Faulkner, M.A. serves as the Assistant Coordinator for Student Disability Services at Spartanburg Community College in South Carolina. She earned her undergraduate degree from Clemson University in 2014 and a Master’s degree from Gallaudet University in American Sign Language Interpretation in 2018. Prior to transitioning to her current role in 2019, Meri worked as an interpreter for K-12 and post-secondary institutions. She has served on several boards including the South Carolina Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and the National Association of Interpreters in Education. Meri currently serves as the President of South Carolina AHEAD and Co-Chair of the AHEAD Community College KPC. Meri is also published in the Journal of Interpretation for her work on interpreters with anxiety.
Amanda Feaster
Amanda Feaster, Ph.D. is the Director of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at Kent State University. She sets strategic priorities for the department and provides leadership and supervision to SAS staff. Kent State was one of the first campuses to have a dedicated VR counselor and Amanda worked to create opportunities for collaboration to support disabled students. As an advocate on behalf of students with disabilities, Amanda educates the University community about accessibility through service on a variety of committees and promotes social justice through the inclusion of people with disabilities in the educational environment. She is also the past President of the Ohio Association of Higher Education and Disability.
Camilla Flagg
Camilla Flagg is an Eastern Shore native dedicated to advancing educational equity. She has a BA in Psychology and is currently pursuing her M.Ed. in School Counseling at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. With a background in special education, she brings a deep understanding of student needs and a commitment to accessibility in education. As a Student Accessibility Specialist at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Camilla's passion lies in fostering supportive educational settings that empower individuals from all backgrounds to reach their full potential.
Clara M Fleites
Clara M Fleites, M.Ed. is the Assistive Technology Coordinator of Student Accessibility Services office at Florida Atlantic University with 6 years of experience in the area of assistive technology. Clara is part of the Florida Association on Higher Education and Disability (Florida AHEAD), where she participates as a board member of the Electronic Information Technology (EIT) Consortium.
Danielle Flores
Danielle Flores is the Coordinator for the Center for Access and Accommodative Services (CAAS) at Triton College where she assist with providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. With a passion for working with students of all mindsets, Danielle leverages her coaching skills to help students navigate the transition from high school to higher education. Prior to joining Triton College, she spent six years as a Special Education Teacher and three years as an Executive Function Coach. Danielle earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Special Education from Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois.
Melissa Flores
Melissa Flores, J.D., Ph.D. is an attorney who has served as General Counsel at both two-and four-year, public and private institutions of higher education. Melissa has expertise in protecting the civil rights of students and employees while balancing policy/procedure adherence, advising on employer responsibilities and employee rights related to discipline and discharge, managing the interactive process related to accommodating students and employees with disabilities, and responding to Office for Civil Rights complaints and program reviews. Melissa also advises on Title IX, Title VI, Title IV, Campus SaVE, Clery, the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, due process in student discipline, and EDGAR Part 86 policy development, practical implementation, and ongoing internal/external audits and program reviews and on obtaining and maintaining federal financial aid under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. Melissa has earned the Association of Corporate Counsel’s In-house Counsel Certification and emphasizes an enterprise risk management approach to compliance. Melissa has also served as an expert witness for Title IX’s regulatory processes and compliance therewith.
Jeremy W. Ford
Jeremy W. Ford, Ph.D., NCSP is an Associate Professor in the Department of Early & Special Education at Boise State University. Dr. Ford is also the Director of the Providing Exceptional Education and Raising Standards (PEERS) Program, an Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) program. He is a specialist-level trained, nationally certified school psychologist and earned his Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning (Special Education) from The University of Iowa. Dr. Ford’s research interests include: curriculum-based measurement, explicit instruction, post-secondary transition and education for students with disabilities, Response to Intervention/ Multi-tiered Systems of Support, and screening and progress decision-making.
Pam Francis
Pam Francis is the Director of Software Development within the NTID Center on Access Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology.
Marshae D. Franklin
Marshae D. Franklin, OTD, OTR (she/her) is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Southern California (USC) in the Disparity Reduction and Equity in Autism Services (DREAmS) Lab under the direction of Amber Angell, PhD, OTR/L. She is an occupational scientist and therapist who is passionate about foregrounding the lived experiences of those who have been historically marginalized. Specifically, Marshae uses qualitative and participatory research approaches to amplify the voices of autistic women of color and their experiences with 'belonging' in higher education. Prior to joining the DREAmS Lab, she completed a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) from USC, a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Howard University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine.
Brittany Frazier
Brittany Frazier is an accessibility services case manager at the Brookhaven Campus. Brittany holds a bachelor's degree in social work from Texas Woman’s University.
Grace Friedman
Grace Friedman, M.A. is the Associate Dean of the Disability Access Office (DAO) for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University. She provides strategic leadership to further DAO’s mission and educates the community on the office and its work. She directs the implementation of best practices for accommodations and provides vision and direction for Disability access and equity. Grace participates in multiple university-wide committees, leads working groups on accessibility issues, and advances Disability-related higher education issues on a national level.
Lauren Garrett
Lauren Garrett is currently a graduate student at Hardin-Simmons University studying to become a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). She received her undergraduate degree at Stephen F. Austin State University in May of 2024. She has always had a passion for helping others. She feels her calling is to work with adults who have speech-language deficits. College and Me (CAM) has allowed her to grow her clinical skills and make an impact on others.
Katelyn Gash
Katelyn Gash has worked at the University of Idaho as Assistant Director since August 2024. She was previously a Special Education Teacher for two years. She has over 10 years of experience working with adults and children with disabilities as a caregiver.
Jenna Gonzalez
Jenna Gonzalez, Ed.S. is a proud triple graduate of the University of Florida. She is currently finishing her doctorate in Special Education from the University of Florida. Jenna started her education career in K-12 system in public and private settings. She went from classroom teacher to ESE Coordinator, to administrator. From there, Jenna ventured into higher education, where she truly feels at home. Jenna joined the University of Florida (UF) Disability Resource Center (DRC) in 2017 as an Assistant Director/Learning Specialist. In February 2022, she was named Director of the DRC where she currently leads her department to be a pillar of accessibility and inclusion on campus. She works with faculty, students, and staff daily to promote a universally accessible campus culture. Outside of her role as Director of the DRC, Jenna continues to promote accessibility through her adjunct faculty position at the UF College of education where she continues to share her disability knowledge with the next generation of accessibility advocates. Jenna currently serves as the Past-President of Florida AHEAD.
Julia P. Gorman
Julia P. Gorman, M.Ed. is the Associate Director of the Educational Access Center and doctoral student studying Curriculum and Instruction at Boise State University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Special Education and Master of Education in Early and Special Education. Julia has a demonstrated history of working with individuals with disabilities in the community, public PreK through 21, and postsecondary education.
Marc Graff
Marc Graff, Ph.D. is currently an assistant professor with Touro University’s Graduate School of Education. Marc's research agenda includes the investigative study of executive function/self-regulation/metacognitive processes among learners of varying ages, as well as experimental study of interventional methods to support these learners. Another interest is the study of the neuropsychological bases for cognitive and motivational issues associated with common developmental differences (including ADHD, OCD, and Tourette Syndrome). Marc’s teaching experience includes work with students with learning challenges in a variety of contexts, with ages ranging from elementary school through college. Prior to his career in higher education, Marc was employed in various capacities within the field of special education. He received a PhD in Educational Psychology from the City University of New York, with a concentration on learning and development.
Ginny Green
Ginny Green, OTD, OTR/L is an assistant professor in the occupational therapy department at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She serves as the doctoral capstone coordinator for the occupational therapy entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD EL) Program in which she oversees each phase of the student doctoral capstone from development to completion and dissemination. She also serves as the Level I Fieldwork Coordinator for the occupational therapy program in which she coordinates Level I student clinical experiences with community partners. She has mentored students with and without disabilities while completing fieldwork and capstone experiences. Ginny has practiced in a variety of areas of occupational therapy, including subacute rehabilitation, outpatient pediatrics, and outpatient mental health and wellness. Ginny is passionate about health and wellness and focusing on occupational therapy’s role in preventative health care across the lifespan.
Mandie Greiwe
Mandie Greiwe (Gry-Vee) returned to Purdue University as Director of the Disability Resource Center in November 2023, bringing over a decade of experience in disability services, including roles at Notre Dame, Emory, and as an Access Consultant and Assistant Director at Purdue. Previously, she served as the founding director of the Personalized Learning Center for students with disabilities at Marian University. Mandie is committed to making Purdue a leader in accessibility within higher education by fostering a shared responsibility for disability access across campus. She emphasizes collaboration with campus partners to ensure that everyone understands their role in promoting accessibility and has the necessary tools. Her passion extends to assistive technology, digital accessibility, and Universal Design for Learning.
Paul Grossman
Paul Grossman, J.D. is the Executive Counsel of AHEAD with over 40 years of service at OCR in Washington and San Francisco, most of them as a Chief Regional Attorney. Paul also taught disability law for over 20 years at University of California, College of Law. Paul remains a frequent guest lecturer for AHEAD, CAPED, UC College of Law, UC Berkeley, the California Community College System and the National Association of ADA Coordinators. Paul served multiple terms on AHEAD’s Board of Directors and remains a member of the AHEAD Public Policy Committee as well as the Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) Expert Advisory Board. Through investigation, decision writing, and negotiations, Paul has addressed every form of discrimination in education including race, national origin, sex and disability, often developing new approaches for protecting the civil rights of students. Paul is the author of AHEAD’s publication, The Law of Disability Discrimination for Higher Education Professionals. Paul joins Jamie Axelrod, M.S. and Mary Lee Vance, Ph.D. in two book chapters on analytical tools and procedures for DSS officers when they face their most complex and challenging questions, recently published by AHEAD.
Natalie Guerriero
Natalie Guerriero, Ph.D. is a Disability Policy Specialist in the Office of Disability Policy at ETS, where she plays a key role in reviewing documentation for individuals with disabilities seeking testing accommodations on high stakes exams. Natalie is also a Pennsylvania certified school psychologist. Prior to joining ETS, Natalie worked in the public school setting for 5 years, conducting comprehensive psychoeducational assessments and partnering with school administrators, teachers, and families to ensure equitable access and support for all learners. She earned her doctorate in School Psychology from Syracuse University. Her research focused on developing evidence-based academic classroom interventions. She received her master's degree from Syracuse University, and her bachelor's degree from George Mason University. With extensive experience in assessment, Natalie is deeply committed to advancing equity and inclusion in standardized testing. She currently resides in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband, son, and dog, Finnegan.
Jessica Guess
Jessica Guess, Ph.D. works at Gallaudet University as a faculty member teaching in the counseling program. She has an M.S. in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Cincinnati. Jessica’s research interests primarily relate to disability access, disability competence in counseling, human sexuality and disability, job readiness for transition-age youth, and disability identity development. Having worked with disability populations for much of her life, her experiences as a late-deafened adult have allowed her to focus her work, research, and advocacy (personally and professionally) on disability representation and access.
Matt Gunter
Matt Gunter is the Principal of Routine Success. He became interested in the topic of neurodivergent student college readiness while exploring college options with his son. Matt created and hosts Inclusive Academia, a YouTube channel for neurodivergent high school students and their families who are exploring their educational and career options. Matt also developed a mobile application called Routine Success that supports executive functioning and independent living skills.
Saumya Gupta
Saumya Gupta, MSE is a disability scholar-activist and Project Coordinator for the Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services (SAAS) at the University of Michigan (U-M). Their work with SAAS involves using research and assessment to better understand and advocate for the needs of students with disabilities, and especially those with multiple marginalized identities. Saumya collaborates with units across the university on projects relating to disability research and improving accessibility. Their personal research interest is in improving disability education within healthcare.
Enjie Hall
Enjie Hall, MRC (she/her) has worked in the accessibility and disability resources field for almost two decades. As a disabled individual, Enjie has passionately advocated for civil rights and full participation of disabled people through inclusive design and practices over the past 25 years. She served as Director of the Disability Resource Center, Twin Cities as well as the system-wide ADA Coordinator for the University of Minnesota. Enjie also worked at The University of Toledo serving as director and ADA/Rehabilitation Act Compliance Officer, and prior to that, worked as a disability resources professional at The Ohio State University. She contributed to the AHEAD Certification Advisory Committee. Enjie is an AHEAD Start Mentor. She served as a director at large on the AHEAD national board, led the revision process for the AHEAD Professional Competencies, and was a past co-chair for the Blind and Low Vision Knowledge and Practice Community. Enjie has presented locally and nationally on a variety of topics related to disability access, DEI, leadership/influence, digital accessibility, the role of the ADA Coordinator, assistive technology, and navigating the interactive process. She was a co-author for a white paper as well as articles pertaining to navigating and documenting the interactive process, the development and application of the AHEAD Professional Competencies, best practices for emotional support animals, and the role of third-party documentation. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC).
Valerie Hamilton
Valerie Hamilton, M.Ed. is an Independent Consultant and works with institutions needing temporary support in leadership and accommodation/case management roles. She has been in the disability and education field since 1996 and has worked in disability/access services in higher education in leadership roles for 15 years.
Greg Hannah
Greg Hannah, M.A. is the Director of Villanova University's Office for Access and Disability Services. He was a high school teacher that was recruited to be a higher education accessibility professional 15 years ago. He was instrumental in the creation of LEVEL and has initiated several programs that have improved Villanova’s landscape for students, faculty, and staff who live with disabilities. Manasquan, NJ.
Justin Harford
Justin Harford (he/him/his) is a Program Specialist with the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, working to increase the participation of people with disabilities in international exchange by providing information and resources to both individuals with disabilities and higher education professionals. Previously, Justin worked for two years in disability community organizing and policy in the foothills of Northern California. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Latin American History and Spanish Literature from University of California, Berkeley. He studied abroad at the Pontifical Catholic University in Santiago Chile, where he researched and wrote a thesis on the history of the blind in Chilean society. In 2008, he spent 10 weeks immersing himself in the culture and language of Michoacan, Mexico.
Emily Harris
Emily Harris, M.Ed. is the Associate Director of Learning Support Services at Villanova University and has worked in disability/access services and study skills support in higher education for the past 10 years.
Clarissa Harris
Clarissa Harris, Ed.D. is the Associate Dean of Accessibility Services and Director of Student Access Services at Ringling College of Art and Design located in Sarasota Florida. Clarissa recently completed her Doctorate of Education at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida with her dissertation research being geared at Disability Services Professionals in Higher Education.
Kristy Harte
Kristy Harte, M.S.Ed. (She/Her) has served as Director for 3 years and has worked at UB Accessibility Resources for 17 years holding multiple roles. Kristy holds a CAS MSED in School Counseling and had worked with Special Education Students specializing in transition previous to her work at the University at Buffalo. Kristy has been passionate about connecting pk-12 and higher education for disabled students and has served on regional and state organizations to provide programs for professionals, parents and students to increase preparedness for students going to college.
Paul Harwell
Paul Harwell, Ph.D. is the Director of Disability Support Services at East Carolina University, where he is nationally recognized for his leadership in higher education and disability resources. With 18 years of experience in the field, Paul has developed a deep expertise in fostering accessible environments for students, faculty, and staff. He is committed to advancing a philosophy of shared responsibility for disability access across campus communities. In addition to his leadership, Paul is passionate about mentoring and supporting the professional development of colleagues nationwide. He earned his doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Texas A&M University, specializing in higher education law, policy, finance, and faculty issues.
Jay Harwood
Jay Harwood (he/him), M.S. is an Assistive Technology Specialist in Student Accessibility Services at SUNY Brockport. He holds a master's degree from Nazareth University in Higher Education Student Affairs Administration with special concentration in Strategic Talent Development and Coaching. He has been involved with the Committee on Accessibility since 2023 and currently serves as SUNY Brockport's EIT Accessibility Officer, where he coordinates campuswide efforts for enhancing accessibility in the University's digital spaces.
Erica Hausler
Erica Hausler, M.S. started working in higher education in 2015 and in disability services in 2019. Starting as the Testing Center Coordinator, then as Access Coordinator of Eligibility, then promoted into Associate Director, and she is currently serving as Interim Director. Erica identifies as disabled and utilized accommodations in her personal education experience, so she relates well with the students she works with. She has a passion for disability services and thrives finding solutions to barriers. Erica hold a Master's degree in Leadership and Management and Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication, Public Relations.
Suzanne Hawks
Suzanne Hawks joined the Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success (CLASS) staff in January of 2018. She received her BS in Psychology from Presbyterian College and spent several years working with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder before joining the field of disability services in higher education in 2012. While Suzanne serves students across all programs at Wake Forest, she is the primary contact for students within the School of Medicine.
Connor Hayes
Connor Hayes graduated from Villanova University in 2021, as the President of student organization LEVEL. After a year of service, he returned as the Accessibility Specialist in the Office for Access and Disability Services. Chicago, IL.
Anne Heimann
Anne Heimann, M.S. is the Director of Student Accessibility Services at Creighton University.
Emily Helft
Emily Helft, M.Ed., Ed.S. is the assistant director of professional development at the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training. Following her undergraduate work at Wheaton College (Massachusetts), she earned her M.Ed. and Ed.S. from the College of William & Mary with a particular focus on psychoeducational assessment and evaluation. After working as a school psychologist and seeing the impact of regularly incorporating technology into her everyday field work supporting students, she transitioned into higher education as an assistive technology specialist, eventually expanding her skill set into accessible media production, accommodation support, faculty consultation, academic skills development, and community education regarding accessibility and the disability community. She has experience in higher education at both large-scale public universities and well as small-scale private colleges, and ultimately served as the director of a Disability Resource Office before transitioning into her current role. Once she realized her true passion within the field was clearly tied to education and training, she joined Landmark’s LCIRT team to both narrow her focus and broaden her outreach.
Kelly Hermann
Kelly Hermann, M.S.Ed. is a transformative leader committed to advancing accessibility, equity, and inclusion in education. As the Vice President of Accessibility, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Phoenix, she leads initiatives to ensure that all individuals, regardless of ability, have equal opportunities in higher education. With over two decades of experience, Kelly's expertise in academic support and disability services has been pivotal in revolutionizing accessibility within academia, including her previous role as director of disability services for SUNY Empire State College. Kelly is an active participant in professional organizations such as the Online Learning Consortium, WCET, and the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), where she chairs special interest groups and committees dedicated to advancing accessibility. Her exceptional contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the IMS Global award for Higher Ed Leadership, 1Ed Tech Leadership Award and the Catalyst Award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging from Anthology.
Jen Herr
Jen Herr, M.A. has been working in Higher Education Disability Services since 2016. She started her work at Rollins College, a small liberal arts institution, working her way up from Intern to Assistant Director. She now works at Harvard in the Disability Access Office as an Accessibility Advisor. She went to the University of Central Florida and received both a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal/Organizational Communications with a Minor in Women's Studies and a Master of Arts in Higher Education and Policy Studies. She is currently working on an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Leadership Graduate Certificate at the Harvard Extension School. Most importantly she enjoys working with students!
Kate Higgins
Kate Higgins, Ed.M. is the Associate Director of University Disability Resources at Harvard, where she offers strategic leadership to promote disability access and inclusion across the university. She leads an accessibility advisory group for Harvard students and coordinates programming for the affinity group for faculty and staff with disabilities and allies. Beyond Harvard, she is a Trustee and Chair of the Education Program Committee at Perkins School for the Blind and is a member of her local Commission on Disability.
Bryan J. Hilbert
Bryan Hilbert serves as the Director of the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Co Founder and Immediate Past President of the Nevada Association on Higher Education and Disability (NV-AHEAD), and recently completed a one year appointment as Member at Large on the AHEAD Board of Directors. During his time at UNLV the program has grown from serving 750 students to over 3000 students. He began his career as an assistant to the ADA Coordinator at the City of Knoxville. He then was a Disability Resource Professional (DRP) at Student Disability Services (SDS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK).
Eve Hill
Eve Hill, J.D. is one of the nation’s top disability rights attorneys, with nearly 30 years of experience in government, academia, nonprofit, and private sector practice. Eve founded Inclusivity Strategic Consulting in 2017 to assist organizations to incorporate disability in their DEI and compliance strategies. Since then, Eve has worked with leading companies, such as Meta and Blizzard Entertainment, institutions of higher education, such as Loyola Law School, and government entities, such as Monroe County, Indiana, to improve their inclusion of people with disabilities in employment, services, and community engagement.
Justin Hiniker
Justin Hiniker, Ed.D., ADAC is the inaugural Director of Student Advocacy, Access, and Support at Colorado State University Pueblo. His responsibilities over the past twelve years at the university included oversight of the Disability Resources Office services. More recently, Justin became co-leadership of the university’s Pack CARES and case management team, aiding students of concern through basic needs support and connection to various community services. He also serves as an adjunct instructor for the university’s Department of Psychology. Justin is very passionate about supporting first-generation and working-class students with disabilities as well as educating his communities on accessibility and inclusion. Within the Pueblo community, he serves as board of directors vice president for the Mariposa Center for Safety, an organization that provides services to survivors of domestic abuse. He is also a member of the Pueblo Area Council of Governments ADA Committee to aid accessibility improvements in the community. Before CSU Pueblo, Justin earned his MA in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. He served in a plethora of roles across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area including disability services, academic advising, career advising, student leadership development, and alumni relations. Justin completed his Ed.D. in Student Affairs Administration and Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the ADA Certification Training Program at the University of Missouri.
Aaron Hodukavich
Aaron Hodukavich, J.D., joined Johns Hopkins University as ADA Compliance Officer in the Office of Institutional Equity in February 2018. Aaron is a licensed attorney in the state of Oregon, where he practiced education law and advised clients in ADA and IDEA matters. Prior to joining JHU, Aaron served as Director and ADA/503/504 Coordinator at Syracuse University. Aaron holds a B.S. from Longwood University and a J.D. from the Howard University School of Law.
Amelia Holzer
Amelia Holzer worked in the field of social services as an art therapist across a variety of settings for individuals with disabilities before coming into the world of higher education. Currently, she works at Chapman University as a Disability Specialist, and has been with Chapman for about four years. In addition to working, Amelia is also a doctoral student in the department of education studying Disability Studies. Amelia’s research interests include social emotional topics relating to disability, identity and disability, arts-based methodologies, and the cultural aspects of disability in higher education.
Kelley Hoover
Kelley Hoover, M.Ed. currently serves as the Assistant Director for Access, where she is dedicated to fostering accessible learning environments. She joined the University of Florida's Disability Resource Center in May of 2024 after nine years of various roles in public education. Kelley has a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and a Master's in Educational Leadership. Kelley's passion for education and advocacy drives her to empower students and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Scott Howland earned his Master's of Rehabilitation Counseling from Bowling Green State University in 1989. After a year as a Program Assistant in Student Disability Services at the University of Iowa, Scott became the first Coordinator of Disability Services at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. This experience led to the opportunity to start the Office for Students with Disabilities at the University of Notre Dame in 1995. Now known as Sara Bea Accessibility, part of the Center for Student Support and Care, Scott serves as Assistant Director.
Richard Hunter
Richard Hunter, M.S.M. is a seasoned leader dedicated to creating inclusive environments with over 15 years of experience in higher education, specializing in civil rights compliance, accessibility, and student development. As Director of Student Development, he has provided strategic leadership for the Center for Student Accessibility, ensuring compliance with ADA and Section 504, and overseeing services for students with disabilities. Richard has developed college-wide accessibility policies, created and oversaw disability awareness, inclusiveness, and disability etiquette for internal and external staff, and faculty. He has successfully managed and resolved dozens of ADA-related appeals and investigations. Richard holds a Master of Science in Management/Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of Science in Communications.
Grace Hunter
Grace Hunter, M.S. is an Accessibility Specialist at the Student Accessibility Center at Loyola University Chicago. She earned her bachelor's degree in Special Education from Purdue University and began her career teaching in public schools. She later obtained a Master of Science degree from the University of Kansas, specializing in advancing inclusive learning experiences in the general education setting. In her current role, Grace is dedicated to building strong relationships with students, faculty, and staff to develop effective accommodations, foster accessibility, and create a sense of belonging in every aspect of the student experience.
Helen Hurst
Helen Hurst, DNP, RNC-OB, APRN-CNM, originally from England, moved to the United States in 1986. She holds a BS in Business Administration, a BS in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in nurse-midwifery and the Doctor of Nursing Practice. She has over 30 years’ experience as a registered nurse in labor and delivery, antepartum, postpartum, newborn and women’s health, and is certified in inpatient obstetrics. As a certified nurse-midwife, she provided antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum and women’s healthcare at a community hospital in southwestern Louisiana. Additionally, she has held multiple leadership positions in academic nursing. Dr. Hurst's passion is promoting evidence-based practice in maternity care to improve maternal/ neonatal outcomes and advocating for reducing maternal mortality and disparities in maternal/child health. Her roles in health policy and advocacy include serving as a committee member of the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative, Pregnancy Associated Morality Review Committee. She also holds a patent, along with her team at UL Lafayette, for a women’s mobile health unit for use in emergency preparedness and participated in the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps I-Corps) Program. She is active with the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), has served on several editorial boards, national committees, and expert panels. She has multiple publications and presentations in the areas of maternity care, nursing education, simulation, and health policy, is a reviewer for multiple journals, and was a Fellow in AACN's Leadership in Academic Nursing Program.
Travis Hyde
Travis Hyde is the Operations Manager with Disability Resources for Students at the University of Washington in Seattle, supervising a team of student employees and working to improve partnerships across campus and the wider community. He studied Linguistics and Intercultural Education and Training at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, and Instructional Design at the UW. Professionally, he started teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language in Boston, MA and worked as a tour guide and corporate trainer for international organizations before discovering his passion for accessibility in Higher Education.
Rita Inman
Rita Inman, M.A. currently serves as the FL AHEAD President. Rita is a double Knight, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instructional Design from the University of Central Florida. After spending a decade in the classroom in both public and the private sector, she transitioned to higher education at the University of Florida. She joined the University of Florida as a Learning Specialist 5 years ago, and currently serves as the Associate Director. Rita works directly for UF Levin College of Law, focusing on professional students and their unique access barriers. She also serves as the Liaison for Student Athletes, working directly with the University Athletic Association. The majority of her days are meeting with faculty, staff, and perspective students with their parents to discuss access at the University of Florida. She has a passion for helping students learn how to advocate for themselves to meet their access needs as they transition throughout their academic career.
Tori Jakpa
Tori Jakpa, M.S. is an Accessibility and Assistive Technology Specialist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Her passion for disability studies and research originates from her time in Purdue University’s Master’s program in User Experience (UX) Design and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Through this academic foundation, Tori cultivated a strong interest in making technology more inclusive and accessible to all users. Since then, she has deepened her commitment to bridging gaps in accessibility, continually seeking to expand her expertise and connect innovative approaches within the field. Tori is driven by a mission to empower individuals with disabilities through practical, research-informed technology solutions that foster independence and inclusivity.
Kara James
Kara James, MS, CRC serves as a Disability Access Resource Specialist at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, bringing over two decades of experience in higher education disability services. Kara has actively participated, including mentoring new professionals and professional development in various projects within the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), and as a distinguished member of the inaugural DRP Academy in 2022-2023. She currently holds the role of Co-Chair for the Docs With Disabilities Initiative – Access In Medicine (AIM) program. For Kara, fostering equitable and inclusive environments is not just a professional obligation but a genuine passion and life's mission. Her dedication extends to collaborative efforts, where she enjoys learning, growing with others, and collectively integrating disability into the diverse fabric of our surroundings.
Diane Longhurst Johnson
Diane Longhurst Johnson, Ph.D., is an accomplished education executive with extensive experience in competency-based education, curriculum design, academic operations, and vulnerable populations. Currently serving as Provost and Vice President of Learner Experience, Diane is passionate about creating accessible and inclusive learning ecosystems. Her expertise spans higher education, K-12 education, disability services, and support for underserved populations. Diane holds a PhD in Education from Utah State University, along with a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Brigham Young University and Utah State University, respectively. She is deeply committed to improving educational outcomes for all learners, including first-generation college students, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations, through innovative strategies and the integration of technology.
Theresa Johnson
Theresa Johnson, M.Ed., is the Associate Director of DeafTEC, a project funded by the National Science Foundation for Advanced Technological Education at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, a college of Rochester Institute of Technology.
Randalynn (Randi) Johnson
Randalynn (Randi) Johnson, M.S. is the Associate Director of the Office of Disability Access. She has been served at the University of North Texas since 2001 as a full time Sign Language Interpreter, providing communication access to students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. She was promoted to Student Services Coordinator in 2005 and after many years in that position gained promotions to Assistant Director of Assistive Technology and Accessible Instruction, then Associate Director in 2023. Randi graduated in 1997 from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma with a BA in Human Resources Counseling and Services to the Deaf with a Minor in Interpreting and is earned a Master's Degree in Integrative Studies through the University of North Texas in December 2024.
Ann Christine Jones
Ann Christine Jones, M.Ed. is a 4th year doctoral student in the Education Policy, Organization and Leadership Department at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Her research examines the experiences of disabled undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities, with a particular focus on the barriers they experience.
Toyin Joseph
Toyin Joseph, DTech, ADAT, M.S. has a doctorate in Technology, Leadership and Innovation program from Purdue University. She is the manager of business intelligence and analytics services at Villanova university. She is passionate about identifying ways to help higher education and strategic leaders to use data to support student learning, make data-informed decisions and improve academic outcomes.
Sara Kaiser
Sara Kaiser, Ph.D. brings over two decades of experience in higher education, focusing on student support, accessibility, and compliance. As the Director of Student Disability Resources & Academic Support at the University of North Dakota, Dr. Kaiser leads a team dedicated to ensuring access for students with disabilities, aligning with the UND Leads Strategic Plan. This role involves overseeing testing services, study skills programs, and tutoring to foster an inclusive learning environment. Dr. Kaiser is a core member of the Campus Accessibility Working Group, actively collaborating to promote campus-wide inclusion initiatives that impact both students and university staff. With a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Mississippi, Dr. Kaiser has significant experience navigating and restructuring departmental reporting lines to meet institutional goals. Dr. Kaiser is also an active member of AHEAD and NASPA and has contributed conference presentations focused on student transitions from K-12 to higher education; former foster youth; and history of higher education. Through adjunct teaching positions at several universities, Dr. Kaiser has demonstrated a commitment to advancing the field, sharing knowledge on organizational behavior, higher education management, and student development.
Ellen Kaplan
Ellen Kaplan, M.Ed. is the Assistant Director of Student Disability Services and Learning Specialist at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore. She works with medical school students on all aspects of their education, from studying for their courses to remediation to preparing for their U.S. Medical Licensing exams. She created the school's peer-to-peer tutoring program and works with both graduate, MD, and PhD medical students that are affiliated with disability services.
Adam Kasarda
Adam Kasarda, Ph.D. is the Director of the Disability Resource Center at Palomar Community College, and former Director of the Disability Services Center at University of California, Irvine. Prior to UCI, Adam served as the Disability Director at California State University Dominguez Hills and Alliant International University. Adam has served college students with disabilities for over 13 years. Adam is an active member in AHEAD, serving as a mentor to new professionals and one of the co-founders of the Correctional Education Accessibility KPC. Current interests include medical school accommodations, correctional education, and equity gaps.
Christina Mingle Keller
Christina Mingle Keller, M.Ed., J.D., is a food allergy parent to two teen children who have multiple severe food allergies. With a M.Ed. in Counseling/Student Affairs in Higher Education as well as a law degree, she has practiced law and has worked in a variety of roles at colleges and universities of all sizes -- including reading applications for the University of Virginia -- for over the past 25 years. Christina founded SafeTable Solutions to help families navigate the process of identifying colleges that accommodate their child's food allergies on campus, and to prepare for college.
Jessica Kench
Jessica Kench, M.S. is originally a native of northern Virginia, Jessica has lived in San Francisco since 2006. She earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont and her Master's degree in Family Studies from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Jessica has worked as a disability resource professional since 2009 and has been at the University of San Francisco since 2011. Jessica works with students from all undergraduate and graduate programs at USF.
Jacqueline Kendrick
Jacqueline Kendrick M.A., CRC is the Associate Director of Disability Access Services (DAS) at Northeastern University, bringing over five years of experience supporting postsecondary students with disabilities. She is a nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and holds a master's degree from Assumption University. Currently, Jacqueline is pursuing a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D) at Northeastern University's Graduate School of Education. Her passion lies in fostering students' self-determination and resilience, and she is dedicated to advancing inclusion and eliminating access barriers in education and employment for individuals with disabilities.
Mei Kennedy
Mei Kennedy, Ph.D., is an Instructional Designer from Austin, Texas with expertise in online learning, telecommunications, and integrating technology to improve the learning experience for deaf students. She consulted with CSD Learns on the development of instructional content for several projects, one of which introduces deaf role models in STEM fields.
Earlee Kerekes-Mishra
Earlee Kerekes-Mishra, M.A. is currently the Assistant Director of Disability Access Services at Oregon State University. She has spent the last 18 years in higher education in the disability services field. She holds an MA in Organizational Leadership.
Becky Kile
Becky Kile, MSW, LSW graduated from Kutztown University in 2013 with a master’s degree in social work, and obtained her social work license in Pennsylvania in 2022. Becky began her career as Director of Student Accessibility Services at Cedar Crest College in March of 2024. Prior to this, Becky spent 11 years working at a Center for Independent Living in the Lehigh Valley as an advocate and program manager for a variety of programs related to access. Becky is a member of the ADA trainer leadership network. Becky remains active with LVCIL as a current board member and also serves as an accessibility council member for the Artsquest Center in Bethlehem, PA.
Lore Kinast
Lore Kinast, Ed.D. is a change agent working to address accessibility barriers that deaf students face in higher education settings. Her interest in education and employment access for deaf people initially began when she worked as an employment development specialist and experienced the struggles her deaf clients endured with finding a job. It was further propelled while managing programs and coordinating services including interpreting, captioning, and other accommodations for deaf students at several colleges. She has spent over 25 years collaborating with stakeholders on all levels, designing accessible opportunities using short and long-term goals, implementing systemic benchmarks, and spearheading program development projects. Currently, Lore is the Co-Chair for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Knowledge and Practice Community with the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD). She received her master’s degree from California State University, Northridge in Educational Administration, and an EdD in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University.
Xanth King
Xanth King is the Alternative Formats Technical Lead at UC Berkeley's Disabled Student's Program in the Alternative Formats Unit. They focus on research and development while providing technical support to their unit. They have 10 years of Alternate Media
Rebecca Kinnison
Rebecca Kinnison, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR is an Assistant Professor & Academic Clinical Education Coordinator at Creighton University.
Reese Duff Klotz
Reese Duff Klotz (he/they) is an AuDHD M.A. student and public speaking instructor who specializes in autistic communication and social identity. His work aims to emphasize and empower autistic voices at all stages of autism studies, including and especially study design, data collection, and data analysis.
Ann Knettler
Ann Knettler, Ed.D. currently serves as the Vice President of Consulting for GrackleDocs, a world leader in digital accessibility. An accessibility strategist with over 17 years of experience as an ADA and 504 Compliance Officer, Director of Disability Resources offices, and global corporate policy advisor; Ann is a sought-after speaker, educator, and consultant. As a member of the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), Ann currently represents the Association as a member of the Council of Representatives for the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) where she has co-authored and updated policy and standards for the entire field of higher education and currently sits on their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. A published researcher, Ann regularly presents and consults globally on topics such as the depth and breadth of digital accessibility, disability rights, assessment and the use of data as an advocacy tool, disability policy and policy reform, strategic planning for organization-wide access, creating and using policy and accessibility standards, program review, ableism, and the social justice model of disability. Ann is an active faculty member in the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Master of Public Administration Programs at Delaware State University. She received a Masters of Arts in Counseling in Higher Education with an emphasis in Mental Health from the University of Delaware and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Delaware State University. Her dissertation focuses on the lived experiences of ableism and able-body privilege by students with disabilities in higher education and the impact that experience has on their receipt of an accessible and equitable education.
Amanda Koester
Amanda Koester is a Disability Services Access Coordinator in the Office of Student Disability Services at Florida Southern College. With over five years of experience as a Special Education Teacher, Amanda is passionate about empowering students with a wide range of disabilities. As an educator, she worked specifically with students who were on the spectrum that received therapy for their communication and behavior. Amanda’s collaborative approach with team partners helped foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment for her students. Since at FSC, she has expanded her skill set to provide accessibility to students in higher education. She became an advisor for a campus club, Young Adults as Self Advocates, and facilitates a mentor/mentee program for students that receive accommodations.
Marisa Kofke
Marisa Kofke (she/her), Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Special and Inclusive/Disability Studies in Education in the Department of Education and Human Development at SUNY Brockport. She teaches inclusive and special education courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Her current research focuses on the use of Disability Studies in Education and Neurodiversity Studies frameworks to explore neurodiversity affirming practices and disability identity development in K-12 and higher education settings.
Marcia Kolvitz
Marcia Kolvitz, Ph.D. is an Educational Consultant in Indianapolis, Indiana. She serves as the Chairperson of DeafTEC’s National Visiting Committee.
Karen Krainz Edison
Karen Krainz Edison, MSW, LISW, is the Associate Director of College Support Programs at The Ohio State University Nisonger Center, supporting academic and social success for Autistic college students. She is on the board of a local non-profit, Capital University’s Social Work Community Advisory Board, the College Autism Summit’s Research Symposium Committee, and UCONN’s University Council for Neurodiversity Employment. Karen co-founded the Southern Great Lakes Regional Neurodiversity at Work Hub with Andrew Begel, PhD, Carnegie Mellon; she is co-advisor for two OSU organizations supporting Autistic and Neurodivergent students and allies.
Howard Kramer
Howard Kramer has worked in assistive technology, disability, information systems and accessible media for more than 30 years. From 1997-2012 he worked with Disability Services at CU-Boulder, establishing the Assistive Technology Lab, which serves students with disabilities needing specialized access. He is founder and coordinator for AHEAD's Accessing Higher Ground Conference: Accessible Media, Web & Technology, and teaches courses on Universal Design at CU-Boulder.
Katherine (Katie) Krieger
Katherine (Katie) Krieger, M.A., C.A.G.S., is the Director of the Disability Resource Center at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). She has a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Post-Secondary Disability Services, and a Master of Arts in Education Psychology. Katie started her career as an elementary special education teacher, but quickly made her way to higher education disability services. She started out at Western Connecticut State, and then established the inaugural Accessibility and Accommodations office at St. Francis College before moving to North Carolina and serving as Associate Director at East Carolina University. She became Director at UNCW in 2023. Katie has experience in policy development and disability service provision across a variety of institutions. In her spare time, Katie enjoys crocheting and trips to the beach. If you see her around at the conference, ask how much yarn she packed for this trip!
Carol Krueger
Carol Krueger, Ed.D. currently serves as Director of Disability Services and Director of the Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE) at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas where she has held that position since January 2021. She also works as an adjunct professor teaching a variety of courses including adaptive physical education and doctoral special topics courses in educational leadership. Dr. Krueger has 40 years of experience in education and is a Texas Education Agency certified Educational Diagnostician. She is passionate about educating students and giving students the opportunity to better themselves through experience, reflection, and knowledge.
Jessyca Krueger
Jessyca Krueger, MLIS, M.Ed. works at Hardin-Simmons University as an Instructional Designer. She is passionate about providing accessible resources to students across campus. Jessyca works closely with the Office of Disability Services and the faculty to provide appropriate accommodations and resources for students with differing areas of disability. Jessyca is an active proponent of collaborative initiatives benefiting neurodiverse student populations. She strives to provide faculty with the knowledge and resources needed to write accessible courses.
Rachel Kruzel
Rachel Kruzel, ATP, is the Higher Education Specialist for Texthelp where she supports higher education institutions across the United States and Canada as they explore, adopt, and implement technology based literacy, STEM, and accessibility based solutions to help create more inclusive, equitable, and accessible campuses and learning spaces for all students and campus members. She is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional and spent over ten years working as an Assistive Technology and Accommodations Specialist in Disability Resource Offices prior to coming to Texthelp. During her time in higher ed, she built and developed assistive technology programs at both schools she worked at, as well as coordinated the provision of accommodations. Rachel is a national expert in the areas of assistive technology, digital accessibility, accessible course materials, and accommodation provision around testing and notetaking. Rachel presents both regionally and nationally on these topics and others, as well as consults with students, parents, schools, and organizations. She is a member of AHEAD and MNAHEAD, as well as sits on the Minnesota Department of Education’s Assistive Technology Leadership Team.
Carleigh Kude
Carleigh Kude is the inaugural Director of Disability Resources at the Stanford University School of Medicine. She has worked in accessible education for over 15 years, specializing in collaborative partnerships and student support initiatives. Carleigh is a graduate of the School of Public Policy and Administration at California State University Long Beach and a Juris Doctor candidate at University of Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law.
Ian Kunkes
Ian Kunkes, Ed.D. has nearly 20 years of experience supporting a disabled student population, most of which has been at the postsecondary level. He earned his Ed.D. in Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University, M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University, Maryland, and his B.A. in Psychology from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Ian is the co-founder and CEO of EdPros, a consulting agency focused exclusively on supporting the efforts of postsecondary disability resource and accessibility offices. Previously, he served at Virginia Commonwealth University as the founding Director of Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO) and Disability Support Services (DSS) before that . He has also worked at institutions including The Catholic University of America, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry), and across additional K-12 and postsecondary spaces. Ian is a nationally recognized leader in the field of accessibility and disability-related support. He has served as a speaker and consultant for organizations including The Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), Educational Testing Services (ETS), and at conferences including the Postsecondary Training Institute. He is particularly proud of his work in 2022 revamping AHEAD’s professional competencies to move from a compliance-based approach to one with a social justice focus. Outside of his professional work, Ian is a dedicated father and husband. He emphasizes wellness and self-care through seeing as much live music as possible, regular exercise, staying active with his family, and balancing that with a healthy love for BBQ and finding the best local food options anywhere he travels.
Terri Lakowski
Terri Lakowski, Esq. is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer for Active Policy Solutions. A well-known and respected expert on youth sports policy in the United States, Terri has created and implemented strategic policy planning, lobbying, coalition building and education and outreach to renowned organizations working on issues relating to sports, youth development, education, health and fitness, Title IX and gender equity, disability rights, and civil rights. Terri has worked with clients for over a decade to advance sports-related issues for youth among policymakers. She earned her Juris Doctorate from American University Washington College of Law, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She received her bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Social Thought and Analysis and a concentration in Women’s Studies.
Adam R. Lalor
Adam R. Lalor, Ph.D. is an educational psychologist and Vice President for Neurodiversity Research and Innovation at Landmark College. His research focuses on the transition and success of disabled college students to and through postsecondary education. Dr. Lalor is the author of numerous articles and book chapters as well as co-author of the book From Disability to Diversity: College Success for Students with Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder and co-editor of the forthcoming Accessibility in Higher Education: Disrupting the System for an Inclusive Future He serves as Co-chair of the Association on Higher Education and Disability’s (AHEAD) Research KPC and in leadership positions in the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) and the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD).
Spencer Lambert
Spencer Lambert, M.A. earned his AA at Fresno City Community College, then transferred to College of Idaho where he received his Bachelors of Art in Elementary Education and Masters of Art in in Teaching. He was the Director of Accessibility Services at Upper Iowa University for two years before becoming an Access Consultant for the University of Arizona’s Disability Resource Center, working with upper division students. He is also the liaison to all student athletes affiliated with the DRC.
Angie Lampe
Angie Lampe, OTD, OTR/L is an Associate Professor at Creighton University.
Donna Lange
Donna Lange, M.S. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Information and Computing Studies at NTID and the Principle Investigator and Center Director for DeafTEC, a National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) National Center of Excellence at Rochester Institute of Technology.
Griffin Leistinger
Griffin Leistinger, M.P.P.A. is the Assistant Director at the Hampshire College Office of Accessibility Resources and Services and, in this role, directs the college’s academic access coaching program. For the past decade, Griffin has worked alongside community members, in a variety of professional and personal forms, to advocate for accessible infrastructure, accessible transportation, and accessible education. Griffin is an adjunct at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where they regularly teach critical disability studies, disability policy, and the histories of the disability rights movements. They also research accommodation implementation processes and the relational harm they cause to students. They hold a Master in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Tiffany Leon
Tiffany Leon, M.S., R.D., Assistant Director of Training and Professional Programs at FARE, supports the development of educational materials and training programs for key target audiences, including registered dietitians, healthcare professionals, commercial foodservice operators, and, of course, those with food allergies! She has been a Registered Dietitian for 11 years and has earned degrees from James Madison University and Columbia University.
William Leonelli
William Leonelli, EdD, MS, CPA is an Assistant Professor in the Human Services Department at St. Joseph's University in New York. He teaches in various modalities including in the classroom, online, and video conference linking students from both campuses. He has been teaching at the University for ten years, seven as an adjunct and three as a full-time instructor. He holds an EdD in Instructional Leadership, an MS in Human Services Leadership, and his CPA.
Brandi Darensbourg Levingston
Brandi Darensbourg Levingston, Ph.D., CRC is the Interim Director at Virginia Commonwealth University Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity Office. Dr. Levingston received her doctoral degree in Special Education, with a concentration in Rehabilitation Counseling, from the University of Texas at Austin in 2008 and her master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in 2004. She has extensive experience as an educator and service provider for individuals with disabilities. She previously was employed as a Principal Lecturer at the University of North Texas and the Program Director for the UNT ELEVAR Inclusive Post-Secondary Program for students with intellectual disabilities. She also worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with college students with disabilities for the state of Texas and at the University of Texas at Austin in the Student Emergency Services Office. Dr. Levingston’s professional interests include: cultural competence, emergency preparedness of people with disabilities, psychosocial aspects of disability, students with disabilities in postsecondary education, and employment of persons with disabilities, specifically people with blindness or visual-impairments.
Kate Lewandowski
Kate Lewandowski, M.S. is a Strategic Support Coordinator at NDC and brings over 12 years of experience in advancing disability justice, access, and belonging for deaf students in higher education. Her commitment to this work is grounded in her own experiences navigating educational systems as a deaf person. In 2019, she completed her M.S. in Disability Services in Higher Education from the City University of New York. Currently, as a Strategic Support Coordinator with the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC), Kate collaborates with colleges and universities to implement system-wide changes that improve access for deaf students.
Hanna Lewis
Hanna Lewis, M.S.W. is the Director of Accessible DU: Student Disability Services at the University of Denver and a member of COWY AHEAD. Hanna holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Indianapolis and has over eight years of experience in higher education, both at a private, liberal arts college and a large, public institution. Hanna is passionate about advocating for student needs and aims to provide a safe, accessible, and welcoming space for everyone in the disability community. As Director, Hanna is committed to furthering accessibility and inclusion in higher education by amplifying student voices and intentionally engaging campus partners.
L. Scott Lissner
L. Scott Lissner, M.A. has served as the Americans With Disabilities Act Coordinator and 504 Compliance Officer for The Ohio State University since January of 2000 where he is also an Associate of the John Glenn School of Public Policy and a lecturer for the Moritz College of Law, the Knowlton School of Architecture, and Disability Studies. His teaching and public service informs and energizes his work in creating seamless access to the full range of the university’s programs, services, and opportunities. Engaged in community and professional service, Lissner is Chair of the Association on Higher Education and Disability’s Public Policy Committee and a past President of the organization; has served on the boards and advisory committees including The Center for Disability Empowerment, Arts Access Ohio, the National Center for College Students with Disabilities, Access Ohio, the Columbus Advisory Committee on Disability Issues, and the NCAA Mental Health Think Tank. Presentations on disability and access include the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, Ohio Court Administrators Association, University of Toledo’s Law Symposium on Compliance, a technical assistance tour to Indonesia sponsored by the Department of State, conference sessions and workshops for the Association on Higher Education And Disability, the National Association of College and University Attorneys, The Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the and webinars on building accommodation processes at the Universities of Tokyo and Doshisha in Japan.
Clay Littrell
Clay Littrell, M.Ed. has worked since 2006 in student disability services across the spectrum of education, in K-12, community colleges, undergraduate, and graduate levels. He previously served in roles ranging from coordinator, associate director, to AT specialist in the California Community College system (MiraCosta College), the Cal State system (Cal State San Marcos), as well as at Northwestern University's main campus in Evanston, IL.
Christine Low
Christine Low, LCSW-R is the Director of Disability Services for the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and served on the Board of Directors for the Coalition for Disability Access in Health Science and Medical Education. Christine has co-authored several publications and has presented nationally on topics such as: Professional Communication Around Disability Status and Utilizing the ADA and Case Law in Determining Reasonable Accommodations.
Tracie Lowe
Tracie Lowe, Ph.D. is the Dean of Student Success Research for Dallas College. Her current work supports institutional student success initiatives through research on students’ experiences at Dallas College, from their time of access to post-completion. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's and bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University.
Stephen Loynaz
Stephen Loynaz, Ph.D., ADAC has been a professional in the disability services field for nearly 15 years and has worked in higher education for 18 years. A person with a disability himself, he understands the needs of a student with disability in the classroom. Having spent time in front of the classroom and as an online instructor, he is also familiar with the needs of faculty members and administrators. Stephen holds a BA in Psychology, an MS in Mental Health Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University. He is also a certified as an ADA Coordinator by the University of Missouri’s Great Plains ADA Center. Stephen is currently the Access Consultant Manager and lead presenter and trainer for Florida International University’s Disability Resource Center. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Florida International University’s Department of Psychology.
Dani Lucchese
Dani Lucchese, M.A., (they/them) is a disabled, non-binary and queer doctoral student in higher education and the coordinator at the Disability Cultural Center (DCC) at the University of Arizona. Their research focuses on examining how disability justice can be utilized to make higher education more accessible for disabled students. They hold two masters degrees: one in Disability Studies from the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Professional Studies (June 2016) and one in sociology with a minor in design studies from the New School (May 2020). They received their bachelors degree from Wagner College in sociology with a double minor in journalism and english literature (May 2014). In addition to being the coordinator at the DCC, they are also adjunct faculty at CUNY Lehman College and the University of Arizona where they teach courses for the school’s Disability Studies minor. Prior to their work at Lehman College, they have taught Disability Studies courses at CUNY School of Professional Studies, CUNY College of Staten Island, William Paterson University and the University of Arizona. They also have a history of disabled student activism. While they were a graduate student at the CUNY School of Professional Studies, they served as a delegate for the CUNY Coalition for Studies with Disabilities (CCSD). During their time with CCSD, they advocated on the City and State levels for funding for numerous access needs for disabled students. Furthermore, they also served as a faculty representative on the CUNY School of Professional Studies’s Disability and Access Coalition (DAC), mentoring disabled students and working with other departments in the school to ensure event access. As an undergraduate student, they co-founded and served as the first president of Exceeding the Expectation (ETE), Wagner College’s first student club dedicated to disability education and activism on campus.
Emily Lucio
Emily Lucio, M.A. has worked for a variety of institutions in higher education and disability since 1991. She has been a member of the Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) since 1992 and served on the Board of Directors from 2007-2010. She has been the Editor for the AHEAD newsletter, the ALERT, the Chair of the Policy Committee and serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability and also the SIG Chair for ADA Coordinators. Over the years, she has given many presentations to students, parents and faculty, as well as presented at the AHEAD conference annually since 1997. Emily received her BA in Public Policy Studies: Special Education-Legislation and Practice from The University of Michigan in 1992 and went on to receive her MA in Special Education from Eastern Michigan University in 1993. She collaborated with several professional colleagues in the field on the development of the revised disability services survey and wrote one of the introductions for Peterson’s Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities or ADD in 2003 and again in 2007. From August 2006-August 2015 Emily was the Director of Disability Support Services and The Catholic University of America. In 2015 Emily became the Director of ADA Compliance and Disability Services at Johns Hopkins University. In August 2021 Emily started as the first full time ADA Coordinator at The University of Maryland.
Rachel E. Crook Lyon
Rachel E. Crook Lyon, PhD, Licensed Psychologist (she/her/hers) has been the assistant director of the University Accessibility Center at the Brigham Young University since September 2020. She received her doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park. She taught at BYU for 9 years as a full-time faculty in the Counseling Psychology and Special Education (CPSE) program at BYU. Rachel then served as an adjunct faculty at the BYU Salt Lake Center and opened a private practice in Lehi, UT. As a Medicare provider, she worked with individuals with disabilities in private settings. Her clinical and research interests include mentoring for students in higher education with executive functioning difficulties and best practices in supervision. She has over 30 invited and peer-reviewed publications.
Sylvia Mac
Sylvia Mac, Ph.D. currently serves as Associate Director of the Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity. She previously served as Associate Professor of Education and Director of the Center for Learning Innovation at the University of La Verne. As Director, she created and facilitated faculty development workshops and modules that supported excellence in inclusive teaching and learning, with a specialization in anti-racist/anti-bias educational practices, accessibility, and educational technology innovation. An expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Mac created the Syllabus and Course Curriculum Self-Assessment and Audit Tool that has helped university faculty across the nation in creating more inclusive curriculum and classroom environments. She has been invited to facilitate numerous faculty and professional development workshops on topics such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), neurodiversity, culturally sustaining practices, race- and gender-based microaggressions, creating positive classroom climates, and decolonizing course curriculum. Additionally, she is the author of Neoliberalism and Inclusive Education: Students with Disabilities in the Education Marketplace. Dr. Mac earned her Ph.D. in Education (Social Foundations) at Oklahoma State University, in addition to a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Disability Studies from Syracuse University. A former special education teacher, she brings expertise from her experiences in a range of classrooms, from PK to high school, and from inclusive to self-contained settings.
Katherine MacDonald
Katherine MacDonald, Ed.D., has worked in higher education disability services for over a decade and currently serves as the Director of Disability Services and Adjunct Professor of Education at Randolph-Macon College. A former middle school special education and English teacher in west Philadelphia, Kate began her career in higher education disability services at Salisbury University. She is passionate about diversity, access, and equity in education and working with students to develop the skills, competencies, and confidence they need to meet their personal and academic goals. Outside of her role at Randolph-Macon College, Kate serves on the Board of Directors for Delta Alpha Pi (international disability honors society) and the Executive Board for Virginia AHEAD. She also enjoys serving as an executive functioning coach for local middle, high school, and college students. Kate earned her Ed.D in Contemporary Curriculum Theory and Instruction: Literacy from Salisbury University and her research focuses on the intersection of literacy and disability identities and experiences of college students with reading disabilities. She has also completed the ADA Certification Training Program at the University of Missouri.
John R. Macko
John R. Macko, M.S. is the Director of the Co-op and Career Center at Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT) National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), where he leads a team focused on connecting deaf and hard-of-hearing students and graduates with co-op and full-time employment opportunities. Under his leadership, the team partners with employers to build more inclusive workplaces and prepare students with essential career readiness skills. With over three decades at RIT, Mr. Macko has taught job search courses, advised countless students, and contributed to national conversations through radio, television, and webinar appearances. A seasoned presenter, Mr. Macko has delivered workshops to federal agencies, corporations, and nonprofits across the country. His widely acclaimed session, “Working Together: Deaf and Hearing People,” helps organizations foster better communication and understanding between deaf and hearing colleagues. He also led the creation of the inaugural Deaf Employment Summit in collaboration with Gallaudet University, the National Association of the Deaf, and Communication Service for the Deaf. Mr. Macko holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a Master’s degree in Human Resources from RIT. He is a member of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Janice Mader
Janice Mader M.Ed. CRC works for Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) where she was hired as a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor to work with students transitioning from high school into the adult world that includes training and employment. She was promoted into the role of a Rehabilitation Program Specialist and worked in different units including Policy and Training, Contract Services, and most recently Supported Employment and Transition. Jan now is now a Program Administrator, where she worked with the OOD Jobs for Recovery program and currently with the Ohio College2Careers program. She graduated from Ohio University with her Bachelors and Masters degrees.
Derek Malenczak
Derek Malenczak, PhD, CPRP, LCADC has been a faculty member for the past 12 years at UMDNJ/Rutgers University Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Prior to Rutgers, he worked in community mental health non-profits for 12 years across housing, partial care, and co-occurring programs. Derek began at the university working on a research grant aimed at improving Executive Functioning skills in college students with mental health conditions. He eventually transitioned to teaching and is currently an assistant professor within the undergraduate program. Derek earned his PhD in 2023; his dissertation focused on the experience of re-entry to postsecondary education following a stopout due to mental health reasons.
Larry Markle
Larry Markle is the Director of the Gregory S. Fehribach Center at Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis, IN. This program provides college students with physical disabilities paid internships in fields related to their major and professional development training to improve their employment outcomes. Prior to that, Larry was the Director of Disability Services at Ball State University for 13 years. During Larry’s tenure, Ball State was recognized nationally as a leader in physical accessibility for students with disabilities. A 2019 recipient of the Association on Higher Education and Disability’s Meritorious Contribution Award, Larry has co-authored multiple articles on disability and higher education that have been published in peer reviewed journals and presented at dozens of regional and national conferences.
Jason Marmon
Jason Marmon, Esq. is the Chief Operating Officer for Active Policy Solutions. He has a depth of strong expertise in the congressional funding and appropriations process, legislative concept drafting, and convening congressional summits. He has successfully fostered multi-million dollar federal funding efforts, helped facilitate the influencing of several federal regulations, lectured to numerous groups on a variety of government policy topics, including athletes of the ACC and Big Ten, and developed over a dozen strategic government affairs plans for organizations. Jason earned his Juris Doctorate from Widener University School of law, where he graduated with honors. He received his bachelor’s degree from Drexel University with a degree in Environmental Science, and his master’s degree from George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management.
Jessica Martin
Jessica Martin, M.S. joined Disability Services as the Accommodation Support Coordinator in April 2022. She completed both a Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to moving to Colorado, Jessica worked as a Case Manager in the Office of Disability Services at Texas State University and has extensive experience working in various social services settings.
Ali Martin Scoufield
Ali Martin Scoufield, M.S. is a Ph.D. Candidate at Cleveland State University. Her dissertation is a critical qualitative case study investigating the barriers disabled undergraduate students experience when connecting with disability service offices. Ali has worked in higher education for twenty-years, most recently as the Associate Vice President & Dean of Students before resigning to focus on research, teaching, and grant projects. Ali has a BA in history from Western New England University, a, MS in Higher Education from Miami University, a, MLS in Human Rights and Social Justice from Southern Methodist University, and will earn a PhD in Urban Education Policy (hopefully soon!)
Naomi Martinez-Jones
Naomi Martinez-Jones, M.A. is the Director of Disability Services at George Mason University. She has over 17 years of experience working with people with disabilities in secondary and post-secondary education and the community. She has worked at George Mason University in Disability Services for 11 years. Naomi received her undergraduate degree in Special Education and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Northern Colorado. She co-authored the article “Awareness, Integration and Interconnectedness: Contemplative Practices of Higher Education Professional” and was instrumental in creating the Disability Awareness and Inclusion workshop for the George Mason University community.
Nicolas Maynard
Nicolas Maynard, M.S. began working with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in early 2020 in the Disability Resource Center. While working in the DRC Testing Center, Nicolas has moved from an assistant position to his current role as the Access Coordinator for Testing and Communication. After graduating with his Masters in Psychological Research through UTC in 2024, Nicolas now hopes to continue to use his passion for supporting students with disabilities by working to grow and evolve the work he does through the use of data driven best practices and compassion for the students he assists.
Erin Mayo
Erin Mayo, M.A. (she/her) is the Assistant Director of Student Accessibility Services at the College of the Holy Cross. Erin has experience doing disability advocacy work through the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD). She was published in the AHEAD sponsored book: DISABLED Faculty and Staff in Higher Education: Intersecting Identities and Everyday Experience which came out in July 2023.
Alex Mazzeo
Alex Mazzeo, M.Ed. began work in disability services during his graduate studies at the University of Florida, where he directly supported outreach and student programming efforts to promote disability as a valued aspect of diversity. He has served in various roles, including as an Exam Coordinator at the University of California – Santa Cruz, a Disability Specialist at the University of California – Los Angeles, and now a Lead Specialist at the University of Southern California. Alex is passionate about student development, educational equity, and social justice, and strives to incorporate these values into his everyday practice.
Ryan McCombs
Ryan McCombs, Ph.D. is the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services and Student Success at Ivy Tech Community College in Bloomington, Indiana, bringing over a decade of experience in education as a student affairs and disability services practitioner and educator. He previously served as Director of the Disability Access Center at Purdue University Fort Wayne and continues as adjunct faculty, teaching graduate courses in higher education administration at Purdue University. Dr. McCombs holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Purdue University West Lafayette, a Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration from Ball State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Central Michigan University. A thought leader in access and student success, he actively serves in leadership roles with the Indiana Association on Higher Education and Disability, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, and as an executive board member and Chair of the Community Impact Committee with the United Way of South Central Indiana. Drawing from his own disabled and first-generation experiences, Dr. McCombs’ research and professional focus center on higher education law, institutional policy development, inclusive environments, and strategic initiatives that promote student empowerment, retention, success, and equitable access.
Zach McDowell
Zach McDowell, Ph.D. is a higher educational professional who has been in the field for 12 years holding various roles in disability services including testing services, case management and in his current director role, leading a disability services team. His doctoral research focused on faculty perceptions of students with mental health diagnoses.
Jon McGough
Jon McGough, M.Ed. oversees disability services for the Graduate Division and Physical Therapy programs at UCSF. Prior to that, Jon's career in the tech sector and higher education spans 15+ years, determining accommodations, leading teams, and providing consultation on ADA matters of digital and physical access. Jon served on the Board of the Coalition for Disability Access in Health Science and Medical Education and is a past President of the Washington Association on Postsecondary Education and Disability. Jon is originally from Rochester, New York, but currently lives in Bellingham, Washington with his spouse and 2 kids, where they enjoy gardening, hiking, and the burgeoning musical theatre scene of the Pacific Northwest.
Aggie McGrane
Aggie McGrane currently serves as Associate Director of AccessibleNU at Northwestern University. Since 2016, Aggie’s role has been to oversee accommodation determinations, caseload management, and the implementation of disability accommodations for Northwestern’s graduate and professional degree seeking students, including students in Feinberg School of Medicine, Pritzker School of Law, Kellogg School of Management, Medill School of Journalism, and The Graduate School. Aggie has worked in higher education disability services since 2005 at Ball State University and Illinois Institute of Technology.
Ira McKenzie
Ira McKenzie, M.Ed. (they/them) is an educational professional specializing in student affairs and student leadership with a focus on students with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ students. Before pursuing a graduate degree in Adult Education at Portland State University, Ira worked in student leadership on the student side for multiple years. Through their experiences as a student leader, Ira found their place in Student Affairs as professional staff supporting and guiding students in their own journeys through higher education.
Ulises Mendoza
Ulises Mendoza, M.A. joined Disability Services as the Graduate/Assistant/Flex Coordinator in July 2019 and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Special Operations. He completed an Associate of Science degree from Colorado Northwestern Community College. He also completed both a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies and Humanities and a Master of Arts in Higher Education at the University of Colorado Boulder. During his time at CU Boulder, Ulises has held various positions in Housing & Dining, Academic Advising, Academic Coaching and Disability Services. He currently services as the Membership and Finance Chair for the Colorado-Wyoming Association on Higher Education and Disability (COWY AHEAD) regional affiliate.
Ruth N. Mercado Cruz
Ruth N. Mercado Cruz, PhD., CRC is a Rehabilitation Counselor and Coordinator of the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities at the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey. Dr. Mercado is a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. She received her PhD in Rehabilitation Counselor Education from the University of Iowa. Her main research areas include studies on substance abuse in women, resilience in students with disabilities, and the transition of students with functional diversity to higher education. Additionally, she has over 15 years of experience in the field of rehabilitation counseling. Since 2020, Dr. Mercado has been an executive member of the Puerto Rico Board of Examiners for Rehabilitation Counselors. In 2021, she was appointed as Chair of the Ethics Committee of the Board of Examiners for Rehabilitation Counselors. Currently, she is the host of the podcast Diversidad Funcional en Acción. Furthermore, she is an activist and educator for the disability community through the social media platforms of her podcast.
Gabriel Merrell
Gabriel Merrell, M.S. is the Director of Access and Affirmative Action, and Deputy ADA Coordinator, at Oregon State University. He is a certified ADA Coordinator who has been working in areas directly related to physical access, IT access, accommodations, inclusion, and universal design for 17+ years. He is a Past President of ORAHEAD, and a co-chair of the AHEAD ADA Coordinators Knowledge and Practice Community.
Adam Meyer
Adam Meyer, Ph.D. is the Director of the Student Accessibility Services at the University of Central Florida. He has past experiences at Eastern Michigan University and at Saint Louis University while serving in this field since 2004. Adam was previously part of a national US Department of Education grant that explored ways in which concepts of social justice could be more regularly and routinely incorporated into the operations of the disability services office. Adam has presented at numerous conferences and multiple other AHEAD and AHEAD affiliate venues on a strategic framework for determining reasonable accommodations, the interactive process, rethinking documentation, applying the social model of disability to office and campus practices, effective initial student interviews, disability language and various leadership and influence strategies for disability office personnel. Adam served on the Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) Board of Directors, now serves on the AHEAD external review team for campus program evaluations, and does consulting and presentations with other disability offices and their campuses.
Deanna Miles
Deanna Miles, M.D. teaches life sciences including classes for students majoring in health sciences at SSC. She has served in multiple roles such as COVID Compliance Officer, Higher Learning Commission Accreditation Coordinator, and President of Faculty Senate. She enjoys attending college athletics and bathing her hedgehog.
Michelle Mitchell
Michelle Mitchell, M.Ed., CRC earned an M.Ed. in Rehabilitation Counseling from Penn State University and has been in the profession for over 24 years. Seeing the inequity of opportunities for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Michelle has endeavored to change opportunities by changing the way our culture interprets disability and championing liberation. Through this work, Michelle has developed sustainable relationships opening the doors of inclusion across many campuses, 2 year and 4 year alike. With over 18 years at Lehigh Carbon Community College as a Disability Learning Specialist and various community connections, Michelle has collaborated on many projects to open doors of equity across her community.
Vanessa Molina
Vanessa Molina, M.A. is an Accessibility Resource Specialist at NDC with nearly 5 years of experience in disability services within higher education. She is committed to transforming campuses to prioritize accessibility, inclusion, and equity for deaf college students. Vanessa holds an M.A. in Higher Education Administration and is pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at UC San Diego, where her research focuses on the intersection of ableism and racism. Through her work, she aims to provide insights into how institutions can address and combat these systemic issues to support BIPOC disabled students.
Jenifer Montag
Jenifer Montag, Ed.D., NIC, CRC is the Associate Director of the National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD) and in this role she is tasked with increasing knowledge and connection to VR and college DS by disabled students. Prior to starting at the NCCSD, she directed, facilitated, and managed college disability services in a large doctoral university, a large community college, and at two medium-sized rural community colleges. With a background in vocational rehabilitation, at each institution she has worked to intentionally connect with the local VR office and in 2023 the community college in Ohio that she worked at was assigned a dedicated VR counselor for the campus students.
Katherine Morgan
Katherine Morgan, M.S. works at the University of Florida in the Disability Resource Center as an Assistant Director for Health Science Programs. She has a background in health promotion and is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Before working in higher education, she worked at a nonprofit organization for over five years. Katherine is a double gator with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and Masters of Science in Family Youth and Community Science.
Alex Morris-Wood
Alex Morris-Wood, M.S. is the Head of School at Franklin Academy. Alex is the Co-Chair of the Disabilities and Neurodiversity SIG for NACAC, consults with colleges and universities on program development, and is currently researching the parent experience during the transition from high school to college for autistic seniors.
Marisa Moser
Marisa Moser, M.A. (she/her) has worked at Portland Community College since December 2020. She has worked for the Career Pathways & STEP Team, Queer Resource Centers, and is now with the Inclusive Career Advancement Program. She has an MA in Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies; Queer Studies; and College Student Services Administration, a Graduate Certificate in College & University Teaching, and a BS in Human Services. In her spare time, you'll find her with her wife and dogs out in the veggie garden or in the middle of a home renovation project.
Kristin Mossman
Kristin Mossman (she/her/hers) is the Assistant Director of Operations at the Disability Center on the University of Missouri - Columbia campus. Kristin earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Minnesota State University - Mankato in 2018. She decided to obtain her Masters of Arts at the University of Northern Iowa in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs in 2021. Kristin moved to Missouri in summer of 2021 to start her career in the Disability Center as an access advisor to assist students with disabilities in their academic careers. Kristin has specialized in advising students studying in the college of business, college of education and human development, law school, residential life, and study abroad.
Nicole Mucica
Dr. Nicole Mucica, Ed.D. (she/her) has served as the Director of Student Accessibility Services at SUNY Brockport since April 2023 and as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Education and Human Development for the past seven years. She holds a Doctorate in Teaching, Curriculum, and Change, a master’s degree in Inclusive Adolescent Mathematics Education, and a bachelor's degree in Inclusive Childhood Education. With 20 years of prior experience as a special education teacher and instructional technology specialist, Nicole advocates for inclusivity and accessibility in education, aiming for equitable learning and grading experiences for diverse student bodies, ensuring equal access to learning experiences for all.
Kathleen Mullins
Kathleen Mullins, M.S.W. is Assistant Director for Accessible NU and is responsible for providing accommodations and services for students with disabilities and related conditions on the Chicago Campus. In her previous position, Kathleen worked in disability services at Roosevelt University. She also has many years of child welfare experience. Kathleen serves on the regional Illinois/Iowa AHEAD affiliate as secretary. Kathleen earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Western Illinois University and a Master of Social Work from Loyola University, Chicago.
Jennifer Murchison
Jennifer Murchison, M.A. is a 25+ year veteran of ADA/504 compliance work. Jennifer's work is grounded in the principles of social justice and civil rights as integral foundations of administration and institutional work. Throughout her career in higher education and disability services, Jennifer has forged friendships and mentorships up and down the ladder. She enjoys working with colleagues to ensure disability is seen as a valued aspect of diversity, addressing ableism across identities, and highlighting that ableism is systemic - something we all should acknowledge, address, and correct.
Lori R. Muskat
Lori R. Muskat, Ph.D. is the Senior Disability Policy Specialist in the Office of Disability Policy at ETS, where she assists with documentation reviews and policy/procedure development regarding accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Before joining the staff, Lori was on the ETS External Review Panel for over a decade and helped revise documentation guidelines for multiple disability categories. Lori’s training and experience include neuropsychology, rehabilitation psychology and clinical psychology. She was a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Georgia School of Professional Psychology, where she coordinated the assessment sequence, and was a staff psychologist/team lead at the University of Georgia’s Regents Center for Learning Disorders. Lori has national recognition for her assessment training expertise. She serves on the Editorial Review Boards of Professional Psychology: Research and Practice and the Journal of Post-Secondary Education and Disability (JPED). Lori was also a recipient of JPED’S Practice Brief Reviewer of the Year Award as well as the ETS Dominick Award for excellence in accommodation reviews. Lori lives in Atlanta, where she enjoys songwriting, playing the guitar and losing arguments with her Scottish Terrier Allie.
Kagendo Mutua
Kagendo Mutua, Ph.D. is a Professor of Special Education at the University of Alabama. Dr. Mutua is the Director of the CrossingPoints Transition Program. She founded the program with Dr. Marcia Rock in the fall of 2002 and has been one of the driving forces that has led the program to success. Dr. Mutua completed her Ph.D. from Kent State University in Special Education with a focus in transition, severe/profound, and multiple disabilities. Dr. Mutua has been teaching at The University of Alabama since 2001 in the Department of Special Education and Multiple Abilities.
Beverly Neu Menassa
Beverly Neu Menassa, M.A., M.Ed., LPC-S is the Dean of Accessibility Services at Dallas College and provides leadership for the 7-campus system. She has been working with students with disabilities in higher education for the past 24 years. Beverly holds a master's degree in mental health counseling, a master's degree in English literature, and is a licensed professional counselor supervisor in the state of Texas.
Kat Nic
Kat Nic, M.Div., Ed.S. (they/she) is a non-binary, disabled practitioner who has been in the field for six years. Kat’s research passion is around supporting students who are both LGBTQ+ and disabled, especially who are going through times of transition such as first-year college and graduate program students. Kat served as a Graduate Assistant at BGSU for three years, and has worked full-time at the University of Michigan in Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) as a Disability Access Coordinator particularly working with graduate students since.
Paul Nolting
Paul Nolting, Ph.D. has helped students with disabilities for 30 years. He has consulted with over one hundred campuses on disability issues. He has helped many colleges, universities, and the state of Georgia develop course substitution policies. He has publications, and authored books on disabilities and math. He has presented at 25 conferences for AHEAD and PTI and was the keynote at many state AHEAD and math conferences. He has presented many Webinars for AHEAD and FL- AHEAD. His last two books are Mathematics and Disability Handbook focusing on helping SLD, ADHD, TBI, PTS, ID , LI and Autism and My Math Success Plan study skills workbook. The workbook is for students with disabilities and Wounded Warriors to improve their math study skills and understand how their process deficits affect math learning. Last, he was the main coordinator and presented at the four Math National Math Summits co-sponsored by AMATYC and NOSS. His international presentations were in Kuwait at the Gulf University of Science and Technology.
Lisa Noshay Petro
Lisa Noshay Petro, JD, ACSW, is the Director of the University of California College of the Law San Francisco (UC Law SF), and has 20 years of experience working with graduate students with disabilities. Lisa received her law degree from UC Law SF (formerly, Hastings College of the Law) in 1998 and her MSW from UC Berkeley in 2023. She currently works with over 250 law students with disabilities, counseling many of them on stress reduction, emotion regulation, and disability symptom management. Prior to this work, she had over 10 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in various educational and social service settings in Arizona, California, and the New York metropolitan area. Lisa is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and believes her disabilities give her superpowers. She has previously presented at AHEAD and other national conferences on Trauma-Informed Teaching in Higher Education, and approaches this work from a place of “practicing what she preaches.”
Daniel Nuss
Daniel Nuss is the Director of Services for Students with Disabilities at University of the Pacific, a private college in California with campuses in Stockton, Sacramento, and San Francisco. Danny has worked in the field of disability services for more than 20 years and is currently enrolled in a Doctor of Health Sciences Program.
Hannah Y. Oldenburg
Hannah Y. Oldenburg, EdD, OTR/L, BCPR is an Associate Professor and Associate Program Director in the Graduate Occupational TherapyProgram at University of Minnesota. Hannah has spent over 10 years working in higher education teaching entry-level and post professional degree occupational therapy students. In her prior roles, she was the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota successfully mentoring students with and without disabilities while completing terminal fieldwork experiences. During her full-time clinical education position at Mayo Clinic-Rochester she developed and sustained a collaborative fieldwork model in acute care with successfully mentoring over 60 graduate occupational therapy students. Her research focuses on scholarship of teaching and learning regarding clinical reasoning development and readiness for occupational therapy fieldwork experiences in acute care. She also has published research regarding cognitive evaluation and occupational therapy service delivery in hospital settings. Hannah lives in Pine Island, Minnesota with her family.
Julie Olson Rand
Julie Olson Rand, M.Ed., NIC serves as the Associate Director for Access Programs at the University of Minnesota. Julie formerly served as the Director of Student Accessibility & Accommodations at St. Catherine University where this collaborative work began. Julie is currently a PhD student in the OLPD program, in the higher education track. Her research centers around the Great Resignation and improving workplace morale. Julie currently serves on the Board of Directors for ThinkSelf, a Deaf-led non-profit serving the Deaf community with advocacy and education programs. Julie lives in Eagan, Minnesota with her family.
Kristie Orr
Kristie Orr, Ph.D. is the Director of Disability Resources at Texas A&M University. She is past president of the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) and currently serves on the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities which makes recommendations on disability issues and helps promote compliance with disability-related laws. She frequently provides peer workshops, lectures, and external reviews at state and national conferences and on campuses throughout the United States. Orr received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology from Texas A&M University, College Station and a Master of Education in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Monaami Pal
Monaami Pal is a Product Designer based in India and a UX Research Assistant in Purdue University's CoLiberation Lab. Her passion for accessible design and disability studies stemmed from her experiences as a Master’s student in Purdue University’s UX Design program. Some of Monaami’s work includes exploring the therapeutic impact of creative arts on mental well-being, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ communities through design, and examining the influence of independent publications on society's view of technology. Her research interests lie in the potential of artistic pursuits, when approached through disability, feminist, queer, and critical design approaches, to foster positive social change. Monaami strives to create an inclusive and accessible environment for all through an interdisciplinary research oriented outlook.
Racheal Pallares
Racheal Pallares is a leading expert in neurodiversity and the founder of the Neurodiversity Training Institute. With years of experience dedicated to supporting neurodiverse individuals, Racheal has focused on building inclusive environments that allow individuals with ADHD and Autism to thrive both in higher education and the workplace. Her passion for bridging the gap between academia and employment is reflected in her innovative work with educational institutions and employers to create sustainable, inclusive practices. Known for her hands-on, real-world approach, Racheal has guided numerous organizations in understanding and supporting neurodiverse talent, ensuring lasting impact on both employees and businesses.
Ryan Palm
Ryan Palm is the Executive Director of the Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity at Mercyhurst University. In this role, Ryan leads the Center's mission to expand the opportunities for neurodivergent students to succeed at the college level. Through expanded programming and outreach with prospective employers, the Center for Neurodiversity seeks to lower the barriers of entry for neurodivergent job-seekers in the U.S. Ryan has work experience in all employment sectors - corporate, government, and non-profit, and uses these experiences combined with research and analytical skills to create new programs and initiatives grounded in research.
Clare Papay
Clare Papay, Ph.D. (she/her) is Senior Research Associate/Project Manager at Think College at the Institute for Community Inclusion, UMass Boston, where she conducts research and provides technical assistance on inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disability. Clare is the co-Principal Investigator for the National Coordinating Center for the TPSID model demonstration program and for the Think College Inclusive Higher Education Network: A Technical Assistance and Dissemination Center, both funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education. She serves as co-editor for the Journal of Inclusive Postsecondary Education (JIPE).
Dax-Andrew Parcells
Dax-Andrew Parcells, Ed.D. is a psychology professor, department chair, and education researcher with degrees in psychology, education, and data analytics. He has published articles and book chapters on prenatal development, nursing education/theory, and problem-based learning. He serves on various committees focused on academic integrity, innovation, and international education. Dr. Parcells is dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments and enhancing educational practices in higher education.
David R. Parker
David R. Parker, Ph.D. is the Program Manager for Research, Educational Outreach and Communication at the Gregory S. Fehribach Center in Indianapolis. He coordinates studies by members of the Center’s national research advisory board on factors that influence the successful employment outcomes of college graduates with physical disabilities. He also coordinates programming with postsecondary professionals and high school educators on “best practices” career preparation for students with disabilities. A member of editorial review boards for three research journals, David publishes widely on self-determination, resilience, and mental health in college students and has trained higher educational professionals on disability issues in Italy, Austria, Japan and Kuwait.
Kaela Parks
Kaela Parks, Ed.D. is the Dean of Inclusive & Accessible Education at Portland Community College and a member of the AHEAD Board of Directors. She has taught professional, graduate, undergraduate, and community education courses, authored and edited publications, and frequently presents on a variety of disability and accessibility related topics.
Misty Vetter Parsley
Misty Vetter Parsley, Ed.D. is a professor of Education and the Executive Director of the Office of Accessibility and Learning Supports at Lipscomb University. She has bachelor and master 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. She has presented both locally and nationally on autism and postsecondary education topics. Misty’s passion is including people with disabilities in all aspects of the community and ensuring that they have the same opportunities to participate as do all other individuals. She started the IDEAL program, Igniting the Dream of Education and Access at Lipscomb, in January 2014 for students with disabilities who would not otherwise be able to attend college. She launched BEST, Bisons Excelling and Succeeding Together, for degree-seeking students with disabilities in the Fall of 2023. Misty has also served on numerous nonprofit boards including Autism TN, Disability Rights TN, Genesis Academy, and the Southeastern Postsecondary Education Alliance.
Chris Parthemos
Chris Parthemos, Ph.D., BCBA is Associate Director of SAEO at Virginia Commonwealth University, overseeing the accommodations process for the office. He is also the president-elect of Virginia's state affiliate of AHEAD, and an educational researcher focused on AI, equity, and sense of belonging for disabled students.
Coleman Patterson
Coleman Patterson, Ph.D., is a veteran management and leadership professor and university administrator. As an ardent proponent of active-learning and experiential teaching methods, his classes, programs, and extracurricular learning activities are far from ordinary. Dr. Patterson is a faculty member in the College of Professional Studies at the University of Oklahoma and Director of the Adult Degree Completion programs in business administration and aerospace defense management.
Solimar Pérez Torres
Solimar Pérez Torres, MRC, Ed.D(c) holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey Campus, a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, and is a doctoral candidate in Education with a specialization in Counseling at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. She also holds certifications in Vocational Evaluation and Functional Capacity Assessment for Independent Living and Employment. With over 10 years of experience serving individuals with disabilities across various sectors, she currently serves as the Assistant Director of the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, a position she has held for the past five years. Additionally, she is the principal investigator of a project titled "Supervised Machine Learning and DBT-UPR for the Identification and Management of Emotional Dysregulation in University Students," funded by the Institutional Research Funds (FIPI) 2023-2025. This research integrates artificial intelligence and mental health to develop innovative tools in the university context.
Phyllis Petteys
Phyllis Petteys is an Accessibility Specialist in Accessible Education and Disability Resources at Portland Community College. Prior to coming to PCC in 2013, she was an Assistive Technology Specialist for 18 years, working in higher education as well as in the community. Phyllis believes in elevating voices and she provides guidance to student Disability Advocates, pushes for disability cultural centers and disability studies, and centers disability justice and equity when engaging in college processes and conversations. Her areas of focus include collaborating with faculty, assistive technology, universal design and supporting Adults in Custody. She has been on the ORAHEAD board since 2020.
Lauren Plum
Lauren Plum, PT, DPT, ABPTS is the Director of Clinical Education, and Assistant Professor at Creighton University.
Sean Poley
Sean Poley serves as the Director of Accessible Technology and coordinates Miami University's accessible technology efforts and works closely with constituents across the University to ensure that accessible technology is seamlessly integrated to meet the needs of students, faculty and staff. Central to his mission is a focus on training and outreach, with special emphasis on bringing all interested parties to the table to raise awareness and improve accessibility throughout Miami. He holds a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State and a master's degree in Social Work from the Hunter College School of Social Work. He is a veteran of both the U.S. Air Force and the PA Air National Guard.
Jay Pope
Jay Pope is a Web Accessibility Specialist and CEO at Pope Tech and has been in the digital accessibility space since 2014.
Caitlin Potts
Caitlin Potts began working at Portland Community College (PCC) in December 2023, joining the Career Pathways and STEP team as a .5 FTE Coach for the STEP program, and a .5 FTE Coach for the Inclusive Career Advancement Program (ICAP). Caitlin now works full-time as an ICAP Coach, dedicating her work to serving students using her previous field experience of engaging with higher education in a multitude of capacities. Caitlin is a proud PCC transfer degree graduate, where she continued on to Portland State University to obtain her BS in Psychology. When Caitlin is not working, she is creating memories with her 9-year-old son, building community, and dreaming of the pumpkin patch all year round.
Hannah Premo
Hannah Premo, M.P.H. is the Assistant Director of Programming for University at Buffalo's (UB) Accessibility Resources Office. Hannah graduated in May 2023 with a Master's in Public Health degree from UB. Hannah is apart of UB's LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Association. Hannah is involved with the AHEAD DISC. In their role, Hannah focuses on creating programming that serves the disabled student population at UB while addressing institutional attitudes around disability justice.
Jodi Rachins
Jodi Rachins, M.A., LMHC joined UMass Lowell in Fall 2021 as Director of Disability Services, expanding student support by enhancing faculty collaboration, streamlining accommodation processes, strengthening campus outreach, and investing time to learn about our students’ intersectional identities. Through initiatives like the Disability Advisory Committee, The Disability Dish: The UML Perspective podcast, Disability Awareness Week, and newsletters, she works to reduce stigma and promote disability awareness and engage faculty, staff, and students. Guided by a philosophy of antifragility, her team empowers students to develop lifelong skills by navigating support systems effectively. Jodi’s experience includes leadership roles in disability services at Merrimack College, Brandeis University, and Lesley University, as well as work as a school counselor and private therapist. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership in Education at UML.
Emily Raclaw
Emily Raclaw, MS, LCP, CRC a neurodivergent professional and Director of Marquette University’s neurodiversity support program, On Your Marq, brings over 15 years of experience in disability education. A Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Emily leads a team providing mental health, executive functioning, career, and academic support for neurodivergent students. Her work redefines disability as a vital part of diversity, offering impactful training and consultation nationwide. Known for her dynamic style, Emily’s innovative programs foster independence and success for students.
Jordan Raine
Jordan Raine is a new professional working as an Accommodations Specialist at SUNY Buffalo State University Student Accessibility Services. She holds a master’s in history from the University at Buffalo with concentrations in women and gender. Her interest in disability advocacy began when she worked as a Graduate Assistant at the University at Buffalo Accessibility Resources, where a passion for assistive technology was fostered by working with students in need of accessible reading materials. Now as a professional at Buffalo State, Jordan works with students to determine their needs and trains students in varying assistive technologies. Jordan is currently on the executive board of the Western New York Collegiate Consortium of Disability Advocates (WNY CCDA) as treasurer allowing her to collaborate with several schools across Western New York to share and learn best practices in higher education disability services.
Sheriff Rasheed
Sheriff Rasheed is the Director of the Office of Disability and Equity at the Community College of Aurora, Aurora Colorado (2023 - Present). Sherif earned his B. Ed. in Special Education/Political Science form the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He came to the U.S. in December 2012 as an international student to study Special Education at the Grand Valley State University, Allendalle, Michigan. After graduating with his M.Ed. Sheriff was hired as a disability specialist at the University of Wisconsin, Platteville and spent more than a year in the position before moving to Colorado to begin working at the Metropolitan State University of Denver as an Accessibility Coordinator from 2016 - 2023.
Julie Rasmuson
Julie Rasmuson (she/her) is the Director of Student Accessibility Services at York College of Pennsylvania. She has over 25 years of experience as a distinguished professional, administrator, professional speaker, and consultant in the disability services field. She has worked as a consultant, certified trainer, and administrator, supporting all levels of inclusive education, including public, private, charter, early intervention, K-12, and higher education. Julie has held various positions related to advocacy and policy at the state and federal level, including those related to transition, workforce development, and customized/supported employment for individuals with disabilities post-secondary education. Julie is a dedicated non-profit leader with extensive experience in programming and administration and currently serves as the President of the Board for a local grassroots autism non-profit. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Trauma Informed Care, she is dedicated to the holistic care of all individuals. Julie herself has lived experience with disability and has dedicated her career to progressing the field of disability advocacy, equity, and inclusion at all levels.
Adam Reed
Adam Reed, M.Ed. is the Coordinator of the Universal Design Center (UDC) at Montgomery College, where he focuses on embedding Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessibility into institutional practices. His work supports faculty and staff by providing tailored training, practical tools, and collaborative frameworks that align with evolving accessibility standards. Through these efforts, Adam helps foster more inclusive learning environments, enhancing student outcomes while promoting sustainable, college-wide solutions that balance compliance with meaningful educational impact. He holds a BA from Penn State University, a MEd from Cal. State University, a MA from St. John’s College, and the CAST UDL Credentials 1 and 2.
Yensina Reese
Yensina Reese serves as a Case Manager in Student Disability Services for East Texas A&M University. She brings over 12 years of experience in higher education, with a background in human services. Yensina specializes in accessibility, crisis intervention, and comprehensive student support. Yensina is dedicated to fostering equitable strategies and creating inclusive environments through collaboration with faculty, staff, and community partners. As a first-generation college student herself, she understands the unique needs of these students. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Counseling with an emphasis on student affairs, further enhancing her commitment to promoting access and success for all students.
Pablo Reguerín
Pablo Reguerín, Ph.D., serves as Vice Chancellor and oversees the nearly 30 units that make up the Division of Student Affairs, including programs and partnerships that promote student learning and success, personal growth and lifelong education. He has served as principal investigator on multiple U.S. Department of Education Hispanic Serving Institution, or HSI, Title V and Title III grants, totaling more than $15 million. His experience and expertise on HSI initiatives will further campus efforts to increase racial equity across student outcomes. Throughout his career, Reguerín has also been responsible for managing a wide array of fund sources within the UC system, including state general funds; student services fees; gift/donor funds; endowments; private, state and federal grants; and auxiliary revenue and student measure/referenda fees.
Judy Reilly
Judy Reilly, M.B.A. founded and now directs the Center for Neurodiversity and Employment Innovation at the University of Connecticut. Under her leadership, the center works nationally to educate and train employers about neurodiversity as a competitive advantage and how to implement inclusive practices to attain that advantage. She is honored and privileged to be the inaugural recipient of the Benjamin A. Perlin Visiting Scholar appointment for Vanderbilt University’s Frist Center for Autism & Innovation. She is trained in special education advocacy and law and earned her MBA from the University of Michigan, and is the parent of four adult children, two of whom are neurodiverse.
Natalie Reiners
Natalie Reiners is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) with a Bachelors of Science in Disability and Community Services and a Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. Natalie is the Assistant Director of the Educational Access Center at Boise State University in Idaho. Natalie has a collective 8 years experience in higher education disability services. She has also worked with people with disabilities in community day programs and group homes. Natalie is Secretary on the ATHEN Executive Board.
Allison Reisz
Allison Reisz (she/her) is the Lead Specialist of Assistive Technology and Alternative Format for the Office of Student Accessibility Services at the University of Southern California. Allison has been with USC for the past three years. Allison came to OSAS from USC’s Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work where she supported students, staff and faculty through the Office of Inclusion and Diversity. In her current role, she primarily works with and supports students with print disabilities.
Megan Reynolds
Megan Reynolds, O.T.D. holds a Doctorate of occupational therapy, with a postdoctoral fellowship at an R1 university - where she was working in an IPSE and conducting research on employment and postsecondary education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These follow 7+ years of supported employment experience, including starting a flagship supported employment program at a community non-profit, and 3+ years of experience working in employment supports within inclusive college programs. Her research interests include approaches that facilitate positive outcomes in postsecondary education, employment, and accessibility for adults with disabilities, including educating employers and community leaders on inclusive hiring initiatives.
AJ Richard
AJ Richard, M.A. is a Certified Autism Coach through AANE (Association for Autism and Neurodiversity), Academic and Social Skills Coach, Raven Scholars Program at the University of Idaho. AJ is autistic and believes “Nothing about us without us.” She has worked with autistic people of all ages for over 20 years.
Naina Richards Figliuzzi
Naina Richards Figliuzzi, Ed.D. has spent over 18 years serving students in various capacities within higher education with the last 5 years being in Disability Services. As an advocate for diversity, equity, belonging and inclusion, her commitment extends beyond fulfilling academic needs and providing equitable opportunity and access to students. Her goals encompass activism, a responsibility to educate others, and the openness to continue to learn, adjust, and improve practices that support the betterment of all students especially those with marginalized identities. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, a master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education with an emphasis in Community College Leadership from Northern Illinois University.
Naty Rico
Naty Rico (she/her) is a physically disabled, neurodivergent and queer, first-generation college graduate who serves as the Director of the Disability Cultural Center at the University of Arizona. Her work focuses on facilitating anti-ableism and intersectional disability awareness trainings along with promoting accessibility throughout campus. As a leader, she works to advance disability justice frameworks within student affairs and cultivate disability identity, pride and culture among college students. She has traveled abroad as a student via Semester at Sea in the Fall of 2016 and enjoys playing Nintendo videogames, traveling, and spending time with her 2 chihuahuas.
Nathan Rider
Nathan Rider, M.E. is the Assistant Director in the Student Accessibility Center(SAC) at Loyola University of Chicago. Nathan graduated with a bachelor's degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences from Purdue University and a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University in Special Education. As the Assistant Director of the SAC, Nathan focuses on creating an environment for students, faculty and staff that is inclusive and collaborative in nature. Nathan's favorite aspect of the work is problem solving with his colleagues and with the students he serves.
Megan Riedl
Megan Riedl, MST (she/her) has been in the Disability Service field since 2008. She currently serves as the Director of Student Accessibility Services and ADA/504 Coordinator at SUNY Canton. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Master’s in Secondary English Education from SUNY Potsdam. More recently, she completed a professional certificate in Learning Differences and Neurodiversity with a concentration in Supporting Autism on Campus and Online from Landmark College and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and Change. Megan loves helping students discover their unique strengths to become successful learners.
Diana Riggs
Diana Riggs has worked at the University of Cincinnati since 2018 and currently works on the Digital Access Team in the Office of Accessibility Resources. Having worked for higher education institutions since her undergraduate studies, her own experiences as a disability services professional living with multiple invisible disabilities have driven her to refine her focus on accessibility advocacy and reducing barriers to education for people with disabilities. Diana has a bachelor’s degree in English from Wright State University. Combined with nearly a decade of experience working in disability services offices, her educational background and employment experience in university communications and marketing have offered her opportunities to gain unique perspectives on the importance of clear communication and intentional collaboration during the accommodation process and in cultivating an inclusive learning environment.
Judith Risch
Judith Risch, J.D., Ph.D., is the Title IX & Equity Access Services Special Advisor at Grand River Solutions. Judy brings over two decades of invaluable experience from her tenure at the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Education. Judy is nationally recognized as a foremost expert in digital accessibility, having served as a senior attorney at the Department of Education, where she co-led the Office for Civil Rights National Digital Accessibility Team. Her role involved overseeing a team of attorneys and investigators across twelve regional offices, enforcing digital accessibility policies and advising educational institutions and business leaders on compliance with federal disability discrimination laws. While at OCR, Judy provided expert technical guidance during the development of the new ADA Title II amendments that cover digital accessibility. She also contributed her expertise to updating the 2024 Section 504 Regulations regarding digital accessibility for the Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. Judy regularly advises and presents to educational institutions and business leaders throughout the country about how to effectively comply with federal civil rights laws, especially those that relate to disability discrimination, access, and technology.
Maura L. Roberts
Maura L. Roberts, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor and Learning Specialist at Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC). She holds an MA in Human Development and a PhD in School Psychology from Lehigh University. Over the past thirty years, Maura has demonstrated unwavering dedication to her career, working in higher education and as an administrator in K-12 public and approved private schools. Her research focuses on managing complex behaviors, providing vocational training, and academic interventions for students with disabilities. Additionally, she has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in education and received numerous federal, state, and local grant awards.
Farah Robles
Farah Robles, MSW, ADAC, is the Assistant Director of Student Accessibility Services at Atlantic University and has over 6 years of experience. She serves as an ADA coordinator for the FAU Jupiter Campus. As a professional with a visual impairment, she takes pride in providing services to students with disabilities.
Ashley Rodrigues
Ashley Rodrigues, Ed.D. is a professor and graduate chairperson of the Department of Special Education at Bridgewater State University, Massachusetts. Prior to her current position she was a special education teacher leading a post-secondary transition program in southeastern Massachusetts. Her research and scholarship areas focus on special education transition planning for life after high school, and university dual enrollment initiatives for high school students ages 18 through 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Lauren P. Rodriguez
Lauren P. Rodriguez, Psy.D. is the Director of Resources for Students with Disabilities at SUNY System Administration, providing overall leadership to support students with disabilities across the SUNY System and guiding the 64 campuses in adopting best practices in the mitigation of barriers to access for disabled students in all institutional programs, services, and activities. She also assists in developing programs and policies to support equity for students with disabilities. Dr. Rodriguez is also the Director of the SUNY Universal Design for Learning Project and Co-leads the SUNY System-wide Electronic Information Technology (EIT) Accessibility Committee. Lauren completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University at Buffalo and earned a Psy.D. in School Psychology from Alfred University. She is a school psychologist and licensed psychologist in New York.
Beth Roland
Beth Roland, M.A., M.A., C.A.G.S. is the Coordinator at the Disabilities Resource Center at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. As a mostly two-year college with an Open Access mission, Beth strives to holistically support students in her role. She also strives to integrate disability studies and disability justice practices within her work and is committed to centering student voices and experiences. She is an active member of the DISC K&P through AHEAD and is a regular presenter both within her regional AHEAD (FL AHEAD) and at the national AHEAD conference. She really enjoys collaborating with colleagues around the country and brainstorming how to align practices in DS with a disability studies/disability justice lens.
Chelsea Ross
Chelsea Ross, M.F.A. has been a Medical Education Learning Specialist in the Office of Student Learning and Educational Resources at University of California, Davis School of Medicine since February of 2019. In addition to providing individual and group academic support to medical students in the pre-clinical and clinical curriculum, Chelsea also serves as the disability liaison between the main campus and the School of Medicine. She conducts outreach to matriculating students related to disability access and accommodations, meets with current students, faculty, deans, and main campus DRPs to implement accommodations, and helps medical students with applications for NBME accommodations for Step 1 and Step 2.
Anne Rubenstein
Anne Rubenstein, M.S. is an Omaha, Nebraska native with over 15 years of experience working with people with disabilities and identifies as part of the disability community. Anne has experience working as a recreational therapist assistant, K-12 special education teacher and administrator, and Director of Student Accessibility Services at a state college and private university. Anne was also a member of the Nebraska ESU 3 Metro Regional Transition Team and Transition Assessment Team and a state-wide Transition Facilitator working with K-12 school districts on best-practices for students with disabilities transitioning from high school to post-secondary or into gainful employment. Anne is an active member in AHEAD and regionally in WINAHEAD. She promotes self-advocacy, independence, and utilizing supports available to remove barriers and provide the best options to be personally successful.
Amy Rutherford
Amy Rutherford, LPC-MHSP, ACS currently serves as the director of the Mosaic Program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Founded in 2008 the program currently serves approximately 60 autistic students annually. Amy co-authored The BASICS College Curriculum, a four-book series based on curriculum for autistic college students as they transition into and out of college. She is a co-founder of Navigate U and a consultant with many universities and businesses where she specializes in creating Autism programming and neurodiversity hiring initiatives. She has participated in a variety of program evaluations, is proficient in project management and loves supporting study abroad possibilities for students. She has recently joined forces with College Autism Spectrum and is very active in National Organizations that promote Neuro-Inclusive learning. Her research focuses on autism and neurodiversity in higher education and mental health services, Universal Design and Leadership Studies. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor serving in the Chattanooga area through private practice. At her core she loves creating inclusive environments, equitable experiences and serving others.
Edina Rutland
Edina Rutland has been the Director of the Student Accessibility Services at San Jose City College since 2014. She strongly believes in advocacy and collaboration to ensure that the barriers students with disabilities face are overcome on the institutional, state and national level. As the President of the California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability (CAPED), she worked closely with California legislators to pass assembly bills that allow students with disabilities to gain equal access to higher education. AB 2821, in particular, requires the California Community Colleges as well as the California State Universities to develop a Disability Access and Compliance Training Program to their employees starting from the 2026-2027 academic year. Edina has provided numerous webinars, trainings and presentations regarding the importance of creating an inclusive environment where all individuals with disabilities feel welcome and appreciated.
Alejandro Salinas
Alejandro Salinas graduated from the University of Memphis (BA, 2013), and has since worked at Memphis Allies to Reduce Gun Violence, a part of Youth Villages, an organization devoted to supporting at-risk youth and young adults. At Memphis Allies, he serves as a Case Manager. He is also a Bilingual (Spanish and English) Individual and Family Intervention Specialist through his private consulting business, The Light Institute. Alejandro works with populations ages 4 to 40 in schools, as well as in-home settings. Currently, he works with young adults who are transitioning back into post-secondary and work environments with a goal of reducing gun violence. He also focuses on breaking down walls between parents and children and helps break generational trauma in the process. In his spare time, Alejandro volunteers with various community entities, church affiliations, and international organizations. His work centers around ways to improve society, one person at a time.
Jade Salmon
Jade Salmon, M.A. (they/them) is a neurodivergent, disabled, queer, trans, BIPOC, AAPI individual who serves as the Manager of Accommodation Operations at the University of Arizona’s Disability Resource Center (DRC). Their current work includes overseeing testing and note-taking accommodations at the DRC, supporting students with temporary disabilities, and improving the efficiency of the DRC affiliation process for students. They received their master’s degree in Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where their research primarily focused on navigating mental health communication within the complex family system. Although they are relatively early in their disability services career, Jade has regularly applied their long-standing passion for equity, inclusion, and accessibility to their work and advocacy. In their free time, they can be found playing board games, crocheting, or spending time with their cat, Taro.
Mike Sauter
Mike Sauter has been an Alternate Media/Assistive Technology Specialist at Saddleback College for over 25 years. With a deep commitment to ensuring equal access to education for students with disabilities, Mike leverages assistive technology to overcome educational disadvantages. Passionate about working with students to find creative, accessible solutions, Mike uses a student-centered approach and technology, including AI, to enhance the learning experience for all students.
Sav Schlauderaff
Sav Schlauderaff, Ph.D. (they/them) is a queer, disabled and trans Access Consultant and Instructor at the University of Arizona. Sav’s scholarly and artistic practice engages with the fields of critical disability studies, gender and women’s studies, and science, technology and society studies. Sav serves as a liaison for Study Abroad accommodations, and Survivor Advocates to explore accommodations and support resources for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault on campus. They are the current co-lead for the Disability Staff and Faculty affinity group, and work with the Disability Studies Initiative to highlight academic work at the University of Arizona in Disability Studies to increase student interest in these courses and opportunities.
Spencer Scruggs
Spencer Scruggs, M.S. is the Director of the Center for Accessible Education at UCLA and has served in the field of Disability Resources for over 10 years, previously working as the Director of Student Accessibility Services at Trinity University and in various roles within the Office of Accessibility Services at Florida State University. He graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and from Florida State University with a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration. He has authored and co-authored various chapters and peer-reviewed articles, including articles for the Journal for Postsecondary Education and Disability and recently authoring a chapter on disabled student success for an upcoming volume on college student success. Spencer continues to give back to the profession of Disability Resources and Higher Education Administration through his service to AHEAD and ACPA- College Student Educators International. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for AHEAD and more recently participated on the AHEAD Task Force to develop the new competency models. In ACPA, he has served on numerous conference and Convention planning teams and completed his term as the Chair of the Coalition for Disability. As a scholar-practitioner, his writing, research, and professional work center around exploration of disability paradigms in the landscape of higher education, disability identity development and purpose finding amongst disabled college students, and the professional development of Disability Resource Professionals.
Matt Segall
Matt Segall, PhD is a Psychologist at the Emory Autism Center at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and the Director of Emory Oaks, a college autism support program. Emory Oaks is an active member of the College Autism Network, and Dr. Segall currently serves as the Administrative Director for the CAN Consultants’ Collective, a neurodiverse subgroup of CAN committed to providing training and consultation nationally to colleges and universities in support of the establishment of affirming and innovative college autism programming. Dr. Segall, a proud graduate from the School Psychology program at the University of Georgia, has given over 50 presentations on supports for autistic college students, including dedicated faculty and staff trainings at over a dozen colleges and universities.
Jenny Seighman
Jenny Seighman, LSW is a Disability Specialist at Pitt, providing case management and determining reasonable accommodations for students. She has worked in various capacities supporting individuals with disabilities in the home, community, and places of employment. Jenny is a licensed social worker and received her Bachelor of Psychology and Master of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh. She previously worked as a counselor in a private practice and as the Collegiate Recovery Program Coordinator at Pitt.
Emily Shryock
Emily Shryock, MSSW, combines her personal and professional experience with disability in her role as the Founding Director of the University of Texas at Austin’s Disability Cultural Center. Emily is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at UT Austin and teaches as part of the UT’s Critical Disability Studies program. Emily has served on several local and national nonprofit boards and enjoys contributing her skills in a volunteer capacity. Emily is a wheelchair athlete and has competed in several sports, including wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis and paratriathlon.
Jill Sieben-Schneider
Jill Sieben-Schneider, Ed.D. serves as the Associate Dean of Students and the Director of AccessibleNU (ANU) under the Division of Student Affairs. She is responsible for implementing the mission and vision of ANU through leadership, education, and outreach and serves in a leadership role in the Dean of Students Office where she provides crisis response and student support. Jill remains active at the national level with expertise in disability and assessment in higher education and strives to proactively implement best practices to ensure students with disabilities receive a level playing field when they arrive at Northwestern.
Jo Anne Simon
Jo Anne Simon, Esq. is a nationally recognized disability civil rights attorney and a longstanding advocate for accessibility in education and beyond. Currently serving as a member of the New York State Assembly, she previously founded a disability civil rights law firm in downtown Brooklyn and serves as general counsel for AHEAD. Jo Anne is also an adjunct Assistant Professor of Law at Fordham University and has worked extensively to improve educational opportunities for students with disabilities. Jo Anne continues to use her position to champion policies that promote equity, inclusion, and access.
Korey Singleton
Korey Singleton, Ph.D., ATP, RET is the Deputy ADA Coordinator for Accessibility and Manager of George Mason University’s Assistive Technology Initiative (ATI). The ATI operates under Mason’s Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion reporting directly to the ADA Coordinator. He has worked in the digital accessibility field, specifically higher education, for over 16 years. Prior to his time at George Mason, he worked for the Commonwealth of Virginia as an AT Specialist supporting blind and low vision individuals at school, home, and in the workplace. He is also an adjunct faculty member in the College of Education and Human Development’s Learning Design and Technology Program teaching a course on Web Accessibility & Design.
Brandon Slade
Brandon Slade, M.A., Ed.S. struggled academically in high school but realized in college that his brain worked differently from his peers. After being diagnosed with ADHD, he dedicated himself to understanding how the ADHD brain functions. With 12 years of experience as a special education teacher and school psychologist, Brandon founded Untapped Learning, an organization focused on supporting students with executive function challenges, particularly those with ADHD and dyslexia. Through his work, Brandon helps students develop the skills they need to succeed in both academic and personal settings.
Jodi Sleeper-Triplett
Jodi Sleeper-Triplett, B.A., MCC, BCC, is a Master Certified Coach, trainer, mentor, and speaker. Her company, JST Coaching & Training has been providing research-based student and neurodiversity coach training programs to individuals and educational institutions for over 20 years. Jodi is the author of Empowering Youth with ADHD, a contributing author of Becoming Self-Determined: Creating Thoughtful Learners in a Standards-Driven, Admissions-Frenzied Culture (2016) and Becoming Self-Determined: Practical Strategies for a Changing World (2021), and co-editor of From Transactional to Transformational: Coaching in Disability Resources (2023). She is the recipient of the 2016 CHADD Hall of Fame Award & 2017 ADHD Coaches Organization Founders Award and is considered the foremost authority on student and neurodiversity coaching. During her two-year term as president of the Association of Coach Training Organizations, Jodi's platform focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in coach training, and she continues to forward social justice initiatives.
Jessica L. Sniatecki
Jessica L. Sniatecki, PhD, CRC (she/her) is an Associate Professor in the Addictions and Behavioral Health program and chair of the Department of Healthcare Studies at SUNY Brockport. She holds her doctorate in Counselor Education from the University at Buffalo and has held national certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor since 2004. Dr. Sniatecki has clinical experience with individuals and groups in various treatment settings. Dr. Sniatecki’s research focuses on the college experience of students with disabilities, the positive aspects of disability, and faculty knowledge and attitudes related to students with disabilities. She is also involved in numerous campus service activities, including the Committee on Accessibility, the University Senate EDI Committee, the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Advisory Board, the Personal Safety Committee, and the Student Conduct Board.
Aaron Spector
Aaron Spector is Associate Director of the Office of Educational Accessibility and an Instructor in the department of Interdisciplinary Studies and Academic Support Programs at West Chester University. He holds a graduate certificate in Disability Studies from Temple University. He has previously served as the director of disability services at Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania. His work focuses on removing barriers to participation in post-secondary education.
Suzanne Sprague
Suzanne Sprague, M.S.Ed. is the Director of Disability Resources at SUNY Cortland and leads the way regarding supportive initiatives and non-discrimination of individuals with disabilities at the University. Suzanne previously led the Disability Services Office at SUNY Polytechnic Institute and has worked with students with disabilities in higher education for 14 years. Suzanne has her B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology from SUNY Cortland, and Master’s Degrees in School Counseling and Community Counseling from St. Bonaventure University. She started her career in a school district in Wayne County NY, working with students with disabilities grades 6-12. Suzanne has dedicated her efforts to providing understanding and resources to students with disabilities, and empowering students to be proud of who they are, pursue their goals, and advocate for their voice and space everywhere they go.
Izabela Stachura
Izabela Stachura, M.A., LPC a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Michigan, brings over 15 years of experience to her role as the Senior Student Disability Advisor at Western Governors University. Prior to her current position, she worked as a Special Services Counselor at Macomb Community College. Izabela holds a Master's Degree in Counseling from Oakland University, demonstrating her commitment to providing comprehensive support to students. Her dedication to fostering inclusive learning environments and promoting student success is evident in her work. Izabela utilizes her expertise to ensure equitable access, cultivate inclusive practices, and provide comprehensive advising, disability accommodations, and support services for students with disabilities. Her areas of expertise include disability accommodation planning and implementation, assistive technology assessment and recommendation, student advocacy and support services, accessibility compliance and best practices. By attending the AHEAD conference, Izabela aims to contribute to ongoing discussions about innovative strategies for supporting students with disabilities in online learning and to share her insights and experiences to help advance the field.
Sara Stille
Sara Stille is a first-year graduate student in the Speech Language Pathology (SLP) program at Hardin-Simmons University. She completed her undergraduate degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder and has a passion for working with students with disabilities. She is interested in feeding and swallowing disorders and is determined to become the best SLP she can, to make a difference in other's lives, including students who are neurodiverse.
Lee Ann Stokes
Lee Ann Stokes, M.S.Ed. is an assistant director who supports student mental health initiatives, student conduct and academic integrity, case management, Title IX compliance, and accessibility accommodations. Lee Ann has served in roles within Student Support Services, Testing Services, and Academic Advisement, but in 2014, she focused her career on disability services and ADA law. She has extensive experience in policy and process development, policy changes, and making positive changes on campus that prioritize accessibility on campus. For the past five years her focus has been to improve digital accessibility and implement Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven techniques to better serve students with disabilities.
Jessica Stone
Jessica Stone, M.S., CRC, LPC (she/her/hers) is the Director of the Office of Disability Access at the University of North Texas. As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor, she has worked for over a decade in assisting students with disabilities with accommodations for employment or post-secondary education. She has worked in progressive leadership positions at the Office of Disability Access for over 6 years. Jessica has particular interests in digital accessibility, ableism education, and working with the d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing as well as Blind/Visually Impaired populations. Jessica incorporates her identity as a blind person in her professional work and perspectives.
Chris Stone
Chris Stone, Ed.D. is Director of Disability Resources at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Stone leads Disability Resources in its efforts to assist disabled students in meeting their academic and personal development goals and supports the University in the broader mission of inclusivity and equitable opportunity for disabled students. In addition to this role, he engages as an external consultant, supporting institutions and individuals in addressing organizational planning, leadership, and policies and practices. Chris previously served as Director-at-Large on the board of AHEAD and held positions of Treasurer and President within the North Carolina affiliate of AHEAD (NCAHEAD), and currently is the President of Missouri AHEAD. Along with having the privilege to support AHEAD’s efforts by facilitating sessions during the Master Class, AHEAD Start, and during the PreConference, Chris has been granted numerous opportunities to engage professionals nationally and internationally, most recently keynoting the NC AHEAD Fall Conference in October 2024.
Jamie Strawbridge
Jamie Strawbridge, J.D. is an attorney with Inclusivity at Brown, Goldstein & Levy. A leading disability rights attorney, his practice centers on representing individuals in lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act. When not litigating in court, Jamie has significant experience negotiating with government entities and companies on which steps they must take in order to comply with federal law. Jamie is well-versed in how the constantly evolving landscape of disability and civil rights applies to all types of businesses and institutions of higher education.
Jill Strawbridge
Jill Strawbridge, MSW (she, her) is Workforce ACCESS Disability Services Advisor working with individual students with disabilities to determine accommodations by using the interactive process. While advising students, she acts as a liaison between students, faculty, staff, and outside agencies to ensure equal access to college courses, and programs by following ADA regulations. Education: University of Chicago, MSW and Dominican University, Masters of Science in Special Education. Past experiences include working as a special education teacher and social worker. The special education positions consisted of placements in high school settings working with intellectual disabled students providing life skills and basic academic education. Social work experiences included inpatient psychiatric hospital placements in both state and private hospital facilities. Also, performing as a School Social Worker in both public and private school settings providing counseling and social skills training for students.
Aimee Stubbs
Aimee Stubbs, M.A., Ed. S. is the Senior Director of Accessibility Resources at Broward College in Ft. Lauderdale, FL . She has presented numerous workshops and Webinars for AHEAD and FL-AHEAD. She also was president of FL-AHEAD for two years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Specific Learning Disabilities, a master’s degree in Varying Exceptionalities, and an Education Specialist Degree in Counseling. Prior to working for Broward College, she worked at St. Petersburg College. Aimee also worked for the Pinellas County School System for 15 years with varying exceptionalities students. She taught academic subjects and Learning Strategies. Her last years at Largo High School she was a Guidance Counselor, an Intern Supervisor for the University of South Florida. Aimee joined the St. Petersburg College Disability Resources team in March of 2008. She spent 5 years as a Disability Resources Specialist and taught Career and Life Planning courses. Then Aimee became Director of Accessibility Services in January of 2015, Bridging the Achievement Gap Advisory Board, the Ridgecrest 360 Initiative, and Delta Kappa Gamma Key Women Educators Organization. Aimee has earned numerous awards such as CEC Rookie Teacher of the Year, Largo Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Educator Award, Disney American Teacher Recognition.
Nicole Subik
Nicole Subik, M.S.Ed. is the Director of Learning Support Services at Villanova University and has worked in disability/access services and study skills support in higher education for the past 18 years.
Anirudh Subramaniam
Anirudh Subramaniam, BS Neuroscience (Anticipated Spring 2025) is a student at The Ohio State University (OSU). He is the founder and president of OSU's Autistic Students Union. His survey research studying the attitudes of faculty/staff in serving neurodivergent students won the Undergraduate Research Award at the 2024 Multiple Perspectives Conference, and his collaborative work to develop a neurodiversity awareness training initiative for faculty/staff won the Community Service and Applied Problem Solving Award. After graduation, he plans to enroll in a clinical psychology doctoral program.
Matt Sullivan
Matt Sullivan, Ph.D. is the Assistant Director of Disability Resources at Washington University in St. Louis and serves as DR’s liaison to WashU’s School of Medicine, acting as the primary contact for SoM faculty/staff, students, and prospective students. In this role, Matt works closely with programs in Medical Education, OT, PT, Audiology (and more) to create accessible and inclusive educational environment for disabled students pursuing their degrees within Health Sciences and Medicine. He is currently serving as a co-chair, co-curriculum developer and Instructor for the Disability Resource Professional (DRP) Academy, a highly focused, hybrid professional development experience for disability resource professionals seeking expertise in medical education. Matt has also served the Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) as a member of the Professional Competencies working group, assisting in the creation of the organization’s guiding professional standards, and as the Chief of Staff on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the Coalition for Disability Access in Health Sciences Education.
Stephen C. Sutton
Stephen C. Sutton, Ed.D., has served as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at UC Berkeley since 2017. Dr. Sutton has spent his career advocating for students and operationalizing policies, services, and programs to support students in their growth and success. He has held several different administrative positions at Berkeley, including serving as the associate vice chancellor for Residential & Student Service Programs (RSSP). Dr. Sutton has prioritized campus wellbeing, creating the inaugural position of Associate Vice Chancellor of Health and Wellbeing. Working in partnership with University Health Services, Dr. Sutton has prioritized access to student mental health services, which experienced 24,000 mental health appointments in academic year 2021–22. During that period, Student Affairs reduced average wait times to see a mental health counselor from 15 days to close to 3 days. Berkeley has also signed the Okanagan Charter and fully embraces the goal of becoming a health promoting campus.
William Amado Syldor-Severino
William Amado Syldor-Severino, M.Ed. is the son of Haitian and Dominican immigrants, born in a nexus of familial love, revolution, and ancestral systemic violence. Will pulls from this history, in raising his son while navigating his current role as Assistant Dean of Transformative Justice and Antiracism at Hampshire College. William holds a M.Ed of Social Justice Education from UMass Amherst, and strives to center Liberatory Design, Antiracism, and Disability Justice in his practice and positionality.
Emily Tarconish
Emily Tarconish, Ph.D., is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Special Education Department at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Her research interests include examining the experiences of postsecondary students with disabilities, including those with traumatic brain injuries, and examining the effects of practices and resources offered by disability services offices. She also develops and studies the effects of disability awareness and inclusive teaching trainings for postsecondary faculty, as well as peer support groups for postsecondary students with disabilities. Emily’s previous experience includes working as a behavioral specialist, a vocational rehabilitation counselor, and as the Director of Accessibility Services at Clark University. She also developed and oversaw disability-centered student groups and peer mentoring programs at Clark University and the University of Connecticut.
Brittany Taylor
Brittany Taylor (she/hers) currently serves as the Director of Access Services at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY. Her interest in the field of access stemmed from growing up with a hard-of hearing sibling. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Sign Language & Deaf Studies, a Bachelor of Science degree in ASL-English interpreting, and a Master’s degree in Professional Studies. Brittany has worked in NTID’s Department of Access Services in a variety of roles (mostly as a hearing staff interpreter) for the past 16 years. In her current role, she oversees interpreting, real-time captioning, and notetaking needs between all members and non-members of RIT and NTID. Her office serves over 1,300 students, staff, faculty, administration, and visitors of RIT/NTID, annually, with a department of close to 250 staff members.
Amy Taylor
Amy Taylor, LMSW has 8 years of experience as director of college disability services offices as well as other college departments within student affairs. Amy has experience at both public 4 year and 2-year institutions in the state of Idaho.
David J. Thomas
David J. Thomas, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Academic Support Programs and the Director of the Office of Educational Accessibility at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Alongside his DS work, he was classroom faculty teaching courses in English, ESL, Linguistics, and Research for 15 years. He is a proud multiply disabled neurodivergent person living with epilepsy.
Jen Thompson
Jen Thompson, M.Ed. is a Disability Specialist at Pitt. Jen joined the University of Pittsburgh in 2017. She is responsible for meeting individually with students, evaluating documentation to determine eligibility, and determining reasonable accommodations at the University. She has worked in various roles, supporting individuals with disabilities in the home, community, and educational environments. She received her Bachelor of Psychology and Master of Educational Psychology from Edinboro University. She has previous experience working as a Mental Health Therapist, providing treatment and support to diverse populations.
Morgan Thompson
Morgan Thompson, Ph.D. is the Analyst for Education and Strategic Initiatives at George Mason University, where she worked as an Access Consultant for Disability Services and a Learning Strategist for the Mason Autism Support Initiative (MASI Program). Based on her time in higher education, Morgan’s current research is focused on enhancing postsecondary education experiences for disabled college students through the framework of socially-just disability resources.
Mindy Thornton
Mindy Thornton, MA, MAC, AADC is the Director, The College Program for Students with ASD at Marshall University. Mindy has served the last 25 years as a leader in multiple organizations that support youth with complex needs.
Melanie Thornton
Melanie Thornton, M.A. has over twenty years of experience in the work of disability access. She is the Coordinator of Access and Equity Outreach at the University of Arkansas - Partners for Inclusive Communities, where she leads outreach to promote accessible environments through presentations, training, and planning sessions. A defining moment in her career was serving as a trainer for Project ShIFT, which advanced disability services by guiding staff to critically examine their views on disability and implement meaningful changes to their practices. Her previous roles as Director of Project PACE and Associate Director at the Disability Resource Center inform her current efforts to enhance access and inclusion in higher education.
Maria T. Timberlake
Maria T. Timberlake, Ph.D (she/her) is an associate professor in the Foundations and Social Advocacy Department at the State University of New York, Cortland. Maria is also the director of the undergraduate research program at SUNY Cortland, working with faculty across the disciplines to increase student engagement in intellectual inquiry and investigation, especially underrepresented and first-generation college students. She is currently leading a collaborative research project with colleagues in Egypt, Romania and India. Her work has appeared in academic journals across a spectrum of areas including Teaching and Teacher Education, Research and Practice in Severe Disabilities, International Journal of Inclusive Education and the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Joe Tiner
Joe Tiner, M.S. is a disabled first-generation college graduate. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from CSU. During his time as a student Joe worked for the SDC where he found his passion for disability rights work. Prior to his current role, Joe worked for the SDC as an Accommodations specialist. In addition to his work at the SDC, he has held a few different roles at CSU, including positions at the Assistive Technology Resource Center, Office of Support and Safety Assessment, and with the Student Success Initiatives. He is originally from Arvada, Colorado.
Sara Anne Tompkins
Sara Anne Tompkins, Ph.D. is the Associate Dean for Student Services at the Graduate School at Colorado State University, where she combines her extensive background in applied social psychology and health promotion to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment. With a Ph.D. in Applied Social Psychology and over a decade of experience in academic and consulting roles, Dr. Tompkins is dedicated to mentoring graduate students and advocating for equitable access to education. A first-generation college graduate and Pell grant recipient, she actively engages with marginalized voices and shares her personal journey to create meaningful connections. Her work emphasizes holistic mentorship and community-building, reflecting her commitment to fostering belonging and resilience among students. Dr. Tompkins values life outside of work spaces by spending time with her three children and enjoying time outside.
Lauren Tornatore
Lauren Tornatore, M.A., M.Ed./C.A.G.S. has been with UMass Lowell since 2015, where she has developed professional development programs that support both students and staff. Her work focuses on empowering students to navigate academic challenges and advocate for themselves, with a particular emphasis on self-advocacy as a tool for creating more inclusive environments. Lauren believes that when students have the skills to advocate for their needs, they can break down barriers and foster a more equitable campus culture. A lifelong learner, Lauren is currently focusing on cultural humility to better serve UMass Lowell’s diverse student body. Her prior experience includes roles as a School Psychologist at Heartland AEA, Graduate Assistant at Mt. Holyoke College Disability Services, and Research Assistant at Haskins Laboratories.
Jennifer Torrance
Jennifer Torrance, M.Ed. is the Associate Director of the Mason Autism Support Initiative and Executive Functioning Program in Disability Services (DS) at George Mason University (GMU). She completed her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Shenandoah University, and later her master's degree in Education Leadership (Administration and Supervision) from George Mason University. Jennifer started her career in education as a general music education teacher for preK-5th grade. After completing her master’s degree in 2016, she became an Assistant Principal. While serving as an assistant principal, she worked to provide equitable access to disabled students. Jennifer joined the GMU DS team in July of 2020 and has continued to work with members of the disability community in higher education.
Brian Trager
Brian Trager, M.S. is the chairperson of the Department of Information and Computing Studies at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, a college of Rochester Institute of Technology. He received a Master of Science degree in Information Technology from RIT.
Drew Treacy
Drew Treacy, M.A. is an outreach services manager at Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth in Washington State. Additionally, Drew has been teaching ASL at Portland Community College in Portland, Oregon since 2017. Her previous experience includes working as a Teacher of the Deaf and ASL Specialist. She has a master’s degree in teaching ASL K-12 from University of the Northern Colorado and an interdisciplinary certificate in Infant, Toddlers, and Families from Gallaudet University.
Tamra Trenary
Tamra Trenary, OTR/L, OTD joined Mayo Clinic as a staff OT in 1998. She became the first OT Clinical Education Coordinator in Acute Care. In 2008, she graduated from the University of St. Augustine with a Doctoral degree. Tamra has successfully mentored over 300 students with and without disabilities in the collaborative model while they are completing terminal fieldwork experiences. Tamra is an Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. She is a certified trainer for the AOTA Fieldwork Educators Certificate Workshop. Tamra has published and presented at state and national conferences and is the author of several chapters in the Acute Care Textbook, 3rd Ed. She is Silver Level Certified Mayo Clinic Quality Fellow and Fellow in the Mayo Academy of Education Excellence.
Ritamarie Trippett
Ritamarie Trippett, M.S. (she/her) is the Director of the York College Community Opportunity Scholarship Program (YCCOSP) and the Promise Program and an adjunct professor at York College of Pennsylvania. Rita has held positions such as Title IX Coordinator, Senior Student Services Coordinator, Bilingual Secondary School counselor, and Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) counselor. Rita is a native of New York City and served over 17 years in the United States Army. She graduated from the State University of New York Buffalo State University, earning a Master of Science in Student Personnel Administration and a Bachelor of Science. She also completed a K-12 and Secondary School Counseling program from Shippensburg University and was granted a Pennsylvania Department of Education certification. She has over 25 years of experience working at all secondary and post-secondary education levels. Rita is passionate about working with and is committed to providing students with the highest academic and personal support as they continue their education in and out of the classroom.
Emily Unholz-Bowden
Emily Unholz-Bowden, Ph.D. is a Research Associate at the University of Minnesota's Institute on Community Integration. She has a master's in Special Education, a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, as well as post-doctoral training in the area of post-secondary transition and community living services for people with disabilities. Her research background focuses on the development of interventions aimed for teaching skills (e.g., communication, self-advocacy, decision-making) to improve the autonomy and quality of life of people with disabilities. Current projects include the evaluation of postsecondary transition and higher education supports and services for youth with disabilities, the transition of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities to employment and post-secondary education, and facilitating the adoption of supported decision-making in transition programs.
Teal Van Dyck
Teal Van Dyck is a disabled and neurodivergent accessibility professional working as an educator, cultural organizer, and interdisciplinary artist. They currently serve as the Director of Accessibility Resources and Services and ADA/504 Coordinator at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. They have spent the past fifteen years weaving relational pedagogies for embodying our values and enhancing interpersonal and ecological interdependence. With a background in integrative healthcare and education access, Teal coordinated primary care teams and technology systems, earning national certifications for improving care under Meaningful Use of Technology standards. Teal returned to their alma mater, Hampshire College, as a founding staff member of the Ethics & the Common Good Project, and previously revitalized the college’s Queer Community Alliance Center and Center for Feminisms. Teal wishes to honor the mentorship and legacies of Margo E. McMahon Ed.D and Laura Rauscher.
Mary Lee Vance
Mary Lee Vance, Ph.D. is the Director of the Disability Access Center, Campus Testing Center, Disability Cultural Center, and Assistive Technology Lab at California State University Sacramento, where she also served as interim Director for the Office of Equal Opportunity, Title IX and Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation (DHR). Her professional background includes directing student services at UC Berkeley, George Mason University, University of Montana, Michigan State University as well as other public 4-year and community colleges. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses, successfully written federal grants, and published in refereed journals and periodicals. She has edited 5 books focused on educational barriers disabled students and employees experience in postsecondary published by NASPA, NACADA and AHEAD and serves as a reviewer for the AHEAD refereed journal. For over 16 years she has taught and continues to teach disability law classes and seminars with Grossman, Axelrod, and Vance Consulting. Her presentations draw attention to the historical intersection of ableism and racism, as well as the intersection between disability and other subject areas such as Title IX as there is a tendency to exclude disability when discussing retention and graduation initiatives for underrepresented populations. With universal design as a running theme, she stresses the removal rather than reduction of educational barriers. She was recently elected to the AHEAD Board of Directors to serve as the Equity Officer and among other professional honors was presented AHEAD’s highest service award, the Blosser.
Misty Vetter Parsley
Misty Vetter Parsley, Ph.D. is a professor of Education and the Executive Director of the Office of Accessibility and Learning Supports at Lipscomb University. In her role, she oversees the ACCESS, IDEAL, and BEST programs while supporting faculty across campus with accessibility and universal design. She has bachelor and master 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. She has presented both locally and nationally on autism and postsecondary education topics. Misty’s passion is including people with disabilities in all aspects of the community and ensuring that they have the same opportunities to participate as do all other individuals. She started the IDEAL program, Igniting the Dream of Education and Access at Lipscomb, in January 2014 for students with intellectual disabilities and was the principal investigator of the TPSID grant from 2015-2020. In the Fall of 2023, she launched BEST, Bisons Excelling and Succeeding Together, for degree-seeking students with disabilities. Misty has also served on numerous nonprofit boards including Autism TN, Disability Rights TN, Genesis Academy, and was a founding board member of the Southeastern Postsecondary Education Alliance.
Sara Vogt
Sara Vogt, Ph.D. has her PhD in Disability Studies and is the Associate Director of the Center for Students with Disabilities at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she coordinates transition programming.
Jessiemarie ‘Jessie’ Voigt
Jessiemarie ‘Jessie’ Voigt, M.P.H. is the Associate Director of the Disability Resource Center at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. She is responsible for all University Housing Accommodations, including Emotional Support Animals. She has worked for the past three years to updated processes related to Housing Accommodations, including working with legal and compliance to change the Service and Emotional Support Animal Policy. She is additionally responsible for working with two academic units, students in the College of Education & Human Development and the Kent School of Social work. She also supervises the Cardinal Success Coaching Program, which is a peer-support program that provides executive functioning and related support to registered students that opt to participate.
Philip Voorhees
Philip Voorhees is the IT Accessibility Manager at Penn State University. He is a highly effective IT/Assistive Technology/Accessibility professional with 25-plus years of success bridging the access gap by developing and/or implementing accessibility policy and plans for digital access, instructional access, employee access, communications access and accommodation processes in higher education.
Cory Voss
Cory Voss, M.Ed. has worked at the University of Idaho as the Director of the disability office for 2 years and 1 year as the Assistant Director. Prior to working in the post-secondary world, she worked in the public school system for over 20 years in special education field.
Jastyn Wallace
Jastyn Wallace, MSW, LISW is the Clinical Research and Program Coordinator at the Nisonger Center, Ohio State University.
Charnessa Warren
Charnessa Warren, Ed.D. received her Masters of Science in disability and human development and a doctoral degree in Education Policy, Organization & Leadership with a concentration in Diversity & Equity in Education. Her experience includes working as an assistive technology specialist and disability subject matter expert for the Illinois Assistive Technology Program, the Chicago Public Schools, and the U.S. Department of Defense in the Pentagon. She has served across various academic and professional settings including K-12, postsecondary education, Illinois state government, and the US federal government working with a range of populations of students, instructors, school administrators, state and government employees, and wounded warriors. Charnessa is currently the Director of Student Disability Services at the University of Chicago and a board member of AHEAD. She is also a certified DEI FaciliTrainer. Charnessa’s research interests include disability as a valued part of institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Crystal Waters
Crystal Waters is an accomplished HR Director, Certified Career Counselor, and dedicated advocate for disability rights. With extensive expertise in human resources and career development, Crystal brings a wealth of knowledge to her role, where she is committed to fostering inclusive workplace environments and advancing opportunities for diverse talent. As a board member of Disability Rights of North Carolina, she plays a crucial role in advocating for policies and practices that support individuals with disabilities across the state. Crystal’s professional achievements and dedication to empowering others make her a respected leader and sought-after speaker in the fields of HR and career counseling.
Tom Webb
Tom Webb is deeply committed to creating inclusive and accessible environments in his role as the Associate Vice President of Accessibility and University ADA/504 Coordinator at Wright State University. He's responsible for sustaining and advancing high-quality programs and services that support accessibility for individuals with disabilities, providing leadership for the Office of Disability Services, and working to solidify Wright State’s reputation for setting national standards of excellence in access and accommodation. Tom seeks to eliminate barriers that hinder a student’s, faculty’s, or staff member’s opportunity to work, learn and thrive as members of the Wright State community. His commitment to accessibility extends beyond the university. In June 2024, Governor DeWine appointed him to the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Council. He also serves as the Vice Chair on the board of directors for the Access Center for Independent Living in Dayton and is a member of the 2023 Leadership Dayton cohort. Previously, Governor DeWine appointed him to the Statewide Council on Independent Living in 2022.
Charles Weiner
Charles Weiner, Esq. is a disability rights attorney and principal of the Law Office of Charles Weiner. He engages in nationwide impact litigation on behalf of individuals with disabilities with particular focus on higher education, licensing/certification examinations and higher education admission examinations. He has litigated significant cases brought under the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Rehabilitation Act, Fair Housing Act and Individual with Disabilities Education Act. He previously served as a Commissioner on the American Bar Association Commission on Disabilities. He is a publish author and seasoned speaker having presented on topics involving disability discrimination, disability services in higher education, disability access in health sciences, special education, and school discipline. Charles’s extensive experience in law and education provides him with a rich perspective on law, policy and best practices in higher education.
Eileen B. White
Eileen B. White, M.S. is originally from Whiting, IN but has lived and worked in the Greater Lafayette Area for over a decade, supporting students with disabilities as a special education teacher before transferring her skills to the Disability Resource Center at Purdue University. She is passionate about Universal Design, making trainings engaging and accessible, and advocating for neurodivergent supports at every opportunity. She currently lives in Lafayette with her husband, two children, and her toothless dog, Mick.
Lee Burdette Williams
Lee Burdette Williams, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of the College Autism Network and a long-time student affairs professional with experience in counseling, student activities, residence life, admissions and orientation.
Carrie Williams
Carrie Williams, M.A. is the Director of Student Disability Services at East Texas A&M University. She provides strategic direction for the disability services team and oversees the development, delivery, and evaluation of ongoing student accommodation initiatives. Prior to transitioning to Higher Education, Carrie was as a K–12 Special Education teacher for more than fifteen years. Throughout her career, Carrie has worked closely with the Colorado Department of Education on the Twice Exceptional Pilot Program, focusing on the unique needs of students who are both gifted and have disabilities. This experience has enriched Carrie's expertise in developing tailored support services and advocating for systemic changes within educational settings. Driven by a passion for educational equity, Carrie strives to create an environment where every student can thrive, ensuring that their diverse needs are met with understanding and compassion.
Shaun Williams
Shaun Williams, M.A., T.P. (he/him) is a passionate Counselor and Accessibility Specialist. He has worked within the world of disability counseling, advocacy and access for 10 years. Before working in higher education Shaun worked within the Independent Living movement as an IL Specialist. As someone who is blind, Shaun understands the importance of social justice and disability justice in order to be successful and fulfilled in education, society, culture and life.
Amy Williamson
Amy Williamson, Ph.D. is the Coordinator of the CrossingPoints Program. She has been working with the program since 2004, working as a volunteer, intern, and substitute before becoming the lead teacher in August 2006. Amy graduated from The University of Alabama with a BS in 2006, a MA in 2009, and a PhD in 2017. Her research areas include transition and other related areas, such as sexuality and disability. She has also worked with Special Olympics, coaching a swim team in Tuscaloosa County since August 2002.
Davis Wilson
Davis Wilson, M.Ed. is the Assistant Director of Disability Support Services at East Carolina University, where he has been instrumental in fostering accessible environments for students with disabilities over the past three years. With a passion for collaboration, Davis works closely with faculty, staff, and students to ensure that inclusivity and accessibility are cornerstones of the campus experience. Currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at East Carolina University, Davis is focusing his research on improving support systems for students on the autism spectrum. He is also deeply engaged in professional development, enjoying opportunities to network and exchange best practices with colleagues in the field. Through his use of assessment and research initiatives, Davis continually seeks to enhance the services and programs that support student access and success.
Gabe Wright
Gabe Wright, M.S.Ed. is a dedicated Higher Education professional who began in Residential Life before branching out into roles in Violence Prevention, Employment Consulting, High School Transition Advising, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, and advocacy within the Deaf Community. Four years ago, he returned to Higher Education as an Academic Program Specialist at the University of Tampa, where he spent three successful years. Currently, he serves as the Associate Director for Student Accessibility Services at Clemson University. He holds an undergraduate degree from Illinois State University and a graduate degree from Northern Illinois University, but he's a proud Ohio State Buckeyes fan!
Omobolanle Gloria Wunukén
Omobolanle Gloria Wunukén is a third-year graduate student in vocational rehabilitation counseling at NIU, where she serves as a graduate research assistant for Huskies BELONG. In this role, she supports program implementation, assists with student mentoring, and facilitates transitional services for college students with disabilities. She completes her practicum/internship work at Edward Hines VA Hospital supporting veterans' vocational reintegration, and at RUSH University Medical Center serving adolescents with mental health concerns. Bola is pursuing her CRC and LCPC credentials to empower individuals with disabilities in achieving their vocational goals.
Lisa Yates
Lisa Yates, MS.Ed, Ph.D. serves community college students who manage disabilities, stigma, and access, as Director of the Moreno Valley College Accessibility Resource Center in Southern California. In 2023, Lisa completed a Ph.D in Higher Educational Leadership for Changing Populations by conducting a mixed methods dissertation, which explored the use of experiential learning as a tool to positively impact disability perception in community college affiliates. Lisa’s post-doctoral work continues to explore disability perception, disability disclosure, and topics related to the intersectionality of ableism and racism, visualizing a cognitive ability spectrum as opposed to linear intelligence, and supporting autistic college students. Lisa has been described as a “thought leader,” and her work has been called “paradigm shifting.” Lisa has presented in northern and southern California as well as national conferences, and is honored to be invited to present with such esteemed disability rights champions, as Mary Lee Vance and Paul Grossman.
Erin Young
Erin Young, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR, is an Assistant Professor at Creighton University.