Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services (SAAS)
Dr. Oluwaferanmi Okanlami
Director
okanlami@umich.edu
Dr. Oluwaferanmi Okanlami is the Director of Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services at the University of Michigan, where he oversees the office of Services for Students with Disabilities, two Testing Accommodation Centers, and the Adaptive Sports & Fitness Program. He is also an Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Urology at Michigan Medicine, and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
“Dr. O” was born in Nigeria before immigrating to the US at a young age. He attended High School at Deerfield Academy and college at Stanford University where he also ran Track & Field, serving as captain his last two seasons and achieving Academic All American recognition.
He then earned his MD from the University of Michigan before matching into Orthopedic Surgery at Yale. At the beginning of his 3rd year he experienced a spinal cord injury, paralyzing him from the chest down. After two surgeries and intense rehabilitation, he was blessed with some return of motor function, and navigates the world as a proud wheelchair user, managing the other long term sequelae of an incomplete cervical spinal cord injury.
He went on to earn a Master’s in Engineering, Science, and Technology Entrepreneurship from The University of Notre Dame, and completed his Family Medicine Residency at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana. He served on the St. Joseph County Board of Health, appointed by then Mayor, now current Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg; and is on the board of the River City Challenged Athletes, a non-profit supporting the area adaptive sports teams. He was featured on Robin Robert’s Good Morning America Series “Thriver Thursday,” and has a catch phrase, “Disabusing DisabilityⓇ,” hoping to demonstrate that DISability doesn’t mean INability. He is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honors Society, received Michigan Medicine’s Distinguished Early Career Alumni Award in 2020, and was given the “A Teacher’s Teacher Award'' by the Academy of Medical Educators.
Nationally, he serves as the Disability Issues representative on the Steering Committee for the Group on Diversity and Inclusion at the Association of American Medical Colleges, sits on the National Medical Association’s Council on Medical Legislation, and was by the White House Office of Public Engagement to participate in the Health Equity Leaders Roundtable Series dedicated to exploring perspectives around Access to Care. He was appointed to the America250 Foundation Health and Wellness Advisory Council and speaks around the country on topics related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, including, but not limited to creating a health system that is accessible to and inclusive of both patients and providers with disabilities, and providing reasonable and appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities in higher education. He has been featured on CBS News, PBS News Hour, and MSNBC’s Morning Joe, and is passionate about adaptive sports and fitness, striving to provide access to physical fitness and inclusive recreational and competitive sports for all.
Anya L. Cobbler
Stewardship Program Coordinator
anyaleah@umich.edu
Anya Leah Cobler is the Stewardship Program Coordinator for Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services (SAAS), University of Michigan’s student disability services, where she has worked since 2022. In her role, Cobler oversees the budgeting and awarding of gift funds for the unit and leads donor relations and outreach, fundraising, and the Scholarship and Disability Funding teams. Cobler is the mother of three children, including Pearl, who has a disability. She holds an MFA from the University of Michigan in Creative Writing (Poetry), where she was a Jane Kenyon fellow. Cobler received the 2024 Trailblazer Award from UM Adaptive Sports & Fitness and takes any chance she can get to talk about her experiences as the mother of a child with a disability. .
Saumya Gupta
Project Coordinator
saugupta@umich.edu
Saumya Gupta (name/any) is a disability scholar-activist and the Research, Assessment, and Advocacy Specialist for the Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services (SAAS). With a background in biomedical engineering, their life's work is to co-design solutions and dream of worlds that actually meet the needs of fellow queer crips. Saumya's work with SAAS includes researching and advocating for the experiences of disabled students at U-M, exploring the potential of adaptive sports as a bridge between the healthcare and disability communities, and providing research and evaluation backbone support for the Well-being Collective. They are currently pursuing their PhD in Health Professions Education at the University of Illinois Chicago, with the goal of transforming the way disability is taught in health professions.
Academic Support and Access Partnerships (ASAP)
Amy Breach
Program Lead
amybgm@umich.edu
Amy joined the SAAS team in July 2022. She brings with her a solutions oriented approach to provide individual support to students with academic and executive functioning challenges. Amy obtained her undergraduate Elementary Education degree (Math and Social Studies) from Michigan State University and has worked closely with students and educators for many years to support individualized plans for educational success. As a parent of a child with a neuromuscular disease, she committed to understand disability laws/rights and advocate for support necessary for all areas of his success. Amy later went on to pursue her Masters of Arts degree in Autism Spectrum Disorder from Eastern Michigan University. Upon completion, Amy joined EMU’s College Supports Program where she supported college students with autism as an academic support coach as well as the program’s associate coordinator. Her strong desire to support others with dedication and perseverance is deeply rooted in the belief that students require advocates with passion to facilitate personal growth and accountability.
Mike Ziadat
Program Lead
ziadat@umich.edu
Mike’s calling in life is to attend to the needs of students by helping them break through various academic and societal barriers. He believes in founding authentic bonds with learners and partners based on the pillars of collaboration, equity, and intersectionality. Mike is the son of immigrants and is proud to have accomplished many personal, academic, and professional “firsts” in his family and community. He was born and raised in Chicago and lived in the Middle East for a decade. Mike received his B.A. in Philosophy from Purdue University and received his M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Northeastern Illinois University. Outside of work, you’ll find Mike cooking, watching scary movies, and fighting against injustice.
Andy Checo
Academic Support Coach
agcheco@umich.edu
Bio coming soon . . .
Amy Rehor
Academic Support Coach
amyrehor@umich.edu
Bio coming soon . . .
Adaptive Sports and Fitness (ASF)
Erik Robeznieks
Associate Director
erikrob@umich.edu
Erik earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health Science from York University in Toronto, Canada. Previously Erik worked at Wheelchair Basketball Canada managing the operations for the National programs; including being on staff with Team Canada at the Rio 2016 Paralympics. He then completed a Master of Business Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University in Toronto, Canada that included his thesis “Examining the Potential Inclusion of Adaptive Sport in the NCAA”. The project addresses issues of equity, sociocultural perceptions of disability and adaptive sport, and the physical, social, psychological, and societal benefits of sport participation. Erik has worked with Adaptive Sports & Fitness at the University of Michigan since 2020 supporting the mission, vision, and growth of adaptive sport and fitness initiatives within the University of Michigan and broader adaptive sport landscape at the local, state, and national level. Erik competes in wheelchair tennis and wheelchair basketball and is a 2019 Canada Games silver medalist with Team Ontario.
Chris Kelley
Assistant Director
kellechr@umich.edu
Chris joined the University of Michigan Adaptive Sports and Fitness (ASF) department in January of 2022 as the Program Coordinator. Chris supports the competitive varsity adaptive sports teams with practices, competition schedules, equipment and more. In addition he supports community based adaptive sports recreation through ASF. He also supports ASF initiatives including Rx to Play and the Adaptive Sports and Inclusive Recreation Initiative. Chris has played competitive wheelchair tennis since 2012 including playing for the University of Michigan and team USA.
Chuck Aoki
Wheelchair Rugby Head Coach
aoki@umich.edu
Chuck joined the University of Michigan Adaptive Sports and Fitness (ASF) department in June of 2022 as the Community Access Navigator. He is currently hired under a grant from the Craig H. Neilsen foundation, that is titled “Prescription to Play”. Chuck oversees all aspects of this grant, which is intended to increase access, knowledge, and awareness of adaptive sports and fitness opportunities for people with SCIs, and their medical providers. He also supports ASF programs at events and practices. Chuck is a decorated three-time U.S. Paralympian in the sport of wheelchair rugby as well, and is currently training to try and compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Brian Elliott
Community Program Coordinator
ellbrian@umich.edu
Bio coming soon . . .
Christine (Chrissy) Maleske
Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator
cmaleske@umich.edu
Dr. Christine Maleske serves as the Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator for Adaptive Sport and Fitness and a Lecturer for the School of Kinesiology’s Sport Management Program. A graduate of the University of Michigan, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management in 2014 and began her career at Learfield Sporting Marketing, where she managed 120 sponsorship accounts for Penn State University. She then took on the role of Marketing and Partnership Manager for the National Volleyball League, a nationwide beach volleyball tour.
In 2016, Dr. Maleske moved to Germany to pursue a Master’s degree in International Sport Development and Politics at the German Sport University, completing it in 2018. During her studies, she worked as a Research Assistant, evaluating sport for development initiatives in Africa. After graduation, she joined the Agitos Foundation, the former development arm of the International Paralympic Committee, where she coordinated and delivered educational workshops to enhance the capacities of National Paralympic Committees in countries such as Tanzania, India, Kazakhstan, and Georgia.
Dr. Maleske returned to the United States in 2019 and, in 2024, proudly earned her PhD in Sport Management from the University of Michigan. Her dissertation concentrated on developing innovative human rights strategies for large-scale sporting events. Currently, her research interests encompass disability rights, parasport, and enhancing organizational capacity within adaptive sport programs.
Dr. Maleske has made significant contributions to the field, publishing her work in esteemed journals such as Sport Management Review and European Sport Management Quarterly. She has also presented and facilitated workshops for both academic and industry professionals, sharing her expertise widely.
In her current role at ASF, Dr. Maleske primarily focuses on monitoring, evaluating, and researching key aspects of ASF’s ASIRI program. Additionally, she supports various monitoring and evaluation tasks across ASF, furthering the organization's mission.
Abbey Phillipson
Strength and Conditioning Head Coach
abbeyph@umich.edu
Abbey attended the University of Michigan as an undergraduate student. She first became an adaptive coach in 2018 when she co-founded the Adaptive Gymnastics student organization at Michigan. She then geared her studies and research efforts toward both disability and exercise science. Upon graduating, Abbey obtained credentials in Nutrition, Personal Training, Strength and Conditioning, and thereafter started group and personal training sessions for adults with disabilities at local gyms. She now holds her dream job as the full-time Head Strength and Conditioning for Michigan’s Adaptive Sports and Fitness Program, where she leads student and community athletes with and without disabilities to reach their athletic potential.
Calvin Sullins
Adaptive Track & Field Head Coach
sullinsc@umich.edu
Bio coming soon . . .
Jessica Wynne
Wheelchair Basketball Head Coach
jeswynne@umich.edu
Bio coming soon . . .
Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
Rachel Richards
Assistant Director
rnrich@umich.edu
Rachel joined the SAAS team in December of 2021. Previously Rachel worked at Western Michigan University as their Accommodation Specialist. Rachel has a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education: Rehabilitation Counseling from Western Michigan University and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Rachel received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies with a concentration in relational communication from the University of Central Missouri.
Natalie Ridgway
Assistant Director
rnatali@umich.edu
Natalie Ridgway serves as Assistant Director in the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). With a background in Student Affairs in Higher Education and Counseling, she provides leadership and supervision to the SSD team and works closely with campus partners to ensure students with disabilities have equitable access to the academic and campus experience at the University of Michigan. Since joining SSD in 2019, Natalie has been dedicated to building strong, intentional partnerships across U-M’s diverse campus to ensure a Michigan education accessible to every student. As part of her role, she serves as the primary liaison to the Law School, supporting law students, faculty, and administrators in developing sustainable practices that enhance inclusion and access within this professional program. Natalie is committed to advancing disability access through both individualized student support and broader systems change. Outside of U-M, Natalie enjoys cooking, jewelry making, and a long walk on a sunny day.
Jackie Heymann
Lead Disability Access Coordinator
heymann@umich.edu
Jackie (she/her) is a Coordinator role within University of Michigan's Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services. Prior to joining the U of M team, Jackie was an Access Consultant in Purdue University's Disability Resource Center and coordinated the intergroup dialogue program at Michigan State University. She has earned a Master's in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University, and an Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies from CUNY School of Professional Studies. Jackie identifies as disabled and is passionate about working with disabled students as they navigate their higher educational experiences. She is also passionate about applying an intersectional lens to disability services work and working in partnership with faculty, staff, and students to create campus communities that are equitable, inclusive and accessible.
Kat Nic
Lead Disability Access Coordinator
kathern@umich.edu
Kat Nic (they/she) joined the Services with Students with Disabilities staff in May of 2022. They specifically work with graduate students and departments under the Rackham graduate school in exploration and implementation of accommodations, as well as are the liaison to UMSI (the school of Information) and previously worked with Engineering and Kinesiology. Prior to joining the University of Michigan team, Kat spent three years working in the office of Accessibility Services at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). Kat received her B.A. in Religious Studies & English from Alma College in 2012, their M.Div. from Methodist Theological School in Ohio in 2016 with a specialization in Youth & Young Adult Development, and their Education Specialist (Ed.S) degree from Bowling Green State University in 2024. Kat also received certificates from BGSU in Administration of Higher Education, Diversity & Inclusion in Higher Education, & Research & Assessment in Higher Education. Their top research and presentation interests are in topics around minority stress theory and resilience in students that identify as both LGBTQ+ and disabled. Kat identifies as chronically ill and disabled, as well as non-binary and queer. Kat is also the proud mom to a middle schooler and five cats, and proud partner to a Montessori infant preschool teacher. Their yearly goal is to see how many books they can read for fun, and their top read number so far was 114 books in 2023.
Heather Oertel
Lead Disability Access Coordinator
haoertel@umich.edu
Heather joined the SSD Coordinator Team in January of 2024. She previously worked as an Intake Specialist and Case Manager in Eastern Michigan University’s Disability Resource Center. Before working in higher education, she worked as a special education paraprofessional at the Midland County Educational Service Agency and a psychology assistant at Harbor Behavioral Health in Toledo, OH. Originally from upstate South Carolina, she moved to the Midwest in 2010 and is happy to be part of the University of Michigan community. She has a BA in Theatre Arts from Sweet Briar College, a BA in Psychology from Saginaw Valley State University, and a MS in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Michigan University. Heather is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University.
Heather identifies as neurodivergent. Outside of work, she enjoys roller skating, taekwondo, “Jeffing” (Galloway-method running), vintage collectibles, reading and watching mysteries, riding roller coasters, practicing languages on Duolingo, and spending time with her husband and two cats.
Emily Wisler
Lead Disability Access Coordinator
ewisler@umich.edu
Emily is a Disability Access Coordinator within University of Michigan’s Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services. In her role, Emily works with students through an interactive process to explore and implement academic accommodations. Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Central Michigan University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Oakland University. She has a background in mental health and has been with the SSD team since 2023.
Evan Copeland
Disability Access Coordinator
evanjam@umich.edu
Bio coming soon . . .
Shannon Daniels
Title
email
Bio coming soon . . .
Betsy Green
Disability Access Coordinator
greenbe@umich.edu
Betsy joined the SSD Coordinator Team in February of 2023. Betsy’s previous experience includes employment in Disability Services at Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, MI and Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley, MA. Prior to working in higher education, Betsy was a special education teacher in MD, PA, and VA. Betsy was also employed by Saline Area Schools as a special education paraprofessional. Betsy has a BA in History from the State University of New York at Geneseo and a Masters Degree in Special Education from George Mason University.
Kevin Hicks
Accessible Media Specialist
KevKH@umich.edu
Kevin joined the team in July 2022 as the Accessible Media Specialist. Responsible for the inventory of technology, as well as the policies regarding Alternative Formats, Equipment Loans, and Caption.
Working in the field of Disability Services in Higher Education for 6 years, serving previously at the University of Northern Colorado and Davenport University. He has a BA in Computer Science with a focus in Networking from Davenport Universityin 2017.
Kathy Kiehl
Administrative Assistant
kkiehl@umich.edu
Kathy joined SSD in July of 2022. She supports the SSD Leadership Team and Coordinators and assists students in connecting with the office.
Jill Rice
Communication Access Specialist
jillric@umich.edu
Jill has worked as a nationally certified sign language interpreter with 30+ years of experience. She has worked at UM since 2006 as a coordinator. Jill coordinates Sign Language Interpreters, CART providers, notetakers and places adaptive furniture for students.
Andrea Truitt
Disability Access Coordinator
andreadt@umich.edu
Andrea (she/her) is a Disability Access Coordinator within University of Michigan’s Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services. With experience in education, counseling, and disability service, Andrea enjoys fostering a sense of belonging across the campus community. A proud alumna of Spelman College, Andrea holds a M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from Georgia State University and a M.S. in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A real cheerleader for the human spirit, she believes in encouraging us to embrace our uniqueness and find beauty in intersectionality.
Testing Accommodation Centers (TAC)
Chip Evans
Assistant Director
hwevans@umich.edu
Chip joined SAAS in February 2025 and is the Assistant Director of the Testing Accommodation Center. With a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Baker College and over 20 years of experience in disability services, Chip is dedicated to fostering accessible learning environments and supporting students’ diverse needs throughout their academic journey. He is the 2017 recipient of the Marge Award from the Michigan Association of Higher Education and Disability (MI-AHEAD) and the 2025 Alumni Award recipient from the same organization.
Deb Macintosh
Supervisor
debma@umich.edu
Deb joined the SAAS team as the supervisor of the Testing Accommodation Centers in March of 2023. Deb is passionate about student success and providing students with the framework to succeed and the confidence to recognize and value their own contributions and talents. This commitment to student success and building student self-confidence in their own inherent ability has been the cornerstone of her work. She was the Coordinator for the tutoring center at University of Connecticut’s Avery Point Campus (the APAC). She also taught Freshman English at her alma mater, UConn, where she earned dual BAs in English and in American Studies, and her MA in English. A Detroit native and a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewas Indians, Deb recently moved back to Michigan and is excited to be part of the University of Michigan community.
Annamarie LaCasse
Lead Testing Accommodation Support Coordinator
alacass@umich.edu
Annamarie joined the Testing Accommodation Centers (TAC) in April 2024. With more than 8 years of professional experience in higher education, Anna joins us from Madonna University where she most recently served as Project Director of Crusaders CARE (Creating a Respectful Environment), a three-year grant awarded by the Department of Justice and Office on Violence Against Women designed to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking on college campuses. She is dedicated to holistic student support initiatives and student development in all areas, but feels most connected working with historically underrepresented populations. Her passion for higher education and student well-being was sparked in her undergraduate career where she recognized her own needs for support as a first-generation college student. Anna holds a masters degree in Higher Education Administration.
Lauren Churchwell
Testing Accommodation Centers Facilitator
lachurc@umich.edu
Bio coming soon . . .
Kaitlin Coughlin
Testing Accommodation Support Coordinator
coughlka@umich.edu
Kaitlin joined the TAC staff in April 2022 as an Accommodations Facilitator. As an Accommodations Facilitator, Kaitlin supports the work of the TAC team in coordinating testing services at the TAC for students with disabilities and facilitating the provision of adaptive and ergonomic equipment and furniture for testing situations. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University with her Master’s in Occupational Therapy in December 2020. During her Level II Fieldwork, she spent three months in a pediatric outpatient clinic and four months in Livonia Public Schools working within the role of an occupational therapy student and collaborating with neurodiverse children and adolescents. Alongside her work as an Accommodations Facilitator, Kaitlin finds enjoyment in sewing and crocheting a variety of clothing, reading, and learning about the varied processes of millinery.
Aaliyah Haqqi
Testing Accommodation Centers Facilitator
alyhaqqi@umich.edu
Aaliyah joined the Testing Accommodation Centers (TAC) in April 2022 as an Accommodations Facilitator. She supports the work of the TAC team in coordinating testing services at the TAC for students with disabilities and facilitating the provision of adaptive and ergonomic equipment and furniture for testing situations. She has a passion for helping others, bringing awareness of Disabilities, Neurodiversity, and Health & Fitness, and she sees a lengthy career for herself in this field. Alongside her work as an Accommodations Facilitator, Aaliyah finds enjoyment in Knitting & Crocheting, Hiking in National Parks, and spending time with her Rabbits.
Aaliyah received her B.A. in Psychology, with a minor in Environment & Health, from Michigan State University in 2021. Born with hearing loss, she didn’t receive hearing aids until she became an adult, at which point she was also diagnosed with Dyslexia and ADHD. Aaliyah identifies as being Hard of Hearing and considers herself someone with non-apparent disabilities.
Chloe Harrell
Testing Accommodation Centers Facilitator
hachloe@umich.edu
Chloe joined the Testing Accommodation Centers (TAC) in April 2023. As an Accommodations Facilitator, Chloe collaborates with the other members of the TAC team to coordinate accommodated exams for students with disabilities, and provide adaptive and ergonomic equipment in the testing environments. Alongside her work as an Accommodations Facilitator, Chloe enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Bel Nightingale
Testing Accommodation Centers Facilitator
nachtiga@umich.edu
Bel joined the Testing Accommodation Centers (TAC) in May of 2022 as an Accommodations Facilitator. Bel first began his work with the TAC when he started as a Temp in 2021, when the TAC first opened up under SAAS. He has a passion to make others smile and to bring awareness to Neurodiversity. Alongside his work as an Accommodations Facilitator, Bel finds enjoyment in science fiction audiobooks, spending time with his cats, and traveling to see the sights.
Liv Wolfe
Testing Accommodation Centers Facilitator
livwolfe@umich.edu
Liv started with the Testing Accommodations center in October of 2024 as a Testing Accommodations Facilitator. They graduated from Central Michigan University in 2021 with a B.S. in Sociology and afterward went to work in the realm of social work as a Success Coach for teens aging out of foster care at a nonprofit in Washtenaw County for 4 years. Their love for uplifting the voices and experiences of young adults and advocacy have been integral in their life at all points. Liv is passionate about the social and political issues surrounding the communities that they both are and are not a part of and is always finding ways to fight for causes that matter most. They are a staunch member of the LGBTQ+ community and often find themselves working, performing and volunteering in a variety of settings for the betterment of the community. For fun they dream about two things in life: going to law school and owning a horse farm.
Rachel Zahon
Testing Accommodation Centers Facilitator
rzahon@umich.edu
Rachel joined TAC in January 2022 as an Accommodations Facilitator. As part of the TAC team, she helps coordinate accommodated exams for disabled students. She graduated from Wayne State University with her Master’s in Social Work in late 2019 with a concentration in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. For her undergraduate program she was an intern at a rotating homeless shelter, and for her graduate program she was an intern at an HIV clinic. While she was interning at the clinic she was given the opportunity to launch and supervise a successful tobacco reduction program. She came to the University of Michigan to pursue a new avenue in social work, and work with disabled people. She now helps facilitate exams in a way that is equitable and supportive of the needs of students, and is focusing her social work career into administration. In her free time she has a large variety of hobbies, including running a small etsy shop, playing D&D, making costumes, and spoiling her two pet geckos.