The Administrative Team oversees the LIFE Program's academic, residential, and operational components. They support students and families, coordinate services, and ensure program quality while fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
About us
The LIFE Program is supported by a dedicated team of professionals, instructors, and student staff who work collaboratively to create an inclusive, campus-based college experience for students with intellectual disabilities. Together, they provide the academic instruction, residential support, and community-based learning that promotes independence, employment readiness, and meaningful engagement in college life.
Our team
Meet our Administrative Team
LIFE Instructors are responsible for teaching, evaluating, and supporting students across a variety of settings and contexts. Instruction emphasizes meaningful, applied learning experiences, ongoing assessment of student progress, and individualized support throughout the academic day.
Meet our Instructors:
- Katie Donnelly, clinical mental health graduate student
- Lilly Hanke, school psychology graduate student
- Caleb Hoffman, clinical mental health graduate student
- Lydia Wiesman, curriculum and instruction graduate student
Independent Living Assistants (ILAs) support LIFE students in the residence halls during non-classroom hours, including mornings, evenings, and some time on the weekends. ILAs help students develop daily living skills, build independence, engage socially, and adjust to campus life while serving as mentors and role models.
Meet our ILAs:
- Emma Aleckson, communication sciences and disorders major
- Hailey Olson, social work major
- Aisha Jabang, pre-biomedical professions major
- Meagan Power, early childhood education major
- Will Rinaldo, marketing major
Peer Coaches work closely with LIFE students in the classroom, employment settings, and residential environments. Their role focuses on skill development, mentoring, and supporting students as they transition from structured learning to greater independence in campus and community settings.
Meet our Peer Coaches:
- Nicole Brown, special education major
- Kailyn Buckler, psychology major
- Kaylee Buettner, elementary education major
- Elizabeth Engleman, communication sciences and disorders major
- Lea Fernandez, elementary education major
- Jordan Fleege, psychology major
- Renee Forystek, communication sciences and disorders major
- Grace Grasser, psychology major
- Hailey Harpster, early childhood education major
- Mallory Kastein, elementary education major
- Trey Miller, English major
- Mariana Paglianti, elementary education major
- Emily VanRiper, elementary education major
- Nick Webster, special education major
Contact us
UW-Whitewater LIFE Program
Esker Hall 120
800 W. Main Street
Whitewater, WI 53190-1791
Email: lifeprogram@uww.edu
Phone: 262-472-1905