ABOUT US

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.

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:

• Avery Meierdirk, School Psychology MSE student, Graduate Assistant
• Cam Manning, Counseling MS student, Graduate Assistant
• Eliana Tranel, School Psychology MSE student, Graduate Assistant
• Hailey Hanson, Special Education MSE student, Graduate Assistant
• Krista Sbarra, Social Work MSW student, Graduate Assistant
• Nichole Williams, School Psychology MSE student, Graduate Assistant

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:

• Abby Dietrich, Accounting major
• Eli Stickney, Special Education major
• Emma Aleckson, Communication Sciences and Disorders major
• Evelyn Byrnes, Entrepreneurship & Innovation major
• Meagan Power, Early Childhood/Special Education 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:

• Adrianna Conley, Early Childhood/Special Education major
• Amber Henschel, Early Childhood Education major
• Elsie Desterheft, Special Education major
• Emily VanRiper, Elementary Middle Education major
• Emma Carlson, Psychology major
• Evie Mrizek, Elementary Middle Education major
• Grace Grasser, Psychology major
• Jordan Fleege, Psychology major
• Kaitlyn Marsh, Communication Sciences and Disorders major
• Katie Erb, Communication Sciences and Disorders major
• Maggie Alsum, Elementary Middle Education major
• Mallory Kastein, Elementary Middle Education major
• Nicole Brown, Special Education major
• Raegan Laumann, Special Education major
• Renee Forystek, Communication Sciences and Disorders major
• Sarena Taylor, Social Work major