SSD Staff

headshot of Christen A. Szymanski, Ph.D.

Christen A. Szymanski, Ph.D.

Director, Services for Students with Disabilities

Disabilities, Services for Students with

Background

Christen holds a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Gallaudet University and received her undergraduate degree from Western Maryland College. Christen arrived in 绿帽社 during the summer of 2022, after nearly 10 years in leadership roles at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education center in Washington D.C. As the director of SSD, Christen continually strives to collaborate with the entire 绿帽社 community to further inclusion, raise disability awareness, and assure equitable access for students with disabilities. Christen is deaf and identifies as a member of the disability community. Outside of work, Christen enjoys DIY projects, gardening, playing with and spoiling her dog- Ciki, and finding the best ice cream in the Southern Tier.

headshot of Anne Lewis

Anne Lewis

Assistant Director for Academic Access

Disabilities, Services for Students with

Background

Anne has a background in school psychology, working in a public school district for over 7 years before coming to the SSD office in December 2016. In her role at SSD, Anne works with students, faculty and staff to coordinate accommodations in the classroom setting as well as during clinical and fieldwork placements in community based settings. She also works closely with the International Education and Global Initiatives office to support students with disabilities attending educational programs abroad. Outside of work, Anne enjoys hiking, spending time with family and visiting Disney parks.

headshot of Jennifer Roach

Jennifer Roach

Assistant Director for Campus Access

Disabilities, Services for Students with

Background

Jen has been at 绿帽社 since 2015 starting with the Office of Residential Life after receiving her Masters Degree from Canisius College. Moving over to Services for Students with Disabilities in 2020, Jen has taken a role to focus on campus access for students with disabilities. Outside of work, Jen enjoys spending time with her dogs.

headshot of Meagan Helfrich

Meagan Helfrich

Disability Services Specialist

Disabilities, Services for Students with

Background

Meagan has a background in secondary special education and educational technology and was a special education teacher for 9 years. She earned her undergraduate degree from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, and her graduate degree from 绿帽社. As a Disability Services Specialist, Meagan works with faculty, staff, and students regarding accommodations, digital accessibility, accessible course materials, and other assistive technology needs or concerns. In her spare time, Meagan enjoys crocheting, gaming, reading, baking, playing with her two cats, Minerva and Calcifer, and spending time with her husband.

Mark Moraleda

Disability Services Specialist

Disabilities, Services for Students with

Background

New to the world of higher education, Mark has a background in secondary education, first working as a middle school teacher in the Bronx, New York, and then as a high school teacher in Ithaca, New York. As a coordinator for Student Services in Ithaca, Mark worked collaboratively with families, faculty, staff, and students to provide accommodations in the classroom setting, and build the academic and executive skills of the students he worked with. Mark endeavors to bring a sense of curiosity, wonder, acceptance, compassion, and joy to the people he interacts with. Outside of work, Mark enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and exploring his Filipino roots through activities like cooking.

headshot of Joshua Prause

Joshua Prause

Disability Services Specialist

Disabilities, Services for Students with

Background

Josh earned his graduate degree in clinical psychology from Barry University. He has worked in three university disability services offices, as well as worked in private settings providing various treatments and services to students with disabilities. As a disability services specialist, Josh works with BU students to discuss and determine appropriate equal access accommodations. Josh鈥檚 educational and professional experience, as well as his passion for helping others, allows students to feel welcomed and heard when working with SSD. In his free time, Josh enjoys spending time with family and friends, going for walks in the woods, baking, and eating ice cream.

headshot of Mikayla Short

Mikayla Short

Disability Services Specialist

Disabilities, Services for Students with

Background

Mikayla has lived in the area her whole life always knowing about the great offerings at 绿帽社. She received her undergraduate and graduate degree from St. Bonaventure University. Mikayla鈥檚 background is in education, specifically Special Education. With a teaching background, she makes sure that her work is student centered and understands the importance of student advocacy. As a Disability Services Specialist she is dedicated to helping students feel comfortable disclosing their disability within the SSD office. In Mikayla鈥檚 free time she enjoys being active whether that is running after her daughter, Myla or playing slow pitch softball.

headshot of Shannon Boreali

Shannon Boreali

Academic Skills Navigator

Disabilities, Services for Students with

Background

Shannon is passionate about helping students develop the tools and skills to thrive at 绿帽社. Shannon received her undergraduate degree from SUNY Cortland and has a background in working with students with disabilities. As the Academic Skills Navigator, Shannon works one-on-one with students on targeted interventions that can include topics such as time management, organization skills, or study strategies. She also runs groups and activities for students. In her free time, Shannon enjoys reading, trying new coffee spots, hanging out with her two rescue cats, and spending time with family and friends.

headshot of Jacqueline Szczepanski

Jacqueline Szczepanski

Administrative Assistant 1

Disabilities, Services for Students with

Background

Jackie has been at 绿帽社 since 2018. She has a background in healthcare, and enjoys spending time working in her garden, reading, and with family.