Christen holds a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Gallaudet University and received her undergraduate degree from Western Maryland College. Christen arrived in Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ 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 Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ 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. 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. Jen has been at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ University 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. 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 Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ University. 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. 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’s 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. Mikayla has lived in the area her whole life always knowing about the great offerings at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ University. She received her undergraduate and graduate degree from St. Bonaventure University. Mikayla’s 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’s free time she enjoys being active whether that is running after her daughter, Myla or playing slow pitch softball. Shannon is passionate about helping students develop the tools and skills to thrive at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ University. 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. Jackie has been at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ University since 2018. She has a background in healthcare, and enjoys spending time working in her garden, reading, and with family.
Christen A. Szymanski, Ph.D.
Director, Services for Students with Disabilities
Disabilities, Services for Students with
Background
Anne Lewis
Assistant Director for Academic Access
Disabilities, Services for Students with
Background
Jennifer Roach
Assistant Director for Campus Access
Disabilities, Services for Students with
Background
Meagan Helfrich
Disability Services Specialist
Disabilities, Services for Students with
Background
Joshua Prause
Disability Services Specialist
Disabilities, Services for Students with
Background
Mikayla Short
Disability Services Specialist
Disabilities, Services for Students with
Background
Shannon Boreali
Academic Skills Navigator
Disabilities, Services for Students with
Background
Jacqueline Szczepanski
Administrative Assistant 1
Disabilities, Services for Students with
Background