DO-IT Staff

[Picture of Sheryl] Sheryl
My name is Sheryl Burgstahler and I am the Director of DO-IT. I have a husband, Dave, and a son, Travis, who are both dedicated DO-IT volunteers (especially Travis, who considers himself at Phase IV Scholar). I have a Masters degree in mathematics and a Ph.D. in higher education. I am an Assistant Director within Computing & Communications and an Affiliate Associate Professor at the University of Washington. My personal and professional experiences with young people and adults with disabilities have taught me that low expectations and negative attitudes of others are the greatest barrier to success for people with disabilities and that facing the challenges imposed by a disability can be an isolating experience. DO-IT Mentors and peers support each other on the road to success.

[Picture of Dan] Dan
I'm Dan Comden. When not serving as a technical nerd for DO-IT, I manage the Access Technology Lab at the University of Washington. At the ATL we work directly with students, faculty and staff with disabilities who need to access computing resources. I have a wife, who is a pediatric intensive care nurse, and two sons. Apart from work and family, my spare time is spent working on cars and listening to music, usually at the same time.

[Picture of Doug] Doug
My name is Doug Hayman. I'm the technology specialist working with DO-IT Scholars, Pals, and Campers in Washington state. When not at work, I play guitar, hike, and hang out with friends.

[Picture of Lyla] Lyla
My name is Lyla Crawford. I have been a Counselor/Coordinator for DO-IT since 1997. I live and work in Eastern Washington in DO-IT's Spokane office. I have a Master's degree in Developmental Psychology. Outside of work I spend my time with my family and working in my garden.

[Picture of Scott] Scott
I'm Scott Bellman. I work as Program Coordinator and counselor for DO-IT. I help students find challenging internships and jobs throughout the year, My career path has been has been in psychology. I completed an MA degree in 1996. I am currently a licensed mental health counselor in Washington state. My discipline is cognitive behavioral psychology. I enjoy my work at DO-IT, which includes career counseling, writing, planning events, coordinating projects, supervising interns, mentoring, and of course Summer Study! My interests include performance art, camping and hiking, carpentry, and travel. I have been to many wonderful places including Peru, Thailand, India, Jamaica, Holland, Mexico, and the Cayman Island.

[Picture of Val] Val
My name is Val Sundby. I've worked for DO-IT for the last few years on a variety of projects. This past June I graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology. Outside of work, I enjoy horseback riding and spending time with family, friends, and my dog Cairo.

[Picture of Terry] Terry
My name is Terry Thompson. I am a Technology Specialist for DO-IT. Prior to my work with DO-IT, I served as Coordinator of Assistive and Information Technology at North Carolina State University; and as Coordinator of the Computer Learning Center at Independence, Inc., the independent living center in Lawrence, Kansas. When I am not working, you can usually find me hiking in the mountains, playing my guitar, or spending quality time with my family.

[Picture of Debra] Debra
My name is Debra Zawada. I started working at DO-IT in January 2004 so this is my first Summer Study experience. My background is as a high school teacher and transition counselor. Outside of work, when not spending time with friends and family, I love to garden, create things and take my dog, Lena for walks

[Picture of Tami] Tami
Hi! My name is Tami Tidwell. I work as Program Coordinator/Counselor for DO-IT. My main role is to help students find and employers create quality work-based learning experiences. I am looking forward to working with the Scholars during Summer Study. I was born and raised in Cowtown (aka Ft. Worth, Texas). I have my BS in Psychology from Texas Christian University. Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with friends taking in live music, shopping, reading, gardening, spending time with family and generally relaxing.

[Picture of Lisa] Lisa
Hi. My name is Lisa Stewart and I am a Counselor/Coordinator for the DO-IT program. I moved to Seattle several years ago from the Midwest where I grew up. I went to college at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where I got my degree in Psychology. I have spent the past 14 years working in the human service field, and it has been, and continues to be, an honor and a privilege to meet and learn from all the amazing youth and young adults that I have been lucky to cross paths with along the way. I always enjoy a good conversation, going to see live music, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family.

[Picture of Nanette] Nanette
My name is Nanette Rosenthal. I'm Manager of Program Operations for DO-IT. I graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in history. I enjoy spending time with my husband and two sons and do a lot of volunteer work for the Tourette Syndrome Association.

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