Staff Mentors

Sheryl Burgstahler
Sheryl

My name is Sheryl Burgstahler, and I am the founder and Director of DO-IT. I have a husband, Dave, and a son, Travis, who are both dedicated DO-IT volunteers. I have a Master's degree in mathematics, with a strength in computer science, and a Ph.D. in higher education. I am the UW Director of Accessible Technology Services and an Affiliate Associate Professor in Education at the University of Washington. DO-ITcombines my personal, academic, and professional interests.

Scott Bellman
Scott

I'm Scott Bellman. I work as a Program Counselor/Coordinator for DO-IT. I help students find challenging internships and jobs throughout the year. I completed a Master's 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.

Dan Comden
Dan

I'm Dan Comden. When not serving as a technical nerd for DO-IT, I manage the Access Technology Lab (ATL) at the University of Washington. At the ATL we work directly with students, faculty, and staff with disabilities who need to access computing resources.

Rebecca Cory
Rebecca

I'm Rebecca Cory. I am a Research Coordinator for DO-IT. The focus of my research is on experiences of college students with invisible disabilities. I work on creating systemic change for accessibility on campus and evaluating how effective the DO-IT programs are. I have a Master's degree in learning disabilities and a Ph.D. in cultural foundations of education and disability studies.

Lyla Crawford
Lyla

My name is Lyla Crawford. I am a Counselor/Coordinator for DO-IT. I work in the Spokane office. I have a Master's degree in developmental psychology. I have a husband, Shawn, and a son, Joshua.

Profile of Marvin
Marvin

My name is Marvin Crippen. I help with technical support, work on DO-IT websites, and support the UW Access Technology Lab.

Doug Hayman
Doug

My name is Doug Hayman. I'm the technology specialist for DO-IT Scholars. When not at work, I play guitar, hike, and hang out with friends.

Carole Isakson
Carole

My name is Carole Isakson, and I am a Research Consultant with DO-IT. I've worked at DO-IT for the past few years while completing my Ph.D. in education. My research focuses on literacy and academic success for individuals with mobility and speech disabilities. In my free time, I love sailing, gardening, and spending time with my family- especially my granddaughter, Lily!

Mike Lewis
Mike Lewis

My name is Mike Lewis, and I work at DO-IT in the summer. I have a Master's degree in special education, and I am beginning a teaching position working with high school students who have severe disabilities. My hobbies include traveling, cooking, and doing anything outdoors!

Michael Richardson
Michael

I'm Michael Richardson, DO-IT Program Manager. I have served people with disabilities in the fields of vocational rehabilitation and human resources. I have severe/profound hearing loss and use a cochlear implant. I earned a Bachelor's degree in health science from California State University, Northridge, and I am pursuing a Master's degree in public administration at the University of Washington. In my free time I spend time with my wife and three children and ride vintage British motorcycles.

Lisa Stewart
Lisa

Hi. My name is Lisa Stewart and I am a Counselor/Coordinator for DO-IT. I attended college at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point majoring in psychology. I enjoy working with and learning from all the amazing youth and young adults that I have crossed paths with over the years. I enjoy a good conversation, music, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Val Sundby
Val

My name is Val Sundby. I've worked for DO-IT for the last few years on a variety of projects. I graduated from the University of Washington in 2002 with a degree in cell and molecular biology. Outside of work, I enjoy horseback riding and spending time with family and friends.

Terry Thompson
Terry

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

Tami Tidwell
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 always look forward to working with the DO-IT Scholars during Summer Study. I was born and raised in Cowtown (a.k.a. Ft. Worth, TX). I have my Bachelor's degree 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 relaxing.

Debra Zawada
Debra

My name is Debra Zawada. I started working at DO-IT in 2004. 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.