Meet the Team

Nik Arnold

Director of Investigations, Intake and Support & Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Nik (he/him) joined the team in February 2023 as the Deputy Title IX Coordinator. His job has expanded to provide leadership and oversight to both the Investigations and Case Management teams. He assists those teams in their work responding to reports and complaints across a broad range of civil rights concerns. Before Nik’s career in education, he practiced child welfare, criminal, and employment law for fifteen years in California. Nik earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida and his law degree from San Francisco Law School. Nik is a member of the California Bar. When not working, Nik enjoys playing various sports and practicing on his guitar.

Bree Callahan

ADA/504 Coordinator

Bree Callahan, M.Ed. is the ADA Coordinator for the University of Washington and provides leadership, coordination, and oversight to advance the University’s strategic priorities relating to access and accessibility. Prior to this role, she directed disability services offices for fifteen years across three universities and has worked in a variety of higher education areas: admissions, academic advising, and residential life. She has over 20 years’ experience in higher education, determining accommodations and providing consultation on ADA compliance matters of digital, physical, and program access.

Beth Somerfield

Deputy ADA Coordinator for Digital Accessibility

Beth Somerfield, CPWA is the Deputy ADA Coordinator for Digital Accessibility. Throughout her career, Beth has worked to make it easier for people to connect with public services. Before joining UW, Beth was the director of digital accessibility at a human-centered design consultancy. Her work primarily supported state and local governments, helping agencies build accessibility into their digital product lifecycles from procurement, development, and design through content management. Prior to consulting, she had over 15 years of experience working in local government in user experience, accessibility, and digital content roles.

Kiana Swearingen

Director of Education & Communications

Kiana (she/her) leads Civil Rights communications and educational efforts, implementing evidence-based programs designed to address and prevent violence, harassment, and discrimination among faculty, staff, and students. She is committed to approaches that engage individuals as agents of change while also supporting communities in implementing practical strategies to build healthy academic cultures. With 20 years in the anti-violence movement, her work has focused on trauma-informed responses to gender-based violence, youth violence, and workplace violence. She holds a certificate in Psychological Trauma from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Beyond the workplace, you can find Kiana backpacking, swimming in cold mountain lakes, and traveling the world with her two children.

Catherine May

Policy & Data Analyst

Catherine (she/her) translates complex data into actionable insights and policy recommendations for Civil Rights and Title IX initiatives. She designs, builds, and implements data management systems to support the CRC team, including case management, training & education, and collaboration with process partners. Catherine also leads the policy review process, relying on data-driven insights and stakeholder collaboration. Catherine has a background in strategy development, research, and policy development. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the UW Evans School. Outside work, you can catch Catherine taking her dogs to the beach, attending as many concerts as her budget allows, or exploring a new brewery/restaurant/coffee shop.

Kao Nomura

Administrative Specialist

Kao’s (she/her) work to support the CRC team’s daily operations includes monitoring and responding to incoming inquiries, coordinating record keeping and related processes, and providing administrative and organizational support to the AVP and other members of the team. Before joining the office in March 2023, she served as a support staff for the UW Environmental Health & Safety Department. Kao is inspired by her CRC colleagues who work collaboratively and thoughtfully to ensure UW community members have the guidance they need to navigate Title IX and civil rights concerns. When away from her computer, Kao appreciates finding happenstances in nature on walks with her dog—sometimes, the encounter leads to an art project.

Jeanne Petty

Program Operations Specialist

Jeanne (she/her) provides project management support to the ADA/504 team, and for data management systems and projects across CRC and Compliance & Risk Services. Prior to joining the UW, she worked in the private sector providing business analysis, database and form design, and digital accessibility services to government institutions and universities. Her volunteer work in local public schools as an advocate for equity in education led her to her current role, where she uses her technical skills to support important civil rights, including for the Office of the Youth Protection Coordinator. She earned a bachelor’s from Gonzaga University. While Jeanne loves working with data and technology, she’s still an English major at heart and is always looking for her next good read.

Marie Stucke

Program Operations Specialist

Marie Stucke is the program operations specialist supporting the Investigations team. She also provides administrative and organization support to the Director of Investigations & Support. Her paralegal expertise and interest in data management, as well as her experience working in University settings, human resources departments, and customer service roles all inform the work she does within the Civil Rights Compliance Office. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, gardening, knitting, and walking her dog.

To reach the Case Management Team, either email civirights@uw.edu or make a Civil Rights & Title IX report.

Laura Fay

Manager of Intake & Support

Laura (she/her) provides oversight, support, and guidance to the Case Management team. Laura emphasizes building collaborative relationships, fostering equitable systems, and developing trauma-informed processes and structures to support UW community members during challenging times. She brings extensive experience in crisis management, de-escalation, and case management, gained from her roles as a Violence Prevention and Response Specialist at UW SafeCampus and in homeless services. Laura holds a Master of Public Administration from the UW Evans School, a double bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies and English, and a minor in American Sign Language. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two cats, Benny and Penny, paddleboarding, and reading The New Yorker.

Toby Gallant

Intake Specialist & Case Manager

Toby (he/him) supports impacted individuals by offering support, connecting them with resources, and exploring resolution options that align with their needs. He brings expertise in ADA compliance and disability rights, informed by his previous work with the University’s ADA Coordinator and the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Person with Disabilities. With deep roots in the disability community, Toby centers procedural transparency, plain language, and universal design in his work. He is passionate about building collaborative partnerships to advance access for all body-minds and identities, while navigating the complexities of legal frameworks. Toby holds a bachelor’s degree in Disability Studies from the University of Washington. Outside of work, he enjoys listening to live music, exploring the Washington coast, and solving the New York Times crossword.

Brittany Larsen

Intake Specialist & Case Manager

Brittany (she/her) responds to reports of discrimination and harassment by connecting with individuals to offer support and explore resolution options. She also consults with secondarily impacted people and communities on how best to support all individuals involved. Brittany prioritizes choice and agency and incorporates person-centered and trauma-informed practices into her response work. She brings additional expertise in risk assessment, crisis management, and navigating campus and community systems. Her past roles include confidential campus advocate, social work case manager, mental health therapist, mental health court evaluator, and sexual assault counselor. Brittany holds a master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Medaille College in Buffalo, NY.  Outside of work, she enjoys solving puzzles, trying new restaurants with her partner, and giving endless adoration to her two cats, Burt and Ernie.

Disha Osika-Dass

Intake Specialist & Case Manager

Disha (she/her) is committed to ensuring everyone involved in identity-based discrimination, harassment, or violence has the support and resources to make informed choices about next steps. She is committed to finding equity within complex processes and has experience supporting both the person who experienced the behavior as well as the person who may have engaged in the behavior. Disha is passionate about expanding alternative resolution options that give involved persons more agency to create a solution that addresses the harm caused and helps them move forward. Disha earned her M.Ed. in College Student Development from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in 2018. She also holds a B.A. in Psychology with minors in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Philosophy. Disha and her spouse, Megan, have two rescue dogs—Maggie and Simba—who were born in different countries several years apart but look like twins!

Corey Toland

Intake Specialist & Case Manager

Corey (she/her) supports students, staff, and faculty by responding to reports and assisting individuals as they navigate university resources. She brings extensive experience in the Civil Rights and Title IX field, having previously worked at another large public university. Her background also includes roles in homelessness services, where she supported young families fleeing domestic abuse, and in advocacy work helping individuals secure protective orders. Corey’s expertise spans Civil Rights and Title IX compliance, campus advocacy, and crisis intervention. She is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive campus environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Currently, Corey is pursuing a master’s in Social Work, and outside of work she enjoys gardening, teaching fashion design, and spending time with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

To reach the Investigations Team, email cr-investigations@uw.edu.

Andy Schwich

Manager of Investigations

Andy (he/him) oversees the investigations team within CRC. Prior to joining the investigations team as an investigator in 2023, Andy was a Senior Investigator with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Andy has a BA from Valparaiso University and a JD from the University of Minnesota. Outside of work, Andy enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, watching the Chicago Cubs, and playing soccer, basketball, and video games.

Holly Bill

Investigator

Holly is a Civil Rights Investigator with a background in human resources. She has experience conducting investigations in employment settings including leading complex investigations into ethics, EEO and policy violations.  Hailing from the Midwest, Holly has a BA from Colorado State and Masters of Science in Strategic Human Resource Management from the University of Denver.  Outside of work Holly enjoys baking, practicing yoga or visiting the local library with her daughter.

Kati Quinn Lappi

Investigator

Kati’s biography coming soon!

Shannon McBride

Investigator

Shannon (she/her) is an investigator with CRC. Prior to joining the team, she was a Threat Manager with Amazon’s Global Corporate WIM Team. She also served as an investigator with Indiana’s Department of Child Services, heading their child fatality investigations team. Shannon has a master’s in psychology and holds undergraduate minors in creative arts, visual communication, and theater. Outside of work, Shannon enjoys listening to music, creating art, crossword puzzles, watching live criminal trials, rooting for Chelsea FC, and trying to convince her husky to be affectionate.

To reach the hearing team, email hadmin@uw.edu.

David Huneryager

Hearing Officer

David (he/him) works as Hearing Officer, presiding over student conduct and Title IX matters. He works with parties and participants to help them understand the hearing process, and facilitates an opportunity to be heard. As Hearing Officer, he makes decisions based on evidence and University policies, codes, and procedures.

Dominique Overman

Hearing and Project Specialist

Dominique (she/her) manages administrative aspects of hearings, including scheduling prehearing conferences and hearings, preparing documents, forms, and materials, and scheduling witness testimony. As Hearing Coordinator, she is available to help parties and their advisors understand and navigate the hearing process. Dominique is always happy to address questions and needs regarding the hearing process, including accommodations.

To reach the Education & Communications Team, please email civilrights@uw.edu.

Kiana Swearingen

Director of Education & Communications

Kiana (she/her) leads Civil Rights communications and educational efforts, implementing evidence-based programs designed to address and prevent violence, harassment, and discrimination among faculty, staff, and students. She is committed to approaches that engage individuals as agents of change while also supporting communities in implementing practical strategies to build healthy academic cultures. With 20 years in the anti-violence movement, her work has focused on trauma-informed responses to gender-based violence, youth violence, and workplace violence. She holds a certificate in Psychological Trauma from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Beyond the workplace, you can find Kiana backpacking, swimming in cold mountain lakes, and traveling the world with her two children.

Jonathan Beck

Training & Communications Specialist

Jon (he/him) is passionate about contributing to educational spaces where everyone belongs and has the support they need to thrive. He collaborates with UW partners to develop and implement training programs and communications materials designed to prevent and address violence, harassment and discrimination. Jonathan earned his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Washington, and his bachelor’s from Canisius University in his hometown of Buffalo, NY. He worked in UW classrooms for a decade, including three years as lecturer in political science and law, societies and justice. His teaching focused on law’s impacts on our everyday lives. Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys making and listening to music with cats Maisy and Fitzy, growing trees and vegetables, hiking with pups Myles and Huxley, and traveling with his partner and best friend Hannah.

Raven Pereida

Training & Communications Specialist

Raven (she/her) assists in the development and delivery of training programs that focus on the prevention and response to violence, harassment, and discrimination among faculty, staff, and students. As an experienced trainer, Raven leverages her instructional design skills to create engaging and informative content to enhance learning outcomes and foster a positive learning environment. Before transitioning to UW, she developed and implemented several training programs concentrated on enrollment management and led a team of trainers. Raven earned her M.Ed. from Texas State University. After the work day, she enjoys reading, gardening, football, and anything else outside with her partner and German Shepherd pup, Mila.