DO-IT Staff Mentor Profiles

Dan Comden, computer specialist
When not serving as the head technical nerd for DO-IT, I manage the Adaptive Technology Lab at the University of Washington. I have a wife, Louise, who is a pediatric ICU nurse and a son, Zane. Apart from work and family, any spare time is spent working with my search and rescue dog. danc@cac.washington.edu
Darin Stageberg, counselor/coordinator
My name is Darin Stageberg. I'm originally from Portland, Oregon; however, I've spent the past four years in Idaho before coming aboard DO-IT. I received both my baccalaureate, psychology, and graduate, rehabilitation counseling, degrees from the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. I perform a large number of responsibilities in the program ranging from career/vocational counseling to "Dorm Dad". My disability is hard of hearing. It is my goal to provide support and be a role model to youngsters with disabilities. I have an identical twin brother, Bart. Finally, I'm a sports fanatic who enjoys playing basketball, football, and softball. dstageb@u.washington.edu
Kristin Otis, counselor/coordinator
My name is Kristin Otis and I am a coordinator/counselor for DO-IT. I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and am the youngest of five children. During my freshman year of college, I discovered that I had a learning disability. This was an incredible turning point in my life. I learned that I COULD learn; although, I didn't completely breeze through college. I did get through! I graduated from the University of Minnesota in June '93 with a BS in communicative disorders. Before DO-IT, I worked as a speech and language specialist in southern California. Now I live in Seattle and am very excited to be a member of the DO-IT team. kristino@u.washington.edu
Marvin Crippen, computer support
My name is Marvin Crippen and I work for DO-IT. I help Dan out with technical support, work on the DO-IT home page and do some research on making computer and science labs accessible. I also work in the Adaptive Technology Lab so if you're on campus come by and see me. mcrip@cac.washington.edu
Sheryl Burgstahler, director
My name is Sheryl Burgstahler. I have a husband, Dave, and a son, Travis. I have Bachelors and Masters degrees in mathematics and a Ph.D. in higher education. I am an assistant director within Computing & Communications and a research assistant professor at the University of Washington. I am particularly interested in how people with disabilities can make use of computers and networks to achieve high levels of independence, productivity, and participation. I'm also interested in how the Internet can be used to create an electronic community...and, of course, I'm very interested in the "doitkids." Oh, by the way, I direct the DO-IT project! sherylb@cac.washington.edu