WHO SHE IS
Coordinator of Disability Services
TIME AT FORDHAM
One year
WHAT SHE DOES
Kelly assists students with documented disabilities to access appropriate academic accommodations. She provides one-on-one academic coaching, runs the Transition Year Program for freshmen with various learning disabilities, and works with other departments to provide programming for students with or without disabilities.
BACKGROUND
Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Principia College outside of St. Louis, and a master’s degree in counseling and personnel services from Fordham’s Graduate School of Education. Prior to joining Disability Services, she was an academic advisor at St. Francis College in Brooklyn.
INTEREST IN INDIVIDUALS
“At my undergraduate college, there was no psychology department. I minored in women’s studies and used extra electives to take other sociology courses. These courses, and my participation in several student-run multicultural awareness groups, led to my interest in psychology. Since earning my master’s in counseling, I have become interested in studying specific individual cases and offering support services.”
STUDENT SUPPORT
“In addition to setting up students with their academic accommodations for the semester, we offer one-on-one academic coaching, support group services, proctoring services, scribes and readers, assistive technology services and any assistance with accessibility issues as needed.”
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
“I feel fortunate to be in a job that exposes me to the entire spectrum of the student experience at Fordham. It’s crucial to understand and validate the experience of students who are struggling to succeed, and also those for whom success comes very naturally.”
WHY FORDHAM?
“I went to college at a very small school where everyone was familiar with each other and unified by a common purpose. I chose Fordham because it reminded me of that same feeling of community.”
OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
“I perform improvisational comedy with the Magnet Theater in Manhattan, and through that I have made a lot of great connections around the city. I also am working as a researcher and senior facilitator in Dr. Eric Chen’s group counseling course in GSE’s psychological and educational services division.
