The Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program team is made up of faculty, student support members and volunteers who are dedicated to the success and wellness of our Scholars. Our faculty and student staff members come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
SDAP Leadership Team
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Dr. Susan HedgesDirector Dr. Susan Hedges (She/Her/Hers) earned a Ph.D. in education with a focus on special education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to working with SDAP, Susan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Reading Education and Special Education at Appalachian State University. Her research interests include technology supports for students with autism, enhancing whole school environments in support of students with autism, and improving post-school outcomes for students with autism. She has presented at national and international conferences. Her published work can be found in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities,Autism, Exceptional Children, and Remedial and Special Education. |
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Beth SibleyAssistant Director Beth Sibley earned a BSW from James Madison University and an MSW from the University of South Carolina. She has experience doing case management in mental health, health care, and child welfare settings. Her extensive background in social work aligns well with SDAP's person-centered planning approach. Additionally, she brings experience in educational settings working with high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Beth has worked at App since 2016 as an adjunct instructor teaching in the Social Work and Recreation Management and Physical Education departments. During this time, she taught several SDAP students taking PE courses. In the community, Beth has led a group fitness class for athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities. As a full-time member of the SDAP team, Beth continues to look for ways to support students on their health and wellness journey, helping them develop sustainable nutrition and exercise habits that they can take with them when they leave the program. |
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Kaitlyn RedaProgram Coordinator and Lecturer Kaitlyn Reda earned a BFA in Drama from New York University and an MSW from Appalachian State University with a concentration in Community and Organizational Practice. Her background in the performing arts has prepared her for the creativity and flexibility needed in the social work field. Kaitlyn’s time with SDAP began during her foundation-year MSW field placement as a social work intern, which later evolved into a graduate teaching assistantship and graduate assistantship. In addition to her work with SDAP, Kaitlyn also has experience in the substance use and mental illness non-profit spheres. |
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Samad AnsariCollege Life Resource Coordinator Samad earned a Bachelor's in Music from Oakland University in Auburn Hills, Michigan and his Master's in Music from Appalachian State University. Samad has a wide experience working in public education, taking on roles inside the school system in music as well as other subjects. He made a pivot into social work with his time working as a residential care-taker in foster care. His involvement in education and social services has given him the life skills to bring SDAP scholars closer to independence. |
Student Staff Members
App State undergraduate and graduate students provide an important peer support network for our Scholars. They serve several essential functions that enable Scholars to have a successful collegiate experience in the areas of lifeskill development, residential life, academics and so much more. Below are just some of the many peers who provide support for SDAP students.
Graduate Assistants
Graduate Assistants with SDAP support the Scholars through a variety of roles including academic supports, life coaches, teaching and resesarch assistants.
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Savannah Brown Graduate Assistant Savannah is pursuing her MA in Special Education and certificates in Autism and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. She graduated from App in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, concentration in Human Services. Savannah loves going outside on a nice day, painting, and going to the gym. She enjoys walking around King Street and going on the parkway. She is super excited to join the SDAP team! |
College Life Peer Supports
College Life Peer Supports support Scholars by living alongside them in residential halls and helping provide a positive and safe living experience.
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Caitlin Curatolo College Life Peer Support Caitlin Curatolo is a junior elementary education major with a minor in special education. She is member of the Appalachian Community of Education Scholars (ACES) and serves as committee chair for the Appalachian Educators Club, specifically for the Diverse Abilities Committee. Caitlin also swims on the Appstate Club Swim Team. When she's not doing all of that, she loves to read, listen to music, and go on parkway drives. On the weekends, she loves walking on King Street, especially in the fall. She looks forward to building positive and lasting relationships with SDAP students and guiding them on their educational journey! |
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RJ Raynoe College Life Peer Support RJ Raynoe is a senior Psychology student with a minor in Biology and Religious Studies. He is President of the App State Chess Club, and coaches chess to scholastic students when he's not actively competing. His other hobbies like learning novel things, volleyball, and mindfulness all come from an eagerness to share with others and an equivalent ear to listen. |
Interns
Hannah McElrath BSW Intern Hannah is pursuing her Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW) at Appalachian. Formerly a caregiver for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, she has a passion for helping others and wants to continue her education and eventually earn a Master's in Social Work. She looks forward to her time at SDAP to expand her knowledge and experience. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, reading and getting outside. |
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Julia Raughley MSW Intern Julia Raughley is a first year graduate student in the Master of Social Work program. She is thrilled to be a part of the SDAP team and program. A mountaineer from the beginning, Julia graduated in 2023 from App State with a degree in Recreation Management and Family and Child Studies. Julia is looking forward to coming alongside the students to provide impactful experiences while at Appalachian State. Outside of the classroom Julia loves spending her time in various youth development programs. Some of her hobbies include backpacking, swimming, embroidery, and getting engaged in the local communities! |
Levi Stubblefield MSW Intern Levi is a first-year student in the Master of Social Work program here at Appalachian State. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from UNC-Greensboro in 2020. After four years of self-exploration and retail work, he’s decided to pursue his passion for social work and mental health, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. He looks forward to growing his knowledge and passion for helping others with SDAP and the Appalachian State community beyond. In his free time, Levi enjoys connecting with the natural world, spending time with his two cats, reading horror & self-help books, and playing card & board games with friends. |
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Morgan Watson BSW Intern Morgan is a senior social work major with a minor in sociology. She is most passionate about mental health awareness and the equity and equality of all populations. Her goal as a social worker is to reach as many diverse populations as possible to promote confidence and wellness to all she encounters. In her free time she enjoys reading, being outside in the sun, listening to music, and spending as much time with friends and family as she can. She is most looking forward to building positive, mutualistic relationships with SDAP students and taking this experience with her into her future career! |