Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program

Cassie Adler is a first year graduate student in the Master of Social Work program. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Supply Chain Management as well as a Master’s degree in Information Systems from Indiana University. After ten years of working in business settings, Cassie is excited to shift focus and support her community in new ways. She hopes to engage in meaningful work that connects individuals and families to life-enhancing resources. She also hopes to be one of those resources as a future licensed therapist. In her spare time, Cassie loves to hike, travel with her husband, tend to her houseplants, and snuggle her two cats (Stevie and Kitty).

Kaley Coltrain (she/her/hers) joined the SDAP team in the Fall of 2022 as a graduate intern. She graduated from Marist College in Poughkeepsie NY with a Bachelor’s of Social Work degree with a minor in Psychology and Sociology. Kaley has experience of working with individuals who may experience substance use, intellectual disabilities, mental illness and trauma. Kaley also played softball at Marist College and will continue her athletic career at Appalachian State.

Maddi Dorrill, MT-BC, is a second-year graduate student in the Master of Music Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs at Appalachian State University. She received her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from The University of Georgia in 2019 and spent a few years working in an inpatient psychiatric hospital before coming back to school. Maddi is passionate about advocating for people with diverse abilities through improving access to education, community resources, and healthcare services.

Skyler Prowten (She/Her/Hers) joined SDAP in Fall 2021. Originally from Kent, OH, she received her Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Animal Science at North Carolina State University. She is a second year graduate student in the Experimental Psychology Program at Appalachian State University exploring topics centered around body image, depression, and coping. She hopes to go on to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology to one day be an advocate for equitable physical and mental health.

Kaitlyn Reda is a second-year student in the Master of Social Work program. She joined the SDAP team as a graduate intern in the fall of 2021. Kaitlyn returned to her home state of North Carolina to pursue a social work career after obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama from New York University in 2015. Alongside her graduate assistantship with SDAP, Kaitlyn will be interning with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. 

Ellie Russell is a first-year graduate student in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program. She recently graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Psychology degree and an Applied Mental Health Certificate. She is elated to be apart of the SDAP team. She hopes to be a resourceful and positive peer for students journey in the SDAP program. Ellie aspires to be a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In her free time she loves hiking with her dog, reading books, listening to podcasts, running, crafts, and most of all spending quality time with her friends and family.

Kennedy Vernon is a first year graduate student in the Master of Social Work program. She recently graduated from Appalachian State with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and is excited to be a part of the SDAP team. During her time in undergrad, Kennedy worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in nursing and rehabilitation homes, and at the health center on campus at Appalachian State. Kennedy is thrilled to be able to play a role and share in the success of the scholars by providing advocacy, support, and inclusivity to each scholar in the SDAP program. In her free time, she enjoys going on drives on the parkway, hiking, listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.