DRC Staff
The following professional and student staff help to facilitate the daily work of the Disability Resource Center. To learn more about our team, click on the gray dropdown boxes below to show each team member's contact and biographical information.
Mandie Greiwe
Director (she/her)
About
Mandie Greiwe (Gry-Vee) rejoined the Purdue University Disability Resource Center as the Director in November of 2023. Prior to coming home to Purdue, Mandie served as the founding director of the Personalized Learning Center for students with disabilities at Marian University, for two and a half years. She has also had the opportunity to work within disability offices for over 10 years at the University of Notre Dame, Emory University, as well as serving as an Access Consultant and then the Assistant Director in the DRC at Purdue previously.
Mandie’s hope for the DRC is to continue to showcase disability access as a priority and that Purdue becomes a leader in accessibility within higher education. Access is a shared responsibility, and one of Mandie’s most important goals is to collaborate with campus partners to ensure that everyone at Purdue understands what role they play in promoting and developing access, as well as ensuring they have the toolkit to do so. Mandie also has a passion for learning and engaging with assistive technology and digital accessibility initiatives, as well as Universal Design for Learning principles.
Sandra Cash
Deputy Director (she/her)
About
Sandra joined the DRC in October 2022. With an extensive 19-year career in higher education, Sandra brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students.
Sandra began her journey in higher education as a Resident Director, where she excelled in creating vibrant, inclusive residential communities while mentoring and training student staff. Her passion for student development and community-building set the stage for her subsequent roles, leading to her significant contributions in the field of accessibility.
Before coming to Purdue, Sandra served as the Director of Accessibility and Accommodations at Indiana Wesleyan University for eight years. In this role, she led psychoeducational groups focusing on ADHD and Autism, helping college students thrive both academically and personally. Her work in these areas underscores her commitment to promoting mental health and inclusive practices within educational settings.
Sandra recently completed her Ph.D. in Psychology with an emphasis on cognition and learning. Her doctoral research focused on the interplay between grit and student success in populations that were low-income, first-generation, or disabled. Sandra’s academic journey also includes a Master’s degree in Community Counseling and School Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and English, with a minor in Biology from Indiana University.
When Sandra is not on campus, she loves to spend time with her husband and three boys. She is a nature enthusiast and enjoys swimming. Whether she is diving into her research, advocating for accessibility, or enjoying time with her family, Sandra is driven by a passion for making the world a more inclusive and supportive place for everyone.
Susan Lausier
Assistant Director
About
Susan joined the DRC as Assistant Director in March, 2022 and will manage the Usable Materials Center. She began her career in disability resources at Aurora University, recording books on tape for blind students. After a succession of promotions, Susan ended her 15-year career there as Director of the Disability Resource Office and the Academic Support Center. Susan holds an MA in Organizational Leadership from Lewis University and a BA in English from Aurora University. Her professional development activity includes participation in Project ShIFT (Shaping Inclusion through Foundational Transformation), a US Department of Education funded three-year research grant and presenting at national AHEAD and NASPA conferences.
Jordan Grammas
Assistant Director, Indianapolis (she/her)
Contact Information
Email: jgrammas@purdue.edu
About
Jordan joined the DRC in May of 2024 as the Assistant Director at Purdue in Indianapolis. She graduated from Ball State University with both her bachelor's in Child Development and master’s in Special Education. Prior to joining Purdue, Jordan worked at Ball State as one of the Assistant Directors of Disability Services for three years. While at Ball State, she helped develop an early move in program to assist incoming freshman with the transition from high school to college.During her free time, Jordan enjoys taking photos, attending concerts, and spending time with her friends, family, and dogs.
Brandon Chafin
Administrative Assistant
About
Brandon joined the DRC team in December 2022. He graduated from Purdue University in May 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics technology. Before joining the DRC, Brandon spent 6 years working for Department of Agronomy in the College of Agriculture. He has a passion for UX design, data analysis and helping people. Brandon believes a good attitude and kindness fosters a positive joyful working environment and helps build relationships. Brandon enjoys working for Purdue and enjoying the beautiful campus, especially when the weather is nice. Outside of work, Brandon enjoys watching movies on TCM and going to the cinema, playing role-playing video games, reading fantasy novels, and drinking coffee outside during the warm months. Brandon is a loyal fan of the Chicago Blackhawks, Indiana Pacers, and all Purdue sports teams.
Pete Celeste
Senior Access Consultant (he/him)
About
Pete graduated from Purdue University in the “COVID Class” of 2020. He earned an Associate’s in Education and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. He also earned a minor in Critical Disability Studies and English during his time at Purdue University. As a Purdue alum and a disabled person who worked closely with the Disability Resource Center as an undergraduate, Pete feels that he has a unique perspective that drives his interactions with his students.
Prior to returning to school, Pete was in the United States Navy and worked in Emergency Medical Services on the east coast. After an accident that created mobility issues, Pete returned to school with the hopes to work in disability services. During his time as a student, Pete was very involved in Purdue Student Government (PSG) holding the position of Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Pete has always been a disability rights advocate and currently is an active member of the professional organization AHEAD (Association on Higher Education and Disability).
Pete enjoys grabbing a cup of coffee and sitting outside when the weather is nice. He loves sitting near the Loeb fountain and watching the hustle and bustle of campus. When Pete is not on campus, he loves to spend time with his family and traveling.
Nicole Martin
Senior Access Consultant (she/her)
About
Nicole joined the Disability Resource Center in April 2022. Nicole graduated from Purdue University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Developmental and Family Science with a minor in Organizational Leadership. Post-graduation Nicole gained experience working with mothers and new babies in the social services sector. Nicole has a passion for disability inclusion and mental health awareness. In her free time she likes to spend time with her dog Koda and take walks on campus.
Eileen White
Senior Access Consultant (she/her)
About
Eileen joined the Access Consultant Team in August of 2022 after spending over a decade in public education. Originally from Whiting, Indiana (Home of Pierogi Fest and the Mascot Hall of Fame), Eileen graduated from Saint Joseph's College in 2011. After earning her BS in Elementary Education and Special Education, she returned to her hometown for 3 years as a teacher before relocating to Lafayette in the fall of 2014. Eileen has worked with students of all backgrounds and ability levels, and has extensive experience working with students who struggle with emotional regulation. She is passionate about helping all students actualize their full potential by helping to remove barriers to their success, and by encouraging others to incorporate universal design. Eileen is passionate about the Social Model of Disability and creating a more equitable and inclusive world. She is very excited to be working at Purdue to continue this important work with the students and faculty. You can often find Eileen out in the community enjoying the rich musical and theatrical culture around Lafayette. She enjoys attending live performances and supporting all of the small businesses in town, especially during the Mosey Down Main Street.
Lisa Yates
Access Consultant
About
Lisa began her career as an electrician, completing a five-year apprenticeship before a diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa led to her early retirement in 2003. Seeking a new direction, she enrolled at Purdue University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2005 and her Master’s degree in Education in 2011.
As a student with a disability, Lisa gained firsthand experience regarding the importance of appropriate accommodations, advocating for equal access to the same academic challenges and opportunities as her peers while resisting adjusting to life with a visual impairment.
Before joining Purdue’s DRC in 2017, Lisa taught special education and worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the State of Indiana. Her diverse background equips her to support students with disabilities effectively.
Lisa is an active member of the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) and its state affiliate, IN-AHEAD.
Outside of her professional life, Lisa enjoys listening to music, spending time with her dogs, Kirk and Chato, attending live music events, watching baseball, and visiting local parks.
Alisa Montgomery
Access Consultant (she/her)
Contact Information
Email: armontgo@purdue.edu
About
Alisa joined the Disability Resource Center as an Access Consultant in October 2022. A native of Indiana, Alisa holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology, Master of Education in Special Education, and is completing her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, currently All But Dissertation (ABD). Alisa worked as a Special Educator for 17 years, within diverse educational environments, in the K-12 academic setting in both Maryland and New York. Alisa also spent the start of her professional career deinstitutionalizing adults with disabilities, opening group homes, and providing quality assurance throughout the Washington D.C. area through Georgetown Child Development Center and other private corporations. Alisa also evaluated both children and adults for assistive technology throughout the State of Maryland, using a team approach, to address individual communication needs while working at United Cerebral Palsy of Central Maryland.
In addition, Alisa is passionate about educational law to ensure all students have equal access to learning. Alisa is focused on improving practices and policies with respect to the well-being of students' mental health by encouraging communication and mindfulness practice. She also believes in an inclusive approach where equal opportunities and equitable outcomes exist for all.
Genevieve White
Access Consultant (she/her)
Contact Information
Email: gkwhite@purdue.edu
About
A near-lifelong Michigander, Genevieve graduated from the University of Michigan Dearborn and worked as a seventh through 12th grade general education Spanish and English teacher for a decade while working towards her master’s degree in instructional technology and e-learning.
Genevieve then began a lengthy career as an instructional designer working with professors to structure curriculum, create activities and assessments, and build courses, with a focus on online courses. After experiencing several inequitable circumstances in the workplace, and one staunch assistive technology champion, Genevieve chose to begin a third phase of her career walking alongside disabled students. It was in this third phase of her work that Genevieve became encouraged to embrace herself for who she is: neuro–, cognitively–, and physically– diverse, and disabled.
Since that time, Genevieve has become a passionate advocate of disability rights, digital accessibility, inclusive learning, and the equitable access of all learners to education and information. Genevieve is particularly interested in the experience of individuals with invisible disability, and the subsets of underserved populations in the disabled world.
When you meet Genevieve, she will ask you one million questions, then listen very well to your answers, and support you to meet your goals. On her own time, Genevieve loves working in her backyard vegetable garden, spending time amongst plants and water, exchanging stories, and reading and writing.
Megan Borg
Access Consultant (she/her)
About
Megan Borg joined the DRC in February 2024 as an Access Consult. Megan is originally from Hearne, Texas but has been in Indiana since 2018. Megan graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences from Baylor University in 2018. Megan is currently working to obtain her master’s degree in human services through Purdue Global. Outside of the workspace, Megan enjoys spending time with her husband, Ryan, loving on her pets, enjoying outside activities like archery and fishing, hosting game nights, baking, and crafting.
Taylor Haville
Access Consultant (he/him)
About
Taylor joined the Disability Resource Center as an Access Consultant in February 2024. Prior to joining the team, Taylor worked within the Office of the Dean of Students on campus, working with students experiencing mental health crises. Taylor holds a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Indiana University and practiced as a licensed clinician in Indianapolis prior to starting at Purdue. He has a strong passion for helping all students who may be struggling during their college careers. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, walking his dog, gardening, and cheering on his favorite basketball and baseball teams.
Katie Whalen
Access Consultant (she/her)
Contact Information
Email: whalenka@purdue.edu
About
Katie joined the DRC as an Access Consultant at Purdue University in May 2024. She holds a bachelor's degree from Arcadia University and a master's degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Wayne State University. Prior to joining Purdue, Katie served as a Disability Specialist at Wayne State University, where she helped to develop the TRIO Student Support Services program for students with disabilities. As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Katie is passionate about assisting students in achieving their goals while fostering a culture of accessibility awareness and understanding. During her free time, Katie enjoys drawing, spending time with friends and family, and being active.
Jossette Bailey
Access Consultant (she/they)
Contact Information
Email: jfbailey@purdue.edu
About
Jossette joined the DRC as an Access Consultant at Purdue University in June 2024. Originally from Michigan, she attended Oakland University as a first-generation, nontraditional student before earning an M.A. in Romance Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During her time as a PhD student and French instructor she was keen on developing inclusive and accessible course materials. It was her growing enthusiasm for promoting disability acceptance, inclusion, and pride that prompted her to transition out of the PhD program and into a role in UNC’s disability services to serve the greater student population. Jossette is glad to be back in the Great Lakes region where she enjoys visiting cafes, birding, and nature observation.
Catherine Shepherd
Access Consultant (she/her)
Contact Information
Email: shephe76@purdue.edu
About
Catherine joined the DRC as an Access Consultant at Purdue University in July 2024. She graduated from Ball State University in 2024 holding a bachelor's degree in K-12 Music Education and is also a licensed music teacher. During her time in college, Catherine worked in Ball State's Department of Disability Services in which she recognized her passion for higher education and disability resource work. Outside of the office, Catherine enjoys cooking, playing music, spending time with loved ones, and continuing to be a lifelong learner.
Betsy Kiel
Access Consultant, Indianapolis (she/her)
Contact Information
Email: ejkiel@purdue.edu
About
Betsy joined the DRC in July 2024 as an Access Consultant in Indianapolis. Before joining the DRC, she was an Assistant Director in Ball State University’s Disability Services office for 2 years. She is a triple-alumni from Ball State with her bachelor's degree in Women’s & Gender Studies, and two master’s degrees in Political Science and Sociology. During Betsy’s time at Ball State, she specialized in Outreach and Programming for the Disability Services office, developing a series of workshops for students focused on Disability Identity, Self-Determination, and Self-Advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts with her twin sister, spending time with her family and friends, and binge watching Reality TV.”
Madison Mahurin
Access Consultant,(she/her)
Contact Information
Email: mahurinm@purdue.edu
About
Madison joined the DRC as an Access Consultant at Purdue University in August 2024. She graduated from Purdue University in 2021 holding a bachelor’s degree in Education. Prior to joining the team, Madison worked as a teacher for 3 years where she became passionate about disability inclusion and removing barriers within education. Outside of the workspace, Madison enjoys spending time with her husband (Chase) and golden retriever (Boogie), reading, rock climbing, and cheering on the Purdue basketball team. Boiler up!
Cindy Hedgecough
Compliant Materials Production - Lead Braille Transcriber
About
Cindy got her start at Purdue in the library system in 1980. In this role, she searched a variety of topics for the library system. She was promoted to a copy cataloguer prior to being hired into the DRC in 1998 as a braille clerk. Cindy has trained and learned a variety of braille code over the years. She can read braille as well to maintain quality standards. As braille demand increased, Cindy became production manager for braille. As reliance on braille has decreased, Cindy has become involved in the DRC accommodated testing center, as this area has seen significant growth. She also assists with alternative formats.
Heidi Smart
Compliant Materials Production - Lead Illustrator
About
Heidi is an Alternative Formats Coordinator who started at Purdue in 2001, originally as a Tactile Graphics Specialist, and still maintains her skills in braille and making raised line, tactile, graphics. Heidi works with students, instructors, authors and publishers to acquire and/or convert printed textbooks and course materials into accessible formats. She also provides training to faculty and staff on how to create or remediate their course materials for students to use with different types of assistive technology. Heidi holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a graphic design emphasis from Indiana State University (Go “Trees”!) and achieved her Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from Purdue University Global.
Alfredo Rosales
Technical and Access Coordinator
About
Alfredo joined the DRC in 2018 bringing 9-years of experience working with Accessible Electronic Media. He will be working with students and instructors to provide accessible textbooks and educational materials to students. Alfredo has developed knowledge and insight to offer students, faculty and staff on how to make their materials more accessible as well as compatibility issues. He graduated from Purdue Global with a B.S. in Liberal Studies and an A.S. in Business Management from Ivy Tech. Alfredo was part of a team to win the Burton D. Morgan Business Plan Competition in 2007.
Nanda Dhananjaya
Compliant Materials Specialist
Contact Information
Email: ndhananj@purdue.edu
About
Nanda Dhananjaya is the Coordinator for the Usable Materials Center (UMC). Nanda graduated with an MS in Special Education from Pennsylvania State University. She has worked as an Instructional Paraprofessional with elementary school children in State College, Pennsylvania.
Contact Us
Phone: (765) 494-1247
Email: drc@purdue.edu
YONG Room 830
155 S. Grant St.
West Lafayette, IN 47907