SEPSEA

About

Southeast Post Secondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA)

OUR Mission

To promote access to quality inclusive postsecondary education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the southeast through a shared focus on collaboration through program development, research, and public policy.
Our Mission

OUR Vision

​The vision of the Southeast Postsecondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA) is for all institutions of higher education in the southeast to be inclusive of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Our Vision

Board of Directors and Representatives

Our organization is fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate team of leaders who steer us toward our mission and vision. The Board of Directors and our State Representatives from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of SEPSEA. Their diverse expertise, unwavering commitment, and regional insights are the driving force behind our success. Meet the individuals who are making a difference and guiding our efforts toward a more inclusive future.

Board of Directors

Tom Smith

Executive Director

Kristin Johnson

Chairperson

Ashley McKeen, Ed.D.​

Secretary

Lisa Pluff

Vice Chair of Finance

Kelly Southmayd

Vice Chair of Membership & Communication

Gwendolyn Carey

Vice Chair of Research

Derrick Wesley

Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Kim Kempf

Vice Chair of Public Policy

Christian Zimmerman ​

Vice Chair for Public Policy

Bailey Smith

Vice Chair for Career & Technical Education

Representatives

Emmaree Wilson

Alabama Representative

Amanda Wallace

Arkansas Representative

Iris Neil

Florida Representative

Lisa Ulmer

Georgia Representative

Erin Fitzgerald

Kentucky Representative

Jade Viator

Louisiana Representative

Alyssa Parks

Mississippi Representative

Anna Ward

North Carolina Representative

Shayla Anderson

South Carolina Representative

Melody Belvins, Ed.D.

Tennessee Representative

Sharon Brown

HBCU Representative

Tammy Medlock

Parent Representative

Maurice Williams

Emeritus Representative

Kenneth Kelty

Alumni Representative

Daine Dahm

Ex Officio, ThinkCollege

Embracing Excellence

Celebrating SEPSEA's Impact and Recognition

Recognition is a testament to our commitment and the impact we’ve had on the lives of students with IDD and their communities. The awards we’ve received are not just accolades but symbols of the progress we’ve made in advancing inclusive postsecondary education. They inspire us to continue our mission, reach even greater heights, and serve as a testament to the positive change we are bringing to the Southeastern region. Explore our awards section to see the recognition we’ve received for our dedication and hard work.

Call for Nominations!
​Nominate a leader in the field.

This person had to be a member of SEPSEA in order to be nominated
Please provide a description of how this person promotes true inclusion for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Please note that a portion of your nomination may be shared.):

Unsure about your next steps?

Tom Smith

Executive Director

Tom Smith

Tom Smith, University Professor of Special Education, received his doctorate from Texas Tech University. He served as Dean of the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas for seven years before returning to the special education faculty. While dean he initiated the university’s EMPOWER post-secondary education program and remains the faculty advisor for the program
Kristin Johnson

Chairperson

Kristin Johnson

Dr. Kristin N. Johnson graduated from Nicholls State University with her specialist’s degree and the University of Southern Mississippi with her doctoral degree in school psychology. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Munroe-Meyer Institute in Omaha, NE. She has worked with adults and children who have different abilities as a practicing School Psychologist for over 20 years. She has consulted for legal firms, state departments of education, families, and school districts on ethical and legal issues related to special education. She was an assistant professor at Mississippi State University and Eastern Illinois. She is assistant professor at Arkansas State University. She is the co-director of the HOWL Service Center and the director of the HOWL Transition Program. She is the Chair of SEPSEA since 2022.
Ashley McKeen, Ed.D.​

Secretary

Ashley McKeen, Ed.D.​

Ashley McKeen is the Curriculum Coordinator and Senior lecturers for the Excel program at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA. In her current position, Ashley provides continuous support to an original 4-year curriculum she developed. As part of this position, she oversees scheduling, classroom logistics, staffing, and curriculum selection and development for the program. Ashley also acts as an advisor for the students, overseeing enrollment, in partnership with the registrar, and collaborates with professors in each department campus-wide. Ashley is part of the admissions committee that uses an application review process as well as an interview approach to choose the best cohort from a large pool of applicants. She holds a bachelor’s of science in mathematics with a minor in music from The University of Georgia and a master’s of arts in teaching with a focus on mathematics from Kennesaw State University. She recently completed the requirements for Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University.
Lisa Pluff

Vice Chair of Finance

Lisa Pluff

Lisa Pluff, MA is the Director for the Office of Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Education (CTPE) at UNC Greensboro, where she has worked since 2009. Her experience includes over 20 years in the Health and Human Services field; Inclusive Postsecondary Education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and nonprofit and program management. As the Program Director for UNCG’s CTP program, her current responsibilities include: oversight and management of day-to-day operations of the program; supervision of CTPE Staff; supporting program research, evaluation and policy initiatives; technical assistance through Think College; and multidisciplinary campus and community (local and state) collaborations including representing UNCG at the NC Postsecondary Alliance and the Southeast Postsecondary Education alliance​.
Kelly Southmayd

Vice Chair of Membership & Communication

Kelly Southmayd

Kelly has served as the Program Director of SEU Link Program at Southeastern University for almost 5 years. Her strengths include communication, organization and time management. She has facilitated a monthly virtual chat for all University Team Leads for programs in Florida and presented at several state and national conferences.

Gwendolyn Carey

Vice Chair of Research

Gwendolyn Carey

Gwendolyn Carey, Ed.D. is an Instructor and founding member at FAU’s Academy for Community Inclusion which is a state-of-the-art program for adults with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). Dr. Carey’s previous experience includes over 15 years teaching students with various exceptionalities from birth to 22 at Easter Seals, Arc and the School District of Palm Beach County. She earned her Doctor of Education in Exceptional Student Education from Florida Atlantic University (FAU).

Dr. Carey’s expertise is in the area of Intellectual Disability (ID), transition, and Post-Secondary Education (PSE) for individuals with ID. Her research interests revolve around the impact of inclusion in higher education not only for individuals with ID, but also for other members of the campus community with whom students with ID interact. Her research is focused around quality of the effects of inclusion on all within the campus community.

Derrick Wesley

Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Derrick Wesley

​​Derrick Wesley has 20+ years of experience in Education, primarily in the area of Transition, and he is the Education Program Director at Directed Analytics. Additionally, Mr. Wesley is the founding director of the Baton Rouge Community College’s (BRCC) Program for Successful Employment (PSE), a Comprehensive Transition Program in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mr. Wesley served as a representative of Higher Ed for the Louisiana Special Education Advisory Panel, is the former Co-chair of the Capital Area Autism Network Employment Task Force. Awarded in 2022, Mr. Wesley is the Principal Investigator on a National Science Foundation Phase I STTR Grant entitled, “Automating Employability Skills Development for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities”.
Kim Kempf

Vice Chair of Public Policy

Kim Kempf

Kim Kempf is an Advanced Program Instructor for the Clemson Life Program.
Christian Zimmerman

Vice Chair for Public Policy

Christian Zimmerman

Christian Zimmerman brings a wealth of experience in the Postsecondary Career and Technical Education realm to the SEPSEA Board, derived from his years of work at technical colleges in Florida. Christian is currently a Research Associate and Technical Assistance Coordinator at the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities. He works with existing and potential technical colleges to develop Florida Postsecondary Transition Programs (FPCTPs). Christian is the former program coordinator of the How I Reach Employment (HIRE) Program at Fort Myers Technical College and Cape Coral Technical College, where he oversaw a program for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Academically, Christian earned a Master of Educational Leadership from the American College of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of South Florida. He also completed additional graduate studies at Exeter College, Oxford and Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. Christian is currently a doctoral student at UCF, where he is working on his Ed.D. in Exceptional Student Education. Christian is originally from Oregon, but he has lived all over the world and still enjoys traveling whenever he has the chance. In his free time, Christian enjoys reading, watching plays (anything Shakespeare), and spending time with his family.

Bailey Smith

Vice Chair for Career & Technical Education

Bailey Smith

Bailey Smith is the Director of the University of Arkansas -Pulaski Technical College’s 3D Program. She is a graduate of Henderson State University with a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Education. She is passionate about learning and teaching, as well as providing access to IPSE programs and employment for all.

Emmaree Wilson

Alabama Representative

Emmaree Wilson

Emmaree Wilson is the Basic Employment Coordinator for the EAGLES Program at Auburn University.

Emmaree has a bachelor’s degree in Collaborative Special Education, a master’s degree in Collaborative Special Education, and an Educational Specialist degree in the Administration of Elementary and Secondary Education. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Administration of Elementary and Secondary Education with a research focus on Special Education Post-Secondary Transition Services and is set to graduate in 2024. In addition, she holds graduate certifications in Intervention, Autism, and Developmental Disabilities, The Administration of Elementary and Secondary Education, Behavior Management, and supported employment specialization through VCU.

She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Junior League of Lee County, First Year Experience Mentor program, Alternative Student Break Faculty/Staff Advisor program, and a proud cheerleading coach!

Amanda Wallace

Arkansas Representative

Amanda Wallace

​Amanda Wallace is the volunteer services coordinator for the EMPOWER program at the University of Arkansas. Amanda has been with the program since October of 2017 and has worked with individuals with disabilities since her graduate school days beginning in 2013. She worked as a student intern for a foster home in Bentonville developing social skills games for children placed in care. Amanda also worked at a day-program for individuals with varying developmental disabilities, on activity development and social skills. She did state-wide case management for a community-based provider supporting individuals with disabilities before coming to the University in the fall of 2017. Amanda holds a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Arkansas. As the volunteer services coordinator, Amanda supervises and trains traditional students to act as peer mentor support for students enrolled in the EMPOWER program. Within this role, she supervises over 150 peer mentors who serve as academic, social, and health/wellness support. During this time, Amanda received an additional master’s degree from the University in Human Resources and Workplace Development. With this degree, she utilized the training and development techniques to better support her student mentors. Amanda served as a committee member for the Arkansas Rehabilitation Association from 2019-2021 and is a licensed Rehabilitation Counselor.
Iris Neil

Florida Representative

Iris Neil

Iris Neil is the Program Manager & Outreach Coordinator for the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities at the University of Central Florida. Iris coordinates professional development, including monthly webinars, for the Center as well as develops and disseminates materials to promote Florida Comprehensive Transition Programs (FPCTPs).

Iris has taught students with disabilities in both K-12 settings and at a FPCTP for the last 30 years. She has also worked as a mentor for exceptional student education (ESE) teachers in K-12 settings. Iris was a district coordinator for secondary curriculum and transition services in the 12th largest school district in the nation. While in this role, she collaborated with other institutions of higher education (IHEs) and state ESE staff to create a Transition and Postsecondary Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID), which was part of the initial TPSID grant Florida received. Additionally, Iris has worked with non-profit organizations as an advocate to help parents navigate exceptional student education services and adult disability services. Iris received her BA in Special Education at the University of Florida and her Master of Education in Educational Leadership at University of North Florida. Her career focus has been to guide students with disabilities, and their families, as they transition to independent adult living.

Anna Ward

Georgia Representative

Lisa Ulmer

Lisa Ulmer serves as the Program Associate Director and Director of Academic Development of the Destination Dawgs program at the Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD) at the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. She joined the Destination Dawgs team in 2016 as the Academic Instructor. Lisa earned her Ph.D. from UGA in Special Education in 2008 and received her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Florida State University. Her responsibilities include overseeing all program components related to academics including assessment, teaching, advisement, registration, assistive technology, accommodations and modifications, as well as oversees the day to day operations of the program. Lisa works directly with professors and instructors to expand and support inclusion in academic courses. Lisa worked in special education for thirteen years prior to working at UGA. She has taught students with intellectual disabilities in a community based vocational setting as well as in an inclusive classroom setting. She most recently served as a Department Head for Special Education in Oconee County. She is a member of the Association on Higher Education and Disability, Georgia Association of Educators, Southeast Postsecondary Education Alliance, Georgia Inclusive Postsecondary Education Consortium, NEGATT RESA Transition Consortia and the GA Council for Exceptional Children among others.
Erin Fitzgerald

Kentucky Representative

Erin Fitzgerald

Erin Fitzgerald works for the Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky (UK). She is the Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program Coordinator at UK, as well as a liaison for the Kentucky Supported Higher Education Partnership (KSHEP).

Erin holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education with a focus on Assistive Technology. She previously worked as a support coordinator and community support professional in the Kentucky IMPACT Program, where her primary focus was community engagement through person-centered planning. Erin believes strongly that all people should have access to inclusive higher education, and the opportunity to direct their path in life – based on their own strengths and interests.

Jade Viator

Louisiana Representative

Jade Viator

Jade Viator is the Academic Coordinator for the UL LIFE Program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She graduated from the University of Louisiana Master of Arts in Teaching Program in special education and is pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership with a concentration on exceptional learning. Jade currently serves as a board member for the Louisiana Council for Exceptional Children. As the Academic Coordinator for the UL LIFE Program, Jade teaches functional academic courses, oversees the curriculum for the program, and works with university students serving as mentors. While working with the program, she continues to gain a passion for educating students with intellectual disabilities and enhancing the opportunities that are provided.
Alyssa Parks

Mississippi Representative

Alyssa Parks

Alyssa Danielle Parks, LMSW, currently serves as a Transition Specialist at the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Danielle received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work from The University of Southern Mississippi, where she was inducted into the Social Work Honor Society Phi Alpha. During her time at IDS, Danielle has served as the first two-year LEND trainee; served as a trainer for the Transition of Teens to Adult Life Program; served as Mentor to the STEP UP to Leadership Council; provided technical assistance for university students with disabilities through the Higher Education for All pilot program; and was chosen as a 2018 AUCD Emerging Leader. In addition, as a LEND Alumni, she now serves as a Mississippi LEND Junior Faculty Advisor. Danielle has enjoyed her opportunity to assist young adults with disabilities reach their employment and postsecondary education dreams.
Anna Ward

North Carolina Representative

Anna Ward

I have been involved with inclusive postsecondary education in various capacities since 2011. Currently, I am the Director of Advocacy and Inclusion at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disability (CIDD) which is housed at UNC Chapel Hill and is the state UCEDD. There I work closely with the CIDD Disability Advocate staff and Self Advocate LEND Trainees (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities). I serve on several advisory groups where I support inclusive reform on institutional, state and national levels. I also head the efforts of the NC Post-Secondary Alliance and am project manager for HEELS 2 Transition post-secondary programs at UNC Chapel Hill. Prior to joining the CIDD, I was the program director, and PI (TPSID cohort 2) for the Appalachian State University, Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program(SDAP). Some other things I fill my days with are choral singing, gardening, audiobooks and petting my cat, Binx.
Shayla Anderson

South Carolina Representative

Shayla Anderson

My name is Shayla Anderson. and I reside in Conway, SC. I graduated from Coastal Carolina University with my B.A. and M.Ed. in Special Education. I have taught 9th-12th grade in Georgetown, SC and K-8th grade in the FL Keys. While I love all individuals with differing abilities, my favorite age group is 21+. After 2 years in the classroom, I was led to serve in the animal assisted therapy and related service field working primarily with horses. This is something I still do in my spare time.

During the 2023-2024 academic year, I had the pleasure of serving as the Program Coordinator of the South Carolina Inclusive Postsecondary Education Consortium (SCIPSEC). I had the opportunity to work with and on behalf of the six inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs across the state of South Carolina spreading awareness about the college experience and its associated benefits that students with intellectual disability could have access to.

In my spare time, I love chasing the sunrise/sunset, going to the barn and pet sitting!

Melody Belvins, Ed.D.

Tennessee Representative

Melody Belvins, Ed.D.

Melody Blevins, Ed.D. is the Project Manager for Access ETSU at East Tennessee State University. Her role includes coordinating and managing the day-to-day operations of Access ETSU in close partnership with her team and the entire ETSU campus. Prior to this role, she served as a special education teacher in the public school system and was an advocate for inclusive education. Throughout her career, Melody has trained and coached teachers across the state in various topics regarding inclusive practices including access to high quality instruction, individualized support, co-teaching, collaborative practices, and person-centered thinking. She is also an adjunct instructor in the Educational Foundations & Special Education department at ETSU training the next generation of inclusive educators.

Melody is originally from Maryland where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Integrated Elementary & Special Education from Towson University. Shortly after moving to Johnson City in 2010, she completed her Master of Education in Special Education at ETSU. Melody also holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Milligan University.

As a first generation college student, Melody is passionate about breaking down barriers to college and supporting individuals in their own unique journey to post-secondary success.

Sharon Brown

HBCU Representative

Sharon Brown

​Dr. Sharon Brown, CRC is a tenured Associate Professor at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. She serves as the Coordinator of the Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program (specialty area) and Founder and Director for Bulldog LIFE. She has more than 25 years of experience in higher education.
Tammy Medlock

Parent Representative

Tammy Medlock

Tammy Medlock has been the North Carolina State Director of Best Buddies International since 2017. She is the parent of Clayton Medlock, Alumni of SDAP at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. She has been advocating for empowering individuals with IDD to live as full and independent lives as possible for 22 years!
Maurice Williams

Emeritus Representative

Maurice Williams

Maurice Williams, MA, MS, CNP is a thirty year veteran of the higher education community of Tennessee. Mr. Williams retired after 20 years of service as a higher education law enforcement prevention and intervention coordinator.

​ Mr. Williams serves as the Associate Director of the Institute on Disability and as PSE Master Instructor for Career Development and Transition Programs for IDD students at the University of Memphis. Mr. Williams is a certified nonprofit professional and an advocate for youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He is one of the founding directors of the Shelby County Schools College Campus Transition Program (CCTP) and the University of Memphis’ Tigers Learning Independence Fostering Employment and Education (TigerLIFE) programs. Mr. Williams is a 1995 recipient of the University of Memphis, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Award; he is a past President of the University of Memphis Staff Senate.  Mr. Williams received the Arc of the Mid-South Community Service Award, in October, 2013; he is a recipient of the 2016 State of the Arts Higher Education Institute Leadership Award.  Mr. Williams serves as the Project Manager for the University of Memphis Institute on Disability’s TPSID BRIDGE Project.  ​

Kenneth Kelty

Alumni Representative

Kenneth Kelty

Kenneth Kelty is an alumni of The Western Carolina University UP Program class of 2014. A year after graduation he was recruited from The Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities at UNC to represent Disability Advocacy in the Leadership Education in Neuro Developmental Disabilities and Related Disorders Program. After completion Kenneth was invited to come back as a fellow in The Maternal Child Health Bureau Leadership Consortium. Kenneth started with The Arc of The Triangle as an Administrative Assistant shortly after graduating from WCU.

Kenneth is a trailblazer in the disability community and higher education. He is an award winning motivational speaker and influencer on his life with disabilities and exceeding expectations from a young age. In 2017 Kenneth was The Recipient of The Laura Lee Self-Advocate Leadership Award and gave a Keynote Speech at The State of The Art Conference on Inclusive Post Secondary Education. In December of 2018. He received The Impact Award from The CIDD and his name is the plaque at The UNC School of Medicine. Kenneth manages his own public Facebook and Instagram page, Kenneth Kelty, Public Speaker and Author. Kenneth is an active member of The Tarheel Toastmasters and hopes to become a Distinguished Toastmaster, Accredited Speaker from Toastmasters International then eventually a Certified Speaking Professional from The National Speaker Associations. Kenneth does hope to have his book published and to become like Dr. Temple Grandin by becoming a famous self-advocate with a powerful story to share.

Daine Dahm

Ex Officio, ThinkCollege

Daine Dahm

Danie is the project coordinator of the Think College Inclusive Higher Education Network. She leads project implementation, including partnership development, training and technical assistance, and dissemination. Prior to Think College, Danie served in leadership roles at two inclusive postsecondary programs and a state technical assistance center focused on the transition of students with disabilities in Florida. Danie’s work has been focused on the development of inclusive college opportunities for students with disabilities.