Krista Clinebell
Starfire U Program Coordinator

krista@starfirecouncil.org

Qualifications:

Krista earned her Bachelor’s in Special Education and Elementary Education in 1999 from Xavier University. In 2006, she earned her Master’s of Education, also from Xavier. After teaching for seven years in Special Education, she joined Starfire as the Program Coordinator in Starfire U in 2008. Now, with a year of experience in Starfire U, she is determined to create natural and empowering experiences for young adults living with disabilities. She works hard to continue to expand the program, and to expand others’ thinking about people with disabilities.

“We are trying to create natural experiences for Starfire U Members to learn and grow. Their drive to be successful and independent in their own right is what fuels my passion. We have seen some great progress in such a short amount of time, it’s hard to imagine what they will be able to achieve in the next three years. I’m so proud of them and of this program!”

Erica Hunter
Field Instructor

erica@starfirecouncil.org

Qualifications:

Erica is a 2008 graduate from the University of Cincinnati. Her experience and passion lie within the special education and psychology realm. Erica also has experience being a camp counselor at summer day camps for individuals with disabilities. Erica now has a year under her belt and is in preparation for Year 2 Members to join the fun!

“It is hard to believe that our program has been underway for a year already. I have thoroughly enjoyed being out in the community with our members and going on new journeys together. It is so wonderful to witness the maturity and growth of each person as the months have passed. I know I have grown and learned so much from the Members, as well. Starfire U is all about building confidence and changing lives and that is exactly what we are doing.”

Candice Jones
Seminar Instructor

candice@starfirecouncil.org

Qualifications:

Candice is a 2007 graduate of Xavier University. She is finishing her Masters degree in Educational Studies at the University of Cincinnati, focusing on social learning in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. As a lifetime Cincinnatian, Candice loves collaborating with community partners to create and offer inclusive activities for Starfire U Members. Candice enjoys researching the unique and educational resources that Cincinnati has to offer. She is proud to be a part of the first year of Starfire U, and looks forward to helping it continue to grow in the future.

"Starfire U provides a unique, supportive and enthusiastic environment for young adults with disabilities. It is my goal that the community will begin to see our members as individuals with unique gifts, instead of limitations." Her interests include reading, social ­justice, dogs, service learning, community organizing, and peace education.

Bridget Vogt

Bridget@starfirecouncil.org

Bridget Vogt has worked at Starfire for almost ten years. In that time, she has worked with the evening and weekend programs, created the CITY program, and developed and coordinated the Out & About day program. She now spends time working with Starfire U and the Out & About program. Bridget majored in Special education at Xavier University. She lives in Kentucky with her husband and two sons.

“I love working with Starfire U to see the progress the members make creating relationships and celebrating their accomplishments. I feel so fortunate to be a part of their lives.”

Jon Gray
Seminar Instructor

Jon Gray graduated from Ball State University in 2006 with a degree in English for Secondary Education. He moved to Ohio two years ago and got his start working with individuals with disabilities at that time. He is proud to be a part of the incoming class at Starfire U, and looks forward to seeing the program develop further. Jon’s interests include reading and writing non-fiction, and hiking with his wife and two daschunds.

“Starfire U provides many wonderful opportunities for young adults with disabilities to create new experiences and relationships in the community. I’m excited to be a part of the program and be able to watch it grow.”

Meghan Snyder
Program Assistant

Meghan Snyder recently graduated from Xavier University with a degree in Social Work, and minors in Peace Studies and Gender and Diversity Studies. She is passionate about service combined with education about diversity, community engagement, social justice and reflection. Meghan has been working with Starfire for a year now as a Xavier Intern with Out and About, and as an Evening and Weekend Program outing leader.

“Starfire U is a lively and engaging community, that I am proud to now be a part of! I love accompanying the Starfire U community into other communities within Cincinnati.”

Anne Finnerty
Program Assistant

Anne Finnerty earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2008 from Xavier University. She has a variety of past experiences in the mental health field and health care settings. Her favorite thing about Starfire U is, of course, the members! Her interests include any situation related to learning or partaking in service, social justice, traveling, diversity, public policy and social work.

“My goal as a first year staff is to create fun, laughter, and great learning experiences.”

Kathy Forté
Field Instructor

Kathy@starfirecouncil.org

Kathy comes to Starfire with over ten years of experience in the field. She started out doing direct support in residential services, and moved into a management position after the first year and a half. She managed over seven different sites and over thirty employees. After nine and a half years in residential services, she went into day programming as a Program Assistant for a year. She attended Northern Kentucky University to pursue a degree in Elementary Education and plans to return in 2010 to complete her degree in Liberal Arts. She now works with Starfire U as a Field Instructor. As an outgoing person, she is always ready for the next challenge of any kind, and is excited to grow with Starfire U.

“I am so blessed to have an opportunity to work here at Starfire! I am excited about being able to play an active role in advocacy, service, and support with Starfire U.”

Jessica Tucker
Seminar Instructor

Jessica earned her Bachelor’s in Education (Kinesiology) in 2003 from the University of Kentucky. In 2005, she earned her Master’s in Sports Management, also from UK. After working with Special Olympics for 4 years, she is excited to join Starfire U. She feels passionate about Starfire’s mission and wants to help its members be accepted and respected in their communities. “Starfire U is such an amazing program. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and helping to change lives; those of the members, the community and my own.”

Courtney Calhoun
Seminar Instructor

Courtney has enjoyed working and volunteering with others within the community. She graduated from University of Cincinnati with a bachelor degree in family studies. She is obtaining her deaf studies certificate at UC. She has volunteered at various places within the community and enjoys being around others. She had her internship with Starfire working within the evening and weekend program. Her graduation project was conducted within Starfire U planning the Family Appreciation Day and surveying the members and parents from their year one experience. She enjoys spending her time with her family and dog, Dewey.
“Working at Starfire has been the best experience! I love interacting with the members and learning from them daily. I am so blessed to be here and am eager to see what my future has in store.”

Danyetta Najoli
Field Instructor

Danyetta joined Starfire in June of 2010 as a Field Instructor for Starfire U.Shegraduated from Fisk University with a degree inBusiness Administration and earned her Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Regent University.She is an AmeriCorps Alum.Danyetta began working with people with intellectual disabilities in 2000 and worked in a variety of positions. Her interests include community service, life skills coaching, and continuous learning.

"The culture at Starfire islike none other I haveexperienced in the field. As a new staff, I'm looking forward to learningthe Starfire Way and making impactful contributions. I feel fortunate getting to know the members and helping to create fun andrewarding experiences in the community. Themembers have the opportunity to learn and practice skills that will help them for the rest of their lives. I feel incredibly blessedtobe a part of theirjourney."

Brandy Lockard
AmeriCorps Volunteer
Program Assistant

Brandy Lockard is a graduate from Thomas More College with Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2007, and earned a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Kentucky in 2009. She has had work experience in mental health field as well as traveled overseas to Jamaica to participate in service learning projects. Brandy is passionate about community involvement and social inclusion for everyone.

“Starfire U is a unique program that I am proud to be a part of. I have enjoyed every day that I have spent there and look forward to the growth and development of the program.“