­Krist­a Clinebell
Starfire U Program Coordinator

krista@starfirecouncil.org

Qualifications:

Krista has spent the past seven years in the field of education. She has a broad range of experiences in special education in her previous jobs at Project SEARCH with Great Oaks, Lockland Elementary, Anderson High School, and Oak Hills High School.  She graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in 1999 from Xavier University, in the areas of Special Education and Elementary Education. She earned her Master' s Degree in Education Administration in 2006, also from Xavier University.

Krista is very excited about her new position with Starfire. "It is very important that we are focusing on community participation for young adults with disabilities.  Not only will the Starfire U students benefit from being active, but the community will be strengthened by their involvement."

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 special needs.

Erica is very excited about being a part of the Starfire U team. "Starfire U is one of a kind. In all my years of helping individuals with special needs, I have never seen a program like Starfire U. This program is going to change lives and I am very fortunate to be a part of this amazing organization."

Candice Jones
Seminar Instructor

candice@starfirecouncil.org

Qualifications:

Candice is a 2007 graduate of Xavier University. She has years of experience in experiential learning and community service learning. Candice is currently beginning work on her Masters degree in Educational Studies at the University of Cincinnati, focusing on social and cultural foundations of education.

Candice is very excited about her position at Starfire U. " I feel that by teaching the very life skills that many of us take for granted, Starfire U will enrich the lives of those participants who need the extra instruction, support, and encouragement to be well equipped in society. Starfire U will provide a unique, supportive and enthusiastic environment for young adults with disabilities. It is my hope that the community will begin to see our students as individuals with unique gifts, instead of limitations."

Shane Martinkovic
Program Assistant

shane@starfirecouncil.org

Shane graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. He has worked and volunteered in special education classes for schools in Fairfield. Shane also has enjoyed working one-on-one with young people with disabilities in summer latchkey programs.

“For me it’s sharing the vision with Starfire of viewing individuals living with disabilities with respect. It is about allowing the members to realize his or her potential, and having the community recognize them for it. Starfire U is taking the steps needed to make that vision a reality.”

Megan Whitt Program
Assistant

Megan@starfirecouncil.org

Megan earned her BFA with a focus in sculpture from Xavier University in 2008. She has been a Starfire volunteer for the past four years. She is interested in everything and can be found doing everything from filming documentaries to scrubbing manatees.

“I have always had an issue with the limitations that society places on people with disabilities. I see Starfire U as a fun and appropriate way to break those boundaries and I am very fortunate to be a part of this effort.”

Amanda Stahl
summer XU Intern

amanda@starfirecouncil.org

Amanda Stahl is a senior Social Work major at Xavier University. She has started a student organization called SNAC (Student Network for Accessibility in our Community). Amanda has helped get ramps on Xavier’s campus, as well as co-hosting a Disability Awareness Day at Xavier. She is spending her summer with Starfire U to help research and develop the Advocacy piece of the curriculum. Amanda has been an advocate all her life, as she lives with a disability. Having Amanda as part of the team helps give Starfire U a unique perspective and advantage in programming.

“I hope to learn from participants of Starfire U, and help them reach their potential. Starfire U is unique because it focuses more on socialization and community inclusion which will help people throughout their lives, not just getting a job.”