Ariya is bilingual (English and Kurdish) and working on learning more. Ariya's interests include falling down research rabbit-holes, poetry, tabletop games, reading (sci-fi, fantasy, horror, etc.), podcasts, and spending time with loved ones. Ariya is neutral about frogs, despite a growing collection of frog-themed memorabilia. Ariya loves to talk about pets. Ariya is bad at writing their own description.

Lisa’s background has been Government Contracting for over 18 years. She currently holds an Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS) with various certifications. In 2016, Lisa began working at VCU’s DSS office, which is currently the Office of Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity. She has been the Office Manager for over 5 years and feels this has been the most rewarding experience, having the opportunity to work with the most amazing people and meet the most extraordinary students during this career journey.

  Erin joined the SAEO team in Fall 2025, as the Director. Erin brings experience as a disability specialist, instructor, and university administrator to her role. Erin is passionate about increasing access to education for all students. 

As the Accessible Technologies Specialist at SAEO, Cedar’s role balances case management, assistive tech demos, and coordination of captioning and interpreting services. They are a co-facilitator for the neurodivergent support group, and they assist with instruction of the UNIV 191 Transition to College course. Cedar has experience in the fields of peer-led mental health, harm reduction, and autonomous mutual aid organizing. A neuroqueer and disabled individual themselves, Cedar is no stranger to resourceful and scrappy problem solving, authentic engagement, advocacy, and the value of connection. They love helping students build confidence in their unique strengths, and while Cedar is here to offer information and resources, they trust you as the expert of your own experience.

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Cristin is a licensed therapist with expertise working specifically with college students, both therapeutically and in the world of disability accommodations and access. With ten years of experience working with college students with disabilities, Cristin looks forward to serving the VCU community!

WOW! What can I say about myself in a few short words? You have probably seen me around the Testing Access Center (TAC) if you receive testing accommodations through our office. I am here to help with all of your testing-related concerns. I hold a B.S. in Social Sciences and have a background in the K-12 and Higher Ed settings.  If you ever find me in the wild (outside of the office) you might find me with my nose in a Harry Potter book accompanied by large diet coke.  I think Rubeus Hagrid said it best, “I am what I am, and I’m not ashamed.”

Brandi is the Associate Director for SAEO. In addition to her role as a case manager, she oversees the accommodations process from the application phase to implementation of accommodations in both the classroom and testing center. Brandi has years of experience in supporting students with disabilities in transitioning to higher education. She has served as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, full-time faculty member, and a leader in the higher education disability services space. Brandi is a person with a visual impairment and has faced many obstacles in her educational pursuits, so she is very invested in supporting the needs of college students with disabilities.

Colleen Kleveno serves as a Testing Specialist in SAEO at VCU. She has a background in testing services and is currently in her second year working in testing support within higher education. Colleen is passionate about student accessibility and is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment that supports student success.

Outside of the office, you might find Brianne in her hammock by the river reading a good book or hiking one of Richmond's trails. In addition to spending lots of time outside, Brianne also enjoys hosting family and friends for gatherings, travel photography, doing crafts, and baking.