She’s bilingual (English and Kurdish) and working on learning more. Her interests include falling down research rabbit-holes, poetry, tabletop games, reading (sci-fi, fantasy, horror, etc.), podcasts, and spending time with her loved ones. She is neutral about frogs, despite her growing collection of frog-themed memorabilia. She loves talking about her pets. She’s bad at writing about herself.
Lisa Allen Turner
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.
Chris Parthemos, M.A, BCBA
Chris is the Associate Director of Student Accessibility at SAEO and facilitates the accommodation requests of students enrolled with the office. He has a background in behavioral science, and is particularly passionate about career development, college transition, and writing support for students with disabilities. A former game developer, culinary instructor, and camp counselor Chris brings a wide range of life experiences into his work with students. It is his belief that empathy is the foundation of any successful relationship - so he brings that too! “Education is what survives when what has been learnt has been forgotten.” - B.F. Skinner
More About Cedar
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.
More About Sydney
Sydney has a background in disability advocacy working to create more accessible campus communities. She has experience partnering with campus organizations to incorporate universal design principles. Sydney is always eager to learn new things and listen to other’s stories. Outside of the office you might find her plucking harp strings, listening to a new book, working on a craft, or exploring along the river.
Rebecca Shepherd
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.”
Associate Director
Brandi is the Interim Director for SAEO. She assists with providing accommodation requests for students while overseeing both the SAEO Scholars and Learning Specialist Program. Brandi received a doctoral degree in Special Education, with a concentration in Rehabilitation Counseling, from the University of Texas at Austin in 2008 and her master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in 2004. She has extensive experience as an educator and service provider for individuals with disabilities. As a black disabled woman, she believes all people should be supported to reach their chosen life goals and hopes to be an effective source for college students with disabilities.
Brandi is the Interim Director for SAEO. In addition to her role as a case manager, she oversees the SAEO Scholars program which provides incoming students with supports needed to transition into college. She also oversees the learning specialist program, which provides additional supports for students with disabilities to support their academic success. 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.
Lisa works as the Office Manager of SAEO or “SAEO Mom '' to many. Her focus is on supporting, encouraging, and being a positive influence on our students and office staff.
Chris (he/him) is an Associate Director at SAEO, passionate about connecting VCU students with the support they need to embrace their educational destiny. He oversees the Assistive Technology Lab and Dining Accommodations for all SAEO students, in addition to serving as a student case manager.As someone who experiences chronic pain, Chris is uniquely attuned to the experience of students with chronic conditions.
Cedar (they/them) is a VCU alum and the Accessible Technologies Specialist at SAEO. Their lived experience with neurodivergence and chronic conditions informs their values and practice in the disability field. Cedar is passionate about community care and building infrastructure for belonging, adapting, and coping. When they’re not at the SAEO office they can be found planning elaborate meals to share with chosen family, working on creative projects, or scampering around town seeking novelty and whimsy.
Sydney is an Access Specialist at SAEO. She primarily operates as a case manager but also serves as a learning specialist. As someone with a disability herself, Sydney takes a peer approach to her work. She is committed to acknowledging the nuance of each individual's experience and aims to develop solutions collaboratively.
Ariya (she/her) is an access specialist and part of SAEO’s learning specialist program. She loves to research and discuss under-represented groups in history, including the extensive history of disabled people throughout history and the societies that cared for them. She draws on her professional experience in nonprofit work, her personal interests, and her lived experience as a disabled and neurodivergent adult to work towards a more equitable and accessible campus culture for all.
