Dr. Connie Sung is a Professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. Dr. Sung’s research focuses on the role of biopsychosocial factors and community-based interventions in improving individuals with disabilities in transition, career development, and psychosocial adjustment. She has authored over 90 publications in disability and rehabilitation and received multiple prestigious research awards.

As a key investigator, Dr. Sung has secured over USD$20 million in research funding from state and federal agencies, leading/co-leading multiple projects emphasizing a holistic, strengths-based approach, and developing community-based interventions for improving the quality of life and career development of individuals with disabilities. This involves interdisciplinary, interagency, and international collaborations, extending to countries like Hong Kong, China, Ireland, the UK, Slovakia, Ghana, Botswana, and Mali. Her commitment to disability and inclusion worldwide is underscored by her invited presentations at the United Nations General Assembly’s Science Summit.

Alyssa Hernandez is a proud, queer, Latina from Detroit, Michigan. She finds passion and sense of purpose when her work leads people and communities to access opportunities that help them prosper. Alyssa received a Bachelor’s in Family Community Services with a specialization in Adolescent Development and a Master’s in Business Administration from Michigan State University. She specializes in integrative staff management, employment advancement skills, and community building.

Her previous work experiences include helping people to advocate for themselves, managing issue-based and local leadership campaigns, guiding robust Career Coaching programs, and leading data management systems. She is currently the Program Manager for Project Empower and Employ (EMP2) at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor School of Social Work.

Sagun holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Dickinson College. She has contributed to research and outreach efforts for various grant-funded projects at University of Michigan School of Social Work and Michigan State University. Sagun’s work is deeply shaped by her experiences working for and with diverse communities, focusing on developing, implementing, and evaluating community-based interventions to improve academic, career, employment, mental health, and justice-related outcomes for individuals facing significant social isolation and discrimination. Sagun has worked in various capacities with marginalized college students, families affected by substance use, incarcerated youth and adults, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of relationship and sexual violence.

Sagun’s research explores the historical, socio-political, and intergenerational determinants of well-being to better contextualize and address contemporary social inequities. A queer, community-based researcher from Nepal, Sagun is passionate about bridging equity gaps in support services and advocating for inclusive, systemic change.

Zoe Beaudry is a graphic design and content marketing professional with eight years of industry experience in corporate settings, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions alike. She is passionate about using her skills to help mission-driven organizations optimize their design and communication systems.

Zoe comes from a fine arts background, holding degrees in Studio Art from Kalamazoo College and the Glasgow School of Art.  In addition to her digital communications work, she has spent time working in art education, teaching workshops for the Ypsilanti-based Youth Arts Alliance and as adjunct faculty in Illustration Department at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit.

Dr. John Freer is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the STEP Lab at the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work. In this role, he leads research focused on advancing disability justice, accessibility, and inclusion for employees (including faculty and staff) across the University of Michigan. His work employs participatory and community-engaged approaches that center the expertise and lived experiences of individuals with disabilities throughout the campus community.

Dr. Freer’s broader research program examines anti-ableism in educational settings and strategies for creating more equitable and inclusive environments in international settings. For the past 15 years, he has served as both a program coordinator and professor, where he has been deeply engaged in preparing future educators for careers in special/inclusive education. Before entering higher education, Dr. Freer worked in the K-12 education system as an educational assistant (paraeducator), where he supported the meaningful inclusion of students with disabilities and diverse learning needs in general education settings. These experiences continue to inform his scholarship, teaching, and commitment to advancing inclusive educational practices.

Deepansha Singh (she/her) is an experience researcher and service designer whose work integrates human-centered design, accessibility, and the social impact of emerging technologies. She holds a B.Tech in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence & Deep Learning) from Mody University, India, and an M.S. in Design Science from the University of Michigan.

At the STEP Lab, she supports the research, design, and evaluation of AI-powered adaptive learning tools for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her interests lie at the intersection of inclusive education, civic technology, and design for cognitively and culturally diverse communities. Deepansha is passionate about advancing equitable, research-driven innovation in both academic and applied contexts to foster meaningful, accessible learning and participation for all.

Kaden Sanders is a Research Assistant at STEP Lab at the University of Michigan. Kaden studies Computer Science in the College of Engineering and is deeply engaged in both academics and campus life, including leadership in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). As Finance Chair, he has coordinated corporate partnerships and organized events—such as student career fairs—that broaden access and opportunity. Outside the classroom, he enjoys powerlifting and billiards, interests that help him connect with students from diverse backgrounds. Kaden’s goal at the STEP Lab is to support fellow students’ technical growth and foster a collaborative academic community. 

Christina Noyes (they/them) is a Research Assistant in the University of Michigan’s STEP Lab and a Social Work student committed to transforming K-12 schools into spaces rooted in liberation, justice, and collective care. Their work centers participatory and collaborative design, challenging traditional hierarchies and advancing educational equity.

Beth Hartsog is an urban policy and economic development professional with an interdisciplinary background, spanning private sector consulting, local government, and non-profit work. She holds a Master of Public Policy from the Ford School at the University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s in Economics from San Jose State University. Passionate about expanding economic opportunity, Beth focuses on evidence-driven approaches to building inclusive, accessible communities.

Hannah Severyns (she/her) is a Research Assistant at the STEP Lab and an adult literacy teacher. She is originally from Long Grove, Illinois and holds a B.A. in English from Brown University. Hannah is passionate about utilizing her research and classroom experience to better understand the educational experiences of adult and K-12 students in order to address educational and social inequalities.

Narae Yu, MA, CRC, earned her bachelor’s degree with double majors in Counseling Psychology and Social Work from Handong Global University in South Korea, and her master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University. She has experience working with people with disabilities, particularly individuals with psychiatric disabilities and neurodivergent individuals. Through her clinical and non-clinical work, Narae has seen how meaningful employment and community participation contribute not only to financial stability, but also to identity, purpose, and holistic recovery. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to walking alongside people with disabilities throughout their life journeys, and she is honored to continue being part of their journeys through her involvement with the STEP Lab. Her interests include disability inclusion, neurodiversity, mental health, psychosocial adjustment, and career development, with a particular focus on the experiences of transition-age youth and young adults with disabilities. She is especially drawn to strengths-based, person-centered approaches that help people build meaningful lives and careers aligned with their own goals.

Haileystar, a Houston, Texas native, is a Junior Honors student at Albion College pursuing a double major in Economics & Management and Music, with a minor and concentration in Business and Management. As a disabled college student, she is dedicated to advocating for greater access to higher education, employment, and independence for people with disabilities. Her current Honors thesis, The Way Traditional Mexican Cuisine Can Alleviate the Symptoms of Metabolic Disorders, explores how cultural foods can support medical dietary needs without sacrificing tradition. 

Ty W. Krauss, MPA, is the Supervisor of Student Employment Services at Mott Community College, where he leads initiatives to provide students with meaningful career opportunities and an extraordinary college experience. With over 13 years of dedicated service in Workforce and Economic Development, Ty has built a career focused on creating pathways to success for students and communities alike. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Central Michigan University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Northern Michigan University. 

Alvin Brewer MA, LLPC, is a dedicated vocational rehabilitation professional with extensive experience supporting individuals with disabilities through counseling, accommodations, and employment services. He currently serves as a Rating Veteran Service Representative with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where he analyzes complex medical evidence, applies federal regulations, and prepares disability rating decisions for Veterans.

Alvin previously coordinated statewide STEMM career pathways at Michigan State University and delivered impactful rehabilitation and accommodation services at Amazon, generating over $1.7M in cost savings and improving approval outcomes. With a career spanning Michigan Rehabilitation Services, higher education, and federal service, he is recognized for leadership, training, and advocacy in disability inclusion. Alvin also serves on nonprofit and advisory boards.