Division News & Statements
Shontaye Witcher has been named interim director of Disability Support Resources.
October 16, 2015
Posted on October 16, 2015
Shontaye Witcher has been named interim director of Disability Support Resources. Witcher replaces Kathleen VanderVeen, who was named assistant vice president for Inclusion and Equity.
Witcher joined the DSR staff in 2009 as assistant director and was promoted to associate director in 2011. Since then, the office has expanded its number of staff members to meet the needs of an increasing student population.
DSR served more than 700 students last year. Witcher said the increase is due to more outreach to students, visibility and students' willingness to seek services.
"The increasing numbers of students registered in our office are being diagnosed with a disability at an earlier age and are more comfortable disclosing their disability once they enter college,” she said.
The DSR's Campus Links program is an example of meeting the needs of students with autism spectrum disorder. Established four years ago with a pilot group of 10, the mentor program has expanded to students who live on- or off-campus with a mentor. Campus Links was the first program of its kind in Michigan to offer students an on-campus housing option. The program added a second level of services to students who may want more independence with mentor support.
Prior to coming to Grand Valley, Witcher served as a school social worker for Muskegon Public Schools and an infant mental health specialist for the Mercy Health Life Counseling Hackley Campus in Muskegon.
She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and a dual master's degree in social work and urban studies from Michigan State University and will complete an educational specialist leadership degree from Grand Valley in December.
For More Information Contact: Michele Coffill in University Communications - (616) 331-2221
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