Staff | Disability Support Services | Kansas State University

Student Access Center

Meet Our Staff

	Andrea Blair, M.Ed. Director andreab@k-state.edu Andrea joined Disability Support Services (DSS) in 1997. As Director, Andrea oversees the office and also works with students with Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder. Prior to coming to K-State, Andrea spent 11 years in the public schools as a special education teacher. Andrea holds a master’s degree in special education from the University of Georgia and is a long time member of the Learning Disabilities Association of America and the International Dyslexia Association. She is the current president of the KS affiliate of the Association of Higher Education and Disability. She enjoys helping students recognize and identify their strengths.
	Ann Pearce, B.S. Adaptive Technology Specialist dapearce@k-state.edu Ann holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Middle Tennessee State University. For the past eleven years, Ann has been with North Central Kansas Libraries System and the Manhattan Public Library as an Assistive Technology Instructor, Department Manager for Talking Books, and most recently a consultant for both Talking Books and children’s services. Ann joined DSS in 2012 and is assisting students with adaptive technology solutions.
	April Penick, M.S. Disability Specialist apenick@k-state.edu April Penick holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Washburn University in Topeka, KS (2007) and a Master's of Science in Counseling Psychology from Avila University in Kansas City, MO (2010). April is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has worked with adolescents and young adults in the mental health field for 6 years. For the past two years, April has assisted students with mental health disabilities acquire accommodations for their classes being taken on campus at K-State.
	Natalie Beharry, B.S. Interpreter Coordinator natsmit@k-state.edu Natalie is a Certified Sign Language Interpreter and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University in both Accounting (1996) and Biology (1984). She has interpreted for K-State for over 20 years. As Interpreter Coordinator, Natalie ensures the smooth coordination of interpreting services.
	Toni Kroll, A.A. Sign Language Interpreter tonik@k-state.edu Toni is a certified Sign Language Interpreter who has been working with the DSS office since January 2004. She received her AAS in Interpreting from Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, IL. in 1989. She has worked as an interpreter in the Chicago area, Washington, DC and its surrounding communities, and the Seattle, WA area. She also worked for a year and a half in the growing field of Video Relay Service (VRS) for Sorenson Communications. She loves the variety of classes and students she works with here at K-State.
	Jenny Wirtz Senior Administrative Assistant wirtzj@k-state.edu Jenny joined the DSS team in January of 2010. In October 2001, Jenny graduated from Manhattan Area Technical College with an applied Major in Business & Computer Technology, with emphasis in Administrative Support. Jenny comes to KSU with 10 years experience in clerical administrative support, 16+ years in customer service, and experienced in working with various people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
	Sanjay Beharry Shuttle Driver sanjayb@k-state.edu Sanjay is originally from Trinidad. He enjoys cooking traditional food and loves the outdoors. He enjoys helping people in any way he can. He has worked with DSS for over two years.

	Jenna Tripodi Program Assistant jmtripod@k-state.edu Jenna graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2007 with a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Science and a minor in Spanish. Currently she is pursuing a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at K-State. She is excited to join the DSS office and the entire K-State family.