About the DRC

“The Disability Resource Center (DRC) has been a part of the Northeastern University campus since 1978. We recognize the inherent value and diversity of all individuals. Our purpose is to ensure that those students with disabilities have equal access to the academic experience at Northeastern University. The DRC provides students with appropriate services and can advocate as needed within the wider University community. At the same time, our goal is to promote independence and self-advocacy within each individual.” ~Mary A. Barrows, Senior Director of Learning Strategies & Student Success

Who We Serve

The Disability Resource Center serves Northeastern students who have documented disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended (ADAAA) of 2008. Under this definition, a person with a disability is one with a physical, mental, emotional, or chronic health impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.

Our staff members regularly work with students who have a variety of types of disabilities, including:

AD(H)D
Asperger’s Syndrome and related disorders
Chronic and degenerative disorders
Hearing loss
Learning disabilities
Mobility impairments
Psychiatric disorders
Traumatic or acquired brain injuries
Vision impairment

“I am pleased to welcome you to this website for our Disability Resource Center (DRC). One of our longest-held values here at Northeastern is that our university community is at its best when we foster a welcoming and supportive environment that enables each one of our students to fully benefit from the wide array of experiences we have to offer. The DRC can be a vital resource toward that end for those of us who have a disability. By taking advantage of the services the DRC offers, and by supporting the work of the DRC, we help Northeastern uphold one of its most fundamental values.”

~Joseph E. Aoun
President, Northeastern University

Who We Are

Mary Barrows, M.Ed., C.A.G.S.

Senior Director Learning Strategies and Student Success

Mary administers the DRC’s programs and services, establishing project priorities, monitoring service delivery, and addressing the needs and services of students with disabilities. Mary also provides leadership and oversight for related student support programs, including the Learning Disabilities Program and Student Athlete Support Services. Contact Mary at m.barrows@northeastern.edu or (617) 373 – 4525.

Kyle Droz, M.Ed.

Director

Kyle serves as the Director of of the DRC. In addition to departmental operations, he oversees the Assistive Technology Manager, the Academic Assistant, and the Service Coordinator. He also carries a small case load of students who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low visions. Contact Kyle at k.droz@northeastern.edu or (617) 373-5137.

Jacqueline Kendrick, M.A., CRC

Assistant Director

Jacqueline provides disability-related support services to students with learning disabilities and/or AD(H)D, ensuring the student’s equitable participation in the academic experience. She helps students understand their disability, and the impact it has on their academic lives. She offers one-on-one, specialized advising and instruction on academic skills, and other compensatory strategies specific to each student’s needs. Contact Jacqueline at j.kendrick@northeastern.edu or at (617) 373-3525.

Keshia Vilchert, Ph.D.

Assistant Director

Keshia provides disability-related support services to students with a variety of disabilities. She works to ensure that the students have equitable access and the ability to participate fully in the academic experience at Northeastern. Keshia encourages and guides students as they work to better understand their disability and the impact that it has on their academic pursuits. Keshia meets with students individually with the purpose of exploring useful strategies for them to implore. Contact Keshia at k.vilchert@northeastern.edu or at 617.373.2667.

Abbey Kidder

Exam Services Associate

Abbey coordinates the daily operations, scheduling, proctoring, and test administration at the DRC’s exam center. In addition, she hires, trains, and supervises front desk student workers. Contact Abbey at a.kidder@northeastern.edu or by phone at (617) 373-4708.

Exam-related correspondence should be directed to DRC@northeastern.edu or (617) 373-2675.

Betsey Ireland

Access Coordinator

Betsy provides disability-related support services to Deaf, blind, hard of hearing, and low vision students and works to ensure that students have equitable access to their academic experience. She helps students understand and manage their disability, and the impact it has on their academic lives. She offers one-on-one meetings, specialized advising and guidance on academic skills, and other compensatory strategies specific to each student’s needs. Contact Betsy at e.ireland@northeastern.edu or (617) 373-2256.

Caroline Scannell, M.Ed.

Disability Specialist

Caroline received her M.Ed. in School Counseling, and her B.A in Human Development/Human Services and Sociology from Merrimack College. In graduate school, Caroline’s Capstone focused on student engagement in the postsecondary process. Before coming to Northeastern, Caroline was a school counseling intern at Weston High School, and a special education teaching assistant for middle and high school students in the Wayland Public Schools. With a passion for education and mental health, she is excited to work and build relationships with her students! Contact Caroline at c.scannell@northeastern.edu or 617-373-3388.

Brittany Brown, M.A., Ed.S

Disability Specialist

Brittany provides disability-related support services to DRC students and works to ensure that they have equitable access to their academic experience. Brittany’s background is in school psychology, and she is committed to helping students understand, manage, and advocate for their learning needs in the university setting. She offers one-on-one meetings, specialized advising, and guidance on academic skills and other compensatory strategies specific to each student’s needs and academic goals. When Brittany is not at the DRC, you can find her hiking, kayaking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors! Contact Brittany at br.brown@northeastern.edu or 617-373-8014.

Kate Schultz, M.A.

Disability Specialist

Kate has supported college and university students with disabilities at various higher education institutions since 2015, working to provide equal access to education for all students. She enjoys helping students develop self-awareness and confidence in their abilities. Kate offers one-on-one meetings, guidance on academic skills and strategies, and other support specific to each student’s needs and goals. Contact Kate at kat.schultz@northeastern.edu or 617-373-8132.

Samara Stern

Notetaking Services Coordinator

Samara serves as the Coordinator of Notetaking Services for the DRC. She and her staff of assistants process student requests for the notetaking accommodation and oversee its administration throughout the semester. She also recruits, hires, and trains all notetakers. Contact Samara by email at s.stern@northeastern.edu or by phone at (617) 373-3091.

Notetaking-related correspondence should be directed to DRCnotetakers@northeastern.edu.

Samira Ketcherside

Front Desk Assistant

Samira assists the Exam Center Coordinator in all aspects of the test proctoring process. She is available to assist with any part of the DRC’s intake and accommodations processes. Contact Samira at s.ketcherside@northeastern.edu or by phone at (617) 373 – 7208.

Kim Drastal, M.S.

Disability Specialist

Kim provides disability-related support services and works to ensure equitable access to academic and campus experiences for DRC students. She seeks to support students’ understanding of their strengths and develop strategies to compensate for their disability-related challenges. Kim aims to promote students’ self-determination and self-advocacy skills to help support success in the post-secondary setting and beyond. She offers one-on-one meetings, specialized advising and guidance on academic skills, and other compensatory strategies specific to each student’s needs and goals. Contact Kim at k.drastal@northeastern.edu or by phone at (617) 373 – 6600.

Jillian Landry, M.S., CCC-SLP

Disability Specialist

Jillian provides disability-related support services to DRC students and works to ensure that they have equitable access to their academic and campus experience. She offers one-on-one meetings, specialized advising and guidance on academic skills, and other compensatory strategies specific to each student’s needs and goals. Jillian is a proud alum of Northeastern’s Bouve College of Health Sciences, where she earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Jillian is committed to to helping students develop self-awareness, self-advocacy skills, and the strategies they need to navigate their own academic journey. When Jillian is not at the DRC, you can find her chasing her kids around and enjoying the outdoors. Contact Jillian at j.landry@northeastern.edu or by phone at (617) 373 – 3642.

Courtney Gutiérrez, M.A.

Associate Director, Oakland Campus

Courtney provides disability-related support services to DRC students on Oakland campus. Collaborating with access support leads at the Boston and London campuses, their personalized approach ensures that Legacy Mills students, Global Scholars, and others with diverse needs receive the support they require to thrive academically and personally. Outside of the office, Courtney enjoys spending time with her dogs in nature and studying the art of flamenco. Contact courtney by email at c.gutierrez@northeastern.edu or by phone (510) 430-3307.

Araceli Hernandez

Coordinator, Oakland Campus

Araceli provides disability-related support services to DRC students on Oakland campus. She works to ensure that they have equitable access to their academic and campus experience by helping students understand, manage, and advocate for their learning needs in their academic careers. She offers one-on-one meetings, guidance and other compensatory strategies specific to each student’s needs. Outside of work you can find Araceli with her nose in a book, in a dance class, out in the community, or by the ocean. Contact Araceli at @ar.hernandez@northeastern.edu or (510) 430-3199.

Katie Crabtree, PhD, MA, Msc

Student Wellbeing Coordinator

Katie provides disability-related support and wellbeing support for students at NU London. She offers one-to-one meetings, creates Learning Support Plans, and offers guidance specific to each student’s needs and academic goals. Contact Katie by email at disability@nulondon.ac.uk or phone at +44 0207 637 4550.

Matthew Irwin, B.A. PGCE

Learning Differences Advisor

Matthew has over fifteen years of experience supporting neurodivers students in higher education. He is able to offer study skills sessions on all academic writing, critical reading/thinking, exam skills, and time management. He holds a post-graduate certificate in Autism and a level five certificate in dyslexia. Contact Matthew by email at matthew.irwin@nulondon.ac.uk.

Femi Adeleye

Student Wellbeing Coordinator

Femi provides disability-related support and wellbeing support for students at NU London. She offeres one-on-one meetings, creates Learning Support Plans, and offers guidance specific to each student’s needs and academic goals. Contact Femi by email at disability@nulondon.ac.uk or by phone at +44 0207 637 4550.

Nicola Fawole

Student Wellbeing Coordinator

Nicola provides disability-related support and wellbeing support for students at NU London. She offeres one-on-one meetings, creates Learning Support Plans, and offers guidance specific to each student’s needs and academic goals. Contact Nicola by email at disability@nulondon.ac.uk or by phone at +44 0207 637 4550.

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