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Our Team

Tamiko Strickman

Tamiko Strickman

Executive Director and Special Advisor to President

Tami Strickman serves as special advisor to the president and executive director of the university’s Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office. ECRT was established in July 2021, replacing the university’s existing Office for Institutional Equity, which Strickman previously oversaw as the associate vice president for institutional equity. In this role, she was a key leader in helping to institute cultural change and shape new policies, educational programs and organizational structures to better prevent and respond to sexual misconduct. She created key alliances with the Flint and Dearborn campuses and co-instituted a new advisory board.

Previously she was associate to the chancellor for institutional equity and Title IX coordinator at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She was responsible for all matters involving allegations of discrimination under Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972.

In 2016, she founded an alliance of Title IX administrators within the Big Ten Conference where members discuss issues, practices and policies related to Title IX.

Prior to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she worked as a prosecutor in Chicago for 14 years, where she handled matters in the divisions of sex crimes and domestic violence, felony trial, juvenile justice, felony review and traffic.

She earned a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish from Miami University in Ohio, and a juris doctor from Villanova University School of Law.

For scheduling please contact Molly Hunter, [email protected].

Staff listed in alphabetical order

Anlyn Addis
Title VI Coordinator

Anlyn Addis serves as the Title VI coordinator within the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT). In this role, she promotes the university’s commitment to Title VI principles and fostering a culture of respect and understanding, allowing students to thrive in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Anlyn comes to ECRT from Michigan Medicine where she worked in corporate compliance. Prior to joining the university, Anlyn worked in human and civil rights law. Anlyn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Wooster, and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University.

For scheduling please contact Molly Hunter, [email protected]

Matt Albright (he/him)
Business Intelligence Analyst

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Matthew is a business intelligence analyst for Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX. He supports ECRT operations by triaging reports and maintaining the office’s case management database. Matt also contributes to ECRT reporting endeavors, generating analyses and data visualizations to help campus partners better understand (and likewise address) discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct trends in the university community. He earned a Master of Science in Business Analytics from Seattle University, having previously earned a BA in public affairs and a BA in women, gender, and sexuality studies from the same institution. In his free time, Matt enjoys cooking, baking, playing video games, and staying active.

Ava Armour (she/her)
Disability Equity Intake Specialist

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Ava is a disability equity intake specialist within the Disability Equity Office. In this role, Ava provides case management support for the workplace reasonable accommodation process and accessibility barrier reports, administrative support for the Disability Equity Office, and manages the university-wide CART program. Ava also provides coordination, management, and logistical support for all events hosted by the Disability Equity Office.

Prior to joining ECRT, Ava worked in various parts of the University of Michigan, including in the College of Engineering and the Testing Accommodation Centers. Ava received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences and a certificate in Companion Animal Nutrition from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While at UIUC, Ava discovered her passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. She is dedicated to creating a more accessible and inclusive campus climate for people with disabilities.

In her free time, Ava enjoys promoting disability inclusion through advocacy, playing French horn in the Ann Arbor Civic Band and Dexter Community Band, hanging out with friends, enjoying Michigan in the summertime, and hanging out with her two cats, Monkey and Matzah. Ava is an active member of the Ann Arbor Jewish community.

Brian Aure
Investigator

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Brian works as an investigator in the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT) where he assists in responding to and resolving complaints of sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment and retaliation involving students, faculty, and staff at the University.

Brian earned a Master of Business Administration specializing in leadership and a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Madonna University. He has a long history working in law enforcement where he spent most of his career overseeing and conducting investigations. Brian also served as an administrator of education outreach and prevention programs.

Rachel Bernardo (she/her)
Assistant Director for Intake and Support

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Rachel serves as the assistant director for Intake and Support Office within Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX (ECRT). In this role, Rachel works in collaboration with the director, equity specialists and ECRT’s data management team to identify and connect individuals to appropriate resources with the goal of creating a welcoming and equitable environment for all.

Prior to joining ECRT at the University of Michigan, Rachel worked at Michigan State University where she coordinated supportive measures and provided information to individuals about their rights and resolution options to address concerns of discrimination and discriminatory harassment on campus. In her free time, Rachel enjoys cooking and spending time with her family, including two dogs, goats and a lizard.

Connor Caplis (she/her)
Investigator 

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Connor is an investigator in the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT). In this role, Connor conducts investigations of reported discrimination, harassment, and sexual and gender-based misconduct within the university community.

Connor previously worked in eviction prevention law at Legal Services of South Central Michigan and indigent defense at the Washtenaw Public Defender’s Office. She earned her BS in Political Science at the University of Michigan and her JD from Wayne State University Law School. She enjoys crafting, reality television and spending time with her Newfoundland dog, Stanley.

Tanya Castrogiovanni (she/her)
Assistant Director for Civil Rights Investigations

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Tanya serves as the assistant director for civil rights investigations. In this role, she supports the university’s efforts to comply with civil rights laws and regulations and to ensure equal opportunities and a respectful, inclusive community for all. She works with the director and ECRT investigators to address concerns of discrimination and discriminatory harassment on campus and at Michigan Medicine. She is from Toronto, Ontario and earned a BA in Sociology and a JD from the University of Notre Dame. She enjoys spending time with family, reading and traveling.

Anna Chum
Equity Specialist

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Anna Chum serves as an equity specialist for the University’s Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT). As an equity specialist, Anna serves as an early and consistent point of contact for the parties when a report is received and throughout a resolution process.

Anna holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and Spanish, and a master’s degree in Spanish, from Western Michigan University. Anna is bilingual in English and Spanish, with extensive experience and a special interest in working with Spanish-speaking individuals with limited English proficiency. Prior to joining ECRT, Anna served as a language outreach advocate and counselor at SafeHouse Center in Ann Arbor, supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Since 2015, Anna has worked in several roles across legal, academic, clinical, and nonprofit spheres.

Heather Colohan (she/her)
PEAR Specialist

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Heather Colohan, LMSW, is a specialist at Prevention Education, Assistance and Resources (PEAR) within the ECRT Office at the University of Michigan. Heather has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan School of Social Work, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Eastern Michigan University. Heather strives to center the identities of community members within her work, ensuring programming goals are determined by the specific experiences and expressed needs of a given community.

Previous to Heather’s current position at PEAR, she worked at U-M Sexual Assault Prevention & Awareness Center (SAPAC) for ten years providing tailored workshops for various U-M communities and departments, restorative healing circles, consultations, advocacy, and created SAPAC’s Raise the Bar bar bystander program. Previous to her work at the SAPAC, she developed, promoted, and implemented the YWCA Sexual Assault Advocacy Services program in Detroit, MI.

Pedro Coracides (he/him)
PEAR Specialist

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Pedro Coracides is the PEAR Specialist serving Michigan Medicine as well as the schools of Dentistry, Kinesiology, Nursing, and Pharmacy. Pedro’s professional experience spans across the aviation, tech, healthcare, non-profit, and higher education industries, ranging from operations, training, and product development. Prior to PEAR, Pedro spent five years at the Office of Patient Experience in Michigan Medicine leading health system wide work focused on creating an affirming environment for all patients and families including our LGBTQ+ community. He has a trauma-informed approach to his work when working with leaders and unit requiring support, and believes in taking policy and translating it to the operational needs of a unit. Pedro received his Bachelor of Science from Saint Louis University, his Master of Social Work from Wayne State University, and is a limited license social worker in the state of Michigan.

Phillip Deaton (he/him)
Digital Information Accessibility Coordinator

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As the digital information acccessibility coordinator, Phil provides guidance and support around making information technology and digital content accessible for individuals with disabilities. Phil partners with various U-M units and groups to move forward digital accessibility initiatives and works with various groups internationally, nationally and locally to research the best ways to provide equal access to technology.

Phil has a Master’s degree in Digital Rhetoric & Professional Writing and a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing and Creative Writing from Michigan State University, where he studied digital accessibility, organizational studies/theories, information design, web design and disability studies. Phil previously was the digital accessibility coordinator and a fixed-term instructor of disability studies at Michigan State University. Phil enjoys promoting disability culture and justice, playing video games and disc golf with friends, staying up to date on web and application development and hanging out with his partner, and their fierce cat, Shmuly.

Susan Ernst, MD
Medical Advisor to ECRT

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Dr. Ernst is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School and completed Obstetrics and Gynecology training in 1997. In 2002, she became the Director of Gynecology and Sexual Health at the University Health Service of the University of Michigan. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her research interests are diverse and include student satisfaction with sexual assault services on campus, unmet healthcare needs of transgender and non-binary students and student experiences with inappropriate and disrespectful healthcare. Dr Ernst led a task force for the American College Health Association on best practices for sensitive exams which culminated in a white paper on the topic. Dr Ernst was appointed by the District Court of Central California to sit on 2 special master panels in class action settlements regarding physician sexual misconduct at USC and UCLA. In 2022 she was appointed to both the University of Michigan and American College Health Association Reproductive Rights Task Forces. In 2023, Dr Ernst was appointed as Medical Advisor for Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct for the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX office at the University of Michigan. She was recently appointed to lead the Presidential Task force for the development of a Center for Sexual Assault Survivors at the University of Michigan.

Crystal Flynn
Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action Specialist

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Crystal Flynn is the EEO/AA specialist in the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office. In this role, Crystal assists the civil rights director in the implementation of the University’s affirmative action programming requirements and works collaboratively with management and human resources staff to ensure that personnel actions reflect the University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while complying with federal/state laws and regulations.

Crystal has worked as a diversity trainer, helping individuals and organizations create and enhance environments that embrace social justice, value diversity, educate/empower leaders, and promote inclusion as well as respect. She has completed training in unconscious bias, undoing racism, intergroup dialogue, and facilitator training and was a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion lead in the Office of the Provost. Crystal is a graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint, holding bachelor of business administration and master of public administration degrees.

Tiffany Fox (she/her)
Assistant Director of Business Intelligence Operations

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Tiffany serves as the assistant director of business intelligence operations within the Intake & Support Office. In this role she focuses on case management data infrastructure, including system development, change management, and supporting end users. She is also responsible for ensuring compliance with reporting obligations for audits, state and federal laws. Tiffany provides strategic insights, data visualizations and dashboards for ECRT’s leadership and campus partners. She also provides oversight and guidance to the data management team. Tiffany and the data team ensure all incoming requests and reports are documented and assigned to appropriate ECRT staff for response.

Tiffany has held human resources-related roles since starting at the University of Michigan in 2006. Tiffany has a Bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Eastern Michigan University and is a certified mediator.

Jordan Funk
Accessibility Specialist

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Jordan is an accessibility specialist for the Disability Equity Office. In this role, Jordan facilitates the interactive process between departments and employees with disabilities to determine reasonable accommodations. Jordan is passionate about creating more inclusive environments for individuals with disabilities and ensuring equitable access in the employment setting.

Prior to joining ECRT, Jordan worked as a disability services coordinator within Student Disability Services at the University of Michigan. Before working in this role, Jordan worked as an accessibility specialist within the Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources at the University of Toledo.

Jordan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Capital University and a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Toledo.

Kim Greene
Civil Rights Investigation Resolution Specialist

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Kim is a civil rights investigation resolution specialist in the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT) where she assists in responding to and resolving complaints of sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation involving students, faculty, and staff at the University.

Kim has many years of experience in investigations and conflict resolution. She was previously employed as a mediator with the Washtenaw County Trial Court and an investigator with the Franklin County (OH) Domestic Court. Kim earned her BA from The Ohio State University and her MBA from Franklin University.

Karyn Griffin (she/her)
Equity Specialist

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Karyn Griffin serves as an equity specialist for the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT). As an equity specialist, Karyn’s role is to serve as an early and consistent point of contact for the parties when a report is received and throughout a resolution process. Karyn can assist parties with supportive measures and other resources, provide updates about the process, and coordinate communications among the parties and their advisors, investigators, hearing officer, Title IX coordinator, and relevant administrators.

Alex Grover (he/him)
Administrative Assistant Senior

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Alex is a senior administrative assistant on the Intake & Support team within the ECRT office. Alex earned his BS in Business Administration/Management from Rhode Island College in 2019. Previously, Alex has worked with institutions such as Boston Children’s Hospital, Brown University, and Michigan Medicine. In his current role, Alex works to ensure ECRT has accurate and up-to-date case statuses while simultaneously providing administrative support to the Intake & Support teams. In his free time, Alex works as the Assistant Director of Flags within the Michigan Marching Band.

Angie Gruendl (she/her)
Disability Equity Intake Specialist

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Angie is the disability equity intake specialist for the Disability Equity Office. In this role, she provides case management support for the employee accommodation process and administrative support to the director of disability equity and ADA Coordinator.

Prior to joining ECRT, Angie worked as a case manager at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Angie received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Hanover College and a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, knitting, and playing volleyball.

Kaydee Hall (she/her)
Senior Equity Specialist

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Kaydee Hall serves as an equity specialist for the University’s Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT). As an equity specialist, Kaydee serves as an early and consistent point of contact for the parties when a report is received and throughout a resolution process.

Kaydee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Women and Gender Studies from Alma College and a Master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University. Kaydee comes to the University of Michigan from Albion College, where she served as the project director for the Office on Violence Against Women Campus Grant. In her free time, Kaydee enjoys baking, starting (and sometimes finishing) home improvement projects, and finding fun new coffee shops with her partner.

Christopher Harris (he/him)
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Assistant Director for Sexual and Gender Based Misconduct, Michigan Medicine

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Christopher Harris is the deputy Title IX coordinator and the assistant director for sexual and gender-based misconduct for Michigan Medicine. He comes to U-M from Penn State University where he was its Title IX coordinator. In that role, he worked closely with the Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health, the university’s health system.

Jamie Hochman Herz
Civil Rights Investigation Resolution Specialist

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Jamie is an investigation resolution specialist in the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT) where she assists in responding to and resolving complaints of sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation involving students, faculty, and staff at the University.

Jamie has extensive experience in investigations, research, and report writing through her work as a Guardian ad Litem, family law attorney and policy expert. Jamie received her BA from the University of Michigan, her MSW from the University of Michigan and her JD from Georgetown University. In her free time, Jamie enjoys hiking, kayaking and enjoying the company of friends and family.

Eileen Hogg
Administrative Assistant

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Eileen is an administrative assistant for the ECRT Office and oversees the front desk, office support, and provides general support to the ECRT team. Eileen joins the ECRT team with over 30 years experience working in finance and administrative assistant roles primarily in the senior living industry. Eileen’s experience includes supporting executive level management, business operations, accounting/finance, and human resource support. In her spare time, Eileen enjoys spending time with her husband, two adult children, and friends and family. She is an avid traveler, baker, and euchre player and loves cheering on her beloved Detroit Tigers.

Melissa Hoppe (she/her)
Equity Specialist

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Melissa serves as an equity specialist for the University’s Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT). As an equity specialist, Melissa acts as an early and consistent point of contact for the parties when a report is received and throughout a resolution process. Prior to joining the University of Michigan, Melissa worked in the court system and for several non-profit agencies.

Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor degree from Michigan State University College of Law. In her free time, Melissa enjoys gardening, fashion and writing.

Molly Hunter (she/her)
Executive Assistant

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Molly Hunter is an executive assistant in the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office.  She has been in ECRT since 2021 and at the University of Michigan since 2009.  She primarily supports the directors and assistant directors by managing calendars and providing meeting and event support, among other administrative duties.

Katrina Johnson
American Sign Language Interpreter

Christopher Jones (he/him)
Senior Administrative Assistant

Christopher Jones portrait

Christopher is the senior administrative assistant for Prevention Education, Awareness & Resources (PEAR). Christopher received his BA and MA in Communication from UM-Flint. He also worked in Student Accounts and Undergraduate Admissions at UM-Flint for seven years. In his current role, he supports the directors and specialist by managing calendars and providing meeting and event support, among other administrative duties. In his spare time Christopher enjoys running, hiking, and dining out.

Andrew Kruley (he/him)
Senior Investigator

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Andrew is a senior investigator in the ECRT Office. As a senior Investigator, Andrew conducts investigations into allegations of discrimination and harassment involving faculty and staff, as well as provides consultation and educational programming to the university community. Andrew received his JD from the University of Illinois College of Law where he served as administrative editor on the Elder Law Journal. Prior to law school, Andrew received his Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Sociology from the University of Michigan. Andrew has previously served as a civil rights investigator at Michigan State University’s Office for Institutional Equity and supervisory investigator at the Department of Health and Human Services – Office for Civil Rights, where he supervised investigations of cases and compliance reviews of health care providers. In his spare time, Andrew enjoys running, going to the theatre, playing sports (especially golf, tennis, and volleyball), attending local sporting events and collecting bobbleheads.

Allison Kushner (she/her)
Director of Disability Equity and ADA Coordinator

Portrait of Allison Kushner

Allison Kushner serves as the director of disability equity and ADA coordinator. In her role, Allison is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and related federal and state accessibility laws. Allison is committed to going beyond compliance and focusing on best practices to create an inclusive and accessible environment for all members of the University of Michigan community.

Prior to joining the University of Michigan, Allison served as the ADA coordinator at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Before serving in this role, Allison served as associate university counsel in the Office of University Counsel focusing on student affairs, disability matters, and Title IX matters.

Allison earned bachelor of arts degrees in English and Communications and Media Studies from Fordham University and her Juris Doctorate from Florida State University.

For scheduling please contact [email protected].

Carrie Landrum (she/they)
Adaptable Resolution & Restorative Practices Lead

Carrie Landrum portrait

Carrie is a peacebuilder, conflict resolution practitioner, and professional facilitator with twenty years of experience supporting faculty, staff and students at U-M. Carrie supports employees who have been impacted by campus harm or conflict in the workplace (that may or may not fall under campus policies) by facilitating Adaptable Resolution and Restorative Practices intended to explore and address needs and find positive pathways forward. Adaptable Resolution and Restorative Practices allow participants to shape processes and outcomes to best meet their needs in voluntary, non-disciplinary processes with the assistance of a skilled facilitator.

Carrie has been forging pathways to peace and facilitating healing justice using restorative practices at U-M since 2007, including for cases of sexual and gender-based harms since 2013. Carrie’s background includes studies and training in international studies (Emory University); conflict transformation (Wayne State University); and peacebuilding, trauma healing, and restorative practices (Eastern Mennonite University and many other places).

Jeff Lange (he/him)
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Associate Director for Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct

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Jeff Lange is the deputy Title IX coordinator and assistant director for Sexual & Gender-Based Misconduct Response in ECRT. He comes to U-M from Illinois State University where he was the director, Title IX coordinator, & ADA coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access.  Jeff received his BA in History from Eastern Illinois University, his JD from Cooley Law School, and his MS in College Student Personnel Administration from Illinois State University.

Kacey Lundgren
American Sign Language Interpreter

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Kacey serves as a Certified American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter for the Disability Equity Office. She has earned her National Interpreter Certification (NIC) and Ed:K-12 certifications from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), a Certificate in Healthcare Interpreting (CHI) from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and medical/mental health and educational (elementary and secondary) endorsements from the state of Michigan. She earned her BS in Special Education and Rehabilitation with an emphasis in Educational Interpreting from the University of Arizona, and her MA in Interpreting from Gallaudet University.

Prior to joining the ECRT team, Kacey worked as an ASL interpreter in Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. As seen in her work history, Kacey loves to travel. She completed two study abroad programs: one in Mexico where she studied Mexican Sign Language (LSM) and volunteered at a school for the Deaf in Mexico, and a second program in Italy where she studied spoken Italian, Italian Sign Language (LIS), and Italian Deaf Culture. On Kacey’s bucket list is to visit every site in the National Park system. One hundred forty-two down, two hundred eighty-seven to go!

Jessica Lyskawa (she/her)
Business Intelligence Analyst

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Jessica is a business intelligence analyst for the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX office. In this role she assists with maintaining the case database and leveraging its insights to monitor and analyze trends concerning complaints of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct as well as other data driven measures. Prior to joining ECRT at the University of Michigan, Jessica served as a vocational rehabilitation specialist at a traumatic brain injury clinic, where she helped to develop data systems to support client initiatives.

Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is also trained as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS). In her free time, Jessica loves exploring crafts, reading, and going to plays or musicals.

Michael Maiden (he/him)
Senior Investigator

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Michael is a senior investigator in the University’s Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office. In this role, he responds to reported discrimination, harassment and sexual and gender-based misconduct involving students, faculty, staff and third parties.

Michael grew up in Dubai and the United Kingdom (UK). He graduated from the University of Maryland at College Park with a Master of Public Policy degree (MPP). Prior to the MPP, Michael earned an LLM in International Law from Lancaster University in the UK. Before joining the University of Michigan, Michael worked at Michigan State University’s Office of Institutional Equity and in The University of Maryland at College Park’s Career Center. In his free time, Michael enjoys traveling, learning new languages and reading.

Megan Marshall (she/her)
Deputy ADA Coordinator
Assistant Director of Disability Equity & Deputy ADA Coordinator

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Megan E. Marshall is the deputy ADA coordinator and the assistant director of disability equity within Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT). Megan works in collaboration with the other members of the Disability Equity Office to provide guidance and support with regard to the University’s responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar laws. This includes answering questions and identifying resources on topics such as accommodations, accessibility, service animals, and disability inclusion and awareness. Megan also helps connect individuals with helpful resources at the University and in the larger community.

Megan is a University of Michigan 2013 disabled alumna, where as a student she represented the voices of students with disabilities by serving as chair of the Michigan Student Assembly Disability Affairs Commission (for which she received the Council for Disability Concerns’ Certificate of Appreciation Award), Dean of Students Advisory Board, U-M Student Safety Work Group Initiative and founding the first-ever Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Student Advisory Board. Megan has worked as a SSD coordinator within U-M’s SSD Office for four years (2017-2021) and, previous to that, four years as the disability services advisor at Lawrence Technological University (2013-2017). Megan E. Marshall received her Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Community Inclusion from Wayne State University and is licensed as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).

Josh McCoy
Equity Specialist

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Josh serves as an equity specialist for Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX (ECRT). As an equity specialist, Josh serves as an early and consistent point of contact for the parties when a report is received and throughout a resolution process. Prior to joining the University of Michigan, Josh held leadership positions in the hospital and skilled nursing setting, where he spearheaded initiatives to address healthcare challenges through innovative collaboration, striving to improve healthcare outcomes for all.

Josh holds a Bachelor’s degree in social work from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s degree in clinical social work from Spring Arbor University. In his free time, Josh enjoys interior design, boating, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Helen McDowell (she/her)
Title VI Civil Rights Investigation Resolution Specialist

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Helen McDowell serves as an investigator in Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX. In this role, she specifically focuses on Title VI concerns involving students where she investigates reported discrimination based on the student’s race, color, or national origin.

Prior to this work, Helen began her career at Central Michigan University where she worked in their Civil Rights office and focused on the education, training, and response around issues related to Title IX, bias incident reporting structures, diversity, equity, and inclusion education, and equitable hiring practices in higher education.

Helen received her Master of Higher Education Administration degree and Bachelor in Business Entrepreneurship from Central Michigan University. In her free time, Helen enjoys spending time with family, getting involved in her church community, cooking delicious meals, tending to her 200+ plants, and spending time with her pets.

Suzanne Quinn McFadden (she/her)
Director for Intake and Support
Deputy Title IX Coordinator

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Suzanne serves as the director for intake and support and the deputy Title IX coordinator for ECRT. In this role she focuses on community consultations, identifying and connecting individuals to resources, making appropriate referrals, and promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment. She also provides oversight and guidance to equity specialists and ECRT’s data management team.

Previously, Suzanne was program manager of the human trafficking program with the International Rescue Committee in Miami and served as deputy director of a shelter for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, where among other things, she conducted intakes, coordinated wrap-around services and triaged complex cases under uniquely challenging circumstances. Suzanne also worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney for four years, in Oakland County, Michigan, in the district court division and special victims’ unit. Suzanne earned a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School, a Master of Arts in International Administration from the University of Miami, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Peace & Conflict Studies from Wayne State University.

For scheduling please contact Molly Hunter, [email protected].

Erin Metz (she/her)
Senior Accessibility Specialist

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As an accessibility specialist with the Disability Equity Office, Erin facilitates the interactive process between departments and employees with disabilities in order to obtain accommodations that help employees succeed in the workplace. Erin is committed to focusing on the human aspect of compliance in order to create an inclusive and accessible environment for all.

Prior to joining ECRT in 2023, Erin worked as an accessibility specialist for University of Illinois. Erin received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Sciences with a focus on compliance from Illinois State University.

Maureen Muysenberg
Patient Civil Rights Investigator

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Maureen is an investigator in the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office. Maureen investigates complaints related to reports of civil rights violations, sexual and gender-based misconduct, and discrimination at the University.

Prior to joining ECRT Maureen worked for the University’s Division of Public Safety and Security for over 20 years. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Michigan.

Erin Norris (she/her)
Digital Communications Specialist

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Erin is the digital communications specialist in the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT). In this role she provides outreach, engagement, and communications to ensure the community can easily access information about prevention, education programs, and resources. Prior to joining the ECRT, Erin worked on a variety of higher education website projects enhancing the user experience at Wayne State University, College for Creative Studies, and multiple colleges within the University of Michigan. Erin received her BS in Geological Sciences from Michigan State University.

Lauren O’Connor (she/her)
Accessibility Specialist

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Lauren is an accessibility specialist for the Disability Equity Office. In this role, Lauren facilitates the interactive process between departments and employees with disabilities to determine reasonable accommodations. Lauren is passionate about creating more inclusive environments for individuals with disabilities and ensuring equitable access in the employment setting.

Prior to joining ECRT, Lauren worked as an occupational and vocational therapy supervisor at the Therapeutic Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Center. Lauren has expertise in vocational rehabilitation as a National Board Certified Occupational Therapist and is also a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS).

Lauren earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Bowling Green State University and a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Michigan University.

Rachel Roth Sawatzky (she/her)
PEAR Specialist

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Rachel Roth Sawatzky is a specialist at Prevention Education, Assistance and Resources (PEAR) within the ECRT Office at the University of Michigan. Rachel takes both a personal and holistic approach in supporting administrators, faculty and staff with a primary concern for community care. She specializes in developing situation specific and/or broader context-relevant strategies to address and prevent sexual and gender-based misconduct. Having held a variety of student affairs roles including director of student programs & orientation and associate dean of students, she has also worked as a university Title IX coordinator. Rachel earned a doctorate in higher education administration from Northeastern University, a masters degree from Emory University, and has studied peacebuilding, trauma healing, and restorative practices at Eastern Mennonite University. Most recently, her research has focused on how organizations address campus sexual misconduct, and how institutional response mechanisms might be augmented to better meet the needs that result. In her spare time Rachel enjoys exercise, architectural design and travel, especially to sunny and sandy locations.

Andrea Sell (she/her)
Deputy Coordinator for Civil Rights and Title IX Outcomes

Andrea Sell, headshot

Andrea serves as the deputy coordinator for civil rights and Title IX outcomes for sexual and gender-based misconduct in partnership with the ECRT Office and the Office of Student Conflict and Resolution (OSCR). Andrea’s commitment is to the development and application of equitable policy and procedure, which affords that each student has a chance to be seen and heard as they navigate the intersections of their life experiences, communities and identities, both privileged and oppressed. She is dedicated to a student’s pursuit of self and communal truth, peace and empathy.

Andrea received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Public Relations from Western Michigan University and her Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University. Andrea is a Michigander who lives to explore her towns, cities, farms, parks and lakes with her partner who is new to the majesty of Michigan and the Midwest. Andrea is a loud and proud cat mom and lover of her gray tabby Ashe and Siamese Willow.

Elizabeth Seney (she/her)
Director of Gender Equity and Title IX Coordinator

Elizabeth Seney

(She/her/hers)
Elizabeth serves as the director of gender equity and Title IX coordinator. In this role, her work is focused on all forms of sexual and gender-based misconduct, and she is responsible for ensuring the university’s Title IX compliance with Title IX on the Ann Arbor campus and Michigan Medicine. Elizabeth approaches this work with a commitment to not simply meeting legal obligations but incorporating national best practices and the specific dynamics of the University of Michigan community into our policies, procedures and practices related to sexual and gender-based misconduct. Elizabeth believes that effectively addressing sexual and gender-based misconduct at our university requires a holistic approach incorporating robust prevention efforts, fair and appropriate response to reports of misconduct, and the use of various avenues to remedy the harm of sexual and gender-based misconduct in our community. In order to best serve the university community, Elizabeth welcomes discussion and feedback about the sexual and gender-based misconduct policies and procedures at the University of Michigan.

For scheduling please contact Molly Hunter, [email protected].

 Lynetta Smith (she/her)
Civil Rights Training Specialist and Liaison

Lynetta Smith headshot

Lynetta is a civil rights training specialist & liaison for the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX (ECRT).  Her role in ECRT brings support to the university community to further awareness of the protected classes and empower our faculty, staff, and students with options for how to recognize and respond to concerns. Prior to joining the ECRT team, Lynetta spent over 20 years at the Division of Public Safety & Security engaging with Michigan Medicine spaces and designing and delivering trainings to enhance workplace safety. Lynetta has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University, and she enjoys spending time with family, reading, dancing, and traveling

Haley Taylor
Senior Equity Specialist

Haley Taylor serves as an equity specialist for the University’s Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT). As an equity specialist, Haley serves as an early and consistent point of contact for the parties when a report is received and throughout a resolution process.

Haley holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish from Albion College and a clinical Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Since 2017, she has served in several roles spanning the clinical, academic, and research spheres of higher education.

Jennifer Wade
Administrative Specialist

Jennifer Wade headshot

Jennifer Wade is an administrative assistant for the ECRT Office. She has been with ECRT since 2004, and at the University of Michigan since 1990. She provides general support to the entire office, works on special projects and manages the Distinguished Diversity Leaders Award Program. Jennifer received her BA in German from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Anne-Sophie Walters (she/her)
PEAR Assistant Director

Sophie Walters

Sophie serves as the assistant director at the Prevention, Education, Assistance & Resources (PEAR) unit at ECRT. Born and raised in France, she went to law school in Paris and moved to New York City for her Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Previously, Sophie worked at the Prevention, Outreach and Education Department (POE) at Michigan State University and at the Crime Victims Assistance Unit (CVAU) at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office where she gained her expertise in sexual and gender-based misconduct. She is passionate about developing and facilitating prevention programming for faculty and staff on the Title IX regulations, university misconduct policies, and supporting resources in order to build an inclusive, trauma-informed, and violence-free environment for all.

Sam Warne (she/her)
Senior Investigator

Sam Warne headshot

Sam is a senior investigator in the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT). Within her role, Sam is committed to helping individuals within the University community understand their rights and responsibilities under University policy with the goal of creating a safer, more equitable environment for everyone.

Prior to joining the ECRT at University of Michigan, Sam worked as a senior investigator at Utah State University, where she investigated allegations of discrimination and sexual misconduct across statewide campuses. Sam received her BA from Lourdes University and her JD from the University of Toledo College of Law. In her free time, Sam enjoys traveling, hiking, kayaking, and cooking.

Casie Watson (she/her)
American Sign Language Interpreter

Casie Watson headshot

Casie serves the Disability Equity Office as an American Sign Language interpreter. She holds her NIC certification with Medical/Mental Health and Deaf/Blind endorsements. Casie earned her BA in American Sign Language Interpreting from Indiana in 2012 and did her internship in Tennessee. She moved to Oregon and worked in a variety of settings as a freelance interpreter, specializing in healthcare interpreting. In 2020, she returned to Michigan to be closer to family. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, painting, and reading the next good book.

Tanesia White (she/her)
Director for Civil Rights

Tanesia White

Tanesia serves as the director for civil rights for ECRT, where she provides oversight and guidance to investigators and equity specialists in responding to allegations of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and retaliation. Tanesia works closely with campus partners and key stakeholders to address campus climate concerns, often providing consultation, education and resources that help to promote welcoming, supportive and inclusive classroom and workplace environments. Tanesia is also responsible for the implementation of the university’s affirmative action programming and supporting the university’s commitment to DEI(A), while complying with state and federal AA/EEO requirements.

Prior to joining the University of Michigan, Tanesia worked in a similar capacity in the Equal Opportunity and Diversity offices at Wayne State University and Eastern Michigan University, respectively. She previously held several regulatory compliance positions in the banking industry and earned her certification as a Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM). Tanesia earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Michigan State University and a Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University. In her free time, Tanesia enjoys spending time with family, traveling and attending sporting events.

For scheduling please contact Molly Hunter, [email protected].

Kaaren Williamsen
PEAR Director

Kaaren Williamsen

Kaaren Williamsen is the director of the Prevention, Education, Assistance and Resources (PEAR) unit at ECRT. She served as the director of U-M’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center from 2017-2022. She came to U-M from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania where she was the Title IX coordinator. Earlier in her career she spent 15 years directing the Gender and Sexuality Center at Carleton College. As the founding director, she developed innovative sexual violence prevention programming and created institutional support services for LGBTQ students. Kaaren earned her doctorate in organizational leadership, policy and development at the University of Minnesota. She has a Master of Science degree in women’s studies and a Master of Arts degree in counseling and student personnel psychology.

For scheduling please contact Christopher Jones, [email protected].