Fall 2024 trainees

Bella Hacker

Degree: Conservation Biology
Project: IdahoSTARS

Hello! I’ll start off with a pretty easy one – when did you join us at the CDHD?

I joined the Idaho CDHD at the end of August 2024.

Welcome! And what drew you to apply for the student trainee program?

I was drawn to apply for the professional development that I would get out of work at the CDHD. My major doesn’t necessarily line up with the work done at CDHD, but I was excited to learn and gather skills that I can use in future professional settings.

That’s a smart step – accessibility and inclusion can be applied to any academic or professional background. Along those same lines, what are you hoping to get out of your time with us?

I hope to learn more about what the CDHD does and how it helps the Idaho community. I’m also hopeful to learn the skills that go into research and all the training that goes with it.

Excellent! Can you tell me what you’re enjoying the most so far?

I enjoy working with my supervisor Beth and all the professional training I am getting from her. I enjoy all the trainees and how different everyone is. It is interesting to learn what brought everyone here and to hear about everyone’s majors/goals.

We’re pretty lucky to have such a diverse group of students and staff. Lots of unique experience to learn from. What are you looking forward to the most about working with all of us this semester?

I’m looking forward to participating in the events the trainees and CDHD hold throughout the semester. Also, I’m looking forward to seeing where the project I’m working on ends up and the opportunities it can open for me.

Caleb Wessels

Degree: Elementary Education
Project: CDHD, Dissemination

Welcome, Caleb! Tell me, when did you join us here at the CDHD?

I joined the CDHD two semesters ago, in the fall of 2023. I have loved the two semesters I have been here so far, working with artAbility and QUEST. I am super excited about my upcoming work with dissemination!

Has it been two semesters already? What drew to you apply to the student trainee program to start with?

I was drawn to the CDHD after watching Olivia and a previous trainee Victoria give a presentation in Andrew Scheef’s EDSP 300 class. I realized that I had not really had any chances in my life to interact with people with disabilities in a professional capacity and recognized that as a deficit in my future teaching skillsets.

It’s such great professional experience, and is that your main goal in working with us at the CDHD?

Working at the CDHD I hope to gain respect for and the ability to work effectively with people with disabilities. So far this has been the case. I also want to gain a large variety of experiences when working with the government and so far, I have seen a huge variance in the work that I do here.

It’s so great that you get exposure to so many experiences that you can use throughout your career. What are you enjoying the most about your work at the Center so far?

Right now, I am having so much fun designing graphics for dissemination. I never thought myself good at graphic design, but after working with Carlie Tucker for just a few weeks, I am loving it.

Awesome! Unlocking new skills! What are you looking forward to the most about working at the CDHD this semester?

I can’t wait for event season to start up again. Going to SAM meetings and artAbility sessions brings a light to those cold winter days and really can make my whole week. I love mingling with everyone and assisting people in making their lives better or just creating great artwork!

Emily Abramson

Degree: Secondary Education: Exceptional Child Generalist and English as a Second Language
Project: Idaho Assistive Technology Project

Hello, Emily! You are one of our newest trainees. When did you officially start?

I joined the Idaho CDHD this fall, so only a couple weeks ago!

Welcome! What drew you to apply for the student trainee program?

One of my professors recommended it to me. When I went onto the website I felt drawn in and connected to the Idaho CDHD’s mission statement. The CDHD aligns with the values I have about a more accessible and educated world. So I applied for the program.

And what are you hoping to gain from your time with us?

I hope to learn more about the different avenues that Idaho is working on so that I am aware of the resources available to not only myself but the public as well. I hope to learn about research and community work as well as innovation on a large scale.

I’m excited to work with the AT lending library and explore the different types of assistive technoloy and the different ways it can be helpful. Overall, I’m hoping to expand my knowledge fund and work with other people who are passionate about removing obstacles and moving Idaho towards a more accessible future.

That’s awesome! It’s only been a few weeks, but what are you enjoying about your work and the Center so far?

Although I haven’t been here long, I enjoy the energetic atmosphere of the Idaho CDHD. There’s an overall positive atmosphere that motivates me to be more curious and focused on the work that’s being done here. There is also a high level of expectation that’s paired with a deep patience and understanding from the staff that makes working here quite exciting.

What are you looking forward to the most about working at the CDHD this semester?

I’m excited to work with parents, educators and community members involved with the AT lending library located at the CDHD because I can tell that there is a genuine sense of pride in this project. I look forward to sharing that excitement with the people who get to use the library to improve areas of their and others’ lives.

Emily Pearson

Degree: Elementary Education: Exceptional Child Generalist
Project: artAbility

Welcome back, Emily! As another one of our returning trainees, when did you originally join us at the Center?

This is the start of my second semester with the CDHD. I joined earlier this year in January.

What drew you to apply for the student trainee program?

I learned about the CDHD by attending artAbility workshops last year. Meeting trainees at the workshops and hearing them talk about their work made me curious to learn more. I thought the trainee program would be perfect for me given my major, and I was 100% right.

That’s awesome! And what do you ultimately hope to get our of your time with us?

I have already learned so much about how we can make our communities more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities. I’ve gained new perspective on lots of issues and policies, and I’m excited to keep nurturing my understanding so I can eventually apply this knowledge to my career.

What are you enjoying the most about the work so far?

The best part about the CDHD has to be the people I’ve met. It’s amazing to be surrounded by people who share a passion for supporting people with disabilities and who are driving change with their work.

It is a very rewarding aspect of the Center. We have so many passionate and knowledgeable people. Finally, what are you looking forward to the most about working at the Center this semester?

I’m so excited to be coordinating the artAbility project this year! Right now, I’m getting my ducks in a row for our fall workshops, and I can’t wait to catch up with our participants soon and make some art!

Haley Sprague

Degree: Exercise Science, minors in Pre-Healthy and Psychology
Project: Healthy Active Lifestyles, Movement in the Park

Hello, Hayley! I know you’re one of our newcomers – when did you officially start?

This is my first semester working for Idaho CDHD.

Very good, and what drew you to apply for our student trainee program?

I applied for the student trainee program to become more involved in my community and gain experience with advocacy and increasing accessibility. Both aspects play major roles in the career field that I am entering.

Which leads nicely into the next question – what do you hope to get out of your time working at the CDHD?

I hope to gain greater connections to my community and to strengthen my leadership skills during my time here.

It seems like the trainee program is the perfect fit for your goals, which is great! Can you tell me what you’re enjoying most about your work so far?

So far, I am enjoying getting to know the individuals that come to Movement in the Park and our other accessible movement classes. I also enjoy the creativity that this position allows to create fun, unique plans for every class.

That’s awesome! Movement in the Park really is a lot of fun. What are you looking forward to the most this semester?

I am most looking forward to getting to know more about the various CDHD projects as well as getting to know the individuals who are both a part of the program and who are impacted by the program.

Isabella Gilmore

Degree: Recreation, Sport, Tourism Management and Psychology
Project: Healthy Active Lifestyles

Isabella – I think you’ve been in the trainee program for the longest out of all our trainees this year. When did you start working at the Center?

I started attending artAbility workshops and training seminars at the CDHD in the fall of 2022. After getting to know everyone, I was invited to officially start as a student trainee in the spring of 2023. I have been here since and have loved every minute of it.

Time flies by when you’re having fun! What drew you to the trainee program?

It was my first semester at the university, I was told that I needed to get 80 hours of hands-on learning doing something with people in a field of disability or with older adults. I was pretty nervous about where to go, but I was directed to the CDHD.

I took a big step, called Olivia (even though I knew nothing about what the CDHD did) and the rest is pretty much history. This call turned into the very best thing that has happened to me and has filled my life with so much meaning. Olivia taught me so much right away and her warmth and care is what brought me to the trainee program. I look forward to it every day. 

That is wonderful! We’re so glad that the work is bringing so much meaning and joy to your university experience. Is there anything specifically that you’re still hoping to get our of your time?

This semester, I hope to keep learning! I have learned so much already and I have met incredible people, but I know I’m not done. There are more people to meet, more places to work with, and much more for me to learn.

Never short of opportunities to grow and learn! What are you enjoying about the work so far?

I love getting to interact with our community through Movement in the Park and artAbility. Through expansion of our Movement in the Park program to more locations, I have met so many more people and found myself in new settings that I love. Getting to walk alongside people as they learn how to move their bodies and support them as they do it has been the most incredible experience for me.

That is so awesome! And what are you looking forward to the most about working at the Center this semester?

This is my first semester with a bunch of new trainees, and it’s very exciting to get to know them all. It does not feel like long ago when I was new and nervous about joining this Center, but this journey has taught me that if you put in the work and passion, this is the greatest place to work. I tried out a lot of new things last year. I think this coming semester for me is about feeling confident in the roles I have and helping bring up others in theirs.

Jayda Croft

Degree: Fitness, Health and Human Performance
Project: Healthy Active Lifestyles, Movement in the Park

When did you join us at the CDHD?

I joined CDHD as an interdisplinary trainee this Fall semester starting in August.

Welcome, welcome! We’re so glad you’ve joined us this year. What drew you to applying for the student trainee program?

Erik Luvaas did a presentation of Idaho’s CDHD for my Internship and Practicum Prep course and it gave me insight to the Movement in the Park Project. I really liked the program and was eager to learn more about it and possibly be a part of it.

That’s awesome! It seems like a really great fit for your degree, which leads into my next question perfect. What are you hoping to get out of your time at the Center?

I think the main thing I hope to get out of working for CDHD is the experience with humans. As well as gain experience in creating exercise programs.

Excellent – and what are you enjoying the most about your time so far?

I really like interacting with the individuals that come to the Movement in the Park and getting hands on experience with creating exercise programs.

It’s so great that you can gain practical, real skills that will translate to your career. Is there anything more that you’re looking forward to about working at the CDHD this semester?

I look forward to interacting and building bonds with the individuals that come to Movement in the Park and my colleagues.

Kincaid Moberly

Degree: Sociology
Project: Self-Advocates of Moscow, DANI, Research

Kincaid, you’re one of our returning trainees. When did you start with us?

I joined the CDHD in August 2023, although I participated in some of the artAbility workshops and other events in Spring 2023. I’ve been here for two years now and I’ve loved every moment of it!

That’s great! Thinking back, what drew you to apply to the student trainee program?

Alena invited me to a Disability Etiquette Training session. We didn’t talk much about ableism and disablism in the class Alena and I shared, so I wanted to learn more about disability and sociolinguistics through this training. I learned so much. I met so many wonderful people, so, of course, I had to apply for the trainee program.

What do you hope to get out of your time working with us at the Center?

I came here to learn important professional skills and I have never been disappointed! I’ve learned about advocacy, research and community, and experienced working in a professional environment that values and invests time in their trainees. I’ve had so many opportunities to travel and participate in local, statewide and national events, and I hope to take these experiences with me wherever I go next!

That’s so wonderful – we’re glad that you’re finding such value in your time. What are you enjoying the most about your work and the CDHD?

It’s nice being the more experienced trainee in the office now. The new trainees are so much fun and are so willing to get involved in CDHD activities. I hope that I can be a good mentor to them as I continue my learning journey at the CDHD.

And what are you looking forward to the most about working at the CDHD this semester?

I’m most excited about completing the research project I’ve been conducting with Dr Luvaas and showing it to the U of I administration! It’s going to be a lot of work, but I’m grateful to have had this opportunity to do research, especially since I’m preparing for graduate school.

Kira Haile

Degree: Political Science and Philosophy
Project: Community Advisory Committee, OCCW

Hello, Kira – let me start off with the basics. When did you join us at the CDHD?

I just started in August!

Ah! Welcome! And what drew you to applying for the student trainee program?

I had an opportunity to talk to Janice Carson about what I was interested in doing once I graduate from U of I and she mentioned that this program might be something I could be interested in. I want to work in some type of advocacy/public interest work, so having an opportunity to work at the CDHD seemed like a great fit! I am also graduating soon, so having a job that uses some of the skills I have learned in school was something that I wanted to take advantage of.

It seems like it’s definitely a great fit. Aside from applying your education to your career, what are you hoping to get out of your time with us?

I hope to learn more about the experience of people with disabilities in reference to the implications of policy. This insight could help me better understand how policy/law affects different populations so that issues which may not be immediately apparent in policy/law can be ironed out before they are implemented. This, in addition to learning how a job in advocacy functions, are some things I hope to learn in working at the CDHD.

Very nice – I think you’ll find a lot of valuable experience during your time. What are you enjoying the most about the Center and your work with us so far?

Since I haven’t been here long I can’t speak too much about how I feel about the projects I’m working on, but so far, the work environment and people have been great! Everyone is super nice and willing to help me learn the ropes, which is very appreciated. 

Oh good – I’m glad to hear that it’s been easy to get settled in. What are you looking forward to the most about working at the CDHD this semester?

I’m most looking forward to starting a position that’s closer to what I might do as a career and seeing how this experience could align with that. Since I am graduating soon, I think this will be exciting to explore more. Overall, I’m just generally excited to see what I will be working on!

Piper Wasson

Degree: Elementary Education: concentration in math
Project: Vandal QUEST

Welcome, Piper! I know that you’re one of our newer trainees, but when did you officially start?

I have been working with CDHD for about two weeks now. I have been given the opportunity to work hands on with the students in the QUEST program, on the college campus. Being new here has been going well, everyone has been very helpful especially if you have any type of question.

That’s great – we’re glad that you’re settling in. What drew you to apply for the student trainee program?

I first learned about CDHD from one of my previous professors, Andy Scheef. He was ranting and raving about how much work this organization does for and with people and students with disabilities. This initially caught my eye because I want to become a teacher, and I thought this would give me lots of good insight into things that could potentially help me in my future career.

Working with people with disabilities gives me good experience of working with all types of students for when I become a teacher. It’s also allowing me to become an advocate for different groups of people, which is giving me experience that will follow me everywhere.

Andy is definitely a great supporter of Center – we’re glad that he pointed you in our direction. And now that you’re here, what are you hoping to get out of your time at the CDHD?

I hope that I get to learn more about myself and how I work with others in an educational environment. I also am hoping that I get to make useful connections that will be able to help me grow within the education department and provide direction for ways that I can improve. I think this will be a good way for me to push myself and hopefully find others who will help push me to be the best I can be. I hope that I can do the same for others as well.

What are you enjoying most about your time with us so far?

I’m really enjoying the conversations that I get to have about the project I’m working on. What I’m noticing about working with everyone is things I can change or add to help the project succeed. I also like that I get to use what I’m learning in my education classes with the QUEST students. It makes it feel like I am in the right place.

That’s great! What are you looking forward to the most about working at the CDHD this semester?

What I am looking forward to the most this semester is seeing how being there for the QUEST students will help them become more confident in themselves and myself as a future educator. I’m excited to develop relationships with all the staff and people I’m working with. Along with supporting and learning about the other projects that my fellow trainees are working on.

Sofia Bronaugh

Degree: Special Education, minor in ATD and History
Project: Vandal QUEST

Welcome to the CDHD, Sophia! Tell me, when was your official start?

I joined the CDHD student trainee program this semester after one of my professors told me about the program.

Oh cool! That leads right into my next question. What drew you to applying for the student trainee program?

I was drawn to CDHD because I’m a special education major and I wanted to get more hands-on, first-hand experience. I also wanted to learn more about what educational progress is through the government and how I can use the resources as a future teacher.

I’m also drawn to how many projects and opportunities there are in the student trainee program.

We definitely have a lot of different opportunities for our student trainees. Is there anything specific that you’re hoping to experience while you’re here with us?

I hope to learn a lot from the projects. I also hope to learn about how to plan and put on different events that will help the community. I also hope to learn more about the community of people who have disabilities – how the world impacts them and how to make the world better for everyone.

What have you enjoyed the most about your work and time at the Center so far?

I have enjoyed working with the Vandal QUEST students. They are an amazing group of students who want to get the college experience like me. It’s so fun to get hands-on experience with the students and help them feel more involved in their college community. My favorite memory so far is when we went to go see the therapy dogs that come on campus. We went to play with the dogs and got to meet more people on campus.

That sounds like a lot of fun! It might be hard to top spending the day with doggos, but what are you looking forward to the most about working with us this semester?

I’m looking forward to the opportunities and experiences I will be learning while working at the CDHD. I’m also looking forward to the different workshops and projects I will be able to participate in while I’m working here.