AccessSTEM Staff Leaders

Photo portrait of DO-IT director Sheryl Burgstahler

Sheryl Burgstahler, DO-IT Director

Sheryl

My name is Sheryl Burgstahler, and I am the founder and director of DO-IT, including AccessSTEM. I have a husband, Dave, and a son, Travis, who are both dedicated project volunteers. Dave is a professor at the UW Seattle and Travis just finished his sophomore year at the school; he is currently pursuing engineering and business fields. I have a master's degree in mathematics, with a strength in computer science, and a Ph.D. in higher education. I am the director of the Accessible Technology division at the UW Seattle and an affiliate associate professor in education. DO-IT combines my personal, academic, and professional interests.

Photo portrait of DO-IT Program Coordinator and counselor Scott Bellman
Scott

I'm Scott Bellman. I work as a program manager for AccessSTEM. I supervise project staff and help students find challenging internships and jobs throughout the year. I also help collect data, write reports, plan activities, coordinate meetings, supervise the A-Team, and recruit participants. I earned master's degree in 1996 in rehabilitation counseling. I am currently a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State. Outside of work, my interests include performance art, camping and hiking, carpentry, and travel.

Picture of DO-IT Staff member Brianna Blaser
Brianna

My name is Brianna Blaser, and I am a counselor/coordinator for AccessSTEM. I plan activities, deliver presentations, and help recruit students and faculty. Originally from the East Coast, I moved to Seattle to attend graduate school at the UW Seattle, where I earned my Ph.D. studying women in science. I like to spend my free time practicing yoga, riding my bike, and watching reality television.

Photo portrait of DO-IT technology specialist Doug Hayman
Doug

My name is Doug Hayman. I'm a technology specialist. I deliver presentations at Seattle public schools and share information about accessible technology. When not at work, I play guitar, hike, and hang out with friends.

Photo portrait of DO-IT program counselor/coordinator Tami Tidwell
Tami

Hi! My name is Tami Tidwell. I work as a project coordinator for AccessSTEM. My main role is to liaison with community colleges and help facilitate quality work-based learning experiences for students, such as internships, informational interviews, and job shadows. I enjoy working closely with AccessSTEM participants. I also plan activities for advisors and faculty. I was born and raised in Cowtown (a.k.a. Ft. Worth, TX). I earned my degree in psychology from Texas Christian University.

Photo portrait of DO-IT technology specialist Terry Thompson
Terry

My name is Terry Thompson. I am a technology specialist for DO-IT, which includes AccessSTEM. In this position I help to educate K?12 and postsecondary educational institutions, technology vendors, government agencies, and others on how to ensure that technology is accessible to individuals with disabilities. I live in Bellingham and work most of the time from an office at Western Washington University. When I am not working, you can usually find me hiking in the mountains, playing guitar, or spending quality time with my family.

Photo portrait of Debra Zawada
Debra

My name is Debra Zawada. I am a project coordinator for AccessSTEM. I work most closely with Seattle public schools, to help facilitate student involvement in the project and provide training and resources to educators and administrators. My biggest events include Disability Mentoring Day and Transition-to-College Fairs at community colleges. I completed my undergraduate work in special education in Buffalo, N.Y. and my graduate work at the UW Seattle. My background is as a high school teacher and transition counselor for students with disabilities. Outside of work, when not spending time with friends and family, I love to garden and create art using recycled materials.