starfireu - Staff

Starfire U Staff

Kathy Forté Program Coordinator kathy@starfirecouncil.org Qualifications: Kathy comes to Starfire with over ten years of experience in the field. She started out doing direct support in residential services, and moved into a management position after the first year and a half. She managed over seven different sites and over thirty employees. After nine and a half years in residential services, she went into day programming as a Program Assistant for a year. She attended Northern Kentucky University to pursue a degree in Elementary Education and plans to return in 2010 to complete her degree in Liberal Arts. She now works with Starfire U as the Program Coordinator. As an outgoing person, she is always ready for the next challenge of any kind, and is excited to grow with Starfire U. “I am so blessed to have an opportunity to work here at Starfire! I am excited about being able to play an active role in advocacy, service, and support with Starfire U.”
Erica Hunter Field Instructor erica@starfirecouncil.org Qualifications: Erica is a 2008 graduate from the University of Cincinnati. Her experience and passion lie within the special education and psychology realm. Erica also has experience being a camp counselor at summer day camps for individuals with disabilities. Erica now has a year under her belt and is in preparation for Year 2 Members to join the fun! “It is hard to believe that our program has been underway for a year already. I have thoroughly enjoyed being out in the community with our members and going on new journeys together. It is so wonderful to witness the maturity and growth of each person as the months have passed. I know I have grown and learned so much from the Members, as well. Starfire U is all about building confidence and changing lives and that is exactly what we are doing.”
Candice Jones Community Coordinator candice@starfirecouncil.org Qualifications: Candice is a 2007 graduate of Xavier University and a 2009 graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a Masters degree in Educational Studies focusing on social learning in the lives of individuals with disabilities. As a lifetime Cincinnatian, Candice loves collaborating with community partners to create and offer inclusive learning for Starfire U. Candice enjoys finding the unique and educational resources that Cincinnati’s diverse neighborhoods have to offer. She is proud to have been a part of the first year of Starfire U, and looks forward to helping it continue to grow in the future. Her interests include connecting people, all things Cincinnati, reading, her two dogs, service learning, and community.
Bridget Vogt Bridget@starfirecouncil.org Bridget Vogt has worked at Starfire for almost ten years. In that time, she has worked with the evening and weekend programs, created the CITY program, and developed and coordinated the Out & About day program. She now spends time working with Starfire U and the Out & About program. Bridget majored in Special education at Xavier University. She lives in Kentucky with her husband and two sons. “I love working with Starfire U to see the progress the members make creating relationships and celebrating their accomplishments. I feel so fortunate to be a part of their lives.”
Jon Gray Seminar Instructor Jon Gray graduated from Ball State University in 2006 with a degree in English for Secondary Education. He moved to Ohio two years ago and got his start working with individuals with disabilities at that time. He is proud to be a part of the incoming class at Starfire U, and looks forward to seeing the program develop further. Jon’s interests include reading and writing non-fiction, and hiking with his wife and two daschunds. “Starfire U provides many wonderful opportunities for young adults with disabilities to create new experiences and relationships in the community. I’m excited to be a part of the program and be able to watch it grow.”
Meghan Snyder Program Assistant Meghan Snyder recently graduated from Xavier University with a degree in Social Work, and minors in Peace Studies and Gender and Diversity Studies. She is passionate about service combined with education about diversity, community engagement, social justice and reflection. Meghan has been working with Starfire for a year now as a Xavier Intern with Out and About, and as an Evening and Weekend Program outing leader. “Starfire U is a lively and engaging community, that I am proud to now be a part of! I love accompanying the Starfire U community into other communities within Cincinnati.”
Anne Finnerty Program Assistant Anne Finnerty earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2008 from Xavier University. She has a variety of past experiences in the mental health field and health care settings. Her favorite thing about Starfire U is, of course, the members! Her interests include any situation related to learning or partaking in service, social justice, traveling, diversity, public policy and social work. “My goal as a first year staff is to create fun, laughter, and great learning experiences.”

Danyetta Najoli Field Instructor Danyetta joined Starfire in June of 2010 as a Field Instructor for Starfire U. She graduated from Fisk University with a degree in Business Administration and earned her Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Regent University. She is an AmeriCorps Alum. Danyetta began working with people with intellectual disabilities in 2000 and worked in a variety of positions. Her interests include community service, life skills coaching, and continuous learning. "The culture at Starfire is like none other I have experienced in the field. As a new staff, I'm looking forward to learning the Starfire Way and making impactful contributions. I feel fortunate getting to know the members and helping to create fun and rewarding experiences in the community. The members have the opportunity to learn and practice skills that will help them for the rest of their lives. I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of their journey."
Brandy Lockard Program Assistant Brandy Lockard is a graduate from Thomas More College with Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2007, and earned a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Kentucky in 2009. She has had work experience in mental health field as well as traveled overseas to Jamaica to participate in service learning projects. Brandy is passionate about community involvement and social inclusion for everyone. “Starfire U is a unique program that I am proud to be a part of. I have enjoyed every day that I have spent there and look forward to the growth and development of the program.“
Leah Addison AmeriCorp Volunteer Leah began as an intern through the University of Cincinnati in July 2010. She graduated from UC in 2011 with a Bachelor's degree in Electronic Media and Business minor, and from there decided to dedicate a year of her life to service through the AmeriCorp program. Leah is happy to stay with Starfire on this year's Senior team to incorporate her skills in media for the development of Senior Capstones. "I am extremely excited to be with such a dedicated and passionate organization that strives for such positivity through the community. I am hoping to help set the bar high for this first senior class, and look forward to guiding the members through their inspiring Capstones."