WSU ROAR Staff
Administrative Staff
Kristi Tippett
Director
Kristi was born and raised in Washington state and is exceptionally fond of WSU Pullman’s Cleveland Hall, home of WSU ROAR. Over the past 27 years, she has spent countless hours there: first as an undergraduate student earning a teaching degree; next as a graduate student seeking a master’s degree in educational psychology; and recently, teaching for the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences.
Kristi has enjoyed teaching and learning through a variety of roles within the K-12 environment, including assignments in inclusive classrooms, resource rooms, life skills centers, teacher professional development, and advocacy work. Before serving as ROAR director, she was teaching educational assessment courses for preservice teachers at WSU.
Casey Blamires
Academic Coordinator
Casey is an educator, academic advisor and developer with more than 20 years of experience in computer programming, game design, mathematics, and college teaching. Prior to joining WSU ROAR, he taught web development and computer science at the college level, where he supported students in building technical and creative skills for a rapidly evolving digital world. He holds a bachelor’s degree in web development with minors in computer science and Spanish, and a master’s degree in human resource development with an emphasis in technical education.
At WSU ROAR, Casey combines his passion for teaching with his commitment to inclusive education. He works closely with students, faculty, and staff to promote access, independence, and success for learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Outside of work, Casey enjoys reading, writing, cooking, drawing, making music, and gaming.
Haleigh Kauffmann
Independent Living Coordinator
Bio goes here!
Ellen Kellie
Employment Services Coordinator
Ellen Kellie serves as the Employment Coordinator for the WSU ROAR program. A proud Coug and Eastern Washington native, Ellen earned her bachelor’s degree in Comparative Ethnic Studies from Washington State University. Before joining WSU ROAR, she spent over ten years teaching in Arizona and with the Pullman School District, bringing her passion for education, inclusion, and student success to every role she takes on.
Ellen’s husband, Kevin, is the Head Coach of Women’s Golf at WSU. Outside of work, they enjoy traveling to sunny spots, doing DIY projects, and spending time with their three dogs – Hattie, Peach, and Birdie.
Faculty Mentors
Marcus Poppen, Ph.D.
Marcus Poppen’s research and scholarship is broadly focused on supporting career development and transition outcomes for youth and young adults with disabilities. His interests include understanding the unique paths of career development for youth and young adults with disabilities, including those involved in the juvenile justice system, foster care system, and/or living with mental health concerns; collaborative school-based transition programs that are designed to facilitate the coordination and delivery of pre-employment transition services; and, program evaluation and capacity building efforts that support data-based decision making.
Holly Whittenburg, Ph.D.
Dr. Whittenburg’s research focuses on improving employment outcomes for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Work is an important part of growing up for most young adults, but students with disabilities often face significant barriers to employment. In her work, Dr. Whittenburg examines interventions to teach employment-related skills, investigates approaches to creating more inclusive workspaces and career pathways, and examines how special education and vocational rehabilitation law and policies can be leveraged to improve the experiences of students with disabilities.
Lauren Bruno, Ph.D.
Dr. Lauren Bruno is affiliated faculty with WSU ROAR. She is currently a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas within the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities. Her research focuses on supporting educators in using evidence-based practices and creating inclusive learning environments. Dr. Bruno has expereince teaching high school students with significant support needs and supporting inclusive postsecondary education programs. These experiences inform her commitment to ensuring all students have meaningful transition opportunities and improved postschool outcomes.
Graduate Assistant
Malachi Chukwu
Malachi is a doctoral student pursuing a degree in Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education. His research focuses on inclusivity in the postsecondary learning environment, educational policy-cultural practices that foster a sense of belonging for minority and underrepresented students in educational settings, and educational policy-cultural practices that promote inclusion in the postsecondary learning environment. He is also fascinated by the connection between social knowledge and civic engagement. His McNair scholarship experience fueled his determination to advocate for inclusion and assist all students in their educational pursuits. He is thrilled to be a part of the ROAR program and to be able to mentor the students. Malachi enjoys traveling with his family, spending time with them, playing and watching soccer. Malachi teaches Digital Literacy in the ROAR program.
Assistive Living Advisors (ALAs)
Callie Gerber
Callie is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in psychology with the intention of going into the field of psychiatry. She aims to use a compassionate approach when helping someone by looking at all aspects of a challenge and works to identify effective support strategies. This is her second year working for WSU ROAR as an Assistive Living Advisor and is very excited to help ROAR students meet their goals. In her free time, she enjoys going to yoga, coloring, enjoying the outdoors, knitting, and trying new things.
Kirin Smith
Kirin is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Zoology with a focus in animal care. She hopes to use her degree to help bring more rehabilitated wildlife into Washington zoos. This is her third year working with the WSU ROAR program and she is thrilled for the opportunity to assist fellow students navigate life at WSU. When not studying in Pullman, she spends most of her time in her hometown of Tacoma, Washington.
Kam Rogers
I was born and raised in Washington state. I completed my two years in the WSU ROAR program and graduated in May of 2025. My role as an Assistive Living Advisor and a job coach is to help students live and be an advocate for them. I want to help students thrive and help them be successful. I’ve always wanted to students achieve their dreams and goals. Ny number one goal is to help our students feel comfortable, confident, and help them advicate for themselves. As a job coach, I will help them socialize and learn new skills so they can join a trusting work environment.
Ready to take the next step?
If you or someone you know is excited about joining the ROAR community, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more about the admissions process and start your application today!