WSU ROAR 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.

Ellen Kellie

Program and Outreach Coordinator

As a proud Coug and Eastern Washington native, Ellen is proud of the work being done by the WSU ROAR team. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Comparative Ethnic Studies from Washington State University and has over a decade of experience in education, having taught in Arizona and the Pullman School District before joining WSU ROAR.

Ellen joined WSU ROAR as the Employment Services Coordinator and now serves as the Program and Outreach Coordinator. She is passionate about inclusive postsecondary education and helping students with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve their goals while building confidence, independence, and a strong sense of belonging.

Outside of work, Ellen enjoys traveling, tackling DIY projects, and spending time with her husband Kevin, their three dogs, and with friends and family.

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. 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

Haleigh Kauffmann serves as the Independent Living Coordinator for Washington State University ROAR program. She is passionate about creating an environment where students feel supported, empowered, and encouraged to reach their own goals.

Before joining ROAR, Haleigh worked with the WSU Dean of Students Office, supporting students through a variety of personal, academic, and life challenges. Her previous experience also includes working in educational and behavioral health settings, where she provided individual counseling, developed behavioral support plans, coordinated services, and advocated for youth and young adults. Across each of these roles, she has found that building genuine relationships and meeting people where they are is at the heart of meaningful support.

Haleigh holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Winthrop University. Originally from Greenville, South Carolina, she now calls Washington home. Outside of work, Haleigh enjoys reading, traveling, discovering new restaurants, spending time with the people she loves, and finding any excuse to get to the beach.

Stacey Rice

Employment Services Coordinator

Bio goes here!

Jessie George

Transition Coordinator

Jessie George is the new Transition Coordinator for the WSU ROAR program. Jessie is a Washington State native who is returning to the state for the 3^rd time, and retuning to WSU for her 2^nd time! Jessie holds a BA in Dramatic Theatre, Literature, and Film and an MS in College Student Development and Counseling. Prior to the Transition Coordinator role Jessie served as the Case Manager at Vassar College, and as a Residential Education Director here at WSU. As the Transition Coordinator, Jessie will be taking her passion for student support, inclusivity, and vital resource connection to help our students thrive throughout the ROAR program as well as in life beyond college.  

Outside of work you can find Jessie reading, performing in community theatre, singing, traveling, playing games, and spending time with her partner, friends, and adorable dog Mya! 

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.