Jonathan Lidgus, M. Ed. - Director
lidgusj@umsl.edu
(314) 516-5537
Jonathan has been a member of the University of Missouri - St. Louis community since 2002. He began his career at UMSL as a graduate student in the Office of Student Life and was brought on full time in 2005. Two years later, he joined the Office of Residential Life where he became its Director. From there, Jonathan worked at UMSL Succeed for five years until he was promoted to Program Director in August 2017. He holds a M. Ed. in Counseling and is working toward a doctorate in Education. His academic research interests are in the area of intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) in higher education. Jonathan's role is instrumental in the planning and establishment of the Succeed Program at UMSL and its subsequent transition to the Office of Inclusive Postsecondary Education.
Andrew Johnson Kliethermes, Ed. D. - Assistant Director
johnsonandrew@umsl.edu(314) 516-5901
Andrew Johnson Kliethermes has over 15 years of experience in business management, employee training, as well as working with individuals with disability and their families. Before joining the UMSL Succeed Program, he served as Employment Advisor with St. Louis Arc, where he collaborated with the leading team, Special School District, Vocational Rehabilitation, and SSM St Mary’s Health Center. Andrew is credited with facilitating and completing Year 2 of a pilot Vocational Skills Employment Training Program or V-SET at St. Louis Arc. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Lindenwood University, a Master's Degree in Higher Education and Adult Learning from The University of Missouri - St. Louis, and is currently a doctoral student at the UMSL College of Education.
Katelend Davis, M. Ed. - Transition Coordinator
Katelend.Davis@umsystem.edu
(314) 516-5915
Katelend graduated from the University of Missouri–St. Louis in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Studies and a minor in Education. Her career at UMSL Succeed began with an internship wherein she accumulated over 600 work hours. Katelend’s role at the OIPE involves facilitating all transition events and activities, including coordinating the Succeed Summer Enrichment Camp. In spring 2024, Katelend received her Master’s Degree in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Glee Schmitt - Learn Pillar Academic Support Coordinator
Maya Harris - Work Pillar Vocational Coordinator
Maya Harris’ mission is to be the change she wants to see in today’s society. A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Maya has 16 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. She was a team member of the Succeed Program’s Work Pillar from 2016 - 2020, before setting up her private practice, MJ’s Coaching Corner, LLC. Maintaining ties with the OIPE, Maya was invited to be an adjunct professor to our first- and second-year Succeed Program students. Then in December 2024, she accepted the position of OIPE Vocational Coordinator. Maya is excited for her return to the OIPE team and her role in our students’ vocational experiences.
Bob Summers - Work Pillar Student Support Specialist II
bobsummers@umsl.edu
(314) 516-5922
Madeline Siener - Play Pillar Coordinator of Campus Inclusion
m.siener@umsl.edu
(314) 516-5925
Madeline graduated from Saint Louis University in 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education with emphasis in Special Education. Prior to joining UMSL Succeed in 2021, she worked for the Special School District in the Kirkwood School District. As the coordinator of the OIPE Play Pillar, Madeline works with multiple partners on- and off-campus to promote student engagement. She also co-directs the UMSL Social Peers Program, a university-wide student group that aims to promote an inclusive campus community for students of all abilities.
Aina Ferris - Senior Communications Coordinator
ainaferris@umsl.edu
(314) 516-5918
Over 20 years of combined experience as a writer, designer, and creative director for consumer advertising, B2B and direct marketing, and digital media production is essential to Aina's role at the OIPE. She produces all internal and external communications, including graphic design, photo/videography, and social media marketing. Aina also manages the OIPE website, coordinates recruitment events, and represents the team at transition fairs for the neurodiverse.
Mary Harden - Adjunct Instructor and MIPSA Coordinator
m.harden@umsystem.edu
(314) 516-5901
Heather Cowan - Counseling and Family Support Coordinator
hcowan@umsystem.edu
(314) 516-5901
Office of Inclusive Postsecondary Education TPSID Team:
April Regester, Ph. D.
Chair and Associate Professor
regestera@umsl.edu
(314) 516-5917
Magen Rooney-Kron, Ph. D.
Assistant Professor
rooneyma@umsl.edu
(314) 516-4580
Lindsay Athamanah, Ph. D.
Assistant Professor
athamanahl@umsl.edu
(314) 516-5863
Wen Zeng, Ph. D.
Senior Program/Project Support Coordinator
wzeng@umsl.edu
(314) 516-5863
