Staff Directory
Vonnie Michali
Academic Program Director
yhale@kent.edu
Dr. Vonnie Michali, Ph.D. in Special Education, and MS in Rehabilitative Sciences with a concentration in substance abuse and minors in psychology and sociology, is the initial developer and current Academic Director of the Career & Community Studies Program (CCS) at Kent State University. Under Vonnie’s leadership and planning, the CCS program is fully integrated into all university systems with KSU students who are enrolled in the CCS program experiencing the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as expected for all KSU students. Vonnie has 25+ years of experience in program development, implementation, and assessment, and is committed to providing opportunities to and advocating for students with disability to better prepare them for transition into adult life. Her research interests and passions are in self-determination, and she has created trainings and workshops in order to teach the nine skills of self-determination and how to maximize self-determined behaviors in students with disabilities and educator/parent education.
Cindy Kenyon
Associate Professor
ckenyon@kent.edu
Dr. Cynthia L. Kenyon is an Associate Professor of Special Education at Kent State University. Her research focuses on teaching, supporting, and equipping students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) the literacy and skills of self-determination to improve adult outcomes. Cynthia received her PhD in Special Education with a focus on transition. She co-developed the Career and Community Studies (CCS) four-year non-degree college program and received university approval for the grant funded program to become tuition bearing in 2015. Dr. Kenyon trains pre-service teachers in teaching the skills of self-determination. She has worked with students in college-based transition programs since 2008. Additionally, Dr. Kenyon serves as board member for Portage Inc. and Universal Network Alliance where she holds the position of secretary.
Jennifer Miller
Associate Lecturer
jmill235@kent.edu
Jennifer Miller is an Associate Lecturer for the Career and Community Studies Program (CCS) at Kent State University. As a full-time career faculty, Jennifer provides career education, development, and guidance while actively mentoring young adults with disabilities. In addition to teaching, Jennifer is the career advisor for CCS. In this role, she provides vocational guidance and advising and develops job opportunities for students to work on and off campus. Jennifer is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Interprofessional Leadership with a concentration in Special Education at Kent State University. She earned a Master of Education from Kent State University in Special Education moderate to intensive with a transition-to-work concentration and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with minors in Ethics and Economics from Hiram College. Her research interests include self-determination, life design, and the use of technology in special education and career education.
Danielle Manring
Lecturer
destok@kent.edu
Danielle Manring is a lecturer for the Career and Community Studies Program (CCS) at Kent State University. Danielle teaches courses that support student understanding and skills in recreation, leisure, nutrition, healthy living, injury prevention, sexual health, social skills, and more. In addition to classroom learning, her classes collaborate with a multitude of Kent State departments such as Hospitality Management, Recreation & Wellness Center, Music Department, and the Information Technology Center. Danielle earned a Master of Education with Transition to Work concentration at Kent State University as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education with a focus on moderate to intensive needs.
Nicole Roknich
Student Life Coordinator
nroknich@kent.edu
Nicole Roknich is a part-time faculty member for the Career and Community Studies Program (CCS) at Kent State University. Nicole is committed to ensuring young adults with disabilities are given the opportunity to develop and improve upon their independent living, social, and self-determination skills both on and off campus. She motivates and supports students in achieving their independent living goals by connecting them with various resources. Nicole is pursuing a Master of Education in Special Education at Kent State University, having previously earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education with a focus on mild to intensive needs from Kent State University