С»ÆƬÊÓƵ

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 С»ÆƬÊÓƵ.  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 С»ÆƬÊÓƵ. 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 С»ÆƬÊÓƵ. 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 С»ÆƬÊÓƵ. She earned a Master of Education from С»ÆƬÊÓƵ 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 С»ÆƬÊÓƵ. 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 С»ÆƬÊÓƵ 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 С»ÆƬÊÓƵ as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education with a focus on moderate to intensive needs.

Tshebukani Ncube
Student Life Coordinator
tncube1@kent.edu

Tshebukani Ncube is a Student Life Coordinator and Adjunct Faculty in the Career and Community Studies Department at С»ÆƬÊÓƵ where she supports college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in transitioning to independent adult life. Tshebu works with the students on and off campus in developing and improving their independent living, social and self determination skills. She has also served С»ÆƬÊÓƵ in several student leadership and instructional roles, including Graduate Teaching Assistant; Graduate Research Assistant; First Star Academy Youth Navigator; International Student Orientation Leader and PEAK Summer Camp Counselor.  

Besides work experience, Tshebukani is a doctoral candidate in the Special Education Department at С»ÆƬÊÓƵ. She is deeply invested in advancing inclusive, equitable, and empowering educational practices for learners with disabilities. Her academic journey and professional experiences have shaped her strong commitment to fostering transformative teaching, meaningful research, and inclusive learning environments. Her career in education began in Zimbabwe, Southern Africa, where she worked as a general primary school teacher from 2005 to 2009 after earning a Diploma in Primary Education in 2004. Inspired to better support students with disabilities, she transitioned into special education in 2010 and earned a Diploma in Special Education (Intellectual Impairment) in 2011. Over the next decade, she worked as a special education teacher and continued her academic development, graduating with a Bachelor of Education in Special Education (Intellectual Impairment) from the University of Zimbabwe in 2014 and a Masters degree in Special Education (Visual Impairment) from Great Zimbabwe University in 2018.  

With over 20 years of teaching experience spanning inclusive classrooms, community-based programs, and higher education, she remains committed to the belief that education is a powerful force for transforming lives and communities. Through research, teaching, and advocacy, she strives to contribute to a more just and inclusive world where every learner can thrive.  

Tshebukani’s research focuses on the intersection of special education, assistive technology, and literacy development, with a particular emphasis on reading and vocabulary acquisition for students with learning disabilities. She is passionate about exploring innovative, technology-based instructional strategies that support individualized learning, improve academic outcomes, and bridge gaps in educational access for diverse learners.