Staff Directory
Clark Howell Hall
825 South Lumpkin Street
Athens, GA 30602
706-542-8719 | drc@uga.edu
Biographical Info
As the Director of the Disability Resource Center, Erin leads the university’s commitment to educate and serve students with disabilities, ensuring equal educational opportunities as required by the ADA and other legislation. The Disability Resource Center works with students to determine appropriate academic accommodations and houses the Test Accommodations Office for onsite classroom testing and Alternative Media Services, which converts required printed material into accessible formats for students with reading disabilities.
Erin has two degrees from the University of Georgia, a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a Master of Public Administration and Policy. She spent most of her undergraduate years at UGA as a student disc jockey for the WUOG 90.5 radio station. Erin initially joined the staff of the Disability Resource Center in 2015 as a senior disability services coordinator and has served as director since 2018. Previously, she served more than nine years in Student Affairs at the University of North Georgia Oconee Campus, including seven years working directly with students with disabilities.
Biographical Info
Trisha Barefield joined the Disability Resource Center’s staff in 2012. Her first roles included alternative text production and facilitating accommodated tests. In January of 2020 she was named the Associate Director of University Testing Services and the Disability Resource Center. In this joint role, Trisha supervises University Testing Services’ operations and provides leadership for areas within the DRC.
Originally from Michigan, Trisha received a bachelor’s degree in English, history, and teacher certification from Central Michigan University in 2012. She completed her master’s degree through UGA’s McBee Institute of Higher Education and is currently pursuing her PhD through UGA’s Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development program within the Mary Frances Early College of Education. Her research interests include disability identity and inclusion in higher education, qualitative research methods, and the future of higher education.
Biographical Info
Carolyn Arnold joined the DRC’s staff as a Disability Services Coordinator in 2000 and has served as Assistant Director since 2018. Carolyn specializes in working with students diagnosed with ADHD, LD, psychological disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Before joining the DRC, Carolyn earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from UGA. She is also a Licensed Master Social Worker.
Biographical Info
Emmie Bennett joined the DRC staff as an Assistant Director in September 2021. Prior to joining the DRC, Emmie worked for UGA’s Office of Student Conduct and Department of Recreational Sports.
A two-time graduate of UGA, Emmie received her A.B.J. from the Grady College of Journalism and earned her M.A. from the School of Public and International Affairs. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in College Student Affairs Administration through UGA’s College of Education.
Biographical Info
Kevin Karneboge joined the DRC’s staff as a Sign Language Interpreter in 1994 and was later promoted to his current position of Assistant Director of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. Kevin supervises sign language interpreting and captioning for the classroom including instructional media. He interprets in secondary and post-secondary educational settings, and he often interprets in classrooms and at campus events. Kevin is recognized as a state-level interpreter and transliterator by the Georgia Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
Biographical Info
Tori Whitaker joined the DRC’s staff in 2014 as a Senior Proctor in the Accommodated Testing Office. After several promotions, she now serves as the Senior Accommodated Testing & Alternative Text Coordinator. In this role, Tori administers approved testing services for students with disabilities, communicates with faculty regarding testing, and supervises the Accommodated Testing Office’s student and clerical workers. She also oversees the Alternative Text unit, which produces print materials in alternative formats. Before joining the DRC’s staff, Tori earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Georgia in 2014.
Biographical Info
Christine Carpenter joined the DRC’s staff as an Alternative Text Production Assistant in 2013 and has also worked as a Captioning Assistant. In her current role of Alternative Text & Disability Services Coordinator, Christine works with students to determine appropriate accommodations and produces texts and graphics in alternative formats for students with print related disabilities. Before joining the DRC, Christine studied Theatre at the University of North Texas and American History at UGA.
Biographical Info
Rebecca Carter-Gunby joined the Disability Resource Center’s staff as a senior disability services coordinator in November 2022. She previously worked at the University of North Georgia as an academic advisor and then as the coordinator of Student Accessibility Services. Rebecca earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology with a certificate in Human Development and Disability from UGA in 2014. After beginning her career in higher education at UGA post-graduation, Rebecca moved across the pond to complete a Master of Arts in Disability Studies and Global Development at the University of Leeds in the UK.
Biographical Info
Teresa Edwards joined the DRC’s staff as an Accommodated Testing Specialist in 2004 and currently serves as the Temporary Impairment Coordinator where she manages the caseload of students dealing with temporary complications to ensure appropriate testing and classroom needs. Teresa is a champion for the Disability Resource Center and has served students and the department in many capacities. Highlights include chairing the DRC’s Annual Student & Faculty Recognition Reception in 2018 and 2019 where Teresa promoted fun and innovative means to engage the talents and skills of staff and students.
Biographical Info
Brad Erbesfield joined the DRC’s staff as an Education Program Specialist in 2015. He became a Coordinator Assistant in July 2016 and was promoted to Senior Coordinator in December 2016. Before joining the DRC, Brad earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Child & Family Development with a certificate in Personal and Organizational Leadership and a Master of Art degree in Nonprofit Organizations from the University of Georgia.
Biographical Info
Kate has worked with UGA’s DRC since June 2022. A native of Georgia, Kate worked in forest science research for several years, obtaining her bachelors degree in Water Resources in 2003, followed by a Masters degree in Forest Resources from UGA in 2007. Kate returned to school to obtain a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2012 and has worked directly with people with disabilities since that time. As Intake Coordinator, Kate helps manage student application processing and documentation using University of System of Georgia Documentation guidelines; Kate also maintains a caseload focusing on Deaf/Hard of Hearing students and students with psychiatric disabilities.
Biographical Info
Amanda Hales joined the DRC’s staff as an Administrative Assistant in 2008. She was promoted to a Coordinator in 2014. Currently, Amanda manages a caseload of students and serves as the DRC Scholarship Liaison. As the DRC Scholarship Liaison, Amanda helps plan the annual scholarship reception, disseminates information about DRC scholarships, and assists students with applying for the DRC’s scholarships.
Biographical Info
Kayla Heider joined the Disability Resource Center’s staff as a senior disability services coordinator in November 2022. Previously, she served more than eight years at the University of North Georgia Oconee Campus as the Test Facilitator for Student Accessibility Services. Kayla earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Kennesaw State University in 2021. Kayla is currently working on a MEd in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development) at UGA, her cohort is set to graduate Summer of 2024.
Biographical Info
Sarah Kesler joined the Disability Resource Center’s staff as an Administrative Associate in 2008. Currently, she serves as the Senior Administrative Manager for the DRC and University Testing Services. In this role, she manages budgets and human resources processes within the DRC and UTS and functions as a member of the leadership team, providing logistical support to both departments. Before joining the DRC, Sarah earned an Associate’s degree in Accounting from Athens Technical College and worked in UGA’s Accounts Payable Department.
Biographical Info
Austin Kovarik joined the DRC’s staff as a Support Technician for the Assistive Technology Lab in 2008. He quickly transitioned to an IT Leadership position in University Testing Services. Austin then rejoined the DRC as Information Technology Manager in 2011. In his current position, Austin oversees all technology in the DRC including network connectivity, data security, staff workstations, student loaner equipment, and IT staff. He has in-depth experience with information systems. Prior to his career at UGA, Austin worked for Turner Broadcasting in Atlanta, one of the largest media companies in the world.
Biographical Info
Jimmy Lim joined the DRC’s staff in February 2016 as a Student Proctor and currently works in Accommodated Testing as a Senior Test Administration Specialist. Jimmy supports students registered with the DRC by providing testing accommodations and proctoring exams. He also works closely with faculty and staff and supervises student workers in the Accommodated Testing Office. Jimmy graduated from the University of Georgia, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in English while also minoring in Film Studies.
Biographical Info
Tammie Martin joined the DRC’s staff as a Front Desk Assistant in 2014. Tammie now serves as Front Desk Specialist which is the DRC’s initial point of contact. She communicates with students, parents, professors, and members of the community via telephone and in person whenever they contact the DRC. She also assists the DRC’s staff with maintaining student records. Before joining the DRC, Tammie worked in UGA’s Office of Student Financial Aid. Prior to her career at UGA, Tammie worked 10 years for the Clarke County School District.
