Melissa Beck, MSEd, CTRS has over 25 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. She has worked in nonprofit, government, for-profit and higher education. Melissa previously served as the Executive Director with Colorado Afterschool Partnership, facilitating statewide collaboration for equity in out of school time programs. Melissa is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, has her MS Ed in Therapeutic Recreation and her Bachelor’s in Psychology.

"Inclusion is more than a word, it’s a way of life."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Phillip Collazo, MSEd, CYT is no stranger to the world of teaching, having spent over ten years as a special educator and behavioral specialist – which has taught him the value of including children and adolescents, with and without disabilities. Phillip also has extensive experience teaching the arts and yoga, and strives to incorporate multi–sensory teaching strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of students with a wide range of abilities.

"Inclusion cultivates a world where we can learn to appreciate differences, instead of simply tolerating them."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Cheri DeAngelis, BSW, is a child and youth development specialist. Cheri has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She has spent the past 27 years providing professional development, mentoring and coaching services with and for ASES’s, ASSET’s, 21st CCLC, licensed fee-based, parks and recreation, CBO, religious, nonprofit organizations, out-of-school time and expanded learning programs, and preschools.

"Every child has a right to live, learn and have fun in an environment that provides opportunities for them to grow, make friends, discover and explore."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Greg Johnson, MS, earned an AA in Elementary Physical Education with an endorsement in Adaptive Education, BS in the Psychology of Human Development, and an MS in Sports Management and Administration. He taught special education for eight years and worked with children with disabilities for 15 years. He previously served as the Administrative Behavior Coordinator for a school district in Washington state and was the Supervisory Program Specialist for the middle school teen program at Joint Base Lewis McChord.

“Inclusion is the limitless acceptance and participation of everyone!”

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Alissa Marotto, MS, sets the research agenda at KIT, develops evaluation activities, and implements data systems. She has a BA in Psychology and an MS in Child and Family Development. She has facilitated research projects in university settings related to parent-child interactions, theory of mind, educator training, early intervention, and inclusion in school age programs. She also has direct experience as an early childhood educator, behavioral therapist, counselor, disabilities specialist, in-home therapy clinician, and data and planning director.

“Inclusion means planning for differences.”

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Nili Mathews, CTRS, is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with over 25 years of experience working with people with disabilities. She has a BA in Recreation and Leisure Studies with an emphasis in Therapy. Nili has worked in physical rehabilitation, mental health, residential camping and community recreation. Nili was the second hire at the pilot program at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, which later became Kids Included Together, she has remained dedicated to the KIT mission ever since.

"Inclusion, a group that accepts, respects, and celebrates all individuals for who they are."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Brooke Matthews, MA, has over 15 years of experience working in Child & Youth Programs for both the Navy and Air Force services. Her experiences range from working in the classroom as a direct care employee to overseeing all operations of a Youth Program as the Director. Additionally, she has also been an Endorser for the Council on Accreditation since 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Management and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education.

"Inclusion creates meaningful opportunities and experiences for ALL."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Laura Jenks, MS has over ten years of experience supporting people with disabilities in inclusive settings. She has a BS in Sociology and Special Education from the University of Oregon and an MS in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Laura has varied experience in case management, assisted living, and parks and recreation.

"Inclusion…Everyone, everything, everywhere... always."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Emily Kentro joined KIT as Support Center Manager in April of 2014. She has over 25 years of experience working with child care, residential, recreation, and educational youth programs in San Diego. Emily has been a KIT fan for a long time. She attended KIT training as a YMCA staff member and several years ago raised $1,000 to participate in a KIT fundraising event, Over the Edge.

"Inclusion is welcoming, embracing, and respecting others for who they are."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Audrey Vistro, MA Ed, MA SpEd is a credentialed special education teacher. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from San Diego State University. She has a Master’s Degree in Teaching and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Azusa Pacific University. Audrey has extensive experience working with children that have developmental delays, as well as parent training and case management.

"To me, inclusion is about accepting and appreciating others for who they are."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.

Heather Wojciuch, MA was driven to be an inclusion champion by her 15+ years of experience working in military child and youth programs and her desire to find ways to include children with challenging behaviors and disabilities in those environments. Yearning for some career-broadening, KIT become the right fit in 2017. Heather now serves as KIT’s Inclusion Support Center Manager and leads a team of specialists who coach and teach individuals who work in daycares, afterschool programs, and recreational activities.

"Inclusion is building a community where everyone can learn and grow."

Meet all of our KIT team here and find out why KIT is a leader in the field of disability inclusion training.