We’re excited to introduce you to the adults who will be leading our ASD teen travel and college prep program this summer. For starters, the Beyond Akeela travel Director is Nicholas Korn:
I am so excited to experience all the adventures and growth that ASD Teens will have this summer. A little bit about myself… I am currently an Inclusion Specialist at a middle school in Tucson, Arizona. I have been teaching for over four years now, and have worked in special education for almost ten years. In May of 2015, I received my Masters degree in Special Education with an emphasis in severe and multiple disabilities. I love what I do, and can’t wait to take this next step in my life.
Along with the young adults and advisors in Beyond Akeela, I will be experiencing new things and facing new challenges during this summer. I am so thrilled to be leading this trip this summer, and am counting the days until we get started.
Working with Nick will be three or four additional staff members. Here are a few words from some of them:
Chelsea Chapman –
I grew up in Springfield, Ohio with my mom, dad, and two younger siblings. As of May 2016 I will have completed a Bachelors of Science degree from Ohio University in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Last summer I completed a three month internship in Quito, Ecuador working with the United to Benefit Ecuadorian Children Foundation. The goal of this program was to get children enrolled in school and provide academic assistance to children in rural, under-served communities. In my free time I like taking long walks with my beloved Pomeranian puppy, Tuck, and reading books on the hammock in my backyard.
I am beyond excited to begin my first year with Beyond Akeela and look forward to meeting you all very soon!
Favorite Book: Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Place I’d Like to Visit: Spain
Mick Sibley –
I live in Columbus, Ohio where I’m finishing my final undergraduate semester studying psychology at The Ohio State University. I’m also currently in the process of applying to graduate programs in school counseling and developmental psychology. When not in class, I work at the Ohio State Child Care Center as a student aide in an inclusive environment with children from infancy through preschool. I recently spent a semester doing an internship in various Columbus public and private schools where I had the opportunity to work with a very diverse population of students. These experiences led me to pursue a position with Beyond Akeela. I’m excited to work with this wonderful group of people!
Prior to my college years, I spent six years working in the United States Air Force as an aircraft electrician and was stationed in Texas, Delaware, South Carolina, Georgia and Okinawa, Japan. In my spare time I enjoy cycling, hiking, traveling, learning photography, reading and spending time with my friends, family and dog, Daisy.
Favorite Book: The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan
Place I’d Like To Visit: Scotland
Jody Johnson –
I live in California and am currently working as a school nurse at Plumas Unified School District in Northern California. This has been my career for the past 25 years, and I worked with all ages from preschool to college students, along with special needs populations. Working at schools is great, as it also allows me to be a camp nurse during my summers! I’ve been a camp nurse for 12 years, three of which were with Camp Akeela!
I’m married to my wonderful husband, Elliott, and we have two adult children together. We enjoy hiking with our dog, Tilly, in the back country, biking, cross-country skiing, traveling, reading, quilting, and hanging with our four cats in front of the fireplace on a rainy day, including Baloo (a Camp Akeela alumni!).
Favorite Book: All the Light We Can Not See by Anthony Doerr
Place I’d Like to Visit: Croatia
