Nearly 1 in 5 Americans have a disability, making people with disabilities the largest minority group.  The Health and Disabilities department offers a variety of programs that engage individuals with disabilities of all ages in the greater Santa Clara community.

Programs

Kennedy Sundberg

Department Coordinator | ksundberg
Hi, my name is Kennedy and I'm originally from Eugene, Oregon. I'm a senior studying Biology and English. I love yoga, surfing, kombucha, hiking, and the oxford comma! I'm passionate about the H&D programs and excited for the department this year! ​

Jocelyn Chi

Chandler Tripp Coordinator | jchi@scu.edu
I am sophomore studying psychology and marketing and minoring in public health. I am passionate about disability and mental health advocacy so I am very excited to be this year's program coordinator for Chandler Trip. My favorite activities include hiking, watching Netflix, and food adventures!

Abby Alvarez

Best Buddies Coordinator | aialvarez@scu.edu
Hi, I'm a Political Science and Spanish double major with a passion for social justice. In addition to being a SCCAP program coordinator, Abigail is a class senator, a member of Advocacy for Workers on Campus (AWC), and she serves as the president of a statewide nonprofit that promotes education policy reform. In the past, she has done advocacy in disability rights, labor rights, and immigration reform. 

Sammi Bennett

College of Adaptive Arts Coordinator | sbennett@scu.edu
​Hi! I’m Sammi, a senior environmental studies and psychology major. I love to dance, hike, sing, practice yoga, travel, and read! I’m passionate about the arts, livable city infrastructure, sustainable development, and increasing women’s agency in the developing world. ​

Sophia Sparagana

Senior Connection Coordinator | ssparagana@scu.edu
Hi! My name is Sophia Sparagana and I am a senior studying Public Health and Women's and Gender Studies. My end goal is to go into Women's Health. I am originally from Dallas, Texas so California is a big change for me but I am loving it!

Dennis O'Connell

Special Olympics Coordinator | doconnell@scu.edu
Hey! I'm a sophomore from Houston, Texas studying Math and Philosophy. I'm a huge nerd for fractals, Dungeons and Dragons, and problem solving. Volunteering with Chandler Tripp last year opened me up to such great experiences and I can't wait to continue that trend with Special Olympics. HMU with your favorite Julia Set or DnD reference!