Meet our Team!
Welcome to the Office of Nondiscrimination and Access (ONA) and the Office of Student Disability Services (OSDS)! We’re committed to creating a welcoming, and accessible environment for all. Meet the dedicated professionals who work on our team!
OFFICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION AND ACCESS (ONA)
Laura Boedeker, Director of ONA
Laura (she/her/hers) brings 18+ years of experience in ensuring equitable access students with disabilities in education and compliance with federal and state anti-discrimination laws. She most recently worked for the Illinois State Board of Education as a special education attorney, the appointed monitor over Chicago Public Schools, and Ethics Officer. Prior to working in education, Laura practiced criminal law in Cook County, Illinois and Washington, D.C., and she studied clinical psychology in her graduate and undergraduate years. As ONA Director, Laura is always open to collaborative conversations and partnerships to improve the learning environment for all students accordingly to their unique strengths, needs, and experiences.
In her free time, Laura volunteers with Tiny Hooves Animal Sanctuary, which provides sanctuary to over 300 farmed animals, and with Chicago’s Catcade, an arcade-style cat adoption lounge and rescue group. Additionally, Laura will always find time to discuss music or sports with willing participants.
Janely Torres, Investigator, Title VI and Title IX
Janely (she/her/hers) joined Covista with more than fifteen years of professional experience in employee relations, workplace investigations, Title IX compliance, and Student Affairs within Higher Education. Janely is enthusiastic about education and helping others achieve their goals.
In her spare time, Janely enjoys being outdoors and visiting new cities
Taylor Haugen, Intake Coordinator
Taylor (she/her/hers) joined Covista with experience in civil rights compliance, investigations, and higher education administration. Most recently, she served as a Title IX Coordinator overseeing investigations involving Titles VI, VII, and IX, as well as other workplace matters. Prior to her work in higher education, Taylor worked in human resources overseeing non-medical caregivers and has a background that includes Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, reflecting her longstanding interest in healthcare and helping others.
Taylor is dedicated to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all students and proudly supports both ONA and OSDS!
Chrissy Blunden, Administrative Specialist
Chrissy (she/her/hers) has been with Covista since November 2022. Throughout her career she has had fifteen years of customer support experience and seven years of administrative experience. Chrissy has worked in the mental health field and educational fields, with the ultimate goal of helping those around her. Chrissy supports both the ONA and OSDS teams!
In her free time, Chrissy enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring Chicago!
OFFICE OF STUDENT DISABILITY SERVICES (OSDS)
Danyel Tutskey, Lead of OSDS
Danyel (she/her/hers) has been with Covista for over 15 years! She began in Student Services, transitioned to the OSDS in 2013, became a Senior Accommodation Coordinator in 2019, and has served as the OSDS Lead since 2023.
Danyel loves to read! Feel free to share your book recommendations with her!
Karen Turbeville, Accommodation Coordinator
Karen has worked at Covista since March 2023. She has worked in accommodations at the collegiate level for over 13 years at multiple universities. Karen has also worked as a special education teacher for 12 years.
In her free time, Karen enjoys reading, traveling, and baking!
Cleiby Cristerna, Web Accessibility Specialist
Cleiby is a Web Accessibility Specialist with a background in programming and web technologies. He has a bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems and a Masters in Information Systems Management with a concentration in Information Security.
As a fun fact, Cleiby loves soccer!
