Teacher's Passion Facilitates Continued Learning

Former teacher Shani Feyen recently found a new way to convey her love for education:  working with college students who have disabilities.  Introduced to students with conditions ranging from Crohn's disease, to cancer, or epilepsy, the new Chronic Health Disability Specialist must then understand the challenges each of them are facing.  With compassion, she interacts with students affected by conditions of a neurological, digestive, or immunological nature, encouraging them how to think proactively about their disability's affect on their educational capacity and lifestyle. 

Having displayed exceptional talent and character as an intern, she was appointed as the interim specialist in December, until a national search containing competitive interviews and a presentation about how candidates sought to impact and promote chronic health disabilities ended in her full time appointment in March.  "I am delighted with Shani's arrival at the RCPD.  Her preparedness with degrees in secondary and post-secondary education provide an excellent foundation that is strengthened by a positive ability-based demeanor.  Her first weeks on the job are indeed validating our belief that she has what it takes to advance RCPD leadership in maximizing ability and opportunity," said Director Michael Hudson.

After receiving a Bachelors degree in Education from Calvin College, this enthusiastic Grand Rapids native knew she wanted to pursue a Masters' degree in an additional education-related subject.  Having always envisioned herself working in an office similar to the Student Academic Services Center at her college, she began making phone calls to other offices in universities around the state asking which type of a graduate degree they recommended.  Looking to locate something that would allow her to "engage my enthusiasm for college students and education," she chose the Higher Adult and Lifelong Education program at Michigan State University, which she completed in December.  Her internship at the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities first made Shani "aware of the empowering resource that the RCPD is for MSU students," and eventually compelled her to remain with the center to contribute to the impact she admired.

Professing a strong love for anything outdoors, Shani also enjoys sports, especially ultimate Frisbee, kayaking, hiking, and playing with Sophie, her retriever.  Her cheerful demeanor and enthusiasm to meaningfully assist students are strong assets that will make her an invaluable resource for the office.

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