Program Staff

Shelley Woodward, Founding Executive Director

Shelley Woodward, a proud Georgia Southern Double Eagle, is an instructor in the Department of Teaching and Learning in the College of Education at Georgia Southern University. Her background includes working with students in special education and general education settings, teacher education preparation, reading education, and inclusive post-secondary education. She has been working with inclusive post-secondary education since 2013.

 Karen Phipps, Program Director

Karen was involved on the planning team of this grant and was then hired as the Program Director.  She brings 28 years of teaching in the area of special education and has taught preschool through high school.  She was an adjunct instructor in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Georgia Southern University during the 2016-17 academic year.  Karen completed her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Duquesne University and added onto her degree educational leadership at Georgia Southern University.  Karen is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with students in an Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Program as she has been frustrated with the lack of options for our students in the past.  Karen wants to see our EAGLES soar into independence and careers in their area of interest.

Emily Lewis, Student Assistant

Emily is the Graduate Assistant for EAGLE Academy.  She is currently studying in the master’s of special education program at Georgia Southern University.  She previously graduated with her degree in special education from GS in the spring 2017.  She has also been a summer camp leader for individuals with disabilities ages 14-22 since 2010.

Emily will work directly with students in supporting them in academics, social skills, and daily living skills.  She will assist in person centered planning, job coaching, and social activities.