Meet Our Team!

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.

Kendall Horneman, Investigator, Title VI and Title IX

With 10 years of Title IX experience, Kendall (she/her/hers) is committed to supporting students and colleagues in resolving complex issues with fairness and integrity, particularly those involving Title IX and discrimination concerns. She is passionate about this work and maintaining integrity in all we do. She encourages conversations and is available if any questions or concerns arise.

As a fun fact, Kendall has a minor in Geography and has visited over 20 countries!

Amber Callahan-Nellis, Case Management Coordinator

Prior to starting her role within the ONA, Amber (she/her/hers) previously served as an Operations Administrative Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at the Chamberlain

University North Brunswick campus. Amber has experience working with a wide variety of student populations and has served in roles, both in the clinical and academic setting, that have helped to support individuals in crisis as well as those suffering from physical and psychological disabilities.

When out of the office, Amber spends her free time enjoying nature, traveling, and immersing herself in the cultures and traditions of the places she visits. Most recently, Amber travelled to Nepal where she trekked to Mount Everest Base Camp and later headed over to Saint Lucia where she drove ATVs through the rainforest!

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!

In her free time, Chrissy enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring Chicago!

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!