Next Steps at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt University’s four-year inclusive higher education (IHE) program for students with intellectual disability, recently welcomed a new program director, Ariana Amaya, OTD, OTR/L, to the program after a dedicated nationwide search. Amid the change in leadership, Next Steps staff also bid farewell to eight graduating seniors on May 12 during Vanderbilt University’s commencement ceremony in Bridgestone Arena. This is the second year that Next Steps graduates fully participated in commencement alongside Vanderbilt undergraduates.
“Participation in the Vanderbilt undergraduate commencement ceremony again this year is another example of Vanderbilt’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and support of students with neurodiversity,” said Lauren Bethune-Dix, Ph.D., Next Steps assistant director and director of Academics. “Our graduates are beyond thrilled to be recognized, alongside their peers, for their dedication to their education here at Vanderbilt. I am immensely proud of our eight graduates and all that they have accomplished here at Vanderbilt and Next Steps.
“In the years ahead, I hope each graduate will continue to pursue their future goals and life with conviction, determination, and persistence, and most importantly, with happiness and joy.”
Keep reading to learn more about each of the graduates in the Next Steps Class of 2023.
Ariana Amaya, OTD, OTR/L
Next Steps welcomes Ariana Amaya as Program Director
With the departure of the Class of 2023 comes the welcome of Ariana Amaya, OTD, OTR/L, as the new program director of Next Steps at Vanderbilt. She joins the Next Steps program following the December 2022 retirement of founding program director Tammy Day, M.Ed.
“I’m thrilled to be leading the Next Steps team at Vanderbilt University as the next director,” Dr. Amaya said. “I am excited about the future of Next Steps as we continue to be a leader in the field of inclusive higher education and develop innovative and best practices for neurodiverse students.”
Dr. Amaya earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, Spanish, and public health from Muhlenberg College and her doctorate in occupational therapy from Belmont University. She comes to Vanderbilt from Gwynedd Mercy University in Pennsylvania, where she was director of the Integrated Studies Program, GMU’s IHE program for young adults with intellectual disability.
In 2022, Dr. Amaya was awarded the American Association of University Administrators (AAUA) Exemplary Higher Education Model Award on behalf of the Integrated Studies Program.
Her academic appointment will reside in Peabody College’s Department of Special Education.
“We are delighted about Ariana’s return to Tennessee. We had the opportunity to get to know her when she was still pursuing her graduate degree at Belmont University, and was very interested in the development of inclusive higher education in Tennessee,” said Elise McMillan, J.D., director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VKC UCEDD). “The VKC looks forward to working with her through the Tennessee Inclusive Higher Education Alliance.”
Learn more about the graduating Class of 2023:
Mac Al Awadi
Mac Al Awadi: Mac has been a part of Best Buddies and RUF during his four years in college. He has had the most fun hanging with friends on campus, participating in Vanderbilt courses, and watching football and basketball games. His favorite memory is having a great internship at the Governor’s Office.
Ali Augustyn
Ali Augustyn: Ali was a member of the Vandy Spirit Team, Tri Delt Sorority, Vanderbilt Student Government, VU Dance Marathon, Young Life, and RUF. Ali interned with the Vandy Police Department, Tennessee Behavioral Support Project, the HOD Capstone Office, and Deloitte. She aspires to have a career enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and showcasing her talents in technology, social media, and human resource management.
Connor Bosse
Connor Bosse: “One of my biggest highlights from going to Vanderbilt was getting my acceptance letter. I have wanted to go to Vanderbilt since I was a little kid, and getting in was so exciting and special. … I cannot believe I am graduating from Vanderbilt University. I am so thankful for all the friends I have made here, and I am very excited for the next phase of my life.”
Ben Ellis
Ben Ellis: Ben’s favorite college memory was going to a football game in 2021 with his friends Allyson, Rodrigo, and Tanav. Ben has learned so much, but he said the most important thing was learning how to make new friends. After graduation, Ben will be working at Long Hunter State Park. Ben interned there his junior year and is excited to go back and work part-time!
Tanav Kaza
Tanav Kaza: Tanav’s favorite college memories were the Homecoming tailgates, potlucks, and the fun days. He interned at Vanderbilt Divinity School, St. Luke’s Community House, Transition Tennessee, TennCare, Data Science Institute, the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office, and Vanderbilt IT. After graduation, Tanav hopes to get a job in IT or administrative work.
Nathan O’Neal
Nathan O’Neal: Nathan has been a part of Special Olympics, the Self-Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) advisory board, and Best Buddies during his four years in college. He has had the most fun hanging out with friends, going to Vanderbilt basketball and football games, and Best Buddies prom. His favorite memory is participating in a Vanderbilt World War II course. Nathan is looking forward to living on his own in an apartment, meeting new people, and finding full-time employment with Home Depot.
Rachel Williams
Rachel Williams: Over the last four years, Rachel has been a part of Young Life, Special Olympics, and RUF! Her favorite part of Next Steps was the end-of-semester “Fun Days” where students get to celebrate completing another semester! Rachel is looking forward to moving onto her dream job working alongside children in a preschool setting!
Lydia Young
Lydia Young: Lydia has been a part of Young Life, Vanderbilt Spirit, VINES, and Vanderbilt Student Government. She has had the most fun being a part of inclusive classes, circle events with Ambassadores, and hanging out with friends. Her favorite memory is making the dance team and performing during football and soccer games. She is looking forward to staying involved as Vanderbilt alumni.
About Next Steps at Vanderbilt
Housed in Peabody College of education and human development’s Department of Special Education, Next Steps at Vanderbilt provides students with intellectual disability an inclusive, transformational higher education experience that embodies the values of belonging, compassion, and excellence in all endeavors.
While in the program, students work with Next Steps at Vanderbilt staff to create a self-directed program of study that allows for a unique and customized path for achievement in academic areas, independent living skills, career development and university life. Students also have the opportunity to participate in up to two Vanderbilt courses per semester in subjects such as anthropology, oceanography, astronomy, criminology, music and songwriting, history of art, government and politics, leadership, theater, and more. Additionally, students can participate in individualized on-campus internships during their first two years, and off-campus paid internships in their field of interest during their last two years.
For more information, visit the Next Steps at Vanderbilt webpage.
Pictured top of page: Next Steps graduates at the 2023 commencement ceremony. Photo courtesy Vanderbilt University.
