ARC Director Finalist Forums
February 12, 2025 - Dorene DiNaro
After a competitive nationwide search, the Division of Student Affairs is pleased to announce finalists for the position of director of the Accessibility Resource Center. Each candidate will host forums open to students and the public to provide information about their experience and engage in open dialogue about why they are interested in the position.
Jessica Machado
Senior Accessibility Associate, Disability Support Services, The George Washington University
Tuesday, February 18
Time 10:45-11:45 a.m.
SUB Fiesta A&B
Jessica Machado, MA, CAGS, NCSP, ADAC serves as senior accessibility associate in the Disability Support Services office within the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement at the George Washington University. Jessica has over ten years of experience in higher education disability access. Prior to joining GWU, Jessica worked as the director of the Office of Disability Resources at the University of Mary Washington and assistant director of Disability Services and director of the Mason Autism Support Initiative at George Mason University. Jessica worked as a school psychologist in the K-12 school system prior to working in higher education. Jessica has completed certification requirements for ADA coordinator certification through the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program and ATIXA. Jessica is nationally certified as a school psychologist through the National Association of School Psychologists. She has completed her MA in Psychology and certification of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Psychology from George Mason University.
G.L. Estes Wallace
Director, Seraphim Accessibility, LLC
Friday, February 21
10:45-11:45 a.m.
SUB Fiesta A&B
G.L. Estes Wallace, PhD (he/him) is a trained medical anthropologist with an applied research focus on global disability and accessibility. He has taught and created courses and programs related to disability policy and law. Beginning in 2016, he served as the inaugural director of the Office of Accessible Education at Williams College. He was also the 504 officer for the campus. In these roles, he managed both professional and student staff, budgets, as well as a range of policy issues for the College and affiliate institutions and programs such as the Williams College Museum and the Williams-Exeter program in Oxford, England. Dr. Estes Wallace has also served on the Human Rights Committee for the Department of Developmental Services in Massachusetts, advocating for the rights of individuals with cognitive disabilities. Since leaving the role of director of Accessible Education and 504 officer in late 2023, Dr. Estes Wallace has returned to teaching and has worked as a consultant on access-related matters. Dr. Estes Wallace also began a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2024 focusing on aging and support for seniors.
Margaret Rose McDonnell
Director, Center for Accessibility Resources, Saint Xavier University
Tuesday, Feb. 25
10:45-11:45 a.m.
SUB Fiesta A&B
Margaret Rose McDonnell is the director of the Center for Accessibility Resources office at Saint Xavier University. She oversees an extraordinarily successful learning assistance program that is dedicated to a variety of academic support services and opportunities to enhance student learning and success at each stage of his or her university experience. One of her primary skills is to serve as the campus resource on issues related to the education, instruction, and academic accommodations for students with disabilities. Ms. McDonnell has extensive experience with disability as diversity, with an in-depth knowledge of disability rights and policies as set forth by state and federal regulations in Special Education, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
This critical leadership role will focus on ensuring that students with disabilities receive the accommodations and support services necessary for their academic, cultural, and social success. The director will oversee the development and delivery of a range of services that promote an inclusive and accessible campus environment for all students. The director will also be responsible for compliance with federal and state disability laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, while ensuring alignment with University of New Mexico policies.
