Growing to Meet the Moment: Expanding Our Team to Deepen Impact

With the addition of three new team members: Casey Gagliardi, Anna Corbitt, and Jenna Schwartz; we are strengthening both our employer education efforts and our direct career services for disabled adults and college students.

This growth reflects more than just an increase in programming. It signals a deepening of our impact across the communities we serve, from employers seeking to build inclusive workplaces to individuals navigating their career paths.

Casey Gagliardi joined the team in September 2025 as a Disability Inclusion Consultant, bringing a strong background in advocacy and higher education. Anna Corbitt came on board to work with Casey in the same role in April 2026, adding two decades of experience in disability awareness and inclusive engagement. Together, they are helping meet the rising demand for employer education programs that move organizations from intention to action.

Katie Fields, Disability Inclusion Manager and Interim Director of Programs, has already seen the difference their work is making. “These amazing new teammates have strengthened our capacity, allowing us to grow our impact,” she shared. “The unique perspectives they bring are already invigorating our programs, sparking new ideas, and helping us reimagine how we support candidates and engage with employers.”

For Casey, the decision to join Starkloff was rooted in the opportunity to collaborate within a disability-led organization. “I was drawn to the opportunity to work alongside a disability-led team,” she said. “The disabled community is full of innovative and creative people, and I knew that this would be an invaluable chance to find new ways to embed inclusion into everyday experiences.”

Anna echoed that sentiment, highlighting the importance of lived experience in driving meaningful change. “I chose Starkloff Disability Institute because of its strong commitment to centering lived experience in corporate spaces,” she said. She is also excited to grow in new ways professionally. “I’m looking forward to expanding my engagement skillsets while continuing to leverage the relationship-building and communication strengths that have shaped my career.”

On the career services side, Jenna Schwartz joined in April 2026 as Career Services Coordinator, where she will help lead programming that supports disabled individuals in launching and advancing their careers. Her work includes one-on-one advising, workshops, and strengthening connections with employer partners, with the support of Associate Director of Career Services, Natasha Baebler.

Jenna brings both professional expertise and personal insight to the role. “I’ve always wanted to spend my time in a way that gave back to my community,” she said. “Sharing my experiences and what I have learned in the hopes that others can gain confidence in themselves is a huge motivation for me.” She is especially energized by the team itself. “The team at Starkloff is a living testament to the work they do and proves that it is possible to create inclusive and accessible workplaces where individuals can thrive.”