A New Chapter of Career Services at Starkloff

We are thrilled to welcome Natasha Baebler as the Starkloff Disability Institute’s new Associate Director of Career Services—a role that brings together her professional expertise, lived experience, and deep commitment to disability equity.

Natasha joins us at an exciting moment as the Starkloff Career Academy continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s workforce. As our flagship career advancement program, the Career Academy is designed to support lifelong career success—not just a paycheck. Through our online classroom, adults with disabilities build the skills, confidence, and self-advocacy experience needed to thrive in work and in life. Natasha is excited to help shape the Academy’s next chapter, including the debut of a new format that reflects the realities and opportunities of today’s employment landscape.

In stepping into this role, Natasha also carries forward the legacy of Susan Menhard, MSW, the visionary behind the Career Academy. Susan’s impact continues to guide our work, and Natasha will shape this new era with the same clear sense of purpose.

Natasha brings more than a decade of experience in career development, accessibility, and disability inclusion. Most recently, she served at Fontbonne University, where her role fulfilled a career goal she set for herself at just 19 years old. During her time there, she led efforts in career services, disability support, and inclusive program design (and, as she notes, gained more experience than she ever expected in navigating the closure of a university). Through it all, she remained focused on supporting students and ensuring continuity of care during times of change.

What makes Natasha’s perspective especially powerful is how she integrates professional training with lived experience. As a legally blind professional and Seeing Eye Dog Handler, she understands firsthand the barriers that can exist and the creativity and resilience required to navigate them. Her work has consistently centered on helping others build confidence, explore career pathways, and advocate for themselves in meaningful ways.

Outside of her career services work, Natasha previously earned her E-RYT 500 yoga instructor credential and founded an adaptive yoga practice grounded in universal design (now wound up, as Natasha’s professional focus shifted). Her approach to yoga, as everything else, emphasizes meeting people where they are, removing barriers, and creating inclusive spaces, values that align seamlessly with Starkloff’s mission.

What excites Natasha most about joining Starkloff?
“Absolutely the opportunity to use my skills in a new way.”

We couldn’t be more excited to see how her leadership, insight, and passion will shape the future of the Starkloff Career Academy and expand opportunities for the community we serve. Please join us in giving Natasha a warm welcome!

Stay tuned: We are excited to roll out the next chapter of our innovative, disability-led career programs that helps disabled people thrive!

If you would like, send Natasha a note to welcome her to the Starkloff family!