Meet our Team

Eileen A. Klemm, Ph.D.

Dr. Klemm is the National Training Director for Check & Connect® at the Institute on Community Integration (ICI), where she leads a dedicated team in research, training, and innovative program development. With over 25 years of experience in education, Dr. Klemm brings a rich background that includes more than a decade as a Speech-Language Pathologist in public schools and as a Special Education Compliance Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education. Since joining ICI in 2012, Dr. Klemm has been instrumental in developing resources, training programs, coaching models, and professional development initiatives to expand implementation nationwide. Her leadership extends to serving as the principal investigator on two projects funded by the U.S. Department of Education:

• Circle Up: An Integrated Whole School Model to Address Learners’ Social-Emotional Learning Needs, which integrates Check & Connect® at the elementary level.
• Enhancing Secondary/Transition Outcomes Using Check & Connect® with the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction, a randomized control trial focused on improving outcomes for secondary learners with disabilities.

Dr. Klemm holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development with a focus on Evaluation Studies, along with a Master’s degree in Communication Disorders, both from the University of Minnesota.

James Houseworth, Ph.D.

Dr. Houseworth is an Evaluation Specialist for Check & Connect®, responsible for a range of activities to monitor the fidelity and effectiveness of the program. He received his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 2016. As a Research Associate at the Institute on Community Integration, he has worked with quantitative and qualitative methods to explore many important areas, mostly related to the quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. James began his career as a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools, which turned into a passion for understanding how people learn and how to improve that process. In his free time, he enjoys running, including marathons, and cooking for others.

Michelle Austin, M.A., Ed.S.

Michelle is the Business Development/Product Manager for Check & Connect®, where she leads key business and technology operations and provides strategic guidance for ongoing product development. With a deep passion for education, Michelle is committed to developing innovative solutions that enhance student success and improve educational outcomes. Michelle built a strong foundation in K-12 education through teaching elementary school, coordinating district-wide programs, and serving as a K-5 school administrator. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-6), a Master’s in Teaching and Learning, and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership. She also holds a K-12 Administrative License. Outside of her professional life, Michelle loves spending time with her husband, Ben, and their two sons, Adam and Ethan.

Ann Thompson, M.A.

Ann is the Business Development/Market Strategist for Check & Connect® at the Institute on Community Integration (ICI), University of Minnesota. Ms. Thompson works with Check & Connect® colleagues to collaborate on strategic planning, developing and executing marketing strategies and communication. She also provides business analysis and reporting to program leadership.

Melissa Critchley

Melissa is Check & Connect®'s Business Administrative Specialist. She brings two decades of work experience at the University of Minnesota to her role. Melissa is committed to the University of Minnesota and its mission; three of her four degrees were obtained from the U of M (BA in Art, BA in Art History, Interdisciplinary MA in Complementary and Alternative Therapies/Prevention Science). Her fourth degree, from Eastern Gateway Community College, is an AAB in Business Management, where she graduated summa cum laude. There are many facets to Melissa's position, including invoicing and customer support. Outside of Check & Connect®, Melissa spends time in her art studio creating jewelry and paintings.

Michael Gavilan Blaz

Michael is an experienced Check & Connect® User Support Specialist dedicated to providing exceptional customer support. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business & Marketing Education from the University of Minnesota and brings over 10 years of technical and customer support experience. Michael combines his passion for technology and helping others to foster meaningful connections with Check & Connect® customers, ensuring their needs are met. When not at work, he enjoys spending time in nature and traveling to new and exciting places with his wife.

Amy Kurowski-Moen

Amy is the Grants and Contract Specialist at the Institute on Community Integration (ICI) and is responsible for preparing and monitoring Check & Connect® contracts. Amy has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and over 20 years experience in administration and operations within ICI. She believes in the mission of Check & Connect® and is delighted to be a recent addition to the team. Outside of work, Amy enjoys music, camping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Jana Ferguson, M.Ed.

Jana is a dedicated Check & Connect® Program Manager responsible for overseeing training and special programs. She brings more than 10 years of experience as an educator and special education building leader, during which time she earned a Master's degree in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University. Since 2014, Jana has provided coaching, training, and professional development to sites implementing C&C across the U.S. and internationally. She remains passionate about developing high-quality professional learning and systems-level support to create sustainable C&C implementations, resulting in better student outcomes worldwide.

Sonya Eorio, M.A.

Sonya is a passionate Check & Connect®Program Manager responsible for overseeing training programs to certify local trainers and coaches. With a Master’s degree in School Counseling and over 15 years of experience in various educational settings, she brings a wealth of expertise to supporting implementation and sustainability. Sonya began her career as an AmeriCorps member supporting students and families in the metro-Detroit area which continues to fuel her passion for supporting positive school and community outcomes on a global scale. Outside of work, Sonya enjoys being outdoors, traveling to explore new places, and spending time with family and friends.

Marius Massie

Marius Massie is an Implementation Specialist who provides support and training to districts and community-based organizations implementing Check & Connect across the country. Marius partners with sites to assess their needs and customizes training to meet their strategic plans, and is passionate about using systems to improve relationships and culture. Prior to working at ICI, Mr. Massie spent a number of years in professional development and youth empowerment. He specializes in shifting negative mindsets, leveraging personal skills, and promoting a healthy workforce culture. His work to support adult social and emotional learning through trauma awareness, restorative practices, and personal leadership has propelled a more inclusive and equitable approach to teaching and discipline. Mr. Massie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdepartmental Studies (Psychology, Speech Communication, and Sociology) from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities and his restorative practices certification from the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP). When he's not working, Mr. Massie loves to dance, sing, write, be active, and share cherished moments with loved ones.

Sharon Mulé

Sharon Mulé is an Implementation Specialist for Check & Connect® and Expanding the Circle. Ms. Mulé provides training on implementation for schools and community-based organizations. She also provides follow-up support for implementation and technical assistance to sites as well as state trainer certification. Notably, Ms. Mulé previously worked with Check & Connect® on the revision of materials and the development of the Train the Trainer model, as well as national project coordination for the launch of the Florida SPDG Check & Connect®. Other work at ICI included the launch of the E-Connect mentoring program throughout Minnesota and the project coordinator of a Learn and Serve America grant in collaboration with Fond du Lac Ojibwe School. Ms. Mulé has over 45 years of experience with school programs and state and local community service programs and organizations.

Ann Romine

Ann is an Implementation Specialist dedicated to supporting Check & Connect® mentors and coordinators through training, resource sharing, networking, and the building up of local Check & Connect® trainers and coaches. Her career began as an elementary school teacher, graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She then moved into the non-profit sector, implementing a family engagement intervention throughout the School District of Philadelphia. For 20+ years, Ann has focused on training and implementing evidence-based programs to align support systems for students and their families. She is a lifelong learner, committed to positive social change, and is currently seeking her MPA with the Humphrey School at the University of Minnesota. Outside of work and school, you can find Ann out thrifting or enjoying the lakes around Minneapolis.

Jess Swirtz, M.Ed.

Jess is a Check & Connect® Implementation Specialist with over 10 years of experience in education and program implementation. Starting as a high school math teacher in rural North Carolina through Teach for America, she later earned an M.S. in Education from Johns Hopkins University. She worked as a college academic advisor supporting non-traditional students. Jess helps sites across the country integrate Check & Connect® into their existing frameworks by focusing on troubleshooting barriers, monitoring fidelity, celebrating successes, and growing sustainable programs to improve student outcomes. In her free time, she enjoys camping, kayaking, running, playing board games, reading, and exploring new skills with friends and family, including learning languages, playing musical instruments, tackling home improvement projects, and sewing.

COMING SOON!

A new team member will be joining our team in Spring 2025!