Collin Sorenson, Student
Hello all, my name is Collin Sorenson. I am a sophomore here at Weber State University. I am majoring in marketing, but I am still doing my general education before I can get into my program. I have been a part of the Weber States Student Association for as long as I have been here. Last year, I was a part of the community engagement team where I helped to plan events around the community that students could be involved in. This year I am on the Weber State Senate where I am the Senator for Students with Disabilities. In this role I am a voice for all students that classify having a disability and being their voice in the student senate. I am a person that does classify having a couple of disabilities. I used to have a disability called an Auditory Processing Disorder. I had an IEP in elementary school but tested out of it in 6th grade. I have a 504 plan which is a fancy way of saying that I learn differently than other people. I was diagnosed with my disability when I was in 6th grade. As far as being neurodiverse, I wouldn't say that I have much experience with neurodiversity, but I am always willing to learn and listen to what people have to say. When I'm not in school or being a part of anything you can find me outdoors playing sports, fishing and camping with friends. I love spending the most time with my girlfriend, friends and family. Lastly, I love to watch any show that is on T.V. whether it's a show or a movie.
Alexa Johnson, Student
My name is Alexa Johnson and I am a freshman at Weber State. My major is biochemistry with a certificate in Spanish. I'm a part of the outdoors program and I really love to hike and write poetry. I'm very excited to share my experience with you. I am diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, adhd, ptsd, and bipolar. I am currently in the process of receiving academic accommodations. Although living with these conditions is difficult, it's a huge part of my life and I am excited to share my experiences with you!
Rachel Marriott, Recent Graduate & Staff
My name is Rachel Marriott (22) and I am Neurodivergent. I have been diagnosed with ODD, OCD, SPD, Unspecified Tic Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, And Generalized Anxiety. Through the support I received from disabilities services and family, I was able to graduate with my bachelor's degree in social work this past spring semester. I currently work in Disability Services as an Assistant Disability Specialist and love almost every minute of it. I enjoy working with those who have disabilities due to my personal experiences as an individual with disabilities. I understand the difficulties that a neurodivergent person experiences and strive to ensure that future neurodivergent students are still able to have the opportunity to succeed in their educational goals.
Garin Savage, Staff
Garin Savage was born and raised in Idaho and moved to Utah to get a B.S. from USU in mechanical engineering (aerospace emphasis) with minors in math and music. He met his wife Ana in the Aggie Marching Band drumline, and their musical family now includes two mini-Savages (Julian & Petra) and a hound dog. Garin worked teaching college algebra to at-risk students while getting a Master of Educational Technology through Boise State University. He joined Weber State in 2019 and currently works facilitating assessment and special projects in the Student Access & Success division. In addition to music, Garin enjoys reading, cinema, and playing games with his kids. He has been diagnosed with ADHD and has family members with anxiety, learning disorders, and ASD.
Dr. Alex Collopy, Faculty
Alex Collopy, Ph.D., IMHE® is an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education at Weber State University, and the President of the Utah Association for Infant Mental Health. Alex was trained as a psychoanalytic anthropologist and teacher educator in the Reconceptualizing Early Childhood Education tradition. Her teaching and research are situated in the unique, emerging intersections of Disability Studies in Education and psychotherapeutic approaches to constructing inclusive classroom environments. She is a two- time former fellow at the Washington- Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis and a current fellow at the Contemporary Freudian Society.
Rodney Marchant, Faculty
Rodney Marchant grew up in Bountiful Utah where he attended J.A. Taylor elementary, Centerville Jr High and Viewmont High schools. Following graduation from High School, Rodney joined the U.S. Air Force where he served 8 years. Upon separation from military service, he began driving truck until his marriage to his wife Becky whom he met after returning to study English at Weber State University where he earned a BA in English Studies. Following graduation from Weber, Rodney earned a MA in Rhetoric and Composition from St Cloud State University in Minnesota. Rodney and family returned to Utah where he taught English until his retirement from full time teaching at Utah State University in Logan Utah. Rodney now works as an Academic Advisor for High School Dual Enrollment at Weber State.
When Rodney was in Second grade, he was diagnosed with Dyslexia. Fortunately, the Resource teacher at J.A. Taylor had earned her MS degree in Dyslexic learning and together they spent the next two years working to level the playing field so that Rodney would be able to keep up with his classmates. While this has not been an easy journey, it has been a means of connection with those that Rodney has taught and advised over the years.
