Leadership Team

John Woodruff, Co-Director, Center for Neurodiversity

John Woodruff (he/him/his) is Director of the Accessibility Services at Rowan University. He coordinates campus services for students with disabilities and manages transitions for students entering college. John holds an MS in Health Education from St. Joseph’s University and a BS in Business Administration from St. Francis University (Loretto, Pennsylvania). John is the co-author of a book with Dr. S. Kay Kuder and Dr. Amy Accardo entitled, College Success For Students On The Autism Spectrum: A Neurodiversity Perspective and co-author of a book with Dr. Michelle Kowalsky entitled, Creating Inclusive Library Environments. His most recent activities include program development, activities, and events to promote access and understanding on campus; and leadership of faculty-led and community–led strategic partnerships for inclusion, training and mentoring. John’s professional career reflects over thirty-eight years of education, training, administration and management of employment and training programs for persons with disabilities.

Chiara Latimer, Co-Director, Center for Neurodiversity

Chiara Latimer is Coordinator of the Autism PATH Program at Rowan University. This program is designed to support the transition of neurodiverse students from higher education into meaningful employment. Chiara has dedicated 10 years of her career to supporting neurodiverse students in clinical and educational settings. With the growth of neurodivergent students entering higher education, Chiara began teaching courses on career development and self-advocacy skills as an adjunct faculty member at Camden County College. In addition, she supported students and faculty in the implementation of academic accommodations at the Community College of Philadelphia. Chiara served as the inaugural co-chair of the Neurodiversity Affinity Group for the Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers. She currently serves as a member of Disability In: NJ. In 2022, Chiara was recognized by ROI-NJ as a Diversity & Inclusion Influencer and was recently highlighted in the article,"Hiring neurodiverse: 5 Questions with Rowan's Chiara Latimer." With a focus on career readiness and employer education, Chiara continues to promote the importance of empathy and inclusion in the workplace through professional conferences and training for employers.

Georgia J. Majka, Program Coordinator, Center for Neurodiversity  

Georgia J. Majka is the Program Coordinator for the Center for Neurodiversity. Georgia has always had a passion for working with students with disabilities. This life long goal became a reality when she discovered that she could work with students in higher education as a career path. Georgia is a proud Marietta College and Rowan University alumni. Georgia graduated from Marietta College in 2021 with her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and came back to New Jersey to attend Rowan University.  Throughout her journey at Rowan University (2021-2023) Georgia was a graduate intern for the Autism PATH program and worked as a student coach. Meeting students on a daily basis Georgia's passion for neurodiversity and self advocacy only grew stronger. She knew she was in the right place helping a community she was passionate about and personally identified with. Georgia believes that the journey for self discovery, advocacy, and academic success looks unique for every student who walks through the door which continues to keep her inspired and beyond excited to watch students grow and become the successful person they aspire to be. Georgia graduated from Rowan University in 2023 with her Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and is now pursuing her Ed.D in Educational Leadership. She is thrilled for the opportunity to be at Rowan and continue to work with students. Outside of work, Georgia is usually riding her bike, competing in a triathlon, or traveling to Arizona. In addition she is huge animal lover and has a dog named Rex and Lucy. 

Casey Woodfield, Ph.D., Faculty Fellow

Casey Woodfield is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary & Inclusive Education at Rowan University. She earned her PhD in Special Education and Certificate of Advanced Study in Disability Studies from Syracuse University. Her scholarly activities center communication and inclusion as inextricably connected imperatives. Her research explores inclusive education as a vehicle of social justice, with an emphasis on lived experiences of neurodivergent students who use augmentative and alternative communication. 

Her work counters deficit discourses and constructed notions of competence to foster educational opportunities and practices grounded in the value of disability as diversity. She teaches courses on disability studies, inclusive education, and autism at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Serena Powell, Interim Co-Director for the Center for Neurodiversity

Serena Powell is a dedicated neurodiversity and disability advocate, currently serving as the Interim Co-Director for the Center for Neurodiversity. Along with Bachelor’s degrees in Anthropology & Sociology and Women’s & Gender Studies from Lafayette College, she holds a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from Rowan University, where her thesis focused on faculty knowledge and attitudes towards neurodivergent students. She founded the Neurodivergent Employee Resource Community to build connections and support among neurodivergent faculty and staff. With her strong commitment to promoting inclusivity and belonging, she aims to enhance understanding and support for neurodiversity culture across campus. In addition to her advocacy work, Serena is an Electronic Resources Specialist for Rowan University Libraries.

• Student Advisory Board
• Neurodiversity Steering Committee