Nikkol is an occupational therapist and credentialed as an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) through the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). She earned her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from College of St. Catherine before going on to earning a master’s degree in special education and rehabilitation from University of Arizona and a doctoral degree from University of Utah. Nikkol has over 20 years of experience working with individuals who utilize assistive technology (AT) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) statewide throughout Arizona.
She also coordinates the Graduate Certificate in Assistive Technology at Northern Arizona University. This program helps prepare students for the RESNA ATP credentialing exam. Nikkol and her team also provide demonstrations and equipment loans to persons with disabilities in Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. Nikkol believes that quality assistive technology services require the expertise and experience of skilled clinicians who work in collaboration with the client, their family, and other service providers. She is passionate about supporting communities in which people use their AT and AAC devices to fully participate in all life experiences.
Lauren graduated from NAU’s Occupational Therapy Doctoral program in May of 2021 and has been working as a direct service provider with the pediatric population since. Her passion and focus in her sessions has been empowerment through positioning and access to assistive technology and adaptive gaming. She joined the AzTAP team in July 2022, and as an Arizona native, Lauren is very passionate about inclusivity and improving access to technology and gaming throughout the state!
Sharon joined the AzTAP team in March 2023. She received her master’s degree in social work (MSW) while living in Wisconsin. Her experience consists of working with children, individuals with disabilities and their families with their long-term care needs. Most specifically she has extensive experience working with individuals in the Medicaid/AHCCCS systems to access durable medical equipment, home accessibility modifications and other support services.
Sharon’s focus is always on providing the resources to achieve the best possible outcomes for persons living with a disability and/or long-term care needs. She is passionate about assisting persons with disabilities so they can achieve greater independence in their daily living activities and participate in life’s experiences.
Her personal philosophy is that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, sensitivity, and courtesy. Sharon is looking forward to working with the AzTAP customers on their durable medical equipment and assistive technology Reuse needs.
Lynn joined the AzTAP team in July 2023 after leaving a twenty-five career in Charter school administration, specifically in the areas of special education and disability law, supporting teachers and administrators. She has a deep understanding of the diverse needs and educational challenges of persons with disabilities. Lynn is married, is a mother of three, has two dogs and seven grandchildren who take up a great deal of her free time.
She is passionate about children and enjoys leading activities for them as Nursery Director at her church. Outside of her work Lynn enjoys biking, indoor rock climbing, hiking, swimming, and spending quiet time reading. She is excited to be part of AzTAP and look forward to seeing where this new employment adventure leads!
Cecilia joined the AzTAP team in February of 2020. She has 20 years experience working in the healthcare field in both administrative and direct care. She has a passion for helping individuals with special needs and is excited to be a part of AzTAP.
Karla Rivas Parker joined AzTAP in January of 2021. Karla was born and raised in Guatemala in Central America. In 1990 she was a recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship that allowed her to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Informational Studies at California State University Chico. After her return to Guatemala, Karla initiated the first Computer Training Center for persons with blindness or vision impairments thanks to a grant from the Kellogg Foundation. She also worked with indigenous women in the development of sustainable small businesses in the areas of agriculture, hospitality and handcrafts in San Juan La Laguna Guatemala.
In 1998, Karla received a second Fulbright Scholarship to attend Arizona State University earning a Master’s degree in Social Work in the year 2000; and in the year 2019, she earned her second Master’s Degree in Education and Vision Studies from the University of Massachusetts. She worked with Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) from November 11, 2000 until May of 2020. During those years, Karla worked in various positions, including Counselor for persons with blindness or vision impairment, statewide blindness coordinator, supervisor for a VR office in Phoenix, and manager for the Independent Living Blind unit, where she was in charge of the statewide Older Individuals who are Blind program.
She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS), Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) and has obtained a certificate in Post-Employment Training in Rehabilitation Administration from San Diego State University in California, and a certificate in Assistive Technology from Northern Arizona University. Karla has worked in the field of disabilities for the last 25 years.
Mike Buckley joined AzTAP in March of 2016. He has an electronics and computer background and has been working in the assistive technology field since March 2000. He obtained a certificate from the Assistive Technology Access Certification Program (ATACP) at CSUN in 2001 and became a RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) in 2018.
Mike has worked in AT positions at UCP of Central Arizona, Scottsdale Unified School District, and through his own company providing assistive technology and computer services for the Rehabilitation Services Administration. He has worked with clients of all ages with a wide range of abilities and challenges. Mike was introduced to the world of assistive technology when he visited UCP of Central Arizona while looking for a computer job and has been hooked ever since.
Clayton started his career working with persons with disabilities and Assistive Technology in 1997 serving as a Rehabilitation Counselor managing an Independent Living Caseload for Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). He obtained his undergraduate degree in Sociology from NAU in 1994 and a Master of Social Work Degree from ASU in the fall of 2002. Clayton joined AzTAP as an Assistive Technology Specialist in early 2007.
In February of 2015 Clayton was promoted to be AzTAP’s Sr. Assistive Technology Specialist. Along the way Clayton obtained certifications as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC), an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) from the Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) as well as a Certified Environmental Accessibility Consultant (CEAC) via VGM Live at Home.
Clayton throughout his career has worked with individuals with disabilities to evaluate, determine and obtain assistive technology that can assist them in improving their capabilities and independence. His approach to service provision draws from the paradigms of Independent Living philosophy and Person Centered Planning. Clayton took over as AzTAP’s Program Director in August of 2020.
