Pamela Harris, Ph. D., Associate Dean
Dr. Harris is the Associate Dean of the EAC and an Associate Professor. She oversees accessibility on all PLNU campuses. She has over 30 years of experience educating and advocating for people with disabilities. She worked as a special education teacher and testing specialist for 15 years before she became a professor of Special Education. Prior to joining the faculty at PLNU, Dr. Harris trained hundreds of general and special education teachers to utilize high-impact instructional strategies in inclusive educational settings.
Sabrina Mathisen, Senior Manager of Student Life
Sabrina is the EAC Manager of Student Life on the Point Loma Campus. She is the EAC Manager of Student Life and is passionate about advocating for accessibility and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. She is a PLNU alumnus and has worked in the disability field in a variety of settings from the classroom to the community. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cross Disciplinary Studies with a concentration in human development and special education and a California Educational Specialist teaching credential.
Irena Chiang, Manager of Academics for GPS/AUG
Irena is the EAC Manager of Academics for Graduate Programs and College of Extended Learning. She was formerly a credentialed classroom teacher with experience in public, private, and charter schools, and has worked with diverse student populations in Philadelphia and Nashville prior to moving to San Diego. She is an alumnus of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, and minor in Visual Arts.
Amber Mirko, Manager of Academics
Amber is the EAC Manager of Academics on the Point Loma Campus, who has a deep desire to help every person see their potential and work in collaborative, people-centered environments. She has spent 6 years working with adults with disabilities with a focus on supporting them to achieve maximum independence. Amber graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Counseling and Social change.
Ty Burdette, Accessibility Coordinator
Ty is the EAC Accessibility Coordinator and is driven by functioning in hard-working, team-centered environments. Prior to joining the EAC, his career experiences were within the industries of hospitality, customer service, and event management. A PLNU alumnus, Ty graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Marketing in 2023.
Denise Necoechea, Ph. D., ADA Coordinator
Dr. Necoechea is committed to advancing disability justice, equity, and inclusion in higher education and beyond. She has been working in the fields of disability studies, inclusive programming, and special education for over 29 years, and currently serves as a faculty member in Education at PLNU. Dr. Necoechea serves as the ADA/504 Coordinator and the Student Success Liaison, as well as the Coordinator of the Peer Mentor Program. For the past 15 years, she has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations with focuses on disability employment, diversity, representation in children’s literature, social inclusion and international inclusive programming in developing nations.
Danielle Brown Friberg, Deputy ADA Coordinator
Danielle is the Director of University Compliance and serves as the Title IX Coordinator, Title VI Coordinator, and Deputy ADA Coordinator. A PLNU alumnus and holding a M.A. in Higher Education, Danielle has a breadth of experience in Student Affairs and Higher Education compliance. As the Deputy ADA Coordinator, Danielle works to ensure compliance with disability laws within the University to maximize the support and safety of students across our campuses.
Carrie Gunn, Registered Dietitian
Carrie provides recommendations to EAC staff on appropriate dietary accommodations. She works with our meal services department to create healthy and safe meals for EAC registered students with medically specialized diets.