Austin Unite was created by a group of caretakers who saw a need for more socialization opportunities for the individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities that they worked with. We hope to make Austin a more inclusive place one hang out at a time! Get to know our staff below!
Julie Bull – Director
Hi! I am a student at UT majoring in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. My passion for inclusion began at a young age as my mother is a special education teacher and her classroom was where I spent most of my recess time! I began volunteering at a summer camp for children and adults with disabilities which is where this got serious for me and I decided on a career path. After working as a caretaker I realized that the rest of the world was not as kind, inclusive or accessible as camp. This lead me to pursue a fellowship at UT that allowed me to really dive into researching the issue at hand. This is when the idea for Austin Unite was born!
Hannah Crocker – Community Engagement
Hi y’all! I am a student at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Special Education with a minor in Critical Disability Studies. I have volunteered and worked with the disability community in a variety of nonprofit and educational settings. I currently work as a home health care provider for a young man with Cerebral Palsy. He has taught me so much about inclusion, friendship, accessibility and the benefits of community engagement for all people! Austin Unite addresses a gap in services and socialization opportunities available to young adults with disabilities, and I could not be more proud to be a part of this team!
Claire Moynihan – Family & Participant Coordinator
Hey everyone! I am a Human Development and Family Science student at the University of Texas at Austin, and I plan to pursue Occupational Therapy following graduation. I’ve worked at Camp C.A.M.P since 2018, and this experience connected me to the Texas disability community and introduced me to the wonderful world of inclusive recreation. I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of Austin Unite from the start, and I love our mission to promote inclusion in community spaces across the lifespan! Working directly with our families, participants, and volunteers to create programming that benefits the whole community is the best, and I can’t wait to see where things go next.
Sophia Zaldivar – Programming Lead
Hi guys! I am currently studying Applied Movement Science at The University of Texas at Austin! I have been immersed in the disability community through various non-profits and caregiving opportunities. My interest and passion for working with individuals with disabilities was established when working at Camp C.A.M.P. From this experience I have realized the realities of the inaccessibility and lack of inclusivity in our community. This has inspired me as a member of the Austin Unite team, to work to reach as many individuals apart of this community, and help make Austin more kind and accessible to all!
Justine Ettingoff – Assistant Community Engagement
Hi everyone! I am currently a student at The University of Texas at Austin studying Human Development and Family Science and am hoping to pursue Occupational Therapy after graduation. I first became interested in working towards inclusion during my time serving at a summer camp with a no-turn away policy in my hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. My time spent as a counselor really raised my awareness on the lack of inclusive options for individuals with disabilities and made me want to work to promote inclusion. By joining Austin Unite, I have been able to become more deeply involved with the disability community and have grown in my passion to bring about inclusion awareness and opportunities. I have really enjoyed getting to meet all the amazing participants and getting to watch Austin Unite continue to grow!
Mia Smith – Operations & Logistics
Hi there! I am a student at UT studying neuroscience and American Sign Language. I started working with the disability community when I was fifteen years old. I have worked with various nonprofits and organizations in a variety of settings from summer camps to at home caregiving! Throughout my time working in the disability community, I have realized a lack of opportunities and inclusivity within this world. I became involved in Austin Unite because I want to foster inclusion and provide a safe and fun environment for all of our friends!
Hazel Burshnick – Volunteer Coordinator
Hello! I was born and raised in Austin and am currently studying Public Relations at the University of Texas. After volunteering at Camp C.A.M.P in 2017, I found my passion for advocating for inclusion and working closely with the disability community. Austin Unite has allowed me to continue this passion of mine into college and I’m so lucky to be a part of the awesome team! I love meeting new friends, exploring accessible spaces, and having just a blast at each event! The best part about my role as Volunteer Coordinator is that I get to share with the community and UT students about how amazing Austin Unite and our participants are!
Madison Castillo – Assistant Family & Participant Coordinator
Hi! I am currently a student at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Critical Disability Studies! I’ve spent my last 5 summers at Camp C.A.M.P and have been involved in a variety of different organizations in the disability community. From this, I’ve learned so much about the importance of inclusion and accessibility. I am so excited to be a part of the Austin Unite team and continue my passion to make a more inclusive community!