51³Ô¹ÏÍø

309-341-7478

sgrimes@knox.edu

Stephanie Grimes

Director of Disability Support Services

Stephanie received her B.A. in sociology/psychology (concentration in rehabilitation counseling) from Wilberforce University and her M.Ed in rehabilitation counseling from Kent State University. Under Stephanie’s leadership, disability support services has grown from serving 50 students per year to upwards of 250 students per year in the provision of academic and residential accommodations and academic programming. Stephanie has over 40 years of experience working in the disability services field and has provided leadership in federal, state, and local organizations. She has been a disability speaker at professional conferences in Illinois, Virginia, Florida, and Tennessee. She is passionate about her work and advocates for disability rights and inclusion. 

Stephanie is a board member of the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø County Health Department and the Galesburg Public Transportation Advisory Commission. She enjoys reading and traveling with her family whenever possible.

309-341-7297

kasmith@knox.edu

Katie Smith

Accessibility Counselor

Katie is an Accessibility Counselor at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, dedicated to supporting students with disabilities as they work toward their academic and personal goals. She earned a Bachelor of Science and Education degree from Western Illinois University and has almost a decade of experience teaching students K-12 in special education. Her career was inspired by her work with adults with disabilities at St. Mary’s Square and DD Homes in Galesburg, as well as her late aunt who also had disabilities. In addition to her role at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, she serves on the board of Thrive Community Services to promote inclusion and equity in the community. 

Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends and attending monthly book clubs with her former colleagues. She lives in 51³Ô¹ÏÍøville with her significant other, their 17-year-old son, two dogs and a cat.