TIPS Trainees
Meet the trainees in the TIPS for Kids 2025-2026 cohort!
Maya Broshears, Occupational Therapy
Maya Broshears is a second-year occupational therapy student at the University of Missouri who graduated from Truman State University with her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Psychology. Maya discovered her passion for working with the pediatric population through coaching swim lessons and competitive swim skills to children with disabilities, volunteering in a preschool to help children develop life and play skills, and volunteering with Best Buddies. Maya is currently a personal care assistant for a teenager with autism, which is a position she loves. Through these experiences, Maya has developed a strong enthusiasm and passion for supporting and promoting positive growth and development in the lives of children with disabilities. Maya’s current research interests include making physical activity inclusive for and motivating to individuals with autism. Outside of academics, Maya enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on walks, and taking her dogs to the dog park. Maya is extremely excited to be a part of the TIPS program and to expand her knowledge and understanding of the autism community. She also looks forward to broadening her leadership, teamwork, and interdisciplinary skills. With these skills, she hopes to gain a greater ability to serve individuals and families in an innovative and meaningful way.
Bailey McCuddin, Occupational Therapy
Bailey McCuddin is a second-year occupational therapy student at the University of Missouri. Originally from Lakeville, Minnesota, she developed a passion for supporting children with disabilities and their families early in life. Growing up alongside a neurodivergent family member sparked her interest in neurodevelopment and introduced her to the world of therapy. In college, Bailey gained hands-on experience as a caregiver for a young adult with cerebral palsy and currently works as a tutor at Sylvan Learning Center, supporting learners of all ages and abilities. Outside of her academic pursuits, she enjoys staying active, reading, and spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks, where her family now lives. Bailey is excited to be part of the TIPS program to expand her clinical skills and interprofessional knowledge in order to better serve future clients and their families.
Lucy O’Connor, Occupational Therapy
Lucy O’Connor is a second-year doctoral student in the occupational therapy program at the University of Missouri. She previously graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Truman State University. Since a young age, Lucy has had a passion for working with children with disabilities and helping break down barriers in the educational system to promote inclusion for all. Her desire to support families’ access to resources and education and to support advocacy efforts related to mental health and access for those with disabilities lead her to join the TIPS program. In her free time, Lucy enjoys being a part of a breast cancer research team, going on long hikes with her puppy, and spending quality time with friends and family. She cannot wait for this unique opportunity to work alongside several other disciplines and help enhance the lives of children with neurodevelopment differences!
Nicholas Blackwell, Psychology
Nicholas Blackwell is a fourth-year undergraduate student graduating in the Spring with a Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences. Nick’s interest in working with kids with neurodevelopmental disabilities came from taking various Psychology courses at Mizzou. Since then, Nick has become a registered behavioral technician (RBT) working with Easterseals Midwest, implementing ABA therapy for kids aged two-six years old. He looks forward to learning from professionals from many disciplines, deepening his knowledge and skill set for working with kids with autism more effectively. Nick plans on pursuing graduate studies in Physical Therapy upon graduation emphasizing care for those with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Outside of academia, Nick enjoys playing golf with friends, watching sci-fi movies, and running outdoors! Nick is truly excited for the opportunity to learn alongside graduate students and professionals, and he cannot wait for his journey at TIPS to begin.
Nick Kanne, Psychology
Hello, my name is Nick Kanne, and I graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology as well as a minor in Mathematics. I was born in St. Louis, Missouri but mainly grew up in Columbia. Since I was a kid, I’ve enjoyed playing soccer and even coach a team now. I also have a dog named Barley who I enjoy taking with me to play disc golf. Currently I work at the Thompson Center where I help in the research lab. I have always enjoyed working with kids and I plan to go to graduate school in the future to pursue a PhD to work with children in a clinical setting. I’m looking forward to the multi-faceted problem-solving approach that TIPS will show me as I will be able to learn a lot from other specialties and their experiences.
Ellie Moloney, Physical Therapy
Ellie Moloney is a second-year physical therapy student at the University of Missouri–Columbia. She graduated from Truman State University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and minors in Biology and Disability Studies. Ellie’s passion for working with children with disabilities began at an early age and grew through her involvement with Best Buddies, the Disabled Athletes Sports Association, and Special Olympics. She enjoys traveling, watching sports, and spending time with friends and family. Ellie is excited to be involved in the TIPS program to gain knowledge and experience to better serve her patients and community.
Ali Safris, Physical Therapy
Ali Safris is a second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the University of Missouri. She earned her Bachelor of Human Sciences with a minor in Psychology from Iowa State University in 2024. Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Ali developed a passion for working with children at a young age through experiences such as Peer Art, Peer PE, and Sparkles Cheerleading, which inspired her interest in pediatric care. She is excited to collaborate with other disciplines and continue growing as a future physical therapist. Outside of school, Ali enjoys reading, watching movies and TV shows, and spending time with her friends, family, and dogs.
Rebecca Waligurski, Physical Therapy
Hello, my name is Rebecca Waligurski and I am a 2nd year DPT student at the University of Missouri. In my past, I have been involved in programs such as Danceability, a program that allows children with neurologic conditions the opportunity to explore dance. Danceability, has opened the door for me to work with kids and shows the impact a good clinician can have on a child’s progress. Beyond this program, I was able to grow through my experience with a school for kids with autism, this showed me the large variability of working with kids and how adaptable one needs to be. Overall, I’m excited to expand my current skills and knowledge of being a good pediatric clinician. Outside of the clinic and classroom, I enjoy travelling with my family. One of my favorite places I’ve ever been to was Japan. I was ecstatic to explore the culture and eat tons of great food.
Maddy McCully, Speech Language Pathology
Maddy McCully is a second-year graduate student pursuing a degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Missouri, where she also earned her bachelor’s degree. Her passion for working with individuals with disabilities has grown through a range of job opportunities, volunteer work, and clinical experiences with organizations such as United Cerebral Palsy, Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center, and Adapted Gymnastics. Maddy is excited to be part of an interdisciplinary team and looks forward to serving families in her community. She values a collaborative approach to care and is excited to learn alongside professionals from different fields to best support her future clients. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and going on walks.
Angela Lopez, Speech Language Pathology
Angela Lopez is a second-year graduate student studying speech-language pathology at the University of Missouri. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Missouri State University and has lived in Jefferson City, MO, since high school. Growing up in the state’s capital afforded Angela unique volunteer opportunities with Special Olympics Missouri and the American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State program, which inspired her to advocate for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities through furthering her education. Angela’s desire to serve the pediatric population began in elementary school after receiving additional services for support in reading, writing, and math. Now, Angela aims to be a culturally responsive clinician who provides support to neurodivergent individuals from diverse experiences and language backgrounds. Outside of the program, Angela enjoys trying local restaurants in COMO and going thrift shopping. Angela is grateful for the opportunity to enhance her clinical skills through this interdisciplinary program.
Anna Scheperle, Speech Language Pathology
Anna Scheperle is a second-year graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of Missouri. She is a native of Mid-Missouri and brings a deep commitment to serving her local community. Anna has gained extensive experience working with individuals with autism across diverse age groups and settings through both clinical and vocational placements. She is passionate about empowering individuals by providing the support and guidance necessary for them to achieve their fullest potential. Anna values helping others work toward their highest level of independence regarding self-advocacy, education, employment, and daily living skills. Through her involvement with the TIPS program, Anna looks forward to continuing her dedication to service while further expanding her knowledge in community outreach, advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. In her free time, Anna enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, fishing, and hanging out with friends and family.
Tandy Korte, Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics
Tandy Korte is a first-year fellow in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. She earned her medical degree at the University of Illinois and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Missouri. Tandy returns to Columbia with over two decades of experience in general pediatrics. She worked in southern Illinois serving patients and families in the nursery as well as inpatient/outpatient pediatrics. While being a pediatrician was very rewarding, Tandy was increasingly frustrated at lack of services and prolonged wait times for services for her patients with developmental disabilities. This served as her motivation to return for more training. Tandy enjoys spending time with her family, husband Mark and son Nicholas and clowder of rescue cats Jack, CJ, Clem, Fig, and Rosie. She is training for her first marathon and trying to improve as a water color painter. Tandy is excited to be involved in the TIPS program and to gain more knowledge of interprofessional care to better serve her patients in the future.
Jackson Wiley, Self-Advocacy
My name is Jackson Wiley, and I am a current fourth-year undergraduate Health Sciences student on the Pre-Medical Track. I was born and raised in Southwest Missouri, specifically Nixa, Missouri. Coming from a rural area and a family of healthcare professionals, the lack of specialists and healthcare access can be seen and heard throughout my community. I intend on pursuing Medical School, and one day match to Neurology to further specialize in Motor-Cognitive Disorders and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. Growing up with family and friends with disabilities, I knew exactly that this field is a great fit for me and a great opportunity to help the community I grew up in. I am highly passionate about advocating for rural health needs and holistically treating patients with integrity and responsibility. As someone with a neurodevelopmental disability, I believe that my lived experience is immensely impactful in understanding and treating patients holistically.
Outside of TIPS, I am an Undergraduate Student Researcher at the Thompson Lab for Regenerative Orthopaedics, and I am a huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Lions. Some of my hobbies include listening to music, reading, and hiking when the weather is nice.
Katie Hough, Social Work
Katie Hough is a Master’s student pursuing a degree in social work at the University of Missouri, and a Columbia native. Katie currently works as a social worker at the Thompson Center working with families every day. Through working at the Thompson Center, she has discovered a new passion of working with not only kids, but those with different abilities. Katie plans on pursing to be a clinical social worker in the future working with various populations and continuing to be an advocate. Outside of academics, Katie loves spending time with friends and family, her cat Aija, and traveling when she can. She is excited to be a TIPS member to work with an interdisciplinary group, grow her knowledge of those with developmental disabilities, and grow her advocacy skills.
Paula Sims, Family Advocacy
I joined the TIPS for Kids Program as a Parent Advocate. I am the parent of Christian who was born medically fragile; he had no known diagnosis, but so many underlying medical issues. Throughout his 22 years of life, he taught me how to navigate the healthcare systems, working with many diverse healthcare professionals as well as Medicaid and Social Security and the different funding agencies that are available to families. Currently, I am the Public Administrator of Cooper County. I am a court appointed guardian and conservator of individuals who have been deemed by the court incapacitated and/or disabled. It is my duty to serve and advocate for those who struggle with or are unable to use their voice while navigating their lives in making safe and healthy choices. When Christian turned 18, his father and I became Christian’s legal guardian and conservator and were his voice. Prior to being elected as Public Administrator, I was a Service Coordinator for the Cooper County Board of Sheltered Services. I worked with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illnesses. Christian has guided me throughout his life to advocate for individuals like him, giving them a voice and allowing them to live their best life.