Meet the Staff

Karolynn Sheppard

Part-Time Accessibility Specialist

Karolynn Sheppard is a multifaceted entrepreneur, business professional, and advocate for personal growth, with a passion for business, people, wellness, and family. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Management and a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, combining her expertise in business strategy and human behavior in all she does.

For the past 13 years, Karolynn has been a hands-on co-owner of a local towing company. Her role extends far beyond the business side—she is actively involved in the day-to-day operations and understands firsthand what it takes to build, manage, and sustain a successful small business. Karolynn is also a licensed Massachusetts real estate professional and co-owner of QT’s Old Window Restoration, a unique wooden window repair and restoration business founded by her daughter. Through her involvement in these ventures, Karolynn continues to embrace opportunities that allow her to learn, lead, create, and support those around her.

Outside of her professional life, Karolynn is committed to health, wellness, and continuous personal development. She enjoys reading self-help books, weightlifting, and hot yoga, and she shares her passion for fitness by teaching cycle classes. She believes that taking care of the mind, body, and spirit is an important part of living a fulfilling life.

When she isn’t working or staying active, Karolynn enjoys spending time with her family and close friends, being outdoors, and loving on dogs. She values meaningful relationships, lifelong learning, and making a positive impact wherever she goes.

Karolynn lives by a simple but powerful motto: “The Universe is listening, so encourage love and light to yourself and others.” For Karolynn, these words are more than a motto—they are a reminder to lead with intention, kindness, positivity, and gratitude in both business and life.

Sally Kim Mojica, OTD

Accessibility Specialist

Sally was born and raised in Springfield, MA. To her, this is home, no matter where she goes. Sally grew up bilingual, speaking Vietnamese and English. She is a graduate of Western New England University (WNE), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree.

During her doctoral studies, Sally was actively involved in several student organizations, including the Student Occupational Therapy Association, Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity, Inspired Minds, and the Interprofessional Student Alliance (a collaboration between occupational therapy and pharmacy programs). Her Level II fieldwork experiences included working with students ages 7–14 in the South Hadley Public School District and providing care in an inpatient acute care setting at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Woburn. For her 14-week doctoral capstone project, Sally explored the stress experiences and coping strategies of students with disabilities at WNE.

Sally pursued a career in Occupational Therapy to advocate for individuals with disabilities and better understand how disabilities can affect participation in everyday life across different environments. Her grandmother and nephew were significant inspirations in this journey, motivating her to give others the same time, care, and dedication. She is passionate about promoting accessibility, equity, and inclusion so that students can participate meaningfully in their overall community and educational experience.

Outside of work, Sally enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, trying new foods, and watching anime (Japanese animation).

Tynisha Henderson-Mitchell

Director

Dr. Tynisha Henderson-Mitchell has more than 20 years of progressive experience supporting students. She began her career as an advisor with Talent Search, a federally funded TRIO program that serves first-generation students. Her career has been untraditional by some standards, but she has always remained committed to supporting students and expanding access to higher education.

Tynisha joined the Office of Student Accessibility Services at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts, in June 2020. She holds undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology and a graduate degree in Educational Psychology from American International College, and she is currently a doctoral candidate. A strong advocate for disability rights and marginalized populations, Tynisha continues to create policy, develop programming, and work tirelessly to ensure students have equal access to all facets of their education.

A proud lifelong resident of Western Massachusetts, Tynisha currently serves as a board member, volunteer, and community advocate outside of work. She enjoys building community, collaborating with campus partners, and supporting students. She is passionate about fostering student self-advocacy and growth and promoting access and accessibility throughout the community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading for pleasure rather than for research, visiting museums, watching Star Wars, or exploring the world one cruise ship at a time. One day, in a distant but achievable, universally designed future, Tynisha plans to retire because retroactive accommodations are no longer required and accessibility, inclusivity, and each individual learner's needs are met in the design of curriculum, facilities, and every WNE experience.