Meet our dedicated Universal Design and Accessibility (UDA) Coordinators, your go-to experts for technical assistance and guidance.
Bashar Al Hilfi
American River College
I am excited to serve as the Universal Design and Accessibility Coordinator at American River College.
My background includes more than 20 years of experience in higher education, instructional technology, leadership development, and training. I currently teach Computer Information Systems courses at both American River College and Sacramento City College. Before joining this role, I served in technology leadership at Apple, supporting technical teams and customer solutions, and I currently work as a Career and Leadership Development Manager with the State of California, where I coordinate several statewide learning and leadership development programs, including Human Resources University, the Mid-Level Managers Academy in partnership with UC Davis, and on-demand training initiatives.
Throughout my career, I have enjoyed helping educators and learners use technology to create engaging and effective learning experiences. I am passionate about Universal Design for Learning, accessibility, and creating inclusive learning environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
As your Universal Design and Accessibility Coordinator, I look forward to partnering with faculty to make accessibility practical, approachable, and meaningful. Whether you are creating a new course, improving existing materials, or simply have questions about accessibility, I am here to provide guidance, resources, and support every step of the way.
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new technologies, learning about artificial intelligence and its role in education, traveling, and spending time with my family. I look forward to meeting and working with all of you!
Email me at alhilfb@arc.losrios.edu.
Timi Poeppelman
Cosumnes River College
I am Timi Ross Poeppelman (she/her/hers), and I am the Universal Design and Accessibility Coordinator for Cosumnes River College. I am in my 28th year of teaching higher education courses in journalism, communication studies and public relations. I hold an M.A. in communication studies and a B.A. in journalism. I am a huge women’s collegiate basketball and WNBA fan. Fun fact: I played on the Sacramento State women’s basketball team (back when dinosaurs roamed Sacramento!).
More than 20 years ago, I began training community college journalism teachers by helping them stay current with the industry’s technology and skills. And, now, I am in my seventh year as a member of the CRC Distance Education team. I love working with and supporting faculty!
I offer a safe learning space for teachers of all subjects where I will listen to your teaching needs. I promise two things: 1) I will meet you where you are in your teaching journey and 2) inspired by Anne Lamott, I will help you progress “bird-by-bird” to your goal.
I look forward to meeting and working with all of you.
Email me at poeppet@crc.losrios.edu.
Rebecca Mendell
Folsom Lake College
I am Rebecca Mendell (she/her), and I am delighted to serve as the Universal Design and Accessibility Coordinator at Folsom Lake College. Universal design and accessibility have been a special area of interest of mine, especially as a person with disabilities. I have been an academic librarian and educator for nearly 20 years and served Access Services Librarian at Folsom Lake College since 2007.
As UDA Coordinator, I will provide additional leadership and support in distance education, universal design, and accessibility. In this role, I am here to assist interested faculty in developing variety and flexibility within their course design and teaching practices. Additionally, I will be creating training materials, workshops, and other aids to assist faculty who wish in applying universal design principles to their courses to foster culturally responsive learning experiences and addressing multiple diversities.
My passion lies in the neuroscience of learning and the countless ways in which intersectional identities connect with education. I take great joy in helping faculty create inclusive and flexible learning environments, active engagement, and knowledge creation for their students. I am deeply committed to compassionate service, student-centered education, and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Outside of my professional life, you’ll find me cooking, reading, spending quality time with my family, and enjoying Korean television dramas.
Email me at mendelr@flc.losrios.edu.
Schedule a Meeting with Rebecca
Heather Hogan
Sacramento City College
Since 2006, I have served as an educator in design and digital media at Sacramento City College, teaching courses across web design, graphic design, and modern digital fabrication in our Makerspace. Grounded by a Career and Technical Education (CTE) credential, my approach blends hands-on industry practices with accessible, student-centered instruction—empowering students to transition seamlessly from foundational design concepts to real-world technical execution.
Alongside my classroom teaching, I serve as a Universal Design and Accessibility Coordinator for SCC. In this role, I leverage a deep background in digital media, pedagogy, and front-end development to advance digital inclusion across campus. I partner with faculty to utilize Canvas and Open Educational Resources, ensuring course materials and learning environments are intuitive, fully accessible, and welcoming for learners of all backgrounds and abilities.
Beyond higher education, I maintain a studio art practice in Sacramento. I serve as Vice President of Axis Gallery, consign art products at Atrium in Old Sacramento, and regularly lead public art initiatives—including murals, collaborative art shows, site-specific sculptural installations, and arts workshops throughout the region.
Email me at heather.hogan@scc.losrios.edu.