Education

Ph.D. Special Education, University of South Carolina
M.Ed. Special Education, Wright State University
B.A. Integrated English and Language Arts Education, Wright State University

Background

Chelsea VanHorn Stinnett is an assistant research professor in the Department of Educational Studies and the director of CarolinaLIFE, an inclusive postsecondary education program for students with diverse support needs. She attended the University of South Carolina to pursue her Ph.D. while working with CarolinaLIFE in various administrative roles. Chelsea began her career as a paraprofessional for students with multiple disabilities for two years while completing her graduate degree program. She was a classroom teacher for three years in both Ohio and South Carolina. Chelsea lives in Columbia, South Carolina with her husband Brook, son Tucker, and two dachshunds, Maddie and Abbie.

Research and Expertise

Stinnett’s research interests include secondary and postsecondary transition programs for youth with intellectual and developmental disability that prepare students for life after graduation. Specifically, she is interested in examining interagency collaboration that occurs across systems for better outcomes for students with disability in high school and college, the development and management of inclusive postsecondary programs, and supporting students with disability in developing agency in all aspects of life, but particularly sexual agency.