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The Achieve Program is under the direction of Sally DeDecker, Coordinator. In addition, two Learning Skills Specialists are also employed. Roger Pugh supervises tutorial, remedial, and public relations functions of the program. Arlene Tan supervises the computer lab and audiobooks offices of Achieve. Suzy Richter oversees the test proctoring component of Achieve. Evelyn Horsley directs the notetaking office. Ruth O'Rourke is employed as a 3/4 time accountant for the Program. Assisting the full time staff are 8-12 graduate level assistants in Master's or Doctoral programs. They provide student case management and supervise diagnostic and other components of the Achieve Program.
Achieve Program Staff
Sally DeDecker, M.S.
Coordinator
Email: lukidawg@siu.edu
In May of 2003, Sally was promoted to the Coordinator of the Achieve Program. Prior to that appointment, she had served as the program's Assistant Coordinator for nearly 20 years. Her affiliation with the program began in 1978 when she was personally 'recruited' by Dr. Barbara Cordoni to tutor students enrolled in the newly established "Project Achieve." Her interest in Special Education was prompted by personal experience she had with a family member whose special needs put her in touch with a local chapter of the Learning Disabilities Association (LDA).
She received her Bachelor's degree and began work on her Master's degree in Special Education as one of Dr. Cordoni's graduate assistants. Following completion of her degree, Sally assumed the position of Assistant Coordinator of Achieve.
"The most challenging aspect of my job is uncovering the layers of diagnostic information that reveal a person's true potential for learning. The most satisfying part of my job is seeing the intellectual, emotional, and personal growth in the students from the time they are tested to the time they either graduate or become independent college students. The saddest part of my job is getting close to students and graduate assistants, knowing that they will eventually move on with their lives."
"A recent Achieve newsletter that included an article about my promotion generated a response that surprised, but delighted me. I received congratulatory notes, phone calls, and emails from former students, some who had left the university as long as 22 years ago. Hearing from former students and grad students about their personal and professional accomplishments and knowing that Achieve was a part of their journey is extremely rewarding. Please keep in touch."
Roger Pugh, M.A.
Developmental Skills Training Specialist
E-mail: rpugh@siu.edu
Roger Pugh became involved with the Achieve Program while an undergraduate at SIU in 1988. He worked as a tutor, primarily, but also as a reader and a notetaker. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in English at SIUC, and worked as a graduate assistant in the Achieve Program. He is the Tutor Supervisor and Public Relations Contact for the Program.
"Looking back, I feel as if I were drawn to this Program. My family could be the poster children for ADHD. My father, my brothers, myself, and the children of our families, all have great difficulties with distractibility, attention, and focus. Growing up, I was lucky to have caring and understanding teachers, great home support and many outlets for my energy. Not all of our students have had that kind of support. I hope that I can help our students understand their strengths and weaknesses so that they can capitalize on their abilities."
Arlene Tan, Ph.D.
Developmental Skills Training Specialist
E-mail: arlenet@siu.edu
Arlene Tan received her undergraduate and graduate degrees fro mthe Department of Psychology at SIUC. She has extensive research background in developmental neuropsychology and neurotrauma.
"Working at the Achieve Program is a natural extension of my interrest in brain-behavior relationships. I sincerely hope that I will be able to contribute significantly to the team as we work together to assist each of our students reach his or her fullest potential academically."
Suzy
Richter
Test Proctoring Supervisor
E-mail: suzy@siu.edu
Suzy Richter was hired as the Program's general secretary in 1988. Since then, her job function has changed as the program changed, and currently she is the program's Test Proctoring Supervisor. Her long standing tenure as secretary and Test Proctoring Supervisor has ensured efficient and secure delivery of tests and materials for Achieve students.
"One of the things I most love about my job is being a mentor and friend to the students in the program. Many difficult situations have been resolved for students through my contacts with other faculty and staff at the University."
Suzy has been married for over 25 years and has three children.
Evelyn Horsley, M.S. Ed.
Notetaking Supervisor
E-mail: ehorsley@siu.edu
Evelyn Horsley graduated from SIU in 1963 with a Bachelor's degree in Secretarial and Business Education and received her Master's degree in 1964. She taught high school business subjects for two years before resigning to devote time to her family. She has two children who are also SIU graduates. She worked as a teacher's aide for Williamson County Special Education for 12 years before coming to SIU as a secretary in the Clinical Center in the fall of 1992. At the end of the fall semester of 2002, she moved to the Achieve Program as Notetaking Supervisor.
"Over the past 20 years, I have worked with students with learning disabilities from kindergarten through college age. I have always enjoyed helping these students in any way possible to reach their potential socially and academically. I hope to continue to do so for many years through the Achieve Program."
Ruth O'Rourke
Accountant
E-mail: rourouke@siu.edu
Ruth O’Rourke is currently the Achieve Program’s Account Technician. She has been with the program for 11 years. Her duties include billing, purchasing, receiving, contracts, maintaining the general ledger, reporting payroll and many other fiscal responsibilities. If you ever have a question about billing contact Ruth at (618)453-6161. On a personal note, Ruth is a mother of two energetic boys. She is also a full time minister. She was born right here in Southern Illinois and has lived here forever. During her free time, which is basically non-existent, she enjoys the outdoors and being with her boys.