USoar Team
Meet The Team
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Dr. Marlena Jenkins, Director
Marlena serves as the Director of the USoar program and brings over 20 years of experience working with individuals with developmental, intellectual, and behavioral diagnoses to UNF. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master of Science in Developmental Disabilities with a concentration in Leadership/Advocacy and a Bachelor of Arts in K-12 Special Education. Marlena’s doctoral research was centered around the development of a trauma framework grounded in the tenets of universal design for learning within the early childhood population. Additionally, Marlena served on a committee responsible for revamping Florida’s Educator Autism Endorsement, providing guidance as a content area contributor. Marlena has a strong passion for serving individuals across their lifespan in the areas of inclusion, goal setting and planning, and advocacy. Her knowledge and experience as a seasoned professional learning facilitator has led her to present for school teams, districts, parent organizations, and agencies on a local and national stage. Marlena looks forward to serving postsecondary students, their families and the UNF community through the work being done by the USoar.Office Phone: (904) 620-1191
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Amy Roderick, Associate Director
Amy Roderick serves as the Associate Director of the USoar program. Amy has worked in higher education since 2007. She has a M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration and intends to continue her education journey in coming years. Amy’s areas of expertise lie in programmatic budgeting and finance. She is excited to bring her years to the USoar program not only for the budgeting of the financial components, but also to the benefit of the students. Amy is passionate about providing financial literacy to students to help them better understand how to successfully finance their future. Additionally, Amy is a firm believer in providing individuals of all ability levels with the opportunity to fully engage in life. She brings this excitement to the USoar team in planning and executing travel excursions, nationally and internationally, to broaden student experiences. Office Phone: (904) 620-1189
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Tyler Charles, Assistant Director
Tyler Charles, originally from Whitesboro, NY, is the Assistant Director of the USoar program, as well as a registered behavior technician with Behavioral Solutions Consulting. Tyler graduated from UNF with a B.A. in Psychology in 2017 and graduated from UNF with his Masters in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2020. Tyler previously served as the Coordinator for the THRIVE program for 6 years working with individuals on the autism spectrum in the postsecondary setting, though he has had a diverse range of experiences working with individuals of varying disabilities in the postsecondary setting. Tyler is working toward attaining a BCBA certification to continue his growth and development in the field of behavior. Research areas of interest include matriculating individuals with ASD within and beyond postsecondary settings, Organizational Behavior Management, and supports for individuals with disabilities within and beyond postsecondary settings. Tyler is a firm believer in providing support to individuals belonging to underrepresented populations and assisting them in finding a voice for themselves and their needs. -
Ally Johnson, Community Coordinator
Ally Johnson serves as the Community Coordinator for the USoar program. With more than 10 years of experience, she has worked with individuals who have physical, developmental, intellectual, and behavioral disabilities. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy from Georgia Southern University. She has previously worked as a job coach, assisting clients in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment opportunities. Ally is dedicated to supporting students in developing vital life and career skills, aiming to assist them in transitioning into the workforce with confidence.