Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Awareness Committee

The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Awareness (IDEA) Committee contributes to the overall Enterprise Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy to take meaningful action to cultivate an environment of fairness, belonging, and opportunity.  Specifically, the IDEA Committee aims to:

  • Promote and guide initiatives to incorporate the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of the College that contribute to a work environment and student experience that upholds the University and College values.
  • Collaborate with all JCRS Committees to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion priorities and outcomes are in alignment with program, departmental, and college level goals, actions, and policies.
  • Foster and model a culture of dialogue that encourages understanding and acceptance and builds capacity for embracing the value & dignity of human difference and inclusion throughout all college activities (teaching, research, & service).

Chair & Members

Karla A. Bell, PT, DPT, PhD
She / Her / They
Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
Associate Professor, Jefferson College of Nursing
Co-Founder, Sexual & Gender Minorities Education & Training (SG-MET), Jefferson Enterprise Professional Development Program
Karla.Bell@jefferson.edu


Rebecca Operacz,  PT, DPT, EdD
Teaching Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
Rebecca.Operacz@jefferson.edu



Irene Shetzline Jackson, MA, CCC-SLP, CLC
She / Her / Hers
Teaching Instructor, Speech-Language Pathology
Director of Clinical Education
Irene.Jackson@jefferson.edu


Amanda Parezo, OTD, MS, OTR/L
She / Her / Hers
Assistant Professor & Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Occupational Therapy
Amanda.Lyons@jefferson.edu


Nannette Fromm, EdM
She / Her / Hers
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Nannette.Vliet@jefferson.edu

Rachael Berget, M.Ed.
Education Coordinator
Rachael.Berget@jefferson.edu

Reporting Bias, Discrimination & Harasment

Thomas Jefferson University is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming campus community. In turn, it is the responsibility of each person within the University community to join in creating an environment in which others have a positive experience and promote inclusion and respect. Report Bias or Discrimination.

If you have concerns, questions, or ideas that you would like to share, please contact JCRS.Diversity@jefferson.edu.