The FIT-ABLE Staff

Joseph Plutz
Director, Office of Disability Services, FIT-ABLE

Joseph Plutz has been working in the FIT-ABLE Office since March 2007. He earned his BA in Finance from North Central College, Naperville, Illinois and completed his Masters Degree in Disability Studies at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (SPS). He is co-chair of the FIT Diversity Council and works closely with students, faculty, and staff to promote disability awareness on the FIT campus to foster dialog and understanding of disability as a category of diversity and identity. He is also a member of the FIT CARE Team which provides timely proactive intervention resources for students, faculty, and staff in order to address student issues and promote student academic success and safety.

Elizabeth Killinger
Associate Coordinator

Elizabeth joined the FIT-ABLE office in November 2022. She has previously worked in disability services for eight years at a previous institution specializing in technology and digital access. Elizabeth works with students directly regarding housing accommodations and other accommodation needs, provides training to faculty/staff, and directs programming for disability outreach. She is a proud club advisor to Delta Alpha Pi (DAPi), FIT’s honor society for students with disabilities. Elizabeth serves on the Housing Accommodations Committee.  

Sapna Thakkar
Program Coordinator of Disability Services

Sapna Thakkar joined the FIT community in 2017. She works with students in the FIT-ABLE program to support their academic progress, strengthen executive functioning skills, and develop effective study strategies. In addition, Sapna leads trips to fashion-related sites in New York City as well as various arts, cultural, and trade events. She works closely with other resource departments on campus to provide guidance to students in their internship/career explorations. Sapna is also an instructor in the Math department at FIT. 

Jacqueline Bergen 
Counselor Associate

Jacqueline joined the FIT-ABLE office in January 2018. She focuses on accessibility and assistive technology. Jacqueline works with students to select assistive technologies that meet their individual needs, and provides ongoing training and support. She also handles alternate format/digital textbook requests - remediating course materials for improved accessibility, and coordinates interpreting services for classes and college events. Jacqueline serves on FIT's Web Accessibility/Electronic Information & Technology Accessibility Committee, and is interested in promoting accessibility awareness and Universal Design initiatives.

Gail Leech-Sims
Administrative Assistant

Gail joined FIT in April, 2008 and has served in various capacities. Prior to joining the FIT-ABLE Office in June of 2011 she worked in the Campus Card Office and the Enrollment Management and Student Success Office. Gail is an integral part of the FIT-ABLE office as the first point of contact for students and visitors creating a friendly and professional environment that everyone appreciates. Gail also continues to improve her own professional development by taking classes at FIT.