Illuminate: 2021 APSE Virtual Conference

In 2008 Hasan joined the executive leadership team of the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice. In 2012 Hasan became Kentucky’s fifth Commissioner of Juvenile Justice. During his tenure as Commissioner, he was instrumental in pushing SB200, which contained sweeping juvenile reform legislation, through the Kentucky General Assembly. SB200 was signed into law in April of 2014 and is now transforming Kentucky’s juvenile justice and other youth-serving systems. Now, Hasan spends the majority of his time as a youth advocate and national speaker/trainer providing technical assistance and support to youth-serving organizations across the country. Hasan’s work and passion are rooted in his own early life experiences with justice, education, and social service systems that often failed to provide him with the tools and support he needed to thrive. In 2014 Hasan published Written Off: How One Man’s Journey through Disability, Poverty, and Delinquency is Transforming the Juvenile Justice System. In 2019 he published his first children’s book, The Journey of York, Unsung hero of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Which chronicles the experience of the Corps of Discovery’s only African-American member, an enslaved man named York. Hasan lives in Berea, Kentucky with his wife and two sons. After physical isolation and tracking that did not address his undiagnosed Dyslexia and ADHD in elementary school to an early arrest as a pre-teen and expulsion from an alternative school. Hasan earned his GED and decided to leave the life he knew well, for one he could hardly imagine. Hasan went on to attend Berea College. And, although Hasan was expelled from Berea College twice, he returned a third time, determined to prove that failure would not be his legacy. With the right attitude and support, Hasan earned his BA degree from Berea College and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law.

In 2008 Hasan joined the executive leadership team of the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice. In 2012 Hasan became Kentucky’s fifth Commissioner of Juvenile Justice. During his tenure as Commissioner, he was instrumental in pushing SB200, which contained sweeping juvenile reform legislation, through the Kentucky General Assembly. SB200 was signed into law in April of 2014 and is now transforming Kentucky’s juvenile justice and other youth-serving systems. Now, Hasan spends the majority of his time as a youth advocate and national speaker/trainer providing technical assistance and support to youth-serving organizations across the country. Hasan’s work and passion are rooted in his own early life experiences with justice, education, and social service systems that often failed to provide him with the tools and support he needed to thrive. In 2014 Hasan published Written Off: How One Man’s Journey through Disability, Poverty, and Delinquency is Transforming the Juvenile Justice System. In 2019 he published his first children’s book, The Journey of York, Unsung hero of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Which chronicles the experience of the Corps of Discovery’s only African-American member, an enslaved man named York. Hasan lives in Berea, Kentucky with his wife and two sons. After physical isolation and tracking that did not address his undiagnosed Dyslexia and ADHD in elementary school to an early arrest as a pre-teen and expulsion from an alternative school. Hasan earned his GED and decided to leave the life he knew well, for one he could hardly imagine. Hasan went on to attend Berea College. And, although Hasan was expelled from Berea College twice, he returned a third time, determined to prove that failure would not be his legacy. With the right attitude and support, Hasan earned his BA degree from Berea College and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law.

Janet has a BS in Special Education and Spanish, MS in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, and is a Registered Nurse. She taught High School special education, established a supported employment program for 25 years providing integrated employment services, and was the Director for an agency providing personal care and home chore services. She went on to Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services as their Employment Initiatives Section Chief. Janet is currently with Attainment Company as their Director of Curriculum and Training and serves on three non-profit boards.

Montrel Tennessee is the Project Manager for the Partnerships in Employment (PIE) systems change grant for DC Department on Disability Services. The PIE grant is a 5 year systems change grant that is focused on transforming state systems to promote competitive integrated employment outcomes for youth and young adults with I/DD. He specializes in program management, youth development, and youth transition. Over the past 6 years, Montrel has had the opportunity to work within non-profit organizations, school systems, and local government in the areas of workforce development and postsecondary access. Montrel has participated in the development of Direct Support Professional Academy and is currently leading the district’s Think College initiative with the University of the District of Columbia. Montrel is a graduate of George Mason University, where he received is BA in Psychology and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he received is M.Ed. in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership.

Mark has over 20 years of experience working in health care and disability service management. Mark is currently the co-chair of DC’s Community of Practice on Cultural and Linguistic Competence and was previously the Program Manager of DC’s No Wrong Door Initiative, an inter-agency initiative to ensure streamlined access to supports and services. Prior to his work at DC Government, Mark was the Director of Care Management for Partners Health Plan and was previously employed at the YAI Network, managing the patient access operations for eight outpatient diagnostic and treatment centers averaging over 100,000 annual visits.

Alison Whyte is the Executive Director of the DC Developmental Disabilities Council, as well as a Person Centered Thinking trainer of The Learning Community for Person Centered Practices (TLCPCP) and a co-facilitator of the DC Supporting Families Community of Practice and the DC Community of Practice for Cultural and Linguistic Competence. Alison leads grassroots efforts to engage families and advocates in systems and culture change through policy advocacy and program development. Alison teaches and supports person centered practices in the District by supporting people with intellectual disabilities to become trainers and self-advocates. Additionally, Alison serves on the Board of Directors of Art Enables and TLCPCP. Alison loves animals, being outdoors as much as possible, biking around DC, and practicing her Spanish and American Sign Language skills.

For the almost 20 years Julie Stroud has assisted individuals with disabilities and other barriers to find competitive employment in the community. She began her career as a job coach, became an employment specialist, then was promoted to director of employment services. She started Julie Stroud Coaching & Consulting, LLC in 2021 to offer training to employment specialists and benefits counseling to job seekers. In the course of her career, Julie has fine-tuned an expanded set of strategies and tools whose implementations can affect better qualified and more satisfied job placement and provide structure for employment specialists.

Brit Miles has 13+ years of experience in the field of employment supports for people with disabilities as a Program Architect, Contracted Corporate Consultant, Program Manager, and as a Direct Support Professional placing and coaching individuals in community jobs out of facility based environments. Brit facilitates training in best practices of Competitive, Integrated, Employment for Community Rehabilitation Providers, state agencies, and other stakeholders. Brit is a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) and Texas APSE’s Chapter Founding President.

Lara Enein-Donovan works on projects that address provider transformation, best practices in employment services, and staff training. Lara has extensive experience in vocational rehabilitation. She is the coordinator of the Employment Services Program at the ICI and develops curriculum for the DirectCourse College of Employment Services, a collaboration between the ICI, Elsevier, and the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration. Lara provides presentations, technical assistance, and training to assist provider agencies, state agencies and career centers in building their capacity to serve individuals with disabilities. She has been awarded the Leadership in Supported Employment Award by APSE and Massachusetts APSE.

Bev Harp is a project director with the Human Development Institute (HDI) at the University of Kentucky. Through the project Innovative Supports for Autistic Workers (ISAW), Bev works with Office of Vocational Rehabilitation staff and Human Resource professionals to support autistic employees and job-seekers. Bev is a founding member of Autistics United Kentucky, the state’s affiliate of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. She holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kentucky. She often presents with her animatronic assistant, Squawkers McCaw.

Susan Rinne, is a professional with over 40 years’ experience in disability services from direct service to leadership to consulting roles. She has advocated for the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their communities resulting in rewarding jobs, homes, and true community involvement. For almost 20 years, Rinne served as Chief Executive Officer for LIFEDesigns, Inc., an agency in south-central Indiana that provides services to people with disabilities.

Work to Include Team Leader in Evansville IN. Experienced Data Associate with a demonstrated history of working in the utilities industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Microsoft Word, Disabilities, Electric Power, and Disability Rights. Strong information technology professional with a Bachelor’s degree focused in Health Services Administration from University of Southern Indiana.

Jeff is Team Leader for Work to Include in Fort Wayne. He holds an associate’s degree in business and is extremely active in his community. Jeff leads several groups including self-advocates, a disability consortium and the Work to Include coalition.

Nancy Boutot is the Manager of Financial Empowerment at National Disability Institute (NDI). Nancy provides training on Social Security work incentives, benefits planning and work supports, financial counseling and other asset development strategies to empower individuals to maximize financial capabilities. Prior to NDI, Nancy spent her career directing nonprofit community based employment programs in Florida and New Jersey. She has a Master of Science degree in Psychiatric Rehabilitation from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and is a certified benefits planner and certified financial counselor.

Edward Mitchell became an independent living specialist at the Jackson Center for Independent Living in Tennessee, after having served as a board member at the Center for more than 10 years. He currently serves on the board of the Tennessee Statewide Independent Living Council. Involved in a hit-and-run accident in 2003, Edward has quadriplegia with an incomplete spinal cord injury at the C5 and C6 levels. That hasn’t slowed him down, however. Edward obtained his bachelor’s degree in 2009 from Lane College a private HBCU and his MBA in 2011 from Union University. He opened his ABLE account because it allows him to work and save money, and he plans to put his funds towards accessible housing, which is scarce in rural Tennessee.

Dr. Daston is a project manager for the Department of Disabilities Services and Project SEARCH at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Maryellen currently oversees the design of the Project SEARCH database, manages data entry and dissemination. She also co-authored a book on the history, philosophy, and practices that define the Project SEARCH model.

Dr. Amanda Buncher has over ten years of experience educating and supporting students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the school and workplace. Dr. Buncher is a research associate within the Department of Disabilities Services and Project SEARCH at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). She is a member of a collaborative team that oversees research for the department, assists with Project SEARCH database development, writes grant proposals, and presents program outcomes and empirical findings at conferences and through scholarly publications.

James Fletcher is a Trial Attorney with the Disability Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice, where he enforces the ADA’s integration mandate and Olmstead.

Jillian Lenson is a Trial Attorney with the Disability Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice, where she enforces the ADA’s integration mandate and Olmstead.

Nathan is from Holland, Ohio, and has spent 15 years advocating for justice, accessibility and equal rights in the disability community. He is passionate about low cost technologies and digital assistants.

Chris is an expert on service dogs and service dog awareness. He is also passionate about remote support technologies and the role they play in helping people with disabilities to live more independent lives.

Marci is a strong advocate and a dedicated member of many local boards and councils. Marci is passionate about remote supports and has a cooking blog called “Keepin it Cookin”!

Robert was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is an active member in many organizations, committees, advisory boards and advocacy groups and is particularly passionate about the accessibility of public transportation

Tanner is from Ironton, Ohio and is a passionate advocate for accessibility who has used technology to assist him for 22 of his 29 years. He is experienced in working with organizations on building accessibility.

George is the Grant Director for the Ohio Tech Ambassador Project. He mentors, advises, and supports the Tech Ambassadors as they do their work across the state.

Jim Warne is the Founder and President of Warrior Society Development, LLC. Jim incorporates traditional Warrior Society Philosophies in his daily life. Jim is a member of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Nation. Currently, Jim is the Community Engagement Director at the University of South Dakota (USD) Center for Disabilities (UCEDD), Oyate` Circle at Sanford School of Medicine. He is also an Instructor for USD Pediatrics. Jim wrote several grants for the University of South Dakota to establish the Oyate`Circle that focuses on Native disability and includes partnerships with various state/federal agencies, universities, and organizations. Jim is also working to develop a Native Center with the Arizona Sonoran Center UCEDD to work with the 21 Tribal Nations in Arizona. Jim has devoted his professional life to improving quality of life and opportunities for underserved populations, with a focus on Indian country. He previously developed programs at San Diego State University to aid tribal professionals interested in serving their tribes with improved opportunities for members with disabilities. Look for his award-winning documentary, “7th Generation”, by WSD Productions and Native Driven Network available on Amazon Prime Video.

Jim Warne is the Founder and President of Warrior Society Development, LLC. Jim incorporates traditional Warrior Society Philosophies in his daily life. Jim is a member of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Nation. Currently, Jim is the Community Engagement Director at the University of South Dakota (USD) Center for Disabilities (UCEDD), Oyate` Circle at Sanford School of Medicine. He is also an Instructor for USD Pediatrics. Jim wrote several grants for the University of South Dakota to establish the Oyate`Circle that focuses on Native disability and includes partnerships with various state/federal agencies, universities, and organizations. Jim is also working to develop a Native Center with the Arizona Sonoran Center UCEDD to work with the 21 Tribal Nations in Arizona. Jim has devoted his professional life to improving quality of life and opportunities for underserved populations, with a focus on Indian country. He previously developed programs at San Diego State University to aid tribal professionals interested in serving their tribes with improved opportunities for members with disabilities. Look for his award-winning documentary, “7th Generation”, by WSD Productions and Native Driven Network available on Amazon Prime Video.

Buckley’s background in disability spans over twenty years and includes eleven years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in Indiana and Wisconsin in addition to mental health counseling, crisis management, case management, residential services provision, employment training, and teaching in a variety of public and private settings. Areas of specialization include services for people with brain injuries, vision impairments, autism, and mental health diagnosis. Buckley holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Northeastern State University and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Powers has worked with both non-profits and for-profit organizations, across the nation in executive leadership positions for over 18 years. He has extensive experience in creating and leading programs in employment services, residential living, day programing, benefits analysis, therapeutic practices, youth and adult abuse & suicide prevention. Additionally, he is a certified Community Partner Work Incentives Counselor (CPWIC) and helps oversee the Indiana Benefits Information Network (BIN) Project for the state of Indiana. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication and Theatre Arts from Eastern Kentucky University, and a Master’s in Administration, Counseling and Educational Studies from Eastern Kentucky University.

Jessica Short is a Senior Training and Consultation Specialist for the Employment project at The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities. She conducts the Employment Specialist training and provides technical assistance to community providers regarding meaningful day and supported employment. Jessica has worked in the field of community-based disability services as a Group Home Manager, Trainer, Behavior Specialist, and Employment Specialist. Before she joined The Boggs Center, she was the Program Director for a Supported Employment Program working with young adults to foster positive transitions from school to adult life.

Bethany Chase is a Training and Consultation Specialist for the Employment and Transition projects at The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities. Bethany provides training, support, consultation, and education to professionals, self-advocates, and families on best practices regarding supported employment, meaningful day, and transition to adulthood. Particular areas of focus include family and parent support strategies, sexuality and sexual rights of people with disabilities, and disability policy. Notable achievements include continued state and national conference presentations, a 2019 publication in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation describing social sexual challenges at the workplace as well as a Boggs Center publication that empowers families and self-advocates to critically and meaningfully evaluate college and post-secondary education programs, which has been promoted by various organizations nationwide.

David Hoff is a Program Director at the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston. He has done work across the United States, and internationally, providing technical assistance and training on effective practices in human services and workforce development. In addition to his 20+ years at ICI, Mr. Hoff has been a regional workforce development system administrator, and also spent several years in a direct service role, assisting individuals with disabilities to find and maintain employment. He is a Past President of National APSE, and the current president of the Massachusetts chapter.

Jessica Keenoy is a Training Associate at the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Prior to joining ICI, she worked as a Coordinator for Student Services in the Disability Center at the University of Missouri. She has also been employed as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the state of Missouri.

Steve Sargent is an accomplished Human Resources Executive proactive in meeting company issues
head-on with a creative and innovative approach. He enjoys the challenge of a changing industry and
employment talent demands and supply. Expertise includes disability employment, negotiation and
recruitment. Steve most recently reduced labor turnover by 25% after implementation of Disability
Employment program. He likes spending time with his family, playing music, coaching sports and collecting things his wife quickly donates.

Justin Blumhorst is a professional with over 20 years experience in the field of services for people with disabilities. Justin started as a Direct Service Professional and is now the Operations Leader of Capabilities. Capabilities assists over 2,300 people a year work towards their goal of integrated community employment. Justin helps with the oversight and quality of services that Capabilities provides along with leading external relationships for the agency.

Andy has primary responsibility for a number of Federal policy initiatives focused specifically on promoting the employment and socioeconomic advancement of adults with disabilities. Andy brings real-world experience along with service provider expertise to his work. Andy worked as a Systems Change Advocate for the Dayle McIntosh Center, a Center for Independent Living (CIL), in Los Angeles. While working at this CIL, he engaged in supporting youth with disabilities in accessing resources to help them attain competitive integrated employment. He also worked at CareerAccess, an employment initiative to improve career development for all youth with disabilities.

Dara Taylor is a Coordinator of Employment at Job Path Inc, a not-for-profit agency in New York City that provides competitive integrated employment and a range of individualized day and residential supports services for people with developmental disabilities. She has 1o years of experience in the implementation of employment services, with a particular focus on Customized Employment, career development, and Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits. Dara Taylor has provided training to Job Path staff and outside agencies on Customized Employment and SSA benefits. She has a master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University School of Social Work.

Aimee Althoff is the Associate Executive Director of Employment Services at Job Path Inc, an agency in New York City that provides highly individualized community based supports and services for people with developmental disabilities. Aimee has led Job Path’s work in Customized Employment for 15 years and has trained and mentored staff at Job Path and agencies throughout the New York City metropolitan area in Customized Employment strategies. Aimee is skilled in the use of multiple funding sources to support quality employment services and effective staffing and supervision strategies. She has a master’s degree in Special Education from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College.

Ashley Oolman, Disability Inclusion Consultant at Lifeworks Services, transforms workplaces through accessibility tools, evidence-based best practices, and compliance assessments. From large corporations to small businesses, she guides strategic inclusive hiring and retention initiatives to diversify talent and advance disability employment.

Alli Strong-Martin, Disability Inclusion Consultant at Lifeworks, leverages intensive research to develop strategies and create new products that advance disability rights and inclusion in private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Alli holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and a Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership & International Studies from Murray State University. Alli’s goal is to educate community partners on topics such as ableism, intersectionality, disability identity. She fully believes in promoting and protecting the human rights of people with disabilities to full community inclusion and equal opportunity.

Alberto’s research focuses on supporting employment consultants in their work with job seekers through improving fidelity of implementation of effective employment supports leading to job seekers’ employment outcomes. His expertise includes descriptive, correlation, and experimental research within Implementation Science. Earlier in his career, he co-founded a social cooperative where he worked alongside adults with disabilities.

Prior to his work at SEEC, Michael has built programs and solutions designed to create financial empowerment for vulnerable populations through Workforce Development and entrepreneurship. His work has both focused creating national-level interventions and regional-level programs. Mike has an MBA in Non-Profit and Operations Management through the University of Maryland, Smith School of Business

Kevin Dierks is the Therap Regional Director in the Western United States since 2009. He has worked supporting people with developmental disabilities and the communities and systems for over 30 years including working with non-profit organizations, at the Department of Health/Developmental Disabilities Division, and the University of Hawaii/ Center on Disability Studies. He has been involved in National, Federal, State and community level public research and initiatives involving public health, disability, technology, and human services. He has a M.A. in Community Psychology and is a graduate of the select leadership development and training program The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities

Alex Suyer is Vice-President at iCentrix. He has over 30 years experience in the software industry developing and delivering mission critical solutions for various industries including Healthcare, e-Commerce, Logistics and Marketing.

As a co-founder and Software Architect of iCentrix, Alex has been specializing at implementing Electronic Healthcare Records (EHR) and Business Intelligence (BI) solutions for clients involved in Behavioral Healthcare and Long-Term Support Services across the country and helping them shift from paper to paperless operations. His recent work includes establishing and operating the largest provider based information network collaborative in Massachusetts focused on advancing EHR technology and introducing innovative solutions for audit preparation, data collection, management and analysis.

Preston uses his passion for working with others and utilizing the best technology in his role as the lead of our client experience team at SETWorks. He has enjoyed getting to know the Intellectual/Developmental Disability (IDD) industry and partnering with agencies all over the country to help make them the best they can be through SETWorks

Aimee Langone currently serves as the Transition and Supported Employment Coordinator for the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation. She has previous experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the states of UT, OH, GA and MA. Aimee has also worked for a Community Rehabilitation Program.

Missy has been working in/with IPS for eleven years. She started as an Employment Specialist at a local mental health agency, became the Manager of Employment Services at that same agency before becoming the IPS State Trainer for Missouri. Missy was recently selected as the Director, Mental Health Services for Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation.

Chad has worked in the Supported Employment field for the majority of his career. He began his career as a Job Coach/Job Developer. He also managed the employment program for a state psychiatric hospital as well as being the patient advocate. He now is the Director of Employment Services for the Missouri Division of Behavioral Health and partners with VR to oversee the implementation and expansion of IPS throughout the state.

Dr. Robert Drake is a Vice President of the Westat Corporation and Professor (Retired), of The Dartmouth Institute on Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, and the former Director of the Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center. Dr. Drake has studied psychiatric rehabilitation for nearly 40 years. He is recognized internationally for his many contributions to transforming services toward greater alignment with client goals and the recovery process. He is co-developer of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment, one of the most successful and influential evidence-based practices in psychiatric rehabilitation. Dr. Drake has devoted his career to the conceptualization, development, evaluation, and dissemination of evidence-based practices, including IPS, integrated dual disorders treatment, and many other models. He has directed numerous randomized controlled trials, has extensively reviewed the psychiatric rehabilitation literature, and has published more than 20 books and 600 research articles.

Sharon is a Program Administrator for Supported Employment and Recovery & Resiliency Peer Support with the Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH). As an Administrator for Supported Employment, Sharon oversees programs that assist individuals who have serious mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders obtain and maintain employment. She is the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS)/Supported Employment state-wide trainer. In addition, Sharon conducts mental health and substance use disorder awareness training for employers, stakeholders, state agencies and community partners. As the Recovery & Resiliency Peer Support Administrator, Sharon provides supervision at the Division level, manages certification, fosters advocacy and assists with Utah’s Peer Support movement within mental health and substance use disorders providers. Prior to her administering at DSAMH, Sharon was a Business Relations Specialist for Utah State Office of Rehabilitation. As a Business Relations Specialist, she provided statewide disability-related training to businesses and assisted with their hiring and retaining of people with disabilities. Sharon received a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Studies from Weber State University and a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from University of Phoenix. She is a Licensed Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Sharon is a member of the Disability:IN Steering Committee, Governor’s Committee on Employment for People with Disabilities, National Rehabilitation Association, Utah Rehabilitation Association, Utah Job Placement and Development, Utah’s Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program, US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy Vision Quest (Utah’s co-lead), Utah Department of Corrections Employment and Education subcommittee, Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators, Vocational Rehabilitation Supported Employment Focus Group, Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Committee, Brain Injury Alliance of Utah’s Council Employment and Education subcommittee, and she is the Chair of DSAMH’s Supported Employment Coordinating Committee, a Train-the-Trainer for Working Minds Suicide Prevention in the Workplace as well as a Certified Train-the-Trainer for Rocky Mountain Americans with Disabilities Act Center. Sharon is passionate about assisting people with mental illnesses and co-occurring substance use disorders obtain and retain competitive and integrated employment!

Marilee Boylan has 23 years of experience supporting people with developmental disabilities. Marilee began her professional career working in the field of employment in 1999 with students 18-21 transitioning from school to the world of work. During this period of time she worked implementing school to work programs such as ACE and Project SEARCH. Later in her career she became involved in systems advocacy and in collaboration with other passionate stakeholders, worked to pass legislation to increase employment outcomes across Colorado with SB 16-077 and SB 18-145.

Darby Remley started her career in public education as a special education teacher. She did 5 years at the elementary level and then did 3.5 years at the middle/high school level and was a transition coordinator for transition aged youth. After leaving education she became a service provider for adults with disabilities and trained and provided supported employment services in their employment setting. She then jumped at the opportunity to move back to Fort Collins, CO and took a position as a Rehabilitation Counselor with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) with a specialty caseload working with I/DD and veterans. She has since transitioned in the role of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Supported Employment Coordinator/Trainer with DVR to provide direct training around all things supported employment and training DVR staff who work with individuals with I/DD.

Jackie Pogue, MPH, is a research associate at Westat/ IPS Employment Center where she provides training and conducts research on supported employment throughout the U.S. and worldwide. Starting at the IPS Employment Center in 2018, Jackie worked for 12 years in Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area as an IPS specialist, supervisor, trainer, and fidelity reviewer. She has a masters in public health from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College and lives in New Hampshire.

Michelle Sparling, M.Ed, CESP, works for Networks for Training and Development, Inc. She started her career as an Employment Support Professional, and for the last 25 years, has been working for Networks, providing organizational development and employment-related training and consultation to organizations throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. She is currently co-chair of Philadelphia’s Employment First Steering committee and is the current Vice President and Curriculum Review Coordinator of the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE). In her spare time, Michelle is a board member and volunteer with Angel on a Leash, a therapy dog organization, along with her Maverick.

Kari graduated from Iowa State University with a Masters in Education and Drake University for a Bachelors of Arts. Kari began her work in supported employment as a job developer in 2014, working with individuals with disabilities and businesses to find and maintain employment opportunities, and earned the Certified Employment Support Professional™ (CESP) credential in 2015. Now she manages the CESP program, as well as serving in marketing roles for APSE (like sending APSE emails, posting to social media and developing the podcast!). Kari enjoys time outside reading in the hammock, playing with her labradane Phil, walks and listening to podcasts, connecting for coffee over Zoom, and learning!

Katie Taliercio has 20 years of experience working for people with disabilities in their schools, homes, jobs and life endeavors. She has also worked as a Training Coordinator and in Human Resources recruiting and hiring. She believes in the power of meaningful employment matches that both enrich the life of the employee as well as the success of the business. Katie now works for Health Care Policy and Financing (Colorado Medicaid) as a Home and Community-Based Services Employment Contract Specialist and serves on the board of the Colorado Chapter of the Association of People Supporting Employment First .

The first half of her career focused on serving people with disabilities through government and non-profit agencies. After 7 years at Walgreens (creating their groundbreaking and successful efforts to increase inclusion of people with disabilities across the enterprise at a substantial and sustainable scale), she now has devoted the past 7 years to growing her company, which assists employers in connecting with the disability community and assists the disability community in connecting with employers.

Julie J. Christensen, LMSW, PhD, is the Director of Policy and Advocacy at APSE – the Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst. Prior to joining APSE, she was the Director of Iowa’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD), at the University of Iowa. Julie’s background encompasses work in schools, not-for-profits, government and higher education. For the past 15+ years, her career has centered around improving quality of life outcomes for at-risk youth, including youth with intellectual and development disabilities, through promoting employment and access to leisure and recreation opportunities in inclusive settings. She currently maintains an adjunct faculty appointment in the University of Iowa School of Social Work. Her research and policy work has focused in the areas of transition, employment, quality of life, and leisure and recreation participation of people with disabilities across the lifespan. Julie also currently serves as the Senior Disability Policy Fellow for the Harkin Institute at Drake University.

Nicole MacDonald has been with CASE, in the role of Director of New Initiatives since 2019. In addition to her work with CASE, she has over a decade of experience in community development, program coordination, and communications.
Throughout her academic career, she has obtained a diploma in Nursing and a Degree in Social Work and is currently a registered Social Worker practicing in Newfoundland & Labrador. Nicole believes in the power of programming and has developed and facilitated programs on both a federal and provincial level. In all of her experiences, she has yet to meet a person who does not possess great strength and potential.
In her downtime, she takes pleasure in living as off-grid as possible, spending time with her family, and raising a little nature boy.

Jean Winsor’s research focuses on state integrated employment systems and providing technical assistance to employment system stakeholders. She has investigated states with high rates of integrated employment for people with disabilities, states that have engaged in multi-agency systems change to support integrated employment, and states that are using Employment First as a catalyst for systems change. Jean is particularly interested in understanding the methods states use to collect data on employment, the strategies states use to fund employment services, and the factors that impact the choices individuals with disabilities make about employment.

Julie J. Christensen, LMSW, PhD, is the Director of Policy and Advocacy at APSE – the Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst. Prior to joining APSE, she was the Director of Iowa’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD), at the University of Iowa. Julie’s background encompasses work in schools, not-for-profits, government and higher education. For the past 15+ years, her career has centered around improving quality of life outcomes for at-risk youth, including youth with intellectual and development disabilities, through promoting employment and access to leisure and recreation opportunities in inclusive settings. She currently maintains an adjunct faculty appointment in the University of Iowa School of Social Work. Her research and policy work has focused in the areas of transition, employment, quality of life, and leisure and recreation participation of people with disabilities across the lifespan. Julie also currently serves as the Senior Disability Policy Fellow for the Harkin Institute at Drake University.

For over 20 years, Jaimie Timmons, MSW has had leadership roles in projects related to family engagement, transition planning, community life engagement, and employment for individuals with IDD. Jaimie’s work addresses employment supports and outcomes, parent engagement in employment planning, transfer-of-rights and alternatives to guardianship, postsecondary education, and the impact of participation in community service on transition-age youth with autism. Ms. Timmons’ research interests stem from her background providing direct services to parents/guardians with children with IDD and special health care needs.

Jennifer Sulewski is a national expert on community life engagement for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She has conducted extensive research on how to improve day services and supports to better promote community life engagement, which includes all activities that people with disabilities participate in outside of (and in addition to) paid employment. Jennifer has been a researcher or evaluator on numerous ICI projects related to day and employment services for people with IDD. She is a Fellow of the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and past co-chair of the Disabilities and Other Vulnerable Populations Topical Interest Group of the American Evaluation Association.

Jennifer Bose is a researcher in the ICI’s State Systems team. Her primary interest has consistently been the study of promising practices at the state, organizational, employment specialist, and individual level that lead to the competitive employment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her current research focuses on successful engagement between individuals with disabilities and their families and the education and employment service systems.

Natalie Miller was diagnosed with autism at age four and has been a disability advocate since 2005 when she was twelve years old. Currently working as a paralegal at the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office as a paralegal, she is co-founder of their DifferentNotLess Initiative aimed at providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities as well as increasing general disability activism in the Indianapolis area. In addition to her activism at work, Natalie serves on the Indiana APSE Board of Directors and has contributed to the efforts of numerous other local and national organizations. She is a 2014 graduate of Franklin College with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and will begin her Master of Public Affairs with a concentration of Innovation and Social Change in summer 2021 through IUPUI’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Rob Kimmel is a Training and Consultation Specialist for the Employment and Transition projects at The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities. Prior to his work at The Boggs Center, Rob was a Head Teacher at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center of Rutgers University as well as the Assistant Director of Employment and Technology at The Eden School of Eden Autism Services. He also holds BCBA and CESP certifications in addition to a Masters in Teaching, Special Education concentration.He provides training, consultation, and technical assistance regarding best practices in Supported Employment and Transition to Adulthood

Melanie joined the JAN staff as a consultant on the Cognitive / Neurological Team in February 2008. She has a fourteen-year history of teaching and advocating for students with disabilities in the public school system. Melanie holds a Master of Arts degree in Special Education, a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She most recently completed a graduate certification in Career Planning and Placement for Youth in Transition, and became a certified brain injury specialist in December 2014. As the Lead Consultant on the Cognitive / Neurological Team, Melanie specializes in learning disabilities, mental impairments, developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and brain injuries. She presents nationally on these topics as well as authors publications.

Alexis began working at JAN as a graduate assistant in the summer of 2018, became an employment specialist in December 2019, and was promoted to a consultant on the cognitive/neurological team in June 2020. As a consultant, Alexis fields questions from employees and employers regarding their rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and assists in identifying accommodation solutions for employees with cognitive and mental health conditions. Alexis earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Sport and Exercise Psychology with a minor in Human Services and a Master’s of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from West Virginia University (WVU). Alexis has also spent time being an advocate and working within the community. She spent this time providing individual and group therapy, educating and supporting families and caretakers of those with disabilities, advocating for client rights, and providing crisis intervention.

(ICI). At ICI, she provides training and technical assistance and supports research in the area of community living for people with disabilities, particularly employment and day supports. Before coming to ICI, Danielle worked as an advocate for several disability advocacy organizations in the Twin Cities. The focus of her advocacy at these organizations includes employment and day supports, post-secondary transition, and person-centered planning and supports. She has served on the board of directors for the Minnesota Association of People Supporting Employment First since 2015.

For over 20 years, Jaimie Timmons, MSW has had leadership roles in projects related to family engagement, transition planning, community life engagement, and employment for individuals with IDD. Jaimie’s work addresses employment supports and outcomes, parent engagement in employment planning, transfer-of-rights and alternatives to guardianship, postsecondary education, and the impact of participation in community service on transition-age youth with autism. Ms. Timmons’ research interests stem from her background providing direct services to parents/guardians with children with IDD and special health care needs.

John Butterworth has over 40 years of experience as a researcher, consultant, trainer, and manager of employment services. He manages projects on employment support and state systems change including Access to Integrated Employment, a 30 year national data collection project on day and employment services and outcomes, and the State Employment Leadership Network, a membership network of state developmental disability agencies committed to improving employment outcomes. John’s interests include state and federal policy, transition, organizational transformation, employment outcomes, natural supports, person-centered planning, and program management.

Dr. O’Neill is Kessler Foundation’s Director of Employment and Disability Research. He has led numerous funded-research regarding employment and disability. Examples include: early inpatient vocational resource facilitation for individuals with spinal cord injury; evaluating the impact of Program Without Walls, a freelance community-based vocational rehabilitation team providing services to individuals with TBI; improving vocational rehabilitation services available to persons living with AIDS; evaluating the influence of state vocational rehabilitation services on the uptake of SSDI. Dr. O’Neill sat on the New York State Rehabilitation Council for nine years serving as the Council’s representative working with the State vocational rehabilitation agency to create a comprehensive system of personnel development and chairing Quality Assurance and Improvement Committee to conduct the New York State vocational rehabilitation agency needs assessment. Dr. O’Neill directed the graduate program in rehabilitation counselor education at Hunter College, CUNY for 25 years.

Ms. Katz oversees a comprehensive grantmaking program and communications department, awarding more than $43.5 million in grants toward national and community-based employment programs. For more than 25 years, Katz has worked with non-profit organizations in board development, fundraising, marketing, and business development. Katz often speaks about innovative practices for employing people with disabilities, and is the author/co-author of articles and papers on related topics. She serves on the boards of JESPY House, NJ APSE, and Essex/Newark Disabilities Issues Committee. Elaine served as a member of the Human and Children Services Transition Advisory Committee for Governor-elect Phil Murphy. She is an appointed member of Empower NYC Advisory Board, Workforce Funders Steering Committee, ReelAbilities NY Advisory Council and 2019 Film Selection Committee, and NJ Veterans and Community Collaborative Network. She is the 2019 recipient of the Humanitarian Award from Community Access Unlimited.

Annemarie Veira currently works as a coordinator for Disability Resources at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, and is a certified rehabilitation counselor. Prior to working for SVA, Annemarie worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for a vendor of ACESS-VR of NYS. Annemarie holds a master’s degree in education, from Hunter College in Rehabilitation Counseling and a bachelor’s degree in English-Creative Writing from Fairfield University. Prior to working in the counseling field, Annemarie’s first career goals to work in the arts and entertainment field as a writer and move into higher education. Annemarie originally from Northern Westchester county, was one of the first students with disabilities to complete her K-12 education mainstreamed. Annemarie identifies as a person with a disability and has Cerebral Palsy.

For the last 20 years, Beth has provided extensive training and technical assistance on systems change, customized employment, self-employment, systematic instruction, and benefits analysis. She developed the first national certification training curriculum for customized self-employment, collaborated with the Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center (WINTAC) on the development of Core Features of Quality Supported Employment, helped pioneer the creation and use of the three Customized Employment Fidelity Scales, and is currently service the Principle Investigator on a five year innovative self-employment training initiative funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration. Beth co-wrote Navigating Government Benefits & Employment: A Guidebook for Veterans with Disabilities and is a co-author of Making Self-Employment Work for People with Disabilities. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Oregon in 1996 and is a Certified Benefits Planner.

Aubrey Snyder works for the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University as a Training and Development Specialist. Aubrey has been working professionally with people with disabilities for over seven years in various positions. Her main interests are competitive integrated employment, community integration, and working with transition-aged youth with disabilities. Aubrey is also a sibling to a twin-brother with disabilities.

Tim Riesen is the Division Director of Research and Training at the Center for Persons with Disabilities and research associate professor with an appointment in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation at Utah State University. Tim has 30 years of experience working with people with significant disabilities. His research interests include customized employment, transition, and systematic instruction.

Lisa Svidron has been involved with Employment Services for over 20 years. As an Employment Professional she has enlisted to teach others how to effectively develop jobs for self-employment and those with exceptional needs. Lisa is a CESP and a member of the APSE Emerging Leaders program.

Jen Dayton is the Associate Director of Prader-Willi Syndrome supports at Mainstay Life Services. Since 2004 Jen has devoted her professional career to supporting people with Prader-Willi syndrome, always looking to keep updated on the most current practices and provide training and support to staff residentially and most recently with an eye toward improving employment opportunities for people with PWS.

Lauren Avellone received her Ph.D. in special education from Kent State University. Her experience includes working as a board certified/licensed behavior analyst in schools and clinical settings. She is currently an assistant professor and research associate in the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her research interests include improving postsecondary outcomes for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Alissa Brooke has been with VCU-RRTC since 2008. Ms. Brooke has been heavily involved with Project SEARCH since 2009 and currently serves in a leadership role at four Project SEARCH sites. Ms. Brooke has extensive experience providing direct support to individuals with Autism and IDD and has focused on supporting choice, customized employment, job retention, and using assistive technology and positive behavioral supports. Ms. Brooke emphasizes the importance of building relationships with employers in order to create and maintain customized and supported employment positions.

Paul Wehman received his Ph.D. in Behavioral Disabilities/Rehabilitation Psychology from University of Wisconsin-Madison. His experience includes working as a Child-Clinical Psychologist and developing self-help skill, vocational, and language training programs for individuals with severe disabilities. He is currently a professor in the Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Education, Director of the VCU Rehabilitation Research and Training Center and the Autism Center for Excellence and founding Editor of the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Dr. Faith Thomas has 25 years of experience working with people with disabilities, transition-age youth, their families, and adult service agencies. Faith is a 20+ year member of APSE.

Jennifer Stewart is the owner of Breaking Expectations LLC where she partners with state and community agencies to build capacity for systems supporting transition aged young adults. Previously, Jennifer was the statewide transition director for Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and has worked with young adults with disabilities over the past ten years providing vocational counseling, program development and evaluation. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family in Colorado and going on adventures with her husband, two kids, and dog.

Katie Oliver is the Interagency Transition Liaison for the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and has been since 2008. Katie’s responsibilities include overseeing the School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) in partnership with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), providing technical assistance and training to school districts around school to work transition services for young adults with disabilities and coordinating with other adult service agencies. Katie is a member of several councils supporting people with disabilities.

Cheryl Carver, graduated with her Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Vocational Evaluation from the University of Northern Colorado. She began working for Colorado’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in 2000 as a rehabilitation counselor. Over the past sixteen years, she has advanced in the Youth Services and Transition Unit to Manager. Currently, she provides technical assistance and training to DVR, Education and agency partners around federal regulations pertaining to transition youth within the VR system, monitors third party cooperative agreements and other school to work initiatives. Cheryl is involved at the state level in collaborative efforts designed to improve post school outcomes for students with disabilities to decrease the prosperity gap.

Aliza is a certified rehabilitation counselor and has been a career support specialist at Virginia Commonwealth University for the ACE-IT in College Program for four years. ACE-IT is an inclusive postsecondary education program, and her role in the program is to develop paid campus employment, off-campus internships, and permanent employment for when students graduate. Aliza is getting her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and is interested in research on postsecondary education, transition, and religion and disability.

Michele Burney, research associate, currently serves as a program director and primary investigator at the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities in Minot, North Dakota. A North Carolina native, she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from North Carolina State University. Michele is passionate about socioeconomic equity for all; and has seen firsthand how equitable employment for people experiencing I/DD builds community and a whole life. When she is not working, Michele enjoys traveling, reading, exercising, and spending as much time as possible with family and friends.

Malinda Kragh, research associate, currently serves as a training coordinator at the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities in Minot, North Dakota. A North Dakota native, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Athletic Training from the University of North Dakota and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Wesley College. Malinda is passionate about ND CREATE which focuses on creating integrated employment available to everyone. In her spare time, Malinda enjoys spending time with family and friends and watching her kids’ activities.

Zoey Winkler, research associate, currently serves as a training coordinator at the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities in Minot, North Dakota. A North Dakota native, she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Addiction Studies and Criminal Justice from Minot State University of North Dakota. Zoey is excited to be involved with ND CREATE which is bringing Customized Employment to the State of ND. Zoey’s hobbies include running, bird watching and spending time with her 2 almost adult children and her husband.

Cheryl Anderson serves as the Community Rehabilitation Provider Liaison with the North Dakota Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in Bismarck, ND. Cheryl received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Louisiana State University and her Master’s Degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. When she is not wearing one of her multiple hats at the office, Cheryl enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, camping, and riding motorcycle.

Carrie Hobbs Guiden is Director of the Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES program at Amerigroup. Prior to joining Amerigroup, Mrs. Guiden was Executive Director of The Arc Tennessee for eleven years and has over twenty-eight years of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Her areas of work include program development and implementation, public policy and systems change, employment, positive behavior supports, person-centered practices, secondary transition and decision-making supports for people with IDD. Carrie has a B.A. in Sociology from Indiana University, an M.S. in Special Education from IUPUI, and a Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Indiana University Northwest.

Kezia Cox is an East Tennessee native and tireless self-advocate with a passion for teaching others to advocate for themselves. Growing up, she had always been told about all the things she couldn’t do, however, she determined that she would accomplish her goals and dreams. Kezia has been a participant of the UT FUTURE program and a graduate of Project Search. She has been employed at the University of Tennessee Medical Center since 2017. Kezia is a certified People Planning Together trainer and has been a presenter at the TN Disability Mega-Conference. She leads Self-Advocacy meetings for her MCO and just recently completed the Peer Support Academy. Kezia says, “Disability is not something that should hold you back, but should inspire you to work harder and dream bigger and show the world what you can do.”

Heather Henderson has been investing in the I/DD community over the last 10 years. Though her career started in Architecture and Design, she pivoted her focus to the disability community when a friend asked her to consider joining The Arc Tennessee’s People Talking to People program. Since then, she has worked as a Direct Support Professional, Program Manager for a provider agency, an Independent Support Coordinator, Person Centered Practice Facilitator with The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and now fulfilling her dream role by leading The Arc Tennessee’s Advocacy team. Her goal is to see all self-advocates live the life they choose and be empowered through advocacy.

Dylan Brown was involved in a car accident at the age of 22 that resulted in a complete spinal cord injury, leaving him paralyzed him from the chest down with limited hand function. Dylan has determined to be as independent as possible. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and completed Tennessee’s Partners in Policymaking course while finishing his degree. Dylan worked as an Independent Living Specialist and Work Incentives Coordinator at the Center for Independent Living of Middle TN assisting individuals wanting to return to work. Dylan has served on the Statewide Independent Living Council, the Council on Developmental Disabilities, provided disability sensitivity training to Nashville hospitality and tourism workers, and currently serves on the Tennessee Disability Coalition board. He is an active member of People First Tennessee, where he chairs the transportation committee. Dylan most enjoys helping others find their own voice!

Linda Pogue has a lifetime of relationships with people with disabilities and a 40+ year career of supporting people with disabilities to…live in the community; live self-determined lives; advocate within the service, legal and health systems; develop leadership and communication skills and opportunities; become peer supporters; and be recognized as fully contributing citizens…on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ken Mitchell has a lifetime of self and system advocacy. Ken has had diverse careers, including Recreational Therapist, Corporate Sales and Paratrooper. He is a peer supporter in the disability community. He commits to his job and his advocacy by being involved in a wide range of peer led organizations. Ken attributes a great amount of his success to his “partner in crime,” Jesse Yellow Dog. Ken is an all-around good guy…a humorist in his own mind