RE:CON 2025
PRESENTER BIOS

Angela Martin

Angela Martin is the Senior Associate Director at Wayne State University’s Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute, situated within the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. She earned her B.A. from the University of Dayton in 1997 and an M.S.W. from Wayne State in 2000. Over her distinguished career, Angela has coordinated and provided training for a wide range of initiatives—such as the Michigan Home and Community Based Services Transition Project, the Mount Pleasant Center Monitoring and Evaluation Project, Michigan Partners for Freedom, the Michigan Family Support Initiative, and multiple Detroit-based family support efforts dating back to 2003. Her professional roles span grant administration, curriculum development, and leadership in advocacy, underscored by her longstanding commitment to advancing supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Carie Branch

Carie Branch (they/she) is Executive Assistant and Diversity & Belonging Advocate for Gesher Human Services. Carie is dedicated to advancing DEI&B progress at Gesher through their work as Chair of the Inclusion & Belonging Taskforce, by supporting its Board of Directors, as well as staff and program participants, through training and education on a wide variety of DEI&B topics. Their leadership in this capacity underscores their dedication to driving tangible transformation within the organization. Carie’s journey through gender identity and self-discovery has not only shaped their own perspectives, but has ignited an unquenchable passion for DEI&B advocacy. They have worked in vocational rehabilitation and human services for 14 years. Carie is co-founder of the nonprofit, Michigan Koryu Kenkyukai and serves as it’s Secretary on the Board of Directors. Beyond professional endeavors, Carie is a multidisciplinary artist and muralist. Through their art they not only explore their own experience of the human condition, but also encourage others to engage critically with the social narratives that shape our lives.

Chris Smith

Chris Smith is the Community Engagement and Resource Navigation Manager at Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids, where he has served in various roles over the past seven years. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Chris is passionate about advancing Goodwill’s mission of changing lives and communities through the power of work. In his current role, he fosters collaboration and builds strong relationships with local agencies to better serve the community. Chris is a proud graduate of the Incompass Leadership Academy and a returning presenter at RE:CON, where he shares insights and strategies to empower others in the field.

Emily Betz

Currently serves in the Director of Programs Role at MOKA. She received her LMSW and her MPA from Grand Valley State University. Emily has been working in the human services field for the past 22 years. She began as a direct support professional and has experience in support coordination, clinical supervision, and program management and design in both non-profit and community mental health settings. Emily has experience working with diverse populations, including youth autism services, child and family services, and services for people with severe and persistent mental illness, with much of her work experience being with people with IDD. Joining MOKA in 2018, Emily has focused on finding ways to empower the people we serve. She believes that our work and commitment to innovation impacts West Michigan in a way that in the future, we will no longer need to work toward acceptance, but instead, we will be working toward the
membership of every person in the community, regardless of disability.

Gloria Lee

Gloria Lee is a full professor and director of the Counseling and Counselor Education at Michigan State University. Her research agenda focuses on understanding the reciprocal effect of caregiving among caregivers and individuals with chronic and persistent illnesses, particularly the psychosocial factors that affect the wellbeing of both groups. She also focuses on the implementation of evidence-based strategies in addressing psychosocial barriers in promoting holistic rehabilitation and clinical outcomes. She has published over 100 peer- reviewed articles and book chapters and has secured research and training grants to support her work. Over the course of her academic career, she has directed different counseling and psychology graduate programs, as well as staying active in national and international outreach to establish research and training. She has served institutional and professional leadership positions, as well as grant panel reviewer, consultant to community organizations, editorial reviewers, and journal editors.

Jack Schaberg

Jack Schaberg began working at Peckham in January 2022, drawing on nearly two decades of official video production work and a lifetime of multimedia storytelling. Jack’s role in the Peckham 2030 Video Job Tryout Simulation (VJTS) project includes scriptwriting assistance, filming Peckham team members doing the various jobs covered in the video, and all post-production work.

Jaeyoung Kim

Jaeyoung Kim serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education at Michigan State University. His scholarly pursuits are principally focused on elucidating the complex associations between individuals’ traumatic experiences and the multifaceted psychosocial outcomes observed in persons with disabilities, with a particular emphasis on employment-related factors. To achieve this aim, Kim has conducted rigorous research to examine the manifold effects of trauma, including but not limited to, post-traumatic beliefs and emotional regulation. His work seeks to further illuminate these elements in the context of self-determined motivation, virtues and post-traumatic growth. Through this avenue of inquiry, Kim aspires to deepen the academic understanding of the intersectional relationships between trauma and disability.

James Willis

James holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Administration and Community Organizing from Wayne State University.

James has devoted over 32 years to Gesher Human Services, beginning his journey as a job coach, youth employment specialist, and vocational evaluator. He later served as Vice President of Vocational Rehabilitation and Workforce Development, where heprograms including financial education, computer training, career counseling, employment services, and a comprehensive vocational rehabilitation continuum. He also played a key role in launching Oakland County Michigan Works! Waterford, Detroit at Work at the Durfee Innovation Society, and the Oakland80 Initiative.

Today, as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Gesher Human Services, James leads organizational strategy, operations, and program execution. He ensures that agency goals align with community needs, and champions innovations that strengthen agency culture and vision.

Beyond his leadership at Gesher, James serves as a surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), giving him a national and international perspective on human services best practices. He is a proud graduate of the inaugural cohort of the InCompass Leadership Academy, where he now serves as a mentor to emerging leaders. James is certified in Customized Employment through Marc Gold & Associates and the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators—an evidence-based model helping individuals with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities secure meaningful, integrated employment.

Jan Lampman

Jan Lampman has worked with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) since 1985, beginning as a direct support professional during her last year at Saginaw Valley State University. After graduation, she managed group homes, opening five to help people leave a state institution, and later spent 27 years at The Arc of Midland, developing initiatives that fostered inclusion and community support for people with I/DD. A founding member and faculty of the Michigan Academy for Self Determination and a consultant for the Center for Self Determination, Jan has trained people nationwide on its principles. She has also spent two decades advancing guardianship alternatives and restoration of rights. Today, she owns Community Drive, a consulting and training organization promoting Self Determination, Person-Centered Planning, community, and positive change. Jan is the mother of three young men, two adopted from foster care.

Joe Torres

Joe Torres is a Data Science Consultant specializing in applying artificial intelligence within behavioral health. He brings expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and cloud architectures, with hands-on experience delivering AI solutions from design through deployment. Joe partners with executives, clinicians, and stakeholders across Michigan and the U.S. to translate complex AI systems into practical tools that improve decision-making and outcomes. Known for bridging technical detail with strategic insight, he has presented nationally on AI ethics and usage in behavioral health. He continues to help organizations navigate the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies.

Kari Thomas

Kari Thomas is a dedicated educator at the Mixter Institute for Transition in Lincoln Park, Michigan, where she has been teaching since 2005. She specializes in empowering young adults with autism, ages 18–26, by providing instruction in podcasting, audio editing, and marketing, along with the Circles® curriculum, Teach Town which is new this school year and of course including the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) standards and expectations. Passionate about fostering independence, creativity, and self-expression, Kari equips her students with practical communication and life skills that help them thrive beyond the classroom. She resides in Trenton, Michigan, and brings nearly two decades of experience to her work, blending innovation with a deep commitment to her students’ success.

Kristi Davis, CTRS

Kristi Davis is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Program Manager at the Alzheimer’s Association – Michigan Chapter. Kristi has been working in her current position that exclusively serves individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) and dementia, for over 9 years. Kristi is a frequent presenter about topics in the field of dementia and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). Prior to working at the Alzheimer’s Association, Kristi worked for 15-years as the recreation manager for a community-based residential and support program. There, she designed and implemented activity programming for people with IDD, including individuals with Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease.

Kyo-bin Jeon

Kyo Bin is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Michigan State University. She is interested in applying artificial intelligence in counseling to improve accessibility and effectiveness, particularly for individuals with disabilities. She is also dedicated to advancing diversity and social justice by exploring ways to better support marginalized populations, with a focus on developing culturally responsive interventions and promoting equity in counseling practices.

Lindsay Calcaterra

Lindsay Calcatera currently serves as the Director of Communication, Government and External Affairs at Easterseals MORC. Lindsay has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Alma College in Michigan and a Certificate in Fundraising Management from DePaul University in Chicago, IL. Before joining Easterseals MORC in 2009, she previously served as the Director of Marketing and Communications for Access Community Health Network in Chicago and the Marketing Director for the 2008 Michigan State Fair. In her current position, she enjoys raising awareness of and fundraising for the important services Easterseals MORC provides to individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental illness, and other special needs. Since January 2025, she has served as the Project Manager for the Michigan Technology First initiative, convening a state-wide task force to develop a blueprint for bringing the innovative Technology First approach to Michigan to better support individuals with intellectual disabilities throughout the State.

Dr. Lisa A. Mills

Dr. Lisa A. Mills has been a consultant in the field of disability for 33 years. She has worked in the United Kingdom and the United States. She is currently a consultant on the reform and design of public service systems to advance employment opportunities and supports for people with disabilities. She has worked in twenty-four different states over the past twenty years under various contracts with state and federal government agencies, managed care organizations and provider associations. She also works with state Medicaid and Vocational Rehabilitation agencies on value and performance-based payment models which can simultaneously support quality outcomes, efficient service delivery, cost-effectiveness and service provider capacity-building. Dr. Mills also supports employment service providers in adopting best practices including the implementation of Customized Employment and Systematic Instruction. She is the proud parent of a 21-year-old son who received birth-to-three and special education services, has worked in jobs that match his passions since 2020, and is starting an Associate’s degree in golf course management in the fall of this year.

Lynn Boza, Ph.D., CRC, LPC

Dr. Lynn Boza is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with experience in public vocational rehabilitation. As a School-to-Work Transition Consultant, she trained counselors and secondary transition specialists on accommodations for students with learning disabilities. At present, she is working as an adjunct Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, serving students having special needs at Henry Ford College, located in Dearborn, Michigan. Lynn has a Master’s degree in Guidance & Counseling and a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

Malcolm Kletke

Malcolm Kletke joined MHSA in 2020. Malcolm previously held the position of Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for Governor Whitmer, serving as the chief contact between the Michigan Legislature and Governor Whitmer on all legislative issues. He was involved in historic changes to Michigan’s Auto No-Fault system, the Raise the Age package, sports-betting and online gaming legislation, Rebuilding Michigan Plan, and dealing with the COVID-19 response.

Prior to serving Governor Whitmer, Malcolm served as a policy analyst for the Michigan Senate Democratic Caucus. In this role he provided research, analysis, and policy advice on matters coming before the Transportation, Commerce, Natural Resources & Environmental Quality, and Agriculture Committees. He was also responsible for overseeing the Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development budgets. Malcolm began his career in the Michigan Senate working as a legislative assistant for then-Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer.

Malcolm holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science – Pre Law from Michigan State University.

Malcolm and his wife Alexandra live in Lansing.

Margaret Overton

Margaret Overton, MD, retired anesthesiologist, step-parent of adult woman with IDD, founder and leader of Michigan Technology First Task Force

Meegan Winters

Meegan Winters is a nationally recognized accessibility advocate, entrepreneur, and co-creator of transformative tools that are reshaping how people experience the world. She is the Founder of AbleVu and Co-Founder of Able Eyes, two platforms on a mission to make accessibility information visible, trusted, and actionable — especially for people with disabilities, their families, and now, forward-thinking employers.

Meegan’s passion is deeply personal. As a former special education administrator — and best friend to a power wheelchair user who is now her guardian angel — she brings both lived experience and lasting purpose to her work. Her journey fuels a relentless commitment to removing barriers, building transparency, and creating inclusive communities.

Through AbleVu, she’s leading the charge to build the largest verified database of accessible spaces — empowering people to explore locations virtually, make confident choices, and connect with truly inclusive businesses.

A dynamic speaker known for her practical insights and authentic energy, Meegan inspires organizations to go beyond compliance and become champions of access and inclusion at every level.

Michael Christy, MBA

Michael Christy, MBA, is passionate about serving organizations through a human-centered design approach. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the DeVos Graduate School at Northwood University. With his extensive leadership experience in behavioral health, he has led high-achieving, interdisciplinary teams and guided large-scale change initiatives. Michael’s areas of interest include strategy, organizational development, program design, process improvement, and change management.

Dr. Mike Strouse

For over 40 years, Mike has led GoodLife Innovations, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including iLink Technologies. Mike’s extensive work encompasses research, development, refinement, and dissemination of evidence-based, nationally-regarded community service models that consistently produce person-centered care and high quality-of-life outcomes and also improve the capacity of the direct support workforce. Mike earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior Management and holds a courtesy faculty appointment in the Department of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas. He continues to participate in research, assist with training graduate students, and successfully nurtures this important, 50-year partnership with the University.

Minju Lee

Minju Lee Minju is a third-year Ph.D. student in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Michigan State University. He is interested in leveraging technology to support individuals with disabilities in their everyday lives. Minju is also eager to support international students in counseling-related programs in the U.S. in terms of their multicultural competence based on supervisory relationships.

Patricia Marchal-Dumont

Patricia Marchal-Dumont is the founder of The Five Bodies Wellness Studio and a certified Bonnie Prudden Myotherapist, Foot Zone Practitioner, Aromatherapist, and Reiki Master. After suffering injuries in a car accident, Patricia embarked on a personal journey to find non-invasive pain relief—leading her to develop a holistic practice that now helps others break free from chronic pain and reclaim their independence. Since 2018, she has worked hands-on with clients using integrative techniques that support physical, emotional, and energetic healing. Patricia specializes in in-person workshops and teaches practical self-care tools to individuals living with disabilities and the professionals who support them.

R Scott de Varona

Scott de Varona – Division Director (MiABLE)
Scott is the MiABLE Program Director since its creation in 2015. Scott has worked for the State since 1999 in various positions within the Departments of Treasury & Health & Human Services.
Throughout his career, Scott has served the citizens of Michigan by:
•Returning lost, abandoned, and unclaimed property to the owner or heir.
•Designing, Developing, Testing, and Implementing new Management Information Systems
•Teaching Financial Empowerment, Loan Literacy, and Repayment Strategies

Scott holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northwood University and an MBA from the De Vos Graduate School of Management.
Scott is a lifelong Mid-Michigan resident and lives in the Lansing area with his wife and has 2 college aged children.

Rene Dell

Rene Dell received her Master’s in Counseling from Oakland University. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Oakland University. Rene is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) who currently works as the Vice President of Vocational Rehabilitation at Gesher Human Services. She has completed extensive leadership training and holds a Clinical Military Counselor Certification. She has received training in Counselor Supervision. She completed a 3 year term on the board for the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. She has extensive experience working with individuals who sustained traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, intellectual impairments, developmental disability, mental health diagnosis, substance use disorders and other catastrophic injuries. Rene also has experience providing domestic violence and sexual assault counseling in an individual and group setting. Rene has been successful in placing individuals with significant disabilities in competitive community-based integrated employment. She has worked with those who are referred by Michigan Rehabilitation Services, BSBP, the Veterans Administration, those currently receiving Workers Compensation benefits, Auto No Fault benefits and private pay cases which all involve working with participants with a wide range of disabilities. Rene looks at each person on an individual basis and develops an approach which maximizes the potential for the participant. She has worked full time in the field of Counseling since 2005.

Robert Parsons, Jr., MA, CRC, CVRT, LLPC

Robert Parsons Jr. is a mental health counselor, rehabilitation counselor, vision rehabilitation therapist, and business owner. As a doctoral candidate at Western Michigan University’s counselor education and supervision program, he actively works to further continue education on the intersection of disability with identities including age, gender, and race. He currently works as a mental health counselor in Kalamazoo. Robert is the owner of Rehabilitation WAY LLC, a private career development practice for people with disabilities, where he simultaneously provides services in access technology assessment, ADA employment site consultation, affective counseling for people with disabilities, job development, job placement and workplace readiness training.

Rommel Johnson, Ph.D., LPC, CRC, CAADC, NCC

Rommel Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Western Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Community Counseling and Youth Ministry from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, and a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Oakwood University, Huntsville, Alabama. Dr. Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the states of Michigan and Texas and is Board Certified in General Counseling (NCC), Rehabilitation Counseling (CRC), and Addiction Counseling (CAADC). Dr. Johnson has over 15 years of rehabilitation, clinical mental health, and addiction counseling experience. A former Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) VR counselor, Dr. Johnson has collaborated with MRS to develop programs supporting transitions, students’ vocational development, and job preparation needs. Dr. Johnson’s presentation style is lively, engaging, and infused with humor.

Rosanne Renauer

Rosanne Renauer, PhD, LLP, CRC is a licensed psychologist and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Rehabilitation Counseling Education program at Michigan State University. Retired from Michigan Rehabilitation Services, the state’s vocational rehabilitation agency, she managed the agency’s resource and program development efforts for many years and emphasized field and customer services and community partnerships. Her research focused on high performing community rehabilitation organizations and wellness. Rosanne cares deeply about staff development and mentoring, health and wellness and social justice issues. She is an active Board member of the Michigan Rehabilitation Association, the Multicultural Association on Rehabilitation Concerns and past president of the National Association on Rehabilitation Leadership.

Sarah Britton

Sarah Britton serves as the Director of Prevention & Reentry Services at Peckham, Inc., a role she has held since 2003. With offices in Flint, Lansing, and Ann Arbor, Sarah leads a portfolio of 18 justice-involved programs designed to support court-involved youth and returning citizens. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed care, equity, and the belief that rehabilitation is not only possible—but powerful.

In her role, Sarah oversees the development and implementation of evidence-based and innovative programming aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting long-term community reintegration. She manages multimillion-dollar grants and contracts, spearheads new initiatives, and fosters partnerships that support justice-involved individuals across Michigan. A passionate advocate for second chances, Sarah believes in the transformative power of support, opportunity, and resilience—because everyone deserves the chance for a comeback.

Sarah earned her Master’s degree in Family Studies/Social Work from Spring Arbor University and brings a diverse background in human services, including work in homeless shelters and youth employment programs. Her career has been shaped by a deep commitment to creating systems that recognize trauma, restore dignity, and uplift those often left behind.

Originally from Canada, Sarah blames her excessive politeness and love of flannel on her northern roots (sorry, not sorry). She’s been happily married for 22 years and is the proud mom of two beautiful daughters—one a high school senior and the other a sophomore—who are growing up way too fast for her liking. The real boss of the household, however, is Pancake, the family’s slightly spoiled French bulldog.

Sarah Velez

Sarah Velez has a background working in higher education and in finance before coming to Peckham to support talent development. Since starting at Peckham the talent development team has been thinking out of the box to make training accessible for our team members as well as bringing in external partners to ensure that we offer all the support our team members need to find success at Peckham, in their careers, and in life.

Seongeun Oh

Seongeun Oh is a doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Michigan State University. He earned his master’s degree in psychology from Handong Global University in South Korea and worked as a full-time counselor at a university counseling center in Korea. His research interests include trauma and mental health, motivation, addiction, and the employment of people with disabilities. He is passionate about working with individuals with psychiatric disabilities and college students and aims to integrate his research into practical applications and the rehabilitation system.

Shannon Webb

Shannon Webb has over 30 years of experience working in the field of employment and community-based services for people with disabilities, including:
•Fourteen years of service provision in community supported living, day habilitation, supported employment, customized employment, customized self-employment, employment program management, and support brokerage.
•Seventeen years of consultation, training and technical assistance to educators, service providers, funders, self-advocates, and families in Wisconsin.
•Eight years as a subject matter expert for other state and national level projects for improving HCBS, employment outcomes, interagency coordination, and direct care workforce.
Shannon has extensive experience facilitating communities of practice, hosting community conversations, and developing training content, planning guides, and informational resources for professionals, families, and self-advocates. Shannon is known for her creative problem solving and results-oriented work.

Shonda Rushing

Shonda Rushing was born in Jackson, Mississippi. She attended Tougaloo College, which is located on one of the largest former slave plantations. Part of her Black history class involved standing beside the actual auction blocks on campus, providing a stark introduction to the truths of our history as a people. At this small private HBCU, she majored in Psychology to better understand human behaviors and thought patterns.

Shonda is the author of *Don’t Be Afraid: A Letter to a Black Son* and the recently released *What If I Win?* She co-hosts the **Road2Damascus** podcast and is currently working on material for her own podcast titled **Here’s the Thing**. With over 30 years of experience in ministry and leadership, she serves as a Life Advisor, Christian Counselor, Motivational Speaker and Ordained Elder. She is also the Director of Education at Consuming Fire Christian Center, a leadership instructor and consultant, a former Chair of AFSCME Local 1640 Chapter, a mentor, and an Outreach Supervisor for STEP. She is also a proud mother.

While I wear many hats and hold various titles, my true purpose is to help people understand that you are not defined by what you do. There is nothing you cannot overcome, and no force you will encounter that is greater than love. I firmly believe that the path to success often involves humility, the way inward leads outward, and true leadership is rooted in service.

One of my favorite quotes is: “Embrace everything that comes to you, because you meet your destiny on the road you take to avoid it.”

Stephanie Picazo M.S.

Stephanie Picazo, M.S., is a mission-driven change maker and equity-focused leader with over 7 years of experience advancing disability inclusion and youth workforce development. As Founder & Executive Director of Advocates Consulting LLC, she specializes in disability advocacy, inclusive education, and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) programming. A PhD candidate in Rehabilitation Counseling and a bilingual policy advocate, Stephanie is deeply committed to building inclusive workforce pipelines across education, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. She is known for bridging education, public service, and social equity through bold partnerships and a clear vision.

Stephanie Van Koevering

Stephanie has worked with clients in the public, private, non-profit, university, and K–12 sectors. Her breadth of experience ranges from supporting top executives in large multinational corporations to helping start tiny new organizations from scratch. In recent years, she’s spent her free time becoming a certified, experienced Michigan educator and earning her PR accreditation. She has worked with the DCW Wage Coalition since 2020.

Susan Chaplin

Susan Chaplin, retired management consultant specializing in communication, parent of adult man with IDD, founder and leader of Michigan Technology First Task Force

Tadarius Lowe

Mentor. Flint. Program Specialist, Peckham, Inc.

Tadarius Lowe is a dedicated Program Specialist for Peckham’s Mentor. Flint. initiative, working tirelessly within local schools and the broader community to connect youth with positive mentorship opportunities. He plays a vital role in recruiting mentors, listening deeply to the voices of young people, and building bridges between youth, families, schools, and community partners.

Tadarius is passionate about creating spaces where Flint’s youth feel seen, supported, and empowered to rise above the challenges they face. Through his work, he fosters understanding and cultivates a sense of urgency around addressing the root causes of violence, ensuring that hope and opportunity outshine adversity. His commitment is clear: to ensure that violence doesn’t win by strengthening community ties and expanding pathways for positive growth and change.

Todd Culver

Todd provides leadership in developing programs, strategic initiatives, and financial plans, in accordance with the purpose, vision and values of the association.

He has been with the Association since 1995, also serving as Project Director and Assistant Director.

Todd serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Nonprofit Association; he was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services, and the Committee on the Purchas of Goods and Services from Community Rehabilitation Organizations.

He holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in English Language and Literature from The University of Michigan, and the Public Leadership Credential from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Torry Gargano

Torry Gargano is a Workforce Development Manager at Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids, where she leads a team of career coaches in the BluePRINT program. Her program supports employees in entry-level positions to overcome barriers to achieve their personal and professional goals. Torry holds a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Grand Valley State University and brings over 15 years of experience working in the human services field. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to empowering diverse individuals to engage in meaningful activities that enrich their overall quality of life.

Travis Atkinson, MS, LPC,

Travis Atkinson, MS, LPC, has worked in behavioral health services for the past 20 years as a clinician, trainer, supervisor, advocate, and consultant. He has presented on SAMHSA panels around crisis systems and crisis bed registries, researched best practices in emergency behavioral health care, and spoken at national behavioral health conferences on functional crisis systems and behavioral health workforce challenges. Since 2015 he has worked at TBD Solutions, and he was instrumental in authoring the Crisis Residential Best Practices Handbook in 2018. He is the past president of the Crisis Residential Association. He received his BA from the University of Michigan and his Master’s degree in Community Counseling from National-Louis University. Travis lives in Grand Rapids, MI, with his wife and three daughters. Travis is also a performing songwriter with five albums to his name.

Wendy Ernzen

Wendy Ernzen is a mom, podcaster, and advocate who knows firsthand what it’s like to navigate life with a daughter who has level 3 autism and bipolar disorder. She started “”Let’s Plant Houses”” in November 2023 because she wanted to make sure families like hers had their stories heard so they wouldn’t feel alone in this journey. In just two years, she’s recorded more than 40 episodes with families sharing how they make the impossible possible.

When she’s not behind the microphone, Wendy helps nonprofits raise money as a Fundraising Consultant with Schmucker Advising Services, drawing on more than 20 years of nonprofit fund development experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from Oakland University and an MPA from the University of Michigan – Dearborn, and is a member of the Leadership Detroit Class of XXXIX. Wendy also advocates for better services on the Severe Autism Committee with The Autism Alliance of Michigan and serves as a board member and Governance Committee Chair with The Greening of Detroit.