RE:CON 2025
PRESENTER BIOS

Adriza Caesar, Ph.D., CRC, LPC

Dr. Caesar holds a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counselor Education and a Master’s in Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University.  Dr. Caesar is a Licensed Practicing Counselor (LPC) in the State of Michigan and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling Certification (CRCC). Dr. Caesar has 20 years of experience working with youth and adults with disabilities in the vocational rehabilitation and post-secondary sectors. Dr. Caesar is currently employed as a full-time lead faculty counselor at Henry Ford College (HFC) in the Counseling Department – Assisted Learning Services.  Dr. Caesar works with over 300 college students with disabilities in a given semester to provide academic disability accommodations and works with campus faculty and staff to ensure the accommodations are implemented and provided effectively in compliance with federal laws and policies.  Dr. Caesar serves as an advocate and resource for the students.  Dr. Caesar also provides guidance, training, outreach, and support to faculty and staff to facilitate equal access and promote disability awareness around the HFC campus.

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.

Ann Degeler

Ann is a 17 year senior vocational counselor with MRS servicing the Eastern Upper Michigan area.  She carries a dynamic caseload of transition students and adult services.   She holds a Master’s in Professional Counseling from CMU.

Annie Lacasse

Annie Lacasse is a master’s student in Rehabilitation Counseling program at Michigan State University. She has committed and dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and marginalized communities. She graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in Political Science and minors in Environmental & Sustainability Studies and Law, Justice, and Public Policy. Her unique background in political science provides a new angle serving individuals with disabilities. She has gained hands-on experience as a Neighborhood Resource Specialist, youth advisor, and at-risk aide working with neurodivergent children and teens.

Brittany Hamilton-Reed, MA, CRC, LLPC

Brittany Hamiton-Reed, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) since 2016, has acquired work experience in government, higher education, and non-profits. As a Transition Services Consultant with the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, she develops programs for Pre-ETS aged students, reviews and aids in policy development and partners with community agencies for the delivery of youth driven employment services. Brittany hold her Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University and in the process of earning her LPC.

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.

Cassaundra Wolf, MSW

Cassaundra Wolf is the statewide rehabilitation consultant for Supported Employment and Customized Employment at Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS). She began her work as a Rehabilitation Counselor at MRS in 2019. but her passion for disability advocacy has been lifelong and comes from her own personal experiences of living with several physical disabilities. Cassaundra received her bachelor’s degree from at Calvin University where she studied English. Her love of stories and helping others led Cassaundra to discover the profession of social work, where she would be able to connect with the everyday stories of human experience and empower others to pursue full community inclusion.
Cassaundra obtained her Master of Social Work from Western Michigan University, with a focus on Policy, Program Development and Administration. Her first job post-graduate school was working at a local Center for Independent Living where she worked as an Employment Navigator and Community Organizer, advocating for systemic change. In her current role as a statewide subject matter expert, she continues to advocate for systems integration, and partners across state agencies to ensure equity and access for those most impacted by disability.

Chandler C. Yuen, BSW, CESPTM

Chandler C. Yuen, BSW, CESPTM is the Employment Services Supervisor at Selective Case Management, where she has worked since 2019. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and is a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP™). Chandler began as an Employment Consultant and advanced to Employment Specialist in 2020. In 2023, she took on leadership of statewide recruitment, onboarding, and staff development for the Employment Services Department. Her strong track record of client outcomes supports her success in overseeing service delivery. Chandler also serves as a board member for the MRS Job Placement Division (JPD)

Christa Martin, MRC, CRC

Christa Martin, MRC, CRC owns True Account LLC providing a diverse range of personalized vocational rehabilitation counseling, training, technical assistance, and consultation (VRCTTAC) services, specializing in ethics among other areas of interest, research, and expertise. Christa is a Subject Matter Expert for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, forensic Vocational Expert for the Social Security Administration, a longtime member of the National ADA Trainer Leadership Network, and a renowned national leader for intentional accessibility and inclusion of individuals with disabilities beyond the workplace.

Christa is a nationally recognized, awarded, and sought-after educator and public speaker who conducts a variety of customized in-person and virtually led trainings and programming that are carefully curated to the professional development needs of her audience. Earning the reputation of “”The Queen of Ethics”” and the epitome of bottled sunshine, she is known across the country for her dynamic energy and enthusiasm she brings to any event! She holds true to her alma mater’s motto of “Go Forth and Serve” and Justin Dart’s call to “”Lead On”” by dedicating her career in service to the disability community.

Christa received her CRC in 2012 and is LPCA qualified after receiving her Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling degree from the University of Kentucky in 2013. She received her Associate degree in Liberal Studies and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Human Service Concentration from Kentucky State University (KSU). She was a psychology professor and the disability services coordinator for the KSU Disability Resource Center, then went on to the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and their Employer Services Branch. Most recently she was the Disability & Community Outreach Specialist for a nonprofit HR trade association serving their 1.1k+ major employer members and their partners throughout America and globally regarding all things in disability employment, along with creating and leading their disability Employee Resource Group, ConnectABILITY.

Christa is a co-founder of the Indianapolis Disability Talent Showcase in coordination with the Work to Included Coalition under Indiana’s Employment First Executive Order, as well as the Bluegrass Coalition for Workforce Diversity. She has served numerous state, regional, and national nonprofit board of directors in various capacities, committee involvement, and professional membership including: CANAR, APSE, NRA, NAMRC, NRAJPD, MRA, MIJPD, KRA, KJPD, Bluegrass Reentry Council, DITA, DDCCU, etc. and presently sits on two national and two state board of directors focused on the vocational rehabilitation profession and job development & placement.

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.

Christal Phillips, MS, JD

Christal Phillips is the Executive Director of the Detroit Board of Ethics. Ms. Phillips holds degrees from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and Columbia University in New York. She has worked in higher education, international development, and government entities, including the Detroit Public Schools Community District, the State of Hawaii, and the City of Detroit.

Dr. Connie Sung

Dr. Connie Sung is the Annmarie Hawkins Research Professor of Disability Justice and a Professor of Social Work at the University of Michigan. Her primary research interests focus on the role of biopsychosocial factors and community-based interventions in improving school-to-work transition outcomes, career development and psychosocial adjustment for individuals with disabilities. She has authored over 100 publications in the areas of disability justice and rehabilitation, and has received multiple research awards. As a key investigator, Sung has secured over $20 million in funding from state and federal agencies, including the Department of Defense; the Institute of Education Sciences; the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research; the National Science Foundation and the Rehabilitation Services Administration. She leads and co-leads multiple projects that emphasize a holistic, strengths-based approach and focus on developing and validating community-based interventions to enhance quality of life and career outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Her work involves interdisciplinary, interagency and international collaborations spanning countries such as Hong Kong, China, Ireland, the UK, Slovakia, Ghana, Botswana and Mali. Her commitment to disability and inclusion worldwide is underscored by her invited presentations at the United Nations General Assembly’s Science Summit.

Dr Crystallee Crain

Dr Crystallee Crain (she/her/hers) is an interdisciplinary public health scholar and human rights advocate. She has over 15 years’ experience consulting nationally with clients in a variety of sectors.

Dr. Crain facilitates training with an emphasis on addressing trauma, prevention science, and participatory capacity-building. She has worked with organizations across the country to support them in actualizing people-centered values in the development and implementation of their mission and vision. She specializes in revealing layers of institutional inequality while supporting communities to shift ways of being and practice to improve life chances by bridging the worlds of research, healing justice, and community capacity building. Crystallee’s body of work represents a collective need to strengthen our responses to violence through transformative means, the need for liberatory practices, and a focus on healing as a strategy for change.

Crystallee is a Doctor of Philosophy in Transformative Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, CA. She holds a Master of Arts in Social Sciences (a concentration in Sociology from Eastern Michigan University), and a Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science from Northern Michigan University. In 2013 she received executive training in Health and Human Rights from the School of Public Health at Harvard University. Dr. Crain has served as a member of the Alameda County Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission, The City of Portland’s Human Rights Commission, and is a current member of the American Psychological Association, the American Evaluation Association and the ACE Network which is focused on culturally responsive evaluation and is a newly appointed Board Member to the Michigan Nonprofit Association.

In October 2024 Dr. Crain was awarded the International Impact Book Award, in the Multicultural Category for her Cultural Humility in Practice Workbook

Dessie Johnson

Dessie is a seasoned expert in vocational rehabilitation with over 15 years of experience championing disability rights and empowering marginalized communities. Since 2007, Dessie has been committed to helping individuals overcome barriers and achieve their career aspirations.

Currently serving as the Vocational Assessment Coordinator at Work Skills Corporation, Dessie leverages her expertise to guide individuals in navigating their professional paths. Through comprehensive assessments, interest inventories, and labor market analyses, she helps clients identify their strengths, set achievable goals, and create actionable plans for fulfilling employment.

Dessie specializes in Vocational Evaluations, On-the-Job Evaluations, Trial Work Experiences, and Work Samples, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, those reintegrating into the workforce after incarceration, and others facing employment challenges. Her dedication extends beyond vocational assessments, as she also teaches cognitive restructuring courses to parolees, equipping them with critical skills for personal and professional growth.

Dessie’s unwavering commitment to advocating for equitable opportunities exemplifies her passion for creating meaningful change in the lives of those she serves.

Elijah T. Salahuddin

Elijah T. Salahuddin is a master’s student at Michigan State University currently in his second year of studying Rehabilitation Counseling.
He is committed to deepening his understanding of human behavior and learning methods to better support individuals who live outside of neurotypical, binary-based, and patriarchal norms. His ultimate goal is to be a safe space for those underrepresented by the status quo and to advocate for their needs, voices, and perspectives.

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.

Erica Johnson-McNeal

Erica Johnson-McNeal is a talent development specialist at Peckham Inc. Erica has a background in K-12 education and special education prior to working with vocational and social/emotional training at Peckham. She has a passion for personal advocacy skills, disability rights, inclusion, and helping others to reach their goals. Seeing others succeed and involved actively in their growth fuels her work.
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.

Frank Vaca

Frank Vaca is a Self-Advocate, Sexuality Educator, and former, Peer Mentor. Frank lives within the intersectionality of the LGBTQ+ community and autism. He has worked in several integrated jobs in the community.  He serves as a Sexuality Educator for the Michigan Developmental Disability Council and is part of the Leaders for Inclusion through the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition as the LFI Coordinator. The Elevatus Training’s  mission is meaningful to him because knowledge breaks down stereotypes and raises self-awareness to be autonomous.

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.

Hannah Bals

As a licensed and certified occupational therapist, I strive to instill independence and function in all daily living skills across the lifespan. I hold a Master’s degree in occupational therapy from Eastern Michigan University and am certified with the National Board for Certification Occupational Therapy and licensed through the State of Michigan. I integrate a person-centered holistic approach to provide a level of care that is customized to the person’s wants and needs to be successful in their everyday life. I am a lifelong learner who continues to grow my own knowledge and aspire to share this knowledge and skills with all persons involved in each personalized plan of care. I am here to provide the wealth of knowledge on how occupational therapy can make a key difference in all aspects of vocational success.

Heather Janci

Heather Janci hails from New Jersey and brings over a decade of experience to the team as a former DDD/IDD provider. She specializes in day services, employment, CARF accreditations, 14C certifications, production and advocacy.

Joining the SETWorks team has allowed Heather to remain connected to the IDD world by helping agencies reach their highest potential. When she’s not using her knowledge to assist agencies by sharing her firsthand SETWorks experiences, she’s an energetic mother of five!

Heather takes advantage of the work hard, play hard motto by spending time outdoors, going to the beach and enjoying time with her husband and young children.

Dr. Hung Jen Kuo

Dr. Hung Jen Kuo is an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education at Michigan State University (MSU). Dr. Kuo’s research focuses on using technology to promote the quality of life of individuals with disabilities. He has led/facilitated numerous evidence-based interventions such as job coach assistive technology, Spartan Transitioning Together (STT), Autism Soft Skills Employment Training (ASSET), and Employment Preparation and Applied Skills Support (EPASS). Dr. Kuo also has extensive experience as a rehabilitation counselor and assistive technology specialist, as well as direct experience working with virtual reality technology for teaching social skills. Additionally, he is the director of the Games, Rehabilitation Education, and Assistive Technology (GREAT) lab.

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.

Jeanette Hoyer

Jeanette Hoyer has served as the president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Western Michigan for the past 7 years. She is trained and licensed as a professional mental health counsellor, but has always worked in non-profit administration and leadership. Prior to Goodwill, she was the executive director of Pathways, MI where she facilitated two separate mergers between non-profit organizations and led the provision of services that included mental health and substance abuse counselling, early childhood quality and training, and adoption and foster care. In addition to leading Goodwill’s overall operations in workforce development, retail, janitorial, and staffing solutions, her current projects include bringing new and innovative recycling, remanufacturing, and sustainability projects to West Michigan. She is the Vice Chair of the Incompass MI board of directors.

Jerry Block

Jerry received a bachelor’s degree in economics from DePauw University and an MS in Athletic Administration from Springfield College (MA).

Jerry manages Peckham’s team of Employment Specialists and carries a small caseload as well. He transitioned from a long career as a soccer coach into a part-time job coaching role at Peckham in 2018. After a few months, he realized he had a passion for working with people with disabilities and accepted a job with Peckham as an Employment Specialist. In 2020, Jerry became the Job Development Coordinator. At that time, our three job development programs (SEP, CESP, and JPS) operated independently of each other, and he was tasked with eliminating the silos and building one cohesive team.

Jessica Diener

Jessica Diener currently serves as the Director of Employee Experience and Engagement at Peckham, Inc. where she supports and directs talent acquisition, development, and engagement for all Peckham staff. Additionally, Jessica is an experienced Rehabilitation Counselor with over 10 years of experience in the field, where she has led teams and programs focused on serving individuals referred through community partners such as Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Community Mental Health. Jessica holds her CRC and LPC and is a graduate of MSU (Go Green). She has interests in leadership development, program design, and organizational culture and design. Jessica is also certified in human-centered design through the LUMA Institute.

Jessica Humiston, LPC

Jessica is the owner of Complete Spectrum Wellness PLLC, a Michigan private practice that specializes in neurodiversity-affirmative therapy services. She works primarily with individuals who are late diagnosed Autistic and/or ADHD, and is a therapist of lived experience. She has been in the field for 10 years, and also has experience working in non-profit and agency settings. She also specializes in providing LGBTQIA+ informed and affirmative therapy, EMDR, trauma work, grief work, and working with disability and chronic illness.

Jim Holz

Currently, I am an Ambassador for Pioneer Resources, Inc. Prior to that, I served at Pioneer Resources from 2017-2024 as Vocational Services Representative, Youth Transition Services Manager, and Vocational Services Manager. I have a great passion for serving individuals with disabilities. I graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor in Education degree. Shortly after graduating I entered the business profession specializing in sales, marketing and business development. Over the years my career advanced to becoming an owner and business partner at Whitehall Products, helping to bring dramatic growth within the company. I have dedicated time to my passion for education and helping individuals with disabilities by serving as President of the North Muskegon Board of Education, President of the Autism Network of Muskegon County and Director on the board of MOKA Corporation. Using a unique combination of business knowledge and professional education has helped me to develop a balanced portfolio of skills for training and curriculum development combined with an understanding of business, both within a company and the surrounding community.

Outside of work, I enjoy sports, traveling, and spending time with my wife Laurie, and my son Bryan, who is on the Autism Spectrum. I believe in the personal value of every individual and enjoy helping those with disabilities reach their full potential with the greatest possible independence.

Jiwon Seo

Jiwon Seo is a second-year master’s student in the Rehabilitation Counseling program at Michigan State University.
Passionate about advocating for marginalized individuals and communities, Jiwon is interested in utilizing rehabilitation counseling as a means to promote inclusion and empowerment.

John Foster

Josh Foster Bio: I am a retired job developer and training specialist and spent my 40 year career working with persons with a variety of disability conditions. I worked closely with various agencies including, private rehabilitation, my county CMH, and State MRS and BSBP in order to assist their customers to get and maintain employment. I joined the National Rehab Association in 1982, and joined the board of the MI-JPD in the late 1980’s. I am the current president of the MI-JPD (my third term,) and I serve on the Michigan Rehab Association board.

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.

Julie Colliflower

Julie has over ten years of experience in various roles, including job coaching/skills training/employment services, as well as collaborating with the Department of Natural Resources through the Pre-Employment Transition program and Project SEARCH. While working with Project SEARCH, she has collaborated with interns, parents, instructors, site staff, and skills trainers, helping over 108 students, of whom 53 have secured jobs and continue to thrive. While working at New Horizons, Julie believes that their collaborative efforts demonstrate the impact of teamwork, where every success is a shared victory, empowering individuals to realize their abilities rather than their disabilities.

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.

Kate Connor

Kate Connor is an assistant professor of special education at Western Michigan University. Her research interests include sustained professional learning opportunities in literacy for special education teachers and improving the literacy outcomes of individuals with disabilities.

Katie Kinde

Katie is a 35 year old Autistic woman, who loves learning and helping others learn. Katie graduated with a Masters in Education with a focus in Learning Design and Technology in 2021. While at Wayne State as a student, she was the Dean of Social Works secretary, and managed much of the continuing education events and certificate distribution until her departure in 2021.

She currently works for Incompass Michigan as the Education Coordinator, creating trainings, coordinating events, and handling certificate distribution. She has coordinated 42 trainings and 6 major conferences since October 2021. For Incompass Michigans major conference, re:con, she leads the conference program committee meetings to review presentations proposals. Once proposals have been approved, she begins the application process for getting all 45 sessions approved for Social Work CE hours through the NASW, and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor CE hours through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. Through last years event at least 75 certificates were distributed for continuing education. She also manages the entire online Learning Management System, which houses hundreds of courses for non-profit staff.

Katie has completed multiple Leadership programs in 2023-4, and has presented multiple times about Autism in the workplace. She became a co-leader in 2024 for the Michigan Advocates to End Seclusion and Restraint.

In her spare time, she loves gardening and gives free plants away to neighbors. She also loves playing videogames with her husband Andrew, walking her rescue yorkie Agro, making jewelry, drawing, and creating miniature houses.

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.

Kristi Palmer

Kristi is a newer vocational counselor with MRS servicing the Eastern Upper Michigan area.  She holds a Master’s in School Counseling and much past experience as a school counselor that has partnered in MRS for 10+ years.

Kristina Zwick

Kristina Zwick has enjoyed a long career in mental health and disability rights advocacy. She has worked in the protection and advocacy, court and vocational rehabilitation systems. She currently works as a self-advocacy team coordinator at Peckham.

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.

Laura Hall

Laura Hall has over two decades of experience working within the disability community. She has worked at Michigan Disability Rights Coalition for the past 12 years. She is currently the Program Director of the Leaders for Inclusion Program, a leadership program for young adults, and also works for Michigan’s Assistive Technology Program as an AT Specialist. Laura is a proud woman with a disability and is committed to dismantling systems of oppression that affect people with disabilities and the broader community. She is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Education and a Master of Social Work degree. In her spare time, Laura enjoys gardening and reading.

LaVendee Fulton, LMSW, MA

LaVendee Fulton is a licensed Michigan Social Worker and certified Michigan Special Education Consultant. She has over 20 years experience working with and supporting youth in academic and private practice environments.

Li Mao

Li Mao is a vocational service specialist at Peckham Inc and licensed counselor. Li has a background as psychiatrist and clinical researcher, works with different organizations for people with diverse disabilities regarding their psychological, social, educational and vocational rehabilitation needs. She has compassion for disability rights by offering informed choice, empowerment and ownership of choice in an inclusive cultural environment.

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

Maureen Webster

Maureen serves as the Deputy Director for MRS managing all operations consistent with federal, state, department and bureau requirements and providing executive-level leadership to ensure an effective, efficient and accountable vocational rehabilitation program. She has extensive experience in planning and directing federally-mandated activities; directing the planning and development of teams and programs to meet bureau and department strategic initiatives; negotiating and executing contracts, grants, interagency agreements and memorandums of understanding; developing, negotiating and approving budgets; and researching, analyzing, interpreting and advising on federal regulations.

Maureen’s tenure with the bureau goes back to 2008 when she was hired as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor/Business Resources Specialist. Since that time, she’s also served as Acting Site Manager, Business Relations Consultant, Rehabilitation Consultant Manager and Division Director.

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.

Mary Shehan MS, QSE

Mary Shehan grew up with family members having disabilities. This set her on a path that would lead to a lifelong career, supporting the empowerment and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life. Mary is a graduate of Northern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She holds a Master of Science Degree from Eastern Michigan University, and a Sexuality Education Qualification from Western Michigan University. Throughout her 40-year career, Mary has worked at a variety of organizations in the private, non-profit and public sectors. Currently, she holds the position of Community Inclusion Coordinator for the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council. Throughout her more than forty-year career, Mary has fought for the inclusion of people with disabilities and is a frequent speaker on topics such as, Self-Determination, Person-Centered Planning, Supported Decision-Making, Expanding Employment for Youth, and Sexuality Education.

Dr. Matthew Smith

Dr. Matthew Smith is a Professor of Social Work at the University of Michigan. He is also the director of the NIH-Funded Level Up: Employment Skills Simulation Lab. The mission of his lab is to develop and evaluate technology-based interventions to help obtain and sustain employment for people from marginalized and underserved communities. Specifically, Smith partners with members of the autism, mental health and system impacted communities to develop employment-focused tools and evaluate them in real world settings such as high schools, community mental health agencies and re-entry programs.

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.

Misha Safran, PCC

Misha Safran (she/they) is a trilingual ICF Professional Certified Coach, international speaker, and award-winning leadership trainer with over 35 years of professional experience. Known for her warmth, intuition, and deep empathy, Misha creates supportive spaces for leaders and teams to develop impactful communication skills, fostering professional communities where collaboration, celebration, and enthusiasm thrive.

Misha empowers individuals, couples, and organizations to reset mindsets, embrace authenticity, and amplify their voices, leading to enhanced problem-solving, creativity, and connection. Her career, spanning public education, corporate leadership, and IDEABJ training, demonstrates a lifelong commitment to fostering positive relationships, transformative learning experiences, and systemic change. A passionate advocate for social justice and equity, Misha co-hosted a monthly webinar on systemic racism for four years and actively works to dismantle barriers to inclusivity, belonging, and collective well-being.

A mother, a queer advocate, a lifelong learner, singer, and songwriter, Misha brings a unique blend of artistry and emotional intelligence into their work. Living with chronic pain, they model how to embrace both life’s challenges and its joys with resilience and grace.

Misha’s vibrant hair colors, ranging from deep purple to rainbow hues, carry a personal legacy. In 2015, while caring for her mom through cancer treatments, Misha listened as her mom shared her dream of dyeing her hair purple as a bold expression of joy and playfulness. Sadly, Misha’s mom passed away before she could fulfill that wish. However, Misha now wears those colors as a daily reminder to live vibrantly, break free from judgment, and help others do the same. Her work reflects this philosophy, guiding people to challenge biases, dispel limiting beliefs, and build genuine, meaningful connections in both life and leadership.

Mudita Jagota

Mudita Jagota is a doctoral student of Counselor Education and Supervision at Michigan State University, specializing in disability and rehabilitation. Her research focuses on the lived experiences of family caregiving and care-receiving among young adults with mobility disabilities, with particular attention to disability identity, interdependence, and the emotional landscapes of caregiving relationships. She is also deeply interested in the mental health and well-being of disabled individuals more broadly, with a commitment to advancing inclusive and community-centered approaches to care. A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Mudita’s scholarship and advocacy are grounded in her lived experience with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and her dedication to expanding access, equity, and wellness in both educational and community-based contexts.

Paul J Blatt

Paul J Blatt is the President and CEO of Gesher Human Services, where he is responsible for ensuring that the agency’s vision and strategic direction are meeting the needs of the community. He works with the Board of Directors and staff, serving as an ambassador of Gesher for prospective board and committee members, funding sources, and community leaders.
Paul is a strong advocate for equity amongst the people served by Gesher, addressing stereotypes of vulnerable populations in the areas of workforce development, special services to people with disabilities, mental health challenges, eldercare, youth services, and financial literacy.
Over the years, he has been involved with many community and professional organizations. Paul currently chairs the ExecNet Planning Committee, for the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies, which links more than 140 health and human service organizations in the U.S., Canada, and Israel that provided a wide range of vocational and rehabilitation services. Locally, Paul is a founding member of Detroit Regional Workforce Alliance, a collaborative between various Detroit social service organizations focused on leveraging their combined strengths to better serve the community. He currently sits on the Incompass Board and also serves as Vice President on Congregation Shir Tikvah’s Board of Trustees.
Paul has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and obtained his Master of Public Administration Degree from Oakland University. He has also earned certificates for Performance Measurement for Effective Management, and Strategic Perspective for Nonprofit Management from the Harvard Business School for Executive Education.

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.

Rachel Mularz

Rachel Mularz, MBA, CESP™, CDR is Vice President of Selective Case Management and former President of the Michigan Rehabilitation Association Job Placement Division (MRA JPD). A leadership team member since 2012, she leads statewide business development while delivering direct employment services, including customized employment mentoring, job readiness training, Pre-ETS, and job placement for youth and adults with disabilities. Rachel’s background in program development, employer engagement, and cross-system collaboration supports integrated, equitable employment outcomes across Michigan. She is driven by problem-solving, partnership-building, and creating meaningful pathways to work for the individuals SCM serves.

Rebecca Flatt

Rebecca Flatt, Statewide Transition Consultant with the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP)

Becca Flatt supports Students with Disabilities of Michigan by assisting with developing the necessary guidance and tools needed to implement quality pre-employment transition services. Becca has served in her role with the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) as the Statewide Transition Rehabilitation Consultant with the Performance, Accountability, Quality, and Assurance (PAQA) Division since 2023. This division strives to advance the provision of VR services to Students and Youth who are Blind/Low Vision and works to strategically align BSBP’s efforts to accomplish Michigan’s statewide goals as it relates to Vocational Rehabilitation Services. During Becca’s time with BSBP, PAQA successfully initiated a Transition Reboot and restructured the bureau’s focus, setting the team up for future success.

Prior to joining BSBP, Becca served as a VR Counselor with Michigan Rehabilitation Services with a transition focused caseload, and worked in leadership positions for Skill & Ability, LLC, and Michigan Ability Partners, most notably holding the grant liaison role with the Department of Labor VETs and U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs for the implementation and day-to-day oversight of the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP) serving Washtenaw County, Michigan. Becca holds a BA in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University (2010) and an MSW in Community Organization/Community and Social Systems (2012) from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

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.

Richard A. Price

Assistant Professor of Special Education at Purdue University

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.

Dr. 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.

Ruzigar Seyidov

Ruzigar Seyidov is a second-year PhD student in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Organizational Analysis at Western Michigan University. A recipient of the UK Chevening Scholarship, he earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Management with Distinction from the University of Warwick in 2017.
He has more than a decade of experience in education, including roles as Deputy Director of the Azerbaijan Teacher Development Centre, Head of Department in private schools, and teacher trainer supporting professional development programs. He has also overseen international language examinations for Cambridge Assessment English. His research explores teacher and student development, the internationalization of higher education, and the barriers women face when moving into leadership roles in educational institutions in Azerbaijan. Drawing on professional and academic experience across Azerbaijan, the UK, and the US, he brings a global perspective to educational leadership.

Sara Grivetti, Ph.D., CRC

Dr. sara Grivetti has spent the last 25 years in the field of disabilities. Not only has she served as a VR counselor & professional counselor, she has spent much of her career in leadership roles. Sara currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Services to Enhance Potential (STEP), a community rehabilitation organization in SE Michigan. She holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Northwood University and a Masters and Doctorate in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University. While pursuing her doctorate she focused her research and dissertation on the role difference between a VR counselor and a manager in the state-federal vocational rehabilitation program.

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.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Combs, City of Flint Police Department

Sarah Combs has been working as a Detective Sergeant for the City of Flint Major Case Unit for the last 3.5 years. She is also a Task Force Officer for the FBI Safe Streets task force in Genesee County. Before working at the City of Flint, Sarah was a Deputy Paramedic for the Genesee County Sherrif’s Office for 6 years. During her time at the Sheriff’s Office, she developed a passion for understanding the gang issues that Genesee County faced which has carried over into her career at the City of Flint. Over the last 10 years she has used her training and experience to help spread awareness of issues related to gangs and gang influence troubling the youth in Genesee County.

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.

Shayla Packer

Shayla started at Peckham in May 2024. She brings with her over 15 years of experience in customer service and working with individuals of all abilities. She was an Ophthalmic Assistant for 5 years until taking a break to stay home with her 3 children. During that time, she did graphic design work for small businesses, was a personal shopper, dabbled in photography, and cleaned professionally. Her creativity allows her to think outside of the box and approach challenges from a different perspective. Shayla’s patience and understanding has led to the formation of strong relationships with clients, family members, and employers. She is happy to be part of a mission that serves others and provides opportunities for growth.

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.”

Sigrid J. Adams

Sigrid Adams currently serves as the Bureau Director of Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), bringing over 3 decades of experience in vocational rehabilitation across both the private and public sectors. Her career reflects a strong commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities through employment and support services with extensive leadership experience in team and program management.

Sigrid began her career in Rehabilitation Counseling in the private sector, following a background in advertising and marketing. Sigrid joined MRS in 1999 as a Rehabilitation Counselor in the Lansing District office, where she served for nine years. In 2008, she was promoted to Vocational Rehabilitation Manager, and in 2012, she advanced to lead the Staff Development Unit. Her leadership trajectory continued in 2017 when she was appointed Division Director of the Staff Development and Policy Division. In 2023, she was named Deputy Bureau Director, and in 2024 she assumed her current role as Bureau Director.

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.

Tammey Wine

Founder of Kiss Solution’s LLC. – Tammey has been the owner of Kiss Solutions Book Keeping Service since 2013. Tammey also has a business background in sales and was in the insurance industry for a number of years. Tammey was also the Chief Financial Officer for close to ten years. Tammey brings a wealth of knowledge in on-boarding new participants to in booking and insurance industry. Tammey has Bachelor of Arts from Olivet College majoring in business administration with a concentration in accounting management and insurance.

Taylor Picano

As a dedicated speech therapist, I specialize in the assessment and treatment of communication disorders across diverse populations. I hold a Master’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Michigan State University and am certified with the Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). My work focuses on innovative therapeutic strategies that include evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance speech and language development. I am passionate about advancing the field through education. My goal is to share insights and practical techniques that empower both practitioners and clients to achieve optimal communication outcomes.

Tekisha Lee

Tekisha Lee is the founder and President of DiverseNote Mobility. Her mission is to improve economic outcomes in communities that lack access. Tekisha is an alum of Howard University and a lecturer at Harvard University. She started DiverseNote Mobility based on her experiences in higher education and throughout her career, recognizing the need for career mobility in early career and executive-level positions.
Tekisha has led national and international workforce and economic mobility initiatives for the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Social Security Administration, U.S. Department of the Interior, and other federal and state workforce organizations, as well as private sector companies.
Since its inception, DiverseNote Mobility has provided training programs and technology to increase and track career mobility. The organization has partnered with leading educational institutions and employers committed to enhancing all-inclusive diversity and progression across teams. To date, DiverseNote Mobility has served over 10,000 students annually and has a network of over 4 million students and families who have participated in free programming.
DiverseNote Mobility is an accelerated STEM career training institution that increases access to career and economic mobility, industry-led credentials, career opportunities within high-growth industries, and affordable higher education. Learn more at https://diversenote.mobi.

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.

Todd Michael

Todd Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and 15 years of experience in human services and disability support. Currently employed as the Training Services Supervisor with Work Skills in Brighton, Michigan, his professional background spans case management, diversionary services and milieu therapy with the University of Pittsburgh, and adult and child protective services for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Todd’s current work centers on training and supporting WSC’s team of Job Mentors, as well as delivering Job Readiness, Self Advocacy, and Leadership training to individuals, classrooms, and organizations. His approach emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, talent pipeline development, and the advancement of dignity, autonomy, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities across diverse service settings. He is committed to fostering person-centered practices and systems-level change that uphold the values of respect and empowerment in vocational rehabilitation and disability services.

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.

Tracy Tanner

Tracy Tanner is the WIOA/ JMG Youth Manager at Capital Area Michigan Works. Tracy has been with Peckham for 10 years, 9 of which have been working in Youth Services as well as employability skills and community development. Tracy graduated from Ferris State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement. Tracy is a state trainer for the National Alliance Mental Illness. Tracy is a member of the City of Lansing Public Service Board and also sits on Lansing Everett High School’s Alumni Board as the Community Support Liasion for the students. Tracy is also a member of the Crisis Intervention Training Team in her area.

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.

Valerie A. Maloney MSW BSW

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Mid-Michigan District/Mt.Pleasant

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.

Zoey (Rouyi) Chen

Zoey (Rouyi) Chen is a doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Michigan State University. Her research focuses on a) increasing accessibility of rehabilitation and psychological interventions, b) understanding how stigma affects rehabilitation outcomes,
and c) exploring the influence of Asian parenting and family dynamics on the well-being of youth with and without disabilities. Chen’s work primarily centers on young adults with psychiatric disabilities. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) with clinical experience across community-based settings serving individuals with psychiatric and developmental disabilities.