RE:CON 2024
PRESENTER BIOS
re:con 2024 Presenters
Backgrounds & Bios
Aimee Sterk
| Aimee Sterk (she/her), LMSW, is Program Director of the Michigan Assistive Technology Program. Aimee is a queer, autistic woman with multiple disabilities and has been working and living in the aging and disability community for over 20 years. She is also a mom to two vibrant, autistic children. She started her career helping people transition out of nursing homes and progressed to policy and program development to support community living using assistive technology. She has worked with governmental task forces and audiences around the state and nation on inclusion, grant writing, nursing facility transition, financial literacy, disability, voting rights, effective communication, community-based long-term care, and assistive technology. Aimee served on the national board of the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs, the board of Southeast Ottawa Community Foundation, and was on the Outpatient Advisory Committee for Spectrum Health. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Hope College and an M.S.W. from Michigan State University. When not working, Aimee can be found reading, cooking, watching dramedies, and enjoying Michigan’s four seasons of beautiful nature with her family. |
Amy Smith
| Amy Smith received her Master of Arts Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University and is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree in Counseling Education and Supervision at MSU. She also holds a Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership from Saginaw Valley State University. Her main area of interest is the psychosocial adjustment of families, and people who live with chronic illnesses and disabilities across the lifespan, as well as how implicit bias and stigma affects individuals and families living with a disability as it relates to educational, vocational, psychological, and social opportunities. Ms. Smith currently works as a general and transition vocational rehabilitation counselor with Michigan Rehabilitation Services in Lansing MI. |
Asmau Ayub |
| Asmau Ayub is a third-year PhD student in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Michigan State University. As a licensed counseling psychologist from Ghana with extensive clinical experience, her work has largely focused on supporting marginalized communities and special populations. Over the past decade, Asmau has dedicated herself to assisting students with diverse needs as they transition to college, ensuring their well-being, and providing critical mental health support. Her goal is to utilize her expertise and research to help amplify the experiences of autistic students through their personal stories. |
Becky Seder
Becky Seder is the Vocational Training Manager at Peckham Inc. overseeing our Work Based Learning Partnerships as well as our Medicaid Skill building program
Carie Branch
| Carie Branch (she/they) 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 13 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. |
Carla Dean |
| Carla Dean is the Director of Employment and Training at STEP. For the past 25 years she has worked in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and training for diverse populations. Recognized for excellence in a myriad of Vocational Rehabilitation & Human Resources functions; she is passionate about creating employment opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and abilities while helping businesses meet their targets. Carla has a BA in Psychology and MBA in Integrated Management, both from Michigan State University. |
Carol Bergquist
Carol is the current Chair of the 17-member, Governor appointed Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services (MCRS) that represents the voice of people with disabilities, working in partnership with Michigan’s two State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies – Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and the Bureau of Services to Blind Persons (BSBP), to ensure quality VR services. To achieve inclusion and full participation, WIOA mandates that the majority of MCRS members are persons with disabilities.
Carol has provided a variety of services for the Hannahville Indian Community since 1989 and has served as the Director of Project: VISIONS, a federally funded American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AVIRS) grant since 1995. As the Director, Carol is one of two federally mandated MCRS members, the second is the Client Assistance Program (CAP) Director. Carol earned her BS degree in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin, and a MA and PhD in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University. For her work and commitment to Native American People, her VR colleagues awarded her two honors in VR – the Michigan Rehabilitation Award of Excellence and Michigan’s Tina Award for her “Visionary role in challenging the status quo” and serving as a “change agent for impacting rehabilitation service systems for Native American people in Michigan.”
Casey Stratton
| Casey Stratton has spent nearly 12 years working in the youth development and non-profit field. He has served as Director of Arts and Tech at the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology, Y-Achievers Director at the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids and as Director of Program Development at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids. He has served as the chair of the ELO Network Quality Committee, an office of the City of Grand Rapids, and as a member of the Michigan After School Partnership Quality and Communications Committees. He also has expertise and passion in Social and Emotional Learning and has trained program staff around the state of Michigan. Casey is thrilled to be the Youth and Young Adult Advocate at Michigan Disability Rights Coalition. In his spare time he is a singer-songwriter who has released 29 albums since 1995. He lives in Grand Rapids, MI with his husband and 5 cats. |
Chip Werner
| Chip Werner serves as the Communications & Development Director for Disability Network Eastern Michigan (DNEM) and holds a passion for establishing equitable relationships. He is a versatile and energetic professional with more than 25 years of experience in strategic prospecting, rapport building, and relationship management. Chip and his team at DNEM strive to advance accessibility best practices for digital documents, apps, social media and website development. |
Christa Martin, MRC, CRC
| Christa Martin, MRC, CRC is the Disability & Community Outreach Specialist for DirectEmployers Association (DE). DE is a non-profit member association built by employers, for employers. She works closely with DE’s 1k+ Member companies to implement better DEIAB strategies and connect them with Vocational Rehabilitation services, American Job Centers, Employment Networks, Community Rehabilitation Programs, and other DE Partners for improved recruitment, retention, and advancement of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. She also works closely with DE Partners nationally to increase positive employment outcomes in competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities.
Christa is Treasurer of the National Rehabilitation Association of Job Placement & Development (NRAJPD), their Division Representative to the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA) Board of Directors, and serves on the MRA and MI-JPD Board of Directors. She was honored to receive the 2024 T.K. Bridges Practitioner Award from the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns (NAMRC). Christa is also a former NRA Secretary, as well as a CANAR and APSE Member. |
Emily A. Brinck
| Dr. Emily A. Brinck, LPC-IT, CRC, CVE is a researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER) department serving on the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment (VRTAC-QE) and the Wisconsin Career Advancement grant. She received her Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counselor Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, her Master’s in Management from Indiana University, and a Bachelor of Education: Intervention Specialist from Miami University. Dr. Brinck has had the opportunity to work on the Wisconsin Promoting the Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE) as well as the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Employer Practices (RRTC) grants. She has published articles in the Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, and Rehabilitation Psychology. Her research interest includes interagency collaboration between schools, vocational rehabilitation, and employers; transition services to post-secondary employment and education; and counselor supervision. |
Frank Vaca
| Frank Vaca is a dedicated self-advocate, sexuality educator, peer mentor, and member of Autism Council of the governors. With a strong commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities, Frank serves as a LFI coordinator at the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition, where he supports the Leadership Development Opportunity fellows. His experience includes roles as an intern at the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council and as a peer mentor at Community Mental Health in Lansing, MI. Frank holds an associate degree from Lansing Community College and a high school diploma from Holt High School. |
Gina Schafer
| Gina has experience assisting consumers with assistive technology integration and improving the accessibility of digital media. She has worked at a Center for Independent Living for nearly 15 years. |
Dr. Hung Jen Kuo PhD CRC LPC
| Dr. Hung Jen Kuo is Assistant Professor in Rehabilitation Counselor Education at Michigan State University. Dr. Kuo’s research focuses on using technology to promote the quality of life of individuals with disabilities. He has led numerous evidenced-informed interventions such as job coach assistive technology, and virtual reality meditation and interview. In addition, Dr. Kuo is devoted to understanding disability discrimination, focusing on battling implicit and explicit biases. He has published five journal articles on the topic. Dr. Kuo is the founder of the Games, Rehabilitation, Education, and Assistive Technology (GREAT) lab, and a senior research member of the Disability Biases & Rehabilitation Research Lab (DBR2). |
James Willis, LMSW
| James Willis is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Gesher Human Services. James has worked for Gesher for 30 years in roles including job coach, vocational evaluator, and vice president of vocational rehabilitation and workforce. James has a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Masters in Social Work Administration and serves as a surveyor for CARF. In his free time, James enjoys gardening, snowboarding and small home improvement projects. |
Jacob Krehbiel
| Jacob is a research assistant. He is employed by Michigan State University. He is not a medical professor. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Technical Communication from Ferris State University. He is Autistic. His goal in life is to help other Autistic individuals. His hobbies include watching movies and discussing them. |
Jillian Miller
MA. in Organizational Psychology, Talent Development and Talent Acquisition Coordinator at Peckham Inc.
Karen Wang
| Karen Wang is the Transition Specialist for the Michigan Alliance for Families. She is the parent of an adult with multiple disabilities, and a high school student who has a 504 plan. Karen uses her experience as a high school and college instructor to educate families and self-advocates about the transition from special education to adulthood. She is also an active volunteer in youth advocacy organizations, such as the Michigan PTA and Scouting America. Karen earned her B.A. from Cornell University, and her M.A. from the University of Michigan. |
Kasey Koster
| Kasey Koster is the Assistant Director and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for Project: VISIONS. Kasey has a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Wisconsin — Stout, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Northern Michigan University, and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Kasey is an alumni of the Delta Force Leadership Program (2016), Incompass Michigan Leadership Academy (2019), and Incompass Michigan Leadership Continuum (2021). |
Katie Kinde
| Katie Kinde Education Coordinator at Incompass Michigan Katie is a 34 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. With the retirement of the Director of Continuing Education in 2019, she became the sole staff member to manage continuing education courses until her departure in 2021. There were 12 consistent online courses that she managed, and subjects ranged from pain management, human trafficking, ethics, DEI, and more. She created a mail merge system that streamlined certificate distribution. For example, for just the online human trafficking course approximately 35 certificates needed to be distributed a week. This would take one person 2 hours a week to complete. It was streamlined so that a staff member could finish the work in 30 minutes. She currently works for Incompass Michigan as the Education Coordinator, creating trainings, coordinating events, and handling certificate distribution. She has coordinated 38 trainings and 5 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, and has presented multiple times about Autism in the workplace. She recently became a co-leader in 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 making jewelry and miniature houses. |
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. |
Lisa Stanley
Lisa Stanley is a Business Relations Consultant with the Business Network Division (BND). Her professional interests focus on serving unserved populations as well as enhancing relationships with businesses and community partners. Lisa is skilled at facilitating disability awareness training, employee retention and recruitment of special populations. Lisa provides services throughout the Southwest District/Region 8 which includes: Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and Benton Harbor including their surrounding areas. Lisa enjoys educating and advocating for underserved populations and disadvantaged families to experience equal opportunities. Lisa earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Family Life Education as well as a master’s degree in counseling from Spring Arbor University. She is also, a Certified Business Solutions Professional (CBSP).
Dr. Lynn Boza
| Dr. Lynn Boza is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with experience in public vocational rehabilitation engaging students with disabilities in career planning and job placement. 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, 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. |
Marcia Ransom
Marcia Ransom, the Employment Services Manager at Work Skills Corporation, has been with the company since 2008. She oversees the management of diverse participant employment development programs and services, including Pre-ETS youth services, adults with disabilities, returning citizens, and individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Marcia is dedicated to providing inclusive and equal opportunities regardless of the individual’s background or challenges. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Livingston County Literacy Coalition.
Minju Lee
| Minju Lee is an international doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision Ph.D. program at Michigan State University. Minju studied Counseling Psychology and Computer Science for his bachelor’s degree from Handong Global University, South Korea, and then got a master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Minju’s research interests entail using assistive technology, such as video game, VR device, and smartphone to help individuals with disabilities enjoy their own lives by lowering and eliminating barriers. Minju is also eager to work with transition-age youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He is dreaming of using high-end technology to make the world without inequality in participation. |
Michael Christy
| Michael brings to his work at TBD Solutions a passion for human-centered design with organizations. He believes that meaningful innovation begins with sincere curiosity—and that sustainable innovation is made up of intentional and iterative change. Michael has extensive leadership experience in behavioral health, victim services, Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), and leveraging health information to improve care. He has led high-achieving, interdisciplinary teams and overseen large-scale change initiatives. He has also helped organizations plan strategic initiatives and implement change management strategies. Michael earned his MBA from the DeVos Graduate School at Northwood University. His interests include organizational development, strategy, quality improvement, employee engagement, process improvement, and change management. |
Michael Yeomans
| Michael Yeomans is a Doctoral candidate in Michigan State University’s Rehabilitation Counseling Education program. Michael’s research focuses on promoting the well-being and recreation of individuals with disabilities with counseling and technology. He is passionate about finding ways video game technologies can be leveraged to develop interventions that can benefit students with disabilities. Michael has conducted research on the risks and benefits of video games, including the possibility of addiction and their impact on academic performance for students with disabilities. His recent work has centered on positive cooperative contact via video games and their impact on biases. He hopes to continue to explore this unique intersection of rehabilitation counseling and technology. |
Mudita Jagota
| Mudita Jagota is a Doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Supervision Program at Michigan State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi, India, and Master’s degrees in Applied Psychology from Jamia Millia Islamia University, India, and Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University. Mudita’s research interests center on exploring family caregiving dynamics from the viewpoints of both caregivers and care recipients. Additionally, she is interested in understanding the multifaceted biopsychosocial barriers affecting individuals with disabilities, encompassing factors like medical conditions, disability-related stress, mental health issues, accessibility, and inclusion. She has experience working with individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings such as colleges and universities, Independent Living Centers, and other community agencies and projects. Mudita aims to be a lifelong advocate for disability rights and dedicate her life to serving people with disabilities. |
Myranda Green
| Myranda holds a Bachelor’s degree in social work from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s degree in social work from Western Michigan University. She has extensive experience developing and managing crisis services systems, making her a vital member of our Clinical and Crisis Services team. Myranda also brings leadership skills and a passion for developing relationships to her consultant role. |
Narae Yu
| Narae Yu is a second-year master’s student in Rehabilitation Counseling at Michigan State University. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and Social Welfare, showing her commitment to helping people overcome different challenges. Narae’s goals go beyond just her studies; she wants to be both a skilled counselor and a researcher in Rehabilitation Counseling. She is especially interested in supporting people with disabilities and their mental health. Narae is dedicated to making a positive impact through her work and research, aiming to improve the lives of those facing difficulties. |
Norman G DeLisle Jr
| Norman DeLisle has been working in the disability community since 1970 and has a lived experience of disability for most of his life. He has worked in medical, educational, substance abuse, mental health, and developmental disability services and support programs, but his passion is advocacy. He worked for Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services for 13 years and has long experience in policy advocacy around all issues that can expand and support the free choice of people with disabilities for the lives they wish to live. He is currently a Policy Consultant at Michigan Disability Rights Coalition and was the Executive Director for 18 years. |
Paul 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, financial literacy and foreclosure. Over the years, he has been involved with many community and professional organizations. Paul currently co chairs the Event 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 provide 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 Michigan 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. |
Priscilla Cano
| Priscilla Cano, born in Texas, to a migrant farmworker family, grew up traveling and working in agriculture before pursuing education. engaging in various student organizations while attending Michigan State University (MSU). At MSU, Priscilla juggled academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and single parenthood while earning a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in Chicano Latino Studies. After graduation, she worked in various roles supporting migrant families and advocating for education and disability rights, eventually joining the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition to further her advocacy for the Latinx and Spanish-speaking communities as well as the BIPOC community. She now lives in Dowagiac, MI with her husband and two sons. |
Rachael Watson
| Rachael is a second year Master’s student in Michigan State University’s Rehabilitation Counseling Program. She is a 2023 Aquinas College graduate, where she completed her Bachelors of Science degree by majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience and minoring in Biology. She has previous research experience regarding the effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as how college students cope with stress by using the eight dimensions of wellness. Rachael is passionate about animal-assisted therapy (AAT), and frequently volunteers with her therapy dog, Tucker, to improve the wellbeing of others. |
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 just 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, 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. |
River Kratochvil
| River Kratochvil is a disability advocate, artist, and educator based in Madison, Wisconsin. Currently pursuing undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin Madison, River brings a unique perspective shaped by their experiences with disability and sexuality education. As someone who identifies with as neurodivergent—Autistic, ADHD, and dyslexic—River is dedicated to promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment in sexual education and disability advocacy. Driven by a passion for disability justice and reproductive rights, River utilizes their creative talents to challenge societal norms and promote understanding across diverse communities. With almost five years of experience in sexual health education, River aims to create spaces where all individuals, regardless of ability or identity, feel validated and empowered in their sexual experiences. |
Rosanne Renauer, PhD, LLP, CRC
| Rosanne Renauer, PhD, LLP, CRC is a 2021 graduate of the Rehabilitation Counselor Education program at Michigan State University, a limited licensed psychologist and past adjunct professor at Michigan State University. Retired in 2018, after a thirty plus year career with Michigan’s state vocational rehabilitation agency, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, she remains an optimist dedicated to leadership, mentoring and full inclusion. Rosanne is a Board member of the Michigan Rehabilitation Association, the Multicultural Association on Rehabilitation Concerns and a past President of the National Association on Rehabilitation Leadership. She is a certified yoga instructor and supports healthy aging and wellness. |
Ruifen Tan
| Ruifen Tan is a master’s student in the program of Rehabilitation Counseling at Michigan State University (MSU). She is a team member at the GREAT lab at MSU. She is passionate to help people get to know more about themselves and make a fulfillment in their lives. She is determined to make the world more inclusive and a better place to live in. |
Russel Sickles
Russell Sickles is a Senior Consultant with Griffin-Hammis Associates, based in West Virginia, and owner of Paradox Capital, LLC. He focuses on the areas of Customized Employment Training and Technical Assistance, Rural Employment Development, Workforce Customized Employment Development, Social Security Administration Work Incentives, and Self-Employment. He has trained all manner of service workers, well as employment-seekers, families, and their allies on Creative Employment strategies.
Russell has over 20 years’ of experience in direct services within Supported Employment, Customized Employment, and Supported Living contexts. During 10 of these years, he acted concurrently as a program director.
Sarah Velez
Sarah Velez began working with Peckham only in March of 2025. Peckham is an outstanding organization that was intentional enough and thoughtful enough to have already invested in the work of creating career pathways prior to Sarah’s arrival. Since she took on the project, she has pulled key people from across the organization into the discussion in order to build the pathways into actionable steps for team members. Her passion for growing and supporting people strongly aligns with this work. Her background is in organizational development, which she has done for the past 15 years. She also recently worked in Labor Relations for 9 years, and experience which emphasized the importance of developing people on the front end, before issues arise and in order to retain meaningful talent.
Sarah George
| Sarah George is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with more than 24 years of experience in the field of vocational rehabilitation. In her current role as Director of Mission Initiatives at Peckham, Inc., Sarah provides strategic thinking and clinical expertise in the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and interventions that support Peckham’s mission to provide a wide range of training and employment opportunities for people striving for independence and self-sufficiency. Sarah is passionate about workforce inclusion, belonging, and mental health. Sarah earned her Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University. |
Shonda Rushing
Shonda Rushing is a seasoned leader with over 27 years of experience in leadership capacities, more than 30 years of dedicated study on human behavior and 25 years of ministry. She is the author of “Don’t Be Afraid: Letter to a Black Son,” and recently released “What if I Win.” She is co-host of the Road2damascus Podcast, Leadership Consultant, Director of Education, Christian counselor, and speaker.
Shonda’s wisdom, positive attitude, vulnerability and authenticity make her a powerful force in every environment she enters. She brings out the best in those around her and helps them discover and cultivate their superpower, which is being who you are. One of her favorite quotes is “Be who you are, everyone else is taken,” Oscar Wild
Sriram Narayanan
| Sriram Narayanan is the Eli Broad Professor of Supply Chain Management at the Broad College of Business in the Supply Chain Management Department. He is the Faculty Director of the Center for Ethical and Socially Responsible Leadership at the Broad College. His research focuses on how technologies and processes can be collectively used to better enable disability inclusion in operational settings, and has been funded by NSF, and Peckham Community Partnership Foundation. He has published more than 35 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. He is co-editing a special issue on DEI for Production and Operations Management Journal. |
Stephanie Beckhorn
For more than two decades, Stephanie Beckhorn has played an important and growing role in Michigan’s workforce and economic development.
Beckhorn has been lending her talents to Michigan’s workforce development efforts since 2001. In 2013, she went on to serve as Director of Workforce Policy and Strategic Planning for the Workforce Development Agency and in 2019, at the beginning of Governor Whitmer’s first term, she served as the acting department director.
Since 2020, Beckhorn has served as the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Director of the Office of Employment and Training, providing leadership and guidance for the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Workforce Development.
Under her direction, Employment and Training administers key workforce programs and systems that equips both employers and workers with resources critical for their success, including vocational rehabilitation to support individuals with disabilities with gaining or retaining employment.
Overseeing a staff of about 900 and an annual budget that exceeds $700 million, Beckhorn has developed a well-earned reputation as one of the nation’s most innovative and effective workforce development leaders. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Michigan leads all Midwest states – and is number two in the nation – in providing customized reemployment services. Nationally, Michigan ranks number-one in credential attainment for adults and number-four in serving migrant and seasonal farm workers.
Her emphasis on exploring innovative solutions has also led to Michigan being a national leader in the use of Registered Apprenticeships. Michigan ranks among the Top 10 states nationally in active and new Registered Apprentices, as well as program completers.
Preparing and supporting the participation of individuals with disabilities into integrated, competitive employment has also been a priority under Beckhorn. Michigan now leads the nation in highest earnings for vocational rehabilitation (VR) customers and ranks number-two for helping VR customers secure employment.
Beckhorn works directly with federal, state and local level partners to provide the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities. This work is accomplished through federal and state programs focused on job preparedness, career-based education, worker training and employer assistance.
Beckhorn is a Certified Business Solutions Professional (CBSP) and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University.
Susan Robinson
| Susan Robinson (she/they) is an AuDHD self-advocate, a board director of Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adults, and designer and director of the Full Spectrum Community Time Exchange. She holds an M.A. in Linguistics from University of Southern California, a PDC (Permaculture Design Certificate) from Oregon State University, and advanced permaculture studies and a social permaculture design certificate (Empowering Collaborative Groups) from Earth Activist Training. She has particular interests in the intersection of permaculture design and disability, and in the lived experiences and needs of neuro-different adults who have lived/still live undiagnosed and unrecognized. |
Tammy Littlefield
| Tammy Littlefield is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with experience in public and private rehabilitation. She is an adjunct counselor at Henry Ford College in Dearborn and a full-time rehabilitation counselor for the Veteran’s Administration, serving veterans with physical and mental health disabilities, including Post-Traumatic Stress. |
Travis Atkinson
| For nearly 20 years, Travis Atkinson has worked in both clinical and managerial roles in behavioral health. Through these experiences, he espouses the value of a healthy and functioning behavioral health care system, the power of data to drive decision‐making, and the importance of asking the right questions. While maintaining a broad vision for excellence and leadership, Travis has sought out best practices for behavioral health care services through research and connecting with fellow providers at a local and national level. He is an excellent training instructor, coach, meeting facilitator, and conference presenter. |
