Presenters

Sarah Alam is an experienced educator and leader with seven years of experience as a High School Special Education Teacher. She currently serves as a Secondary Transition Specialist with the Arizona Department of Education. She holds two master’s degrees in education from Arizona State University, specializing in Learning Design and Technologies and Special Education.

Loretta Alvarez serves as the Program Manager for Employment and Transition at the University of Arizona’s Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities. With over 16 years of experience in special education and transition, she has dedicated her career to supporting and advocating for high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Loretta is passionate about empowering youth with disabilities as they transition into adulthood, ensuring they have the support and opportunities to live independently and fully participate in their communities.

Monica Amaya is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with over a decade of experience in vocational rehabilitation, mental health, and employment services. She holds a Master’s in Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling and specializes in supporting individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI). Monica oversees the RSA/DES- AHCCCS Interagency Service Agreement, enhancing employment outcomes for individuals with mental health conditions. She is passionate about the Employment First philosophy and advocates for breaking down barriers to employment ensuring access to holistic support for individuals with mental health challenges.

Dawn M. Armfield is an Associate Professor of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott where her teaching and research focus on human-centered design in emerging and embodied technologies. She has published in interdisciplinary fields with emphasis in equity, emerging technologies, online collaborations, and educational technologies. Her most recent presentation was “Cultivating Self Through Expressive Writing and AI Imaging in Integrated Communities” at the 2025 Southwest Popular and American Culture Conference.

Shadow W. J. Armfield is the Associate Dean and a member of the Educational Technology faculty in the Department of Educational Specialties within the College of Education at Northern Arizona University. He teaches technology integration in K-12 environments and professional development. Shadow’s research interests include technology integration in K-12 environments, technology integration in teacher preparation programs, the integration of extended realities in learning environments. Recent publications include Global Digital Citizenship: Providing Context and most recently Technology Integration in a Modified Flipped Spiraling Curriculum: Reversing Roles and Rationale.

Eileen Alepuyo Babauta is the Program Director for the UCEDD located in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. She is an Alumni from the University of Guam with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. She is passionate about her work with individuals with developmental disabilities and is a strong advocate in her community. She works closely with partner agencies to create more accessible and inclusive events for IDD to participate and enhance a fully engaged life in the CNMI. As an strong advocate, Eileen supports transitions for Students with DD, and aims to provide more technical assistance to First Responders and emergency personnel to enhance responses and communication during emergencies and disasters.

Cheryl Bates-Harris was a Senior Disability Advocacy Specialist for National Disability Rights Network where she worked for over 29 years. Her experience working with people with disabilities has always involved employment. She has an in-depth knowledge of cross disability issues and continues to focus on employment issues of people with disabilities, including Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Security Return to Work, TANF, DOL OneStops, sheltered workshops and other employment programs that affect people with disabilities. This includes TWWIIA and Vocational Rehabilitation Services and is a leading expert on the intersection issues of the Ticket to Work with state vocational rehab services. Cheryl believes that all work should pay.

Julie Blair is an Assistant Director of Academic Programs and Assistant Professor at Grand Canyon University’s College of Education, where she ensures that special education, secondary education, and administrative/leadership programs meet state and national licensure standards. She collaborates with GCU’s clinical practice and state compliance teams, as well as invested parties, to offer exceptional teacher and administrator preparation programs. Julie is also a member of the CEEDAR State Steering Committee and Leadership Team, a Special Education Advocate, and a member of ASA and APEL. With over 26 years of experience, Julie is committed to preparing and retaining educators.

Dr. Bright is the special education director for the Arizona Department of Corrections and has various experiences working with, and advocating for, individuals with exceptional needs. Her research interests focus on learners with disabilities, instructional strategies, and issues of diversity. She has presented her work at multiple national, state, and local conferences. Dr. Bright is active on the Special Education Advisory Panel where she serves as the Vice Chair. In addition to her current leadership, Dr. Bright has experience at the state education level working for the Arizona Department of Education, as well as 25 years in the education field overall.

Genise Burnett is a RESNA Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) & Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. Genise has a Bachelor’s in Communication & Science Disorders from Abilene Christian University and an Assistive Technology Certification from Brandman University. Her expertise in Assistive Technology ranges from experience with Alternative & Augmentative Communication (AAC) to switch access/computer accessibility.

With over 35 years of experience, Mo is a practiced professional in the field of special education providing services and support to those with disabilities and their families. She managed autism programs and services for over 6,000 students as Director of Autism and Intellectual Disabilities at Chicago Public Schools. Mo’s additional experience also includes special education teacher, autism itinerant and special education administrator. Mo Buti possess M.Ed-BD, M.Ed-ADMIN, QIDP certification, Director of Special Education degree/certificate from Illinois and her Type 75 Administrator certification.

Ulanda Chatter is a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist at the University of Arizona’s Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities. Based in Northern Arizona.

As a member of the Pre-employment Transitions Project team, partners with local high schools to create work-based experiences for students.

With experience in health and education, she developed a commitment to human services through personal observations of people with disabilities being denied employment opportunities, which limited their freedom of choice and self-determination. She believes that all individuals, including those with disabilities, should be able to fully participate in their communities.

She has a special interest in Neurodiversity and Genetics, Ulanda plans to continue her education in those related fields.

Sara Clancey, PhD, MOTR/L holds a doctorate in infant and early childhood development with a focus on infant mental health. She is a registered occupational therapist who has provided early intervention, in-home, and community setting services for over 15 years. Dr. Clancey specializes in serving families of young children with disabilities from underserved populations who live on rural and tribal lands. She is endorsed in infant mental health and provides reflective supervision of early intervention and home visiting providers. Dr. Clancey is the director of the Growing in Beauty Partnership Program, which provides early intervention services across the Navajo Nation.

Skylar Colavito joined Disability Rights Arizona (DRAZ) in 2021 as a staff attorney. Skylar’s work at DRAZ focuses on civil rights and access to healthcare. Skylar is an attorney with lived experience. She could not read or write until fourth grade; schools treated her as though she could not learn, but thanks to her mother’s advocacy, Skylar accessed the resources she needed to learn in a way that worked with her disabilities. Skylar received an undergraduate degree in creative writing with a thematic law minor focusing on social justice from the University of Arizona, and received a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. Before working at DRAZ, Sklyar served as an Assistant Attorney General.

An advocate for inclusive education, Wendy Cornacchio is a special education teacher with over 25 years of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs. She is a Resource Teacher at ASU Preparatory Academy South Phoenix, specializing in behavioral intervention, assistive technology, and instructional strategies. Wendy holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and is pursuing a second in Educational Technology with an emphasis in Assistive Technology. She has served as a literacy coach, curriculum consultant, and mentor for new teachers. A frequent presenter on best practices in special education, Wendy is passionate about using creativity and technology to enhance student learning and empower educators.

Doug Cutler, M.A., CCC-SLP is a Speech Pathologist focused on assistive technology who has worked in non-profit, public schools, and the industry side of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for 25 years. Doug spent the majority of his career leading a district AAC program in one of the largest school districts in Arizona for 16 years prior to joining the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) as an Assistive Technology Specialist. Doug received his Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Northern Arizona University and his Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Western Washington University.

Wayne Dagel serves as director of the AIVRTTAC-IHD project at NAU-IHD. He is first-generation descendant of the Romsa family of the Blackfeet Tribe, has over 20 years of experience in the vocational rehabilitation world. Mr. Dagel began his career as a client of vocational rehabilitation in 1996 after being involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury. He has served twice as an interim AIVRS project director for the Northern Cheyenne CDKC VR program in Montana. Mr. Dagel’s extensive knowledge of AIVRS systems and resources allow him to network with multiple state VR agencies, federal RSA staff, and AIVRS projects to provide resources to meet varied needs.

With over 25 years’ experience in the Human Services field, Dr. Stephen T. Davis has supported underserved populations in the behavioral/mental health and developmental disabilities space in Philadelphia, Delaware and Maryland. Stephen has presented at national conferences for the American Public Health Association, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Charting the LifeCourse National Symposium. Dr. Davis is the founder and CEO of the National Organization for Interdisciplinary Research and Evaluation (NOIRE). His work focuses on support coordination as a leverage point to systems change and the implementation of systems thinking principles in the human service organizations.

Brenda Robertson Del Monte is a Speech Language Pathologist and an assistive technology evaluator and facilitator, who has worked with people with disabilities for over 20 years. Her passion has been working with people who are not functionally verbal and use communication devices to help them communicate. She specializes in working with those with complicated bodies who have limited ways to access augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She is a national speaker who has presented at Closing the Gap, ATIA and AzTAP.

Cecilia is the Program Coordinator of the Arizona Department of Education AT Loan Library. She has 20 years of experience working in the healthcare field in both administrative and direct care for all ages. She has a passion for helping individuals with special needs and is excited to continue learning and sharing knowledge with others.

Staci Dover, M. Ed., M.S. CCC-SLP, ATP holds a master’s degree in reading disabilities from University of Florida and a master’s of science in speech-language pathology from Northern Arizona University. She’s a certified reading specialist and RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional specializing in dyslexia/literacy and assistive technology including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Staci served on the Executive Board of Arizona Speech-Language-Hearing Association since 2018 and is the immediate past president. Staci won the President’s award in 2021 and received the ASHA Distinguished Early Career Professional Certificate in 2023. She is the owner and clinical director of Beyond Educational Staffing and Therapy.

Jamie Emanuel leads the Training and Technical Assistance Hub of the American Indian Training and Technical Assistance Center at Northern Arizona University. She has worked for both NC and AZ State VR agencies and in Tribal VR for over 15 years. She directs the planning, development, and delivery of training and technical assistance to nearly one hundred tribes in twenty-six states. She is a member of the Lumbee Tribe, a graduate of Winston-Salem State University and daughter of a deaf parent.

Jenifer Fernandez serves as the Universal Design for Learning and Inclusive Instruction Specialist for the Arizona Department of Education’s Exceptional Student Services. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from The University of Arizona. Dual-certified in Elementary and Secondary Mathematics, she also holds a Mathematics Specialist endorsement._x000D_ Before joining ADE in 2019, Jenifer spent 15 years teaching in the Tucson area. Since 2006, she has also been a professional development facilitator at local, state, and national levels. She believes that all students are capable of learning and that it is the responsibility of educational leaders to empower teachers in fostering a positive culture and mindset around education.

Paul Ferry the Statewide Home and Vehicle Modification Coordinator for Arizona Department of Economic Security, Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR) and is a member of the Assistive Technology unit. He completed my Bachelor’s in Management from the University of Phoenix in 1996. He has had his Arizona Remodelers Contractors License since 1998, and is a Certified Environmental Access Consultant. In 2022, Paul assumed the duties as the Vehicle Modification Coordinator. Paul has extensive training from mentors and has attended both Vehicle Modification and Assistive Technology Conferences. In his off time, Paul and his wife enjoy the outdoors, riding his motorcycle and playing music.

Dr. Gabrielle Ficchi, a passionate advocate for disability rights, has always been committed to promoting equality and justice for the disability community. Dr. Ficchi is a full-time faculty member at the University of Phoenix, where she teaches courses in counseling. Her specialty and research areas include disability pride, independent living, resilience, and disability identity. She is also the COO of Care 4 the Caregivers, working to build a community of support among caregivers, with disabled children, raise awareness, and better the lives of disabled people in her community. Her work at her therapy practice, New Perspectives LLC, focuses on providing mental health services to the disabled community and their families. She believes t

Elizabeth Freund (she/her) is a neurodivergent SLP who has been working with neurodivergent communicators for over 10 years. Elizabeth is passionate about providing identity-affirming care for all communicators, and reshaping professional attitudes toward and understanding of neurodivergent identities. Elizabeth has worked in outpatient clinics and home settings as an SLP and AAC trainer. She currently is a private practitioner, supporting neurodivergent clients in home and community settings.

Janet Brims Fukuda is the Manager of Accessibility and Usability at the University of Phoenix. At the University of Phoenix, she has enhanced digital accessibility and spearheaded an Accessibility SME program for engineers and developers. Additionally, Janet is the Co-chair of the University’s President’s Council’s Accessibility Working Group._x000D_ _x000D_ Janet holds a Master’s in Education/Special Education with an Interdisciplinary Certificate in Assistive Technology and is an IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies. She has presented at Arizona’s Directors Institute, Early Learning and the Brain, Accessing Higher Ground, and OLC Accelerate.

Dr. Emily Gaylord, PT, DPT is an Assistive Technology Specialist at the Arizona Department of Education. She has an extensive background in pediatric physical therapy including early intervention and school-based settings. Emily is a graduate of the University of Arizona Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Fellowship. Emily is a Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist endorsed by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

Shelley Haven, ATP, RET,BSME is a certified Assistive Technology Professional, Rehab Engineering Technologist, and former engineer who specializes in matching students with appropriate technology. Her consulting practice, Technology to Unlock Potential, serves families, educators, and schools both online and in person with a focus on learning differences, ADHD, and executive functioning. During her 38 years in assistive technology, Shelley directed AT for Stanford University’s Office of Accessible Education and helped create the Schwab Learning Center at Stanford for students with learning differences and ADHD. Her latest endeavor is training education professionals how to leverage generative AI for teaching and learning.

Kyle works as the in-house fabricator at SWHD’s ADAPT shop, where he draws on a decade of experience as a product designer and craftsman to create low-cost customizable therapy devices, as well as helping manage the shop’s loan library program.

Dr. Raymond T. Heipp, is a 30+ year veteran of administration and classrooms for general education and special needs students. He has designed many support programs for various schools, Head Start/Early Childhood Programs, Mental Health programs, and facilities. His expertise in assistive technology, sensory items, and creating holistic spaces has enabled him to design updated approaches when working with students of all abilities as well as adults. He currently works with schools and other institutions in classroom, sensory room, and specialized room design as well as consulting on how to best support all individuals in classrooms and work with which assistive technology and sensory items might be most appropriate for various situations.

Dr. Henderson is a bilingual Navajo speech-language pathologist and researcher with over five years of experience working with Navajo children with speech and language differences and disorders. Raised on the Navajo Nation, he brings deep cultural and linguistic knowledge to his work. His research focuses on culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment practices, including dynamic assessment tools to more accurately identify developmental language disorders in Navajo preschoolers. Dr. Henderson’s work is grounded in strong community collaboration and is informed by years of engagement with Navajo Nation leadership and education departments.

Rui Hernandez, MA, CCC-SLP, is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist and AAC Specialist for Sunnyside Unified School District (SUSD) in southern Arizona. SUSD is a unique district serving a population where 97% are students of color, primarily from Latinx backgrounds. Rui also works as an AAC Evaluator and Trainer for the NAU AAC Evaluation and Training Program. Her clinical background and experience include early intervention, school-age populations, and individuals with complex communication needs. She previously trained SLP/AuD graduate students in culturally and linguistically diverse service delivery methods.

Dr. Tiffany Hines is an Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology at A.T. Still University, specializing in inclusive education and diverse learning needs in higher education. With a doctorate in Educational Psychology and a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology, she brings expertise in learning theory and practical application. A licensed and ASHA-certified SLP, Dr. Hines has extensive experience working with diverse learners in various educational settings. Her research focuses on child language disorders, cultural-linguistic diversity, and inclusive practices. Dr. Hines is dedicated to empowering professionals with strategies for creating equitable and accessible learning environments.

Greetings, I am Esther Kootswattewa Honeystewa.

I am a descendant of the Eagle Clan (Kwawungwa.) I live in the village of Hoteville in Northern Arizona. I am 67 years old and the mother of four children and five grandchildren. I am an experienced indigenous freelance reporter and writer. I do news, photojournalism, investigative reporting, tribal politics, community village meetings coverage, food, special interest stories on kids, or elders or anyone. I am an elder. I also am a former and independent writer for our Hopi tribal Newspaper, titled “Tutuveni”. I love writing and telling people what is going on in the world, communication is key. I am currently assisting in finding solutions to a community in turmoil by helping with meeting minutes, documentation/photography and village support. I am also a community consultant with the Sonoran Center helping advance disability support within my community.

Karen is a dedicated advocate for individuals with blindness and low vision. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, her passion is empowering individuals experiencing blindness for the first time, helping them navigate challenges and embrace independence. She believes in the importance of living life to the fullest and encourages others to participate in experiences that promote awareness and break down barriers. Karen serves as the Membership Co-Chair at the Arizona Council of the Blind (ACB). She is also a guide dog user; her dog Nala is her 5th guide dog.

James Ingram is an associate professor at Northern Arizona University. Ingram’s primary research interest involves sex education and sexuality development for young adults with intellectual disabilities. Additional interests include the transition into adulthood of culturally diverse students with disabilities. Through research, Ingram hopes to provide appropriate support to individuals with disabilities as they move from the structured environments of high school into life as adults. Prior to his appointment to the department of Educational Specialties, Ingram served as coordinator of an adult transition program within Flagstaff Unified School District. Ingram’s teaching career spans over 20 years in public secondary education. At NAU, Ing

Lauren Janke is occupational therapist based in Phoenix, Arizona. Lauren’s journey has been dedicated to enhancing access and opportunities for children with complex bodies. Focusing her path on adaptive gaming, assistive technology, and the power of play, she strives for inclusion for all! Lauren is the co-founder of Gye Di, a nonprofit aimed to change the world through play through opportunity and inclusion. She is also the Clinical Coordinator of the Adaptive Gaming Clinic at the Arizona Technology Access Program, where she provides accessible video gaming access to individuals of all ages and abilities! Lauren is committed to breaking barriers and reshaping the landscape of therapy and accessibility.

Dr. Jenson is an interdisciplinary researcher whose work centers on access and inclusion for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan. Her expertise includes exploratory and implementation research methods, with a particular focus on neurodiversity and early
childhood. She also brings practical experience providing direct services to young children with disabilities and supporting families through early intervention and parenting programs. Dr. Jenson is committed to collaborative, cross-disciplinary approaches that
inform both research and practice.

Stephanie is the Strategic Initiatives Manager with the Rehabilitation Services Administration. In this role, she works closely on several projects, in partnership with the Sonoran Center of Excellence in Disabilities. As a leader and advocate for individuals with disabilities, Stephanie has worked closely with the Sonoran Center, in facilitating the Customized Employment Pilot in Arizona. Prior to coming to RSA, Stephanie was a school district administrator and secondary special education teacher, where she spent over two decades supporting post-secondary training and transition for students with disabilities. With a steadfast commitment to ensuring the independence and success of individuals with disabilities, Stephanie is a member of the Arizona Association of People Supporting Employment First and fosters systems change through collaboration with agencies and organizations across the state.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Madeline is an experienced Special Education teacher, district and assessment coordinator, and principal. She now uses her skillsets at Scanning Pens as a Director of Education US. With a passion for helping others, Madeline looks forward to creating valuable resources and tools to aid our educators as they serve our amazing students!

Nicole Jorwic is an experienced policy professional supporting advancements in disability, aging and direct care workforce policy and mobilization. Nicole is the Chief Program Officer for Caring Across Generations. Prior to her current roles, Nicole was Senior Director of Public Policy and Senior Executive Officer of State Advocacy at The Arc of the United States. Before coming to DC to work on Federal Advocacy, Nicole served as Senior Policy Advisor and Manager of the Employment First Initiative in Illinois. Prior to that appointment, Nicole was the CEO/President of the Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities. Nicole is also an accomplished special education attorney. Nicole leads and supports many coalitions to advance the priorities of the care movement, including strengthening and expanding access to Medicaid, home and community-based care and better pay for direct care workers. Nicole is a member of the Presidents Committee on People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Nicole is most importantly a sibling to her brother Chris who is 35 and has autism, a former direct care worker, and on the care team for her three grandparents in their 90s.

Greta Kreuzer is a research assistant at Northern Arizona University’s Institute for Human Development, where she supports interdisciplinary projects focused on disability, behavioral health, and educational equity. She has contributed to research involving the
American Indian population, neurodivergent students, and parents with intellectual disabilities. With prior experience providing behavioral support to children with autism, she holds a strong interest in the intersection of clinical practice and community-based research to promote inclusion and access for underserved populations.

Dr. Lee is a researcher with a background in psychological sciences and public health, specializing in interdisciplinary health equity research. She has over five years of experience conducting mixed-methods studies and community-engaged research, including projects with Indigenous health partners. Dr. Lee has served as a project manager and evaluator on multiple state and federally funded initiatives and has led research focused on healthcare access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her work emphasizes culturally responsive approaches and strong collaboration with community-based organizations.

Jeremy Legaspi, received his B.S. from ASU in 2003, his M.S. from NAU in 2005, and graduate certificate in Assistive Technology from NAU in 2013. In 2021, Jeremy was accepted into the Leadership Education for Neurodevelopmental and Related Disorders (LEND) program at the University of Arizona and completed this certificate in 2022. Jeremy is the Central and Northeastern Arizona AAC consultant for PRC-Saltillo, He also teaches DIS525 an AAC graduate class for Northern Arizona’s Assistive Technology Certificate Program. He is licensed by the state of Arizona and is a member of ASHA, and ArSHA. Jeremy has extensive experience assessing and treating children with a variety of communication disorders.

Stephen Roe Lewis was raised in Sacaton, “Gu-u-Ki”, on the Gila River Indian Community. His father is the late Rodney Lewis and mother Willardene Lewis. Mr. Lewis has a son, Daniel currently attending Arizona State University.

Mr. Lewis is in his fourth term serving as Governor of the Community, having previously served as Lt. Governor. Prior to serving in elected leadership, Governor Lewis served the Community as a member of the Board of Directors for the Gila River Healthcare Corporation, as a Gaming Commissioner for the Gila River Gaming Commission, and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Gila River Telecommunications, Inc..

Stephen Roe Lewis graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s of Science and pursued graduate studies at John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Governor Lewis currently oversees the implementation of the Community’s Water Settlement of 2004 (at that time the largest water settlement of its kind in United States history). Governor Lewis advocates for renewable and green technologies guided by O’odham agricultural history and cultural teachings. Governor Lewis’s vision is to support a new generation of Community member agriculturalists with the goal of promoting and protecting the Community’s shudag (water) and agricultural development.

During his tenure as Governor of the Gila River Indian Community, Governor Lewis has brought innovative solutions to long-standing issues that will create long-term gains for the Gila River Indian Community One of these projects, Management Aquifer Recharge sites, brings together the need for access to water while restoring the return of the Community’s riparian area which is vital for farming and the return of wildlife to the Community. Governor Lewis also oversaw the development of the Solar-Over-Canal project which is the first of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. The Community broke ground on this project in 2023 and will generate power and reduce evaporation thereby conserving water. Bringing back the Gila River and water conservation projects, are critical to the culture and identify of the Gila River Indian Community, and have been key milestones during Governor Lewis’ Administration and one that will lay the foundation for future projects across the Community.

In addition, Governor Lewis’ innovation can be seen in his approach to providing educational opportunities for the youth of the Gila River Indian Community. The Community was the first tribal community in the Nation to utilize the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to create a program that revolutionized how infrastructure is constructed and maintained throughout Indian Country. This program, the Section 105(1) program was utilized for education construction in the Community, and the Community is working to expand the uses of the program to other infrastructure in the Community and throughout Indian Country.

Governor Lewis has also prioritized the Community’s Veterans and youth by working to establish the Community’s first Veteran’s and Family Services Department. In 2023, the Community received accreditation as a Veterans Service Organization, only the second to receive such accreditation in Indian Country. Governor Lewis has also committed resources to protect the Community’s children by advocating for the protection of the Indian Child Welfare Act both at home and nationally.

Governor Lewis serves as President of the Arizona State University’s American Indian Policy Institute Board of Directors, on the Executive Board for the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA), and on the Board of Trustees for the Heard Museum of Phoenix.

These projects illustrate the commitment that Governor Lewis has to respecting the history and culture of the community while providing for a brighter future for all of the Community’s citizens.

Governor Lewis serves as the President of the Arizona State University’s American Indian Policy Institute Board of Directors, on the Executive Board for the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA), and on the Board of Trustees for the Heard Museum of Phoenix.

Dr. Lindly is a researcher with expertise in psychology and public health, specializing in pediatric health services and health equity for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has over a decade of experience in interdisciplinary research involving families of children with ASD, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority communities. Her work employs mixed methods, community collaboration, and culturally grounded approaches to improve autism assessment and support.

Lisa Livesay is the lead Secondary Transition Specialist for the Arizona Department of Education, Exceptional Student Services. For over a decade, Lisa worked to support individuals with disabilities, primarily transition-aged youth and adults with significant behavioral health needs, in pursuing independence through education, work, and other meaningful areas of life. Her experiences serving populations in Pennsylvania and Arizona include roles as a Transition Specialist, in-patient Behavioral Health Specialist, Mental Health Advisor, Rehabilitation Specialist, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and Policy Specialist. Lisa is passionate about the resiliency and empowerment of Arizonan youth/young adults.

My name is Rochelle Lomayaktewa I am known as “star” on my reservation. I am Havi supai/Hopi, I was raised and born on the Hopi reservation which inspired me daily I admire the traditional ceremonies we have year round, being Hopi always taught me to be wise and grateful to others as well as I should be to myself. I come from a family of 7 and I was the second to graduate out of all my siblings, the first to attend college. I started as a care provider for friends with an intellectual disability in 2016-2017 with a company called Alpine. Moving forward to an instructor and job coach in 2021 same field different company at the Quality connections. Moving on to becoming Employment Support Specialist 2022-2024 at The Opportunity Tree.

I enjoy this field so dearly, moving back home from all the experience I have gained has inspired me to continue working in my community I Also had the opportunity of becoming a case manager for the Hopi tribe I worked with ALTCS-Arizona Long Term Care services. I provided services for our elders and individuals with a disability, which I enjoyed very much. I also have become a consultant for the Sonoran Center for excellence in disabilities, I enjoy learning and taking challenges that come my way. I had come across the position that I am currently in today, I am now a Vocational Rehabilitation worker for the education department of the Hopi tribe.I strongly know that helping our student’s right out of high school will help our reservation become more talented and give more opportunities in the future towards their goals reaching success. Being Hopi is a blessing, I am here to help the generation today it has become different in time.

Shawn Malcomson, M.S., Ed., ATP, is the Access Product Specialist for PRC-Saltillo. He has worked as an AAC Specialist with PRC-Saltillo for nearly 20 years. Shawn earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences from Ohio University and completed his Master’s Degree in Assistive Special Education Technology at Simmons College (MA). In addition, he has earned the Assistive Technology Provider (ATP) credential awarded by RESNA._x000D_ _x000D_ He previously worked in a residential program with children who are deafblind before going on to work as an AT Specialist in a public school system. He has presented at many local, regional, and national conferences.

Christopher is an occupational therapist who provides services to students with physical disabilities at the Henry Viscardi School in Albertson, NY. He has worked as an OT for over 20 years in a variety of settings, but his passion is assistive technology and enabling his students to be successful in and out of the classroom. Chris is an avid tinkerer, enjoying designing and fabricating adaptive devices. He shares his knowledge with others by lecturing occupational therapy students as an adjunct faculty member at SUNY Stony Brook, Touro and Hofstra University. He currently is co-leader of the NYC chapter of Makers Making Change, where his goal is to teach others the skills of adaptation along with increasing awareness of disabilities.

Brett Martin, M.S., CCC-SLP, earned a bachelor’s degree in History, Classics, and Spanish at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, Canada in 2010. After three years teaching English in Spain for the Spanish Government, he returned to the States, where he completed a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Portland State University in Oregon, with a bilingual concentration, in 2018. During his final clinical externship at Providence Children’s Development Institute, he discovered his passion for working with AAC devices to support the language development of complex communicators.

Technology Integration Specialist | Educational Leader | AzTEA Board Member and Ambassador_x000D_ _x000D_ Rae Mask serves as the Technology Integration Specialist at Balsz Elementary School District, where they lead initiatives to integrate innovative technologies into classrooms, empowering both educators and students to succeed in a digital age. Rae’s expertise lies in fostering 21st-century skills, designing STEM-focused programs, and supporting teachers in leveraging technology to enhance learning._x000D_ _x000D_ Beyond their role in Balsz, Rae is an active leader in Arizona’s educational technology community. As a board member and ambassador for AzTEA (Arizona Technology in Education Association).

Kathrine is a passionate advocate for enhancing mental health and vocational rehabilitation services in Arizona. As the Statewide Behavioral Health Specialist for AZ RSA, she is dedicated to improving the quality of life and wellbeing for clients and communities by valuing and celebrating the strengths of the staff who make this work possible. Her approach involves identifying and addressing challenges and barriers, fostering innovative solutions through collaboration with key partners, and ensuring that staff receive comprehensive professional development and technical support. By prioritizing a holistic and ecological approach, Kathrine is committed to destigmatizing mental health and psychiatric disabilities.

Mary Pat McAlevy is an accomplished Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor with extensive experience supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment and self-sufficiency. With a background in education and advocacy, Mary Pat is dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome barriers and realize their potential in the workforce. Mary Pat is passionate about creating equitable opportunities for individuals with disabilities, particularly within underserved and marginalized communities. Her work is deeply informed by her commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have access to quality education, training, and employment.

Bruce is an assistive technology specialist with the Southwest Center for Assistive Technology through the Foundation for Blind Children in Phoenix. He has worked as an assistive technology consultant for the state of Washington, supporting all assistive technology in use by all blind and low vision students statewide. Bruce has a Masters in the Education of the Visually Impaired from the University of Arizona and Orientation and Mobility certification from San Francisco State University. He regularly presents at CSUN and at AER International and state conferences. Bruce has written training manuals on the APH Chameleon 20 and APH Mantis Q40 that are used nationwide.

Carrie McCulloch serves as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Specialist for ADE. She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment where school staff and families can work together to enhance student success. With 25 years of experience in education, she has worked as both a general and special education teacher, in addition to holding various administrative positions. Her greatest strength comes from her experience as a mother of three unique boys, giving her valuable insight from a parent’s perspective.

Katherine McGinley, OTD, OTR/L, is a strengths-based occupational therapist specializing in intellectual disability and autism. She focuses on self-determination, executive functioning, assistive technology, and sensory processing to foster independence and improve quality of life. As the leader of the Independent Living Initiative, she integrates OT with a disability justice lens, ensuring individuals are seen as whole people with the right to shape their own lives. Katherine believes accessibility is a right, not a privilege, and is committed to creating environments that empower neurodiverse individuals to thrive.

Veronica Mendoza Williams is the Statewide Pre-Employment Transition Coordinator for the State of Arizona Rehabilitation Service Administration, Vocational Rehabilitation program. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Relations from Northern Arizona University. She has 21 years of experience working with the young adult population, helping at-risk youth and students with disabilities obtain their educational goals.

Jon Meyers became Executive Director of the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council in March 2022, after serving as Executive Director of The Arc of Arizona since 2013. In his current role he oversees advocacy, public policy, and grantmaking programs to promote greater inclusion and opportunity for Arizonans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jon’s background in the non-profit sector spans more than 35 years and ranges from the arts and education to social services and animal welfare. Through his career he has held executive and development positions with, among others, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; Arizona State University/ASU Foundation; Thunderbird School of Global Management; and Ronald McDonald House Charities. He began his professional career in the External Relations office at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. Jon is a graduate of Santa Clara University with degrees in Theatre Arts and History. He and his wife live in Phoenix, Arizona. They have three adult sons.

Stephanie is the Strategic Initiatives Manager with the Rehabilitation Services Administration. In this role, she works closely on several projects, in partnership with the Sonoran Center of Excellence in Disabilities. As a leader and advocate for individuals with disabilities, Stephanie has worked closely with the Sonoran Center, in facilitating the Customized Employment Pilot in Arizona. Prior to coming to RSA, Stephanie was a school district administrator and secondary special education teacher, where she spent over two decades supporting post-secondary training and transition for students with disabilities. With a steadfast commitment to ensuring the independence and success of individuals with disabilities, Stephanie is a member of the

Kelsey Montano is the Tucson Transition Specialist at the University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities. Kelsey obtains a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human development which has given her the foundation she needed to work with school age students in transition and employment. Through her line of work and experience, she uses her drive and passion to practice new and innovative strategies to further the development towards a successful Pre-Employment Transition Services in various capacities.

Dr. Maggie Mosher is an assistant research professor at the University of Kansas, specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR) in education. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Mosher has dedicated her career to advancing social competencies, behavioral development, and individualized instruction through innovative technologies. Her journey began as a special education teacher and technology trainer from 2001 to 2017, followed by five years as a school administrator. As Co-Principal Investigator of three AI and XR grants totaling over $8 million, Dr. Mosher’s research focuses on developing effective, feasible, timely, socially valid, and free assessments and instructional methods for student success.

Katelyn Oeser is a Speech-Language Pathologist and AAC device trainer, who has been working with people with disabilities for over 10 years. Kate has worked in the public schools, outpatient clinics, and home health. She is currently a private practitioner doing home based speech therapy. Kate has presented at AZTAP on AAC implementation for emergent and intermediate AAC users.

Andrew Oxley is a graduate assistant at the College of Education of Northern Arizona University (NAU), where he uses his insights into educational technology to support faculty and students alike. Having just recently completed a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology, Andrew’s commitment to advancing learning through innovative technological tools is evident in his work and research. His academic achievements have been recognized as he’s finished his first year of the Curriculum and Instruction Ph.D. program at NAU, where he hopes to further explore his interests in educational methodologies and technological integration within academic settings.

Niraj Parikh, Program Coordinator for CATT, brings over two decades of experience in assistive technology (AT). He holds a Master of Science in Assistive Technology and Human Services from California State University, Northridge, and a Bachelor of Science in Global Business and Management Information Systems. Niraj began his career as an AT Specialist, collaborating with universities, school districts, and non-profits across California, Nevada, Texas, and Arizona. He later founded Kratu, Inc. At CATT, he oversees AT training for teachers, professionals, and parents supporting blind or low-vision children, using a “train the trainer” model to promote lasting impact.

Elena Parker serves as a Secondary Transition Specialist at the Arizona Department of Education. Previously, she spent three years as an employment specialist, collaborating with Vocational Rehabilitation to support job development and goal achievement. More recently, Elena has dedicated the past three years to the postsecondary sector, assisting foster youth college students and low-income, first-generation high school students with college preparation.

Esme is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. She has an extensive background in human services and workforce development, including housing, child and public welfare, trauma-informed care, and crisis response._x000D_ _x000D_ At FBC, Esme ensures that every student in the Adult programs has access to essential community resources and a supportive space to navigate challenges. She oversees Orientation & Adjustment to Disability and Employment Services, preparing students for independence and employment. She also works to build partnerships with employers in the community, creating opportunities for blind and visually impaired individuals to thrive in the workforce.

Tanya Pinkerton is a clinical assistant professor in the division of teacher preparation for Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Prior to joining Arizona State University, Dr. Pinkerton spent ten years teaching preschool and elementary-aged children in a public school setting with a focus on educating students with disabilities in an inclusive school environment. Dr. Pinkerton also worked with children from birth to age three with disabilities, or at risk for developing a disability, with the Arizona Early Intervention Program. Dr. Pinkerton is committed to continued involvement in teacher preparation spaces, especially those that serve future special education teachers. Her interests include strategies to support students with high incidence

Victoria Pinski works with Collaborative Technology Solutions LLC, an Arizona organization that provides assistive technology, independent living and other disability related assessment and training services for individuals with disabilities.

Laura Plummer, MA, CRC, ATP is the Assistive Technology Program Coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. In this position she oversees Wistech, Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Act programand collaborates with program partners to ensure comprehensive AT programs are available for individuals with disabilities. _x000D_ _x000D_ She provides leadership in the areas of assistive technology, service delivery, and capacity building at the state and national levels. Her direct experience includes conducting assistive technology assessments in the areas of hearing loss, vision loss, and communication. She is credentialed as an Assistive Technology Professional, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and is a WisTech Verified ATP.

Melanie has worked continuously as a Spanish-bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist in Tucson since earning her BS and MS at the University of Arizona in 2004 & 2006. Beginning in medical settings, she found her passion in the field when she moved to education. Melanie served as a high school SLP for 8 years prior to transitioning to the elementary and preschool populations. She is an off-campus clinical instructor for MS-SLP students completing school rotations with the U of A. Currently a public school SLP in Tucson and a PhD student at the University of Arizona, she is pursuing a thesis project collaborating with high school social studies teachers to increase their understanding of linguistic complexity in test question construction.

With over ten years of experience with early intervention and assistive technology, Beth enjoys the challenge of meeting every family where they are and helping them arrive where they want to be. She works part-time at the ADAPT shop that houses a loan library of assistive technology and works closely with a fabricator to create custom devices.

Danielle Remy-Tauaese is the Assistant Director of Academic Programs for the College of Education at Grand Canyon University. With 12 years of experience and teaching in three states, she leads the creation, approval, and implementation of teacher preparation programs in special education (early childhood and K–12), elementary education, and early childhood, ensuring alignment with state and national standards. She also spearheads the development of advanced degree programs in reading and in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Additionally, Ms. Remy-Tauaese is a member of the CEEDAR group and serves as an adjunct instructor for undergraduate special education courses.

Rosa Rojas Franco is the program coordinator for Finds Their Way, at the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities at University of Arizona. Rosa is finishing her degree in leadership and learning innovations at the University of Arizona. Rosa has extensive background in transition and employment, her current role is to engage with tribal communities to help their youth with disabilities find inclusive employment opportunities through culturally based strategies.

Dr. Running Bear is an early childhood special education scholar with a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Northern Arizona University, focusing on Indigenous communities. She has over a decade of experience as a special education preschool teacher, primarily serving on the Navajo Nation. Her research includes qualitative and mixed-methods studies centered on Diné families of children with autism, including work on the Diné Parents Taking Action project. Dr. Running Bear’s contributions span data collection, analysis, and co-authorship of peer-reviewed publications addressing diagnosis experiences and culturally grounded intervention adaptation.

Dr. Saia is an Assistant Professor and the Director of the Rehabilitation Technology Certificate at San Diego State University within the Department of Administration, Rehabilitation, and Postsecondary Education. She is a disabled woman with a deep commitment to social justice, inclusion, and equity for all. Her professional work history has involved advocating for a progressive understanding of disability within the applied fields. A shift from diagnosis to disability as a culture and identity. One worth choosing and celebrating.

Nelly Sanchez holds a cross-categorical K-12 teaching certificate and graduated from the University of Arizona in May 2014. She taught high school students with intellectual disabilities for seven years. In 2020, she joined DES as an employment specialist with DDD, gaining insights into post-high school employment opportunities. On April 1, 2022, she became a Transition Specialist with Vocational Rehabilitation, providing technical assistance to high schools in the Transition School to Work (TSW) program. Since April 15, 2024, she has been a Secondary Transition Specialist with ADE. Nelly is enthusiastic about learning more about student transition planning and excited to join the ADE Secondary Transition team.

Lorie Sandaine is a Systems Change Liaison at the University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities, where she leads transformative employment initiatives, including the Customized Employment Pilot and Arizona Employment First initiative. With expertise in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), she works to create pathways to competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities and has supported organizational transformations achieving inclusive workforce outcomes.

Catherine Sienko is a Program Supervisor for the Arizona DES Vocational Rehabilitation Program overseeing the Deaf and Hard of Hearing unit for the Tucson metropolitan area and Southern Arizona, where she supervises the daily operations of Vocational Rehabilitation and coordinates services with the community partners. Prior to Vocational Rehabilitation, Catherine worked in human resources for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, DC as a Selective Placement Program Manager for the Veterans Health Administration where she assisted with revamping the Selective Placement Program for the Veteran Affairs.

Rachel Simon is an acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author whose books have been published in fifteen countries. She is best known for two books featuring characters with intellectual and developmental disabilities: the memoir Riding The Bus With My Sister, which was adapted for a Hallmark Hall of Fame film of the same name, and the novel The Story of Beautiful Girl. These works have established Rachel Simon one of the leading literary voices writing about characters with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For over twenty years and across forty states, Rachel has also been a public speaker whose presentations focus on diversity and disability. Her books are also frequent selections of book clubs and school reading programs around the country. Her work has been adapted for film, television, radio, and the stage. Among Rachel’s many honors are the prestigious American Book Award, a special recognition award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and a TASH Image Award for positive portrayals of characters with disabilities. A frequent guest on television and radio programs, Rachel has appeared on public radio numerous times and on the PBS News Hour With Judy Woodruff. Rachel Simon lives in Wilmington, Delaware.

Joe is an assistant teacher in the adapted physical education department. Joe has been employed at the Henry Viscardi School for 30 years. He was instrumental in creating the HVS Wheelchair Basketball Program, where students with disabilities learn to play, practice good sportsmanship and teamwork. Joe is a wheelchair athlete, certified scuba diver and avid sky diver. He is a client of Gamut Management Company, where people with disabilities are encouraged to work towards their dreams in the entertainment industry. Joe created the Viscardi Ambassadors Disability Awareness Program, where he and his students present a program to school-aged children to promote differences of those with physical disabilities. Joe is a the Board President for t

Laura Smith has worked in the field of disability throughout her life, including the past 14 years practicing as a licensed speech-language pathologist in Flagstaff, Arizona. Laura has worked with people with a wide variety of physical and cognitive challenges in the public schools, early intervention programs, and summer recreation programs. Laura has a private practice for pediatric speech sound disorders and is the Executive Director for High Country Adaptive Sports. She is a passionate professional with unique interest in providing access to functional as well as recreational skills for children and adults with disabilities. In her free time, Laura enjoys her family and friends, her garden, skiing, hiking, yoga, and biking.

Jason Snead is the Research & Communications Specialist with the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council. Jason graduated in 2016 from Arizona Summit Law School. Jason graduated from the University of Houston with a double major in political science and economics in 2008. He currently serves on the Phoenix Mayor’s Commission for Disability Issues and served two terms on the Arizona ABLE Oversight Committee. Jason has cerebral palsy and is married. He has two wonderful boys.

Rebecca Sobie is a Senior Staff Attorney with Disability Rights Arizona (DRAZ), working on the civil rights and education teams. She has been a practicing attorney for nearly 30 years, and is passionate about advancing disability justice. Rebecca received undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Southern California, a Juris Doctorate degree from Pace University School of Law, and was a visiting student at the University of San Diego School of Law. Prior to joining DRAZ in 2022, Rebecca worked for Disability Rights Advocates, where she handled nationwide systemic and class action litigation. Rebecca previously worked in private practice, and served as a Research Attorney for the Superior Court of California.

As a Professional Learning Specialist on the Accessibility Team at CAST and technical assistance support for the Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES), Michelle Soriano promotes inclusive, equitable, and accessible instructional opportunities for students who receive special education services through the use of accessible educational materials and technologies.

Carolyn Sostrom is a Family Support Specialist with Encircle Families. In this role, she assists parents and caregivers with locating resources and information for their children or young adults with medical or special healthcare needs. She also assists with communication including writing newsletter articles and social media posts. Carolyn has an adult son with autism and leads a support group for caregivers of adults for the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. A journalism graduate from Arizona State University, Carolyn has spent most of her life in the northeast Valley and enjoys the area’s dry climate and spectacular sunsets.

Yá’át’ééh (It is good; welcome; hello) shik’éí dóó shidine’é (my family and my people, friends) Shí éí Kandis Spencer yinishyé (I am called Kandis Spencer) Dibelzhini nishłį́, Naakai dine’e bashishchiin, Honágháahnii dashicheii, Kinyaa’áanii dashinalí (I am Black Sheep born for The Mexican Clan). Ákót’éego diné asdzáán nishłį́ (In this way, I am a Navajo woman) I am a mommy of three beautiful girls: Laura, Kateri, and Kaydence. I am a wife to my wonderful husband, Loren. I am from Tse De Tah Canyon in Manuelito, NM, which is located by the New Mexico and Arizona state lines. I hold a position with the University of Arizona as a Vocational Specialist. I am currently working with the students at Window Rock High School in Window Rock, AZ

Lindsey, a Staff Advocate with Disability Rights Arizona (DRAZ), grew up in a small town in Oregon, where she developed a strong sense of community and a passion for helping others. Lindsey earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western Oregon University in 2013, followed by a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a focus on Deaf Studies in 2019. After graduation, she worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. In 2021, Lindsey moved to Arizona and continued her work in this field. She joined DRAZ’s Client Assistance Program (CAP) team in 2024. Lindsey has a strong background in working with people who have disabilities and a depth of knowledge on quality of services for people with disabilities.

Jodi Szuter brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of Specialist for Assistive Technology and Special Education. She served our schools in the role of purchasing and contract specialist. She has also represented technology manufacturers including those who provided the TAPit and Reader Pens. She is one of the leading experts in the country on the use of reader pens to support individuals with dyslexia, reading issues, or are part of an ELL program. She strives to understand the needs of the groups with whom she works so that she can provide the best solutions.

Michele Thorne is the CEO and Co-Founder of Care 4 the Caregivers, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting caregivers of children with disabilities. As a disabled woman with autism and hyperactive ADHD, and a mother to two autistic children, Michele brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her advocacy. She holds a Master’s in Biology from Arizona State University and has extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, curriculum development, and research. Through her work, she empowers caregivers with essential resources, training, and community support to enhance their well-being and the lives of those they care for.

Tona TreeTop is Hunkpapa Lakota and an enrolled citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe from Ft. Yates, North Dakota. She has been working with and advocating for American Indian youth and adults with disabilities in various tribal communities in the Northwest and in Arizona for over three decades and has a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. Tona has assisted and supported her youngest son Mateo TreeTop, as he transitioned through various systems of care for his disability of Traumatic Brain Injury. Mateo has now graduated from college, has two part-time jobs and currently serves as a Board Member of the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council. Tona is currently a Board Member for Disability Rights Arizona and serves on the Planning and Assessment Committee and is the Chairperson of the Diversity Committee. She is also a member of the Arizona Association of People Supporting Employment First and serves on the Education Committee. Tona also volunteers as a Parent Leader for Raising Special Kids and has also previously served on two Special Education Advisory Panels, the first for the Idaho Department of Education when she lived there and the second for the Arizona Department of Education when she moved to Arizona.

Jennifer is an Occupational Therapist and RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional working in the West St. Paul-Mendota_x000D_ Hts.-Eagan Area Schools in Minnesota. She has 27 years of experience working in schools and loves the creative aspects of her role supporting students with disabilities and planning for the transition into adult roles. As a post-professional doctoral student in OT, she focused her work on the consideration and provision of assistive technology and services among secondary transition program_x000D_ students as they seek meaningful work opportunities. Her preliminary study on assistive technology training in transition programming was published in the Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits Journal, volume 18.

LaConda earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Mater of Arts degree in Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation, from Murray State University. LaConda holds a Speech-Language Pathology Assistance license through the AZ Department of Health Services, is a member of ASHA, ASHA’s Special Interest Group 12 (AAC), ArSHA, and an ArSHA AAC committee member. LaConda found her passion for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), while working in public education where she implemented AAC throughout classroom activities and the arts. Her goal as an AAC consultant is to support, educate, and empower individuals with complex communication needs.

Lawrence “Larry” Weru began raising awareness about the need for developing disability-inclusive technologies after his own experiences with inaccessibility. As an Associate in Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School, Lawrence has led research to improve the keyboard accessibility of web-based tools and lectured on digital accessibility for the Harvard Pre-College Program. Recently, Forbes, Disability Rights Florida, and the Harvard Gazette have featured his advocacy work on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and accessibility. He has authored and co-authored health stories in Vox, Slate Magazine, Toronto Star, Orlando Sentinel, and other national and regional outlets. During his time as a Dean’s Scholar at Harvard Medical School, he explored how the inaccessible web impacts the health of people with disabilities. He identifies as a person who stutters and currently serves on the board of Harvard Alumni Disability Alliance (HADA).

As APH regional outreach specialist for the Southwest, Jenny represents the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. She has worked in the field of visual impairment for 20 years as a braille transcriber, TVI, COMS, and AT specialist. She has a Bachelor of Music in Oboe Performance and a Masters of Arts in Special Education, Teaching Students with Visual Impairments. Jenny served the Arizona AER chapter for more than 10 years as a board member, treasurer, vice president, president, and past president. She has a special interest in providing individualized technology education to children who have visual impairments and multiple disabilities, and in working with innovative schools and organizations to promote st

Joanne Williams holds a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Louisiana Tech University, with certifications in Orientation and Mobility (NOMC) and Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (NCRTB). She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Linguistic Anthropology, with a minor in Spanish, from the University of British Columbia. With over 10 years in Rehabilitation, Mrs. Williams is currently the Chief Quality Officer at SAAVI Services for the Blind in Arizona, where she oversees curriculum development, instructional strategies, and staff training, including apprenticeship programs for the entire agency. She employs Structured Discovery principles in her teaching methodology to enhance learning outcomes and to promote independence.

Tarik Williams received his B.A. in English from West Chester University, where he served as an ambassador for the disability resources office. He then earned his Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance from Louisiana Tech University, along with certifications in Orientation and Mobility (NOMC) and Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (NCRTB). With 8 years of experience in the field, Mr. Williams is currently the Training and Recruitment Manager at SAAVI Services for the Blind in Tucson, Arizona. Additionally, he is the founder and C.E.O. of We Are Vision of Hope, a mindset and empowerment coaching business focused on cultivating strengths, and he hosts the Speak Your Vision podcast.