
2025 INNOVATION SUMMIT: A PATH FOR MAINE
May 19-20, 2025 | Portland, Maine
Advancing Services & Supports for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Autism
Presented by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Aging and Disability Services
2025 Speakers
Keynote Speakers

Stacy DiStefano
Consulting Human Services
Stacy DiStefano is a seasoned Human Services Executive with extensive experience as a mental health clinician, business strategist, and operations leader. As a trained solution focused therapist, and a trusted strategic advisor, Stacy is a passionate leader who built a career inspiring teams as VP of Innovation for Resources for Human Development, COO of Open Minds, and COO of Chimes International. Stacy has led high revenue multi-state service lines, including behavioral health, substance use disorder, intellectual developmental disabilities, autism, and supported housing. After years of side consulting, which saw increased demand during the pandemic, in 2021 Stacy launched Consulting for Human Services (CFHS) with a desire to weave market trends and visionary thinking into tactical guidance to serve her clients. Led by Stacy, the CFHS team of 60+ subject matter experts offers an elevated consulting experience and contributes exceptional support to complex care providers through foundational values of collaboration, integrity, and a personalized approach. In addition to leading CFHS, Stacy is an Advisory Board member for RxDiet, Floreo, and Bluebird Leaders. Stacy holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology, and a Master’s in Counseling, and is a highly regarded public speaker, and board and executive team facilitator.

Hope Dittmeier
Mattingly Edge
Hope Leet Dittmeier earned a master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1983 and continues to be a lifelong learner. Her 40-year career has focused on helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities access the good things in life that are typically denied to marginalized people – homes of their own, good jobs, a robust network of family and friends. Hope has served in a variety of roles including family member, Personal Futures Planning Facilitator, Regional Administrator, Early Interventionist, Family Support Specialist, trainer, and Executive Director. Hope developed an SRV-derived curriculum for practitioners, Endeavor for Excellence, that she taught in Ireland for three years. Her proudest accomplishment is leading the transition of a large, congregated adult day program into a service that only provides individualized, customized support that empowers disabled people to live typical lifestyles. She was recently honored to receive the Nonprofit Visionary Leadership Award in Louisville. Hope is a fierce advocate for full inclusion. When not working, Hope’s favorite thing to do is to spend time with her five-year-old grandson, Axl.

Dr. Mary Anderson
Andwell Health Partners
Dr. Mary Anderson, OTD, OTR/L, has been a practicing occupational therapist for 30 years. She has worked in multiple practice settings, gaining extensive experience with various diagnoses. Mary is currently working at Andwell Health Partners as the Associate Director of Therapy Care Centers. Prior to this she was the director of the Doctoral Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Southern Maine and led that program through accreditation. She is certified in Sensory Integration and has greatly enjoyed the work she has done with children and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. As a parent of an adult child on the spectrum, Mary understands the challenges faced by the patients and their caregivers, as well as the challenges of the practitioners.

Connor Archer
Transition Maine / Executive Student Transition Committee
Connor Archer is a graduate from Husson University where he completed his Masters Degree in Business Administration and Bachelors in Integrated Technology. Connor also completed two certificates in Marketing Communications and Digital & Social Media Marketing. Connor also is the founder & Chairman/CEO of The Courageous Steps Project, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that strives to help children and young adults with various abilities and challenges all across Maine. He founded the organization back in 2014, and has since supported dozens of community programs in Maine.

Lisa Bird
Granite Bay Care, Inc
Lisa Bird has over 30 years of professional experience and a lifetime of personal experience working with individuals with ID. Her family played a role in founding Special Olympics Maine, and she grew up volunteering, and coaching for the program. During college, Lisa was a correspondent for a woman with ID. Lisa was the Director of Public/Media Relations, Athlete Leadership, and Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics for 30 years. She is currently the Compliance Manager and Public Safety/Govt Liaison for Granite Bay Care. Lisa volunteers for TIP (Trauma Intervention Program), Maine Alzheimer’s, Clothes closet, women’s prison, and the shoe box ministry. She sings in the Christian Band Fulcrum, and was recognized as one of Maines 20 Outstanding Women. Lisa is a graduate of both U. Maine Farmington and UMO. She lives in Gorham with her husband Frank, their sons Noah and Jonah, three dogs, and 10,00 bees.
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Elizabeth Burgess
Living Innovations
Elizabeth Burgess, LMSW, Program Support Specialist of Living Innovations has supported people that have disabilities, including Traumatic Brian Injury, Intellectual Disability/Developmental Disability, and/or Autism since 2015. Elizabeth has an Associate degree in Behavioral Health studies, a Bachelor's in Psychology, and a Master of Social Work. She has experience in higher education as a tutor for students with learning differences, case management and coordination for people with ID/D and/or Autism, policy, and special projects including Living Innovation’s HCBS Innovation Grant.

John Barbuto
New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
Dr. John Barbuto is the Deputy Commissioner for the Division of State Operations at the NYS OPWDD. He leads a service system that employs over 14,000 staff and operates over 1,000 programs serving people with IDD. He began his career as a direct care worker and then supervisor in day and residential programs for children, and adults with IDD. He also provided clinical services after completing master’s degrees in public administration and social work. Later, Dr. Barbuto moved to the Stratton VA Medical Center (VAMC) where he applied his clinical and management skills supporting Veterans. In the last ten years at the VAMC he served as the Director of Operations for research. During this time, he conducted research and completed his Ph.D. in Social Work and taught at the University at Albany’s School of Social Welfare. John has also been a psychotherapist in private practice for 25 years.
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Kyle Corbin
SafeinHome
Kyle Corbin is the Senior Director of State Plan Development at SafeinHome. In his 20+ year career he has experience with almost every aspect of service delivery in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field. His background offers a unique perspective when discussing Remote Supports Services and community engagement with providers, individuals, and representatives of state agencies. He has held roles in both the public and private side of service delivery and has worked closely with stakeholders in multiple states to develop rules and guidance promoting the use of Supportive Technology across the nation. He was instrumental in the push to make Ohio the first Technology First state and helped dramatically increase the number of individuals using supportive technology nationally.

Amy Desenberg- Wines
Disability Consulting, LC
Amy is a self-employed consultant and Director of the Iowa Coalition for Integration & Employment. She currently serves as an NDI SME for the Maine Readiness Project. Amy has extensive experience working on system change efforts to improve community-based outcomes and opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities. She is adept at bringing stakeholders together to work on systems change efforts. Amy has been graced to have had the opportunity to work with the Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Workforce Development, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council, Iowa UCEDD, Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, Iowa Association of Community Providers, Iowa Mental Health/Disability Service Regions, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, WINTAC, State of Illinois, University of Missouri, and a few others. Amy has an MS degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Job Development/Placement, and has worked in the field for over 38 years.

Jody Ellis
National Disability Institute
Jody Ellis has 30 years’ leadership experience in providing services to people with disabilities, focusing on transition, post-secondary education and workforce supports. Jody has a master’s degree in social work, is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and is a Credentialed Work Incentives Practitioner. Currently, she serves as Director, ABLE National Resource Center for National Disability Institute, providing ABLE education and support. Brent Vicnaire has 30 years’ leadership experience in the banking industry. In his current role as Branch Manager of Bangor Savings Bank in Augusta, ME, he supports the banking and financial needs of his community and gives back through volunteering and engagement. Michelle Robinson has more than 15 years’ experience in banking and customer service roles. In her current role as Branch Manager of Bangor Savings Bank in Brunswick, ME, she is known for fostering a positive work environment, uplifting her team, and making a positive impact through community engagement.

Nora Eskin
Independence Advocates of Maine
Nora Eskin is the Enabling Technology Manager at Independence Advocates of Maine overseeing three Innovation Grants (Work Connect, Health Connect, Tech Connect) all with the goal of supporting waiver member growth and independence through technology solutions. Before joining the IAM team, Nora worked as a Remote Supports Manager, and prior to that as a speech-language pathologist/AT specialist.

Dr. Syard Evans
Arkansas Support Network
Dr. Syard (pronounced Say-erd) Evans is the CEO at Arkansas Support Network, a nonprofit organization that provides community-based supports to individuals with disabilities. She has a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Education and Research from the University of Arkansas. Dr. Evans also has a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Counselor Education from the University of Arkansas. Dr. Evans received an international Award of Excellence from the Council on Quality and Leadership, CQL, in 2022. She is the President of the Arkansas Waiver Association, a member of the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, a graduate of the National Leadership Consortium and Advanced Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, and a member of the Walton College Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s Advisory Board at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Evans has been a featured speaker at TEDxFayetteville and Siloam Springs Q Commons. She was a member of the 2018 Arkansas Business’ Class of 40 Under 40 and is a frequent speaker at national and international events. Dr. Evans has served as an Associate Faculty member at the University of Phoenix Arkansas campus, a member of the Board of Directors at the Yvonne Richardson Community Center, a founding member and contributing writer to the Hampton Institute, and worked as a member of the Fayetteville Forward Inclusion Committee. She is a founding member of the Northwest Arkansas Disability & Violence Collaborative. Dr. Evans has provided private practice counseling services, served as a contract facilitator providing disability education to law enforcement and business partners, and volunteered as a lead counselor for Circle of Life Hospice and Camp Compassion, an annual bereavement camp for children.
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Angela Faulkner
Maine DHHS/Office of Aging and Disability Services
More information coming soon.

Nathan Gerhard
Keystone Human Services
Nathan Gerhard serves as the Associate Executive Director of Intellectual Disabilities Services at Keystone Human Services in Pennsylvania. With over two decades of experience in the field of Intellectual Disabilities in both Pennsylvania and Maryland, Nathan is currently concentrating on expanding the use of enabling technology and remote supports throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. Since 2018, he has been spearheading the initiative to incorporate independent living technology into conventional service models beginning with two residential homes in North Central Pennsylvania. By 2025, Keystone expanded its reach to more than 130 locations, aiding over 250 people with independent living technologies embedded within their natural support systems in their service delivery models.

Shelley Gladden
Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Shelley Gladden joined Oklahoma ABLE Tech in May 2012. As Assistant Director, her primary role is overseeing the core programs of the AT Act for Oklahoma, including the assistive technology and device demonstration, short-term loan, financial loan, and the device and durable medical equipment reutilization program. In addition, Shelley assists in securing leveraged financial support and collaboration statewide to support the services ABLE Tech provides to serve Oklahomans with disabilities. As an active stakeholder for people with disabilities, and a person with hearing loss herself, she serves on several advocacy organizations across the state of Oklahoma to ensure people with disabilities, and their support system, are heard across all arenas of life, including work, school, and the community at large.

Elizabeth (Liz) Greason
Waypoint Intercultural, LLC
Elizabeth (Liz) Greason is the founder and owner of Waypoint Intercultural, LLC. After growing up in Bridgton, Maine, she lived in the Middle East for many years, where she taught students from around the world at the American University in Dubai, with a focus on effective intercultural communication. Since returning to the United States, Liz has applied her knowledge of the Middle East and Islam, intercultural competence, and intercultural communication to help individuals and organizations navigate the many “differences that make a difference” in our world today, so they can act in equitable, welcoming ways. Specifically, Liz’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion work is grounded in a deep understanding of intersectionality and in Bennett’s Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS), later adapted by the Intercultural Development Inventory to quantify where an individual or organization is on the continuum of understanding and leveraging difference. Co-presenter: Ian Teague, JFM

Beth Grosso
National Center for START Services at UNH's Institute on Disability
Beth is the Director of Training and Professional Development at the National Center for START Services (NCSS), a program of the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire. In this role, she leads a comprehensive portfolio of training programs that enhance professionals’ ability to deliver person-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health needs (IDD-MH). With expertise in curriculum design, facilitation, and leadership, Beth is dedicated to advancing professional development in the field. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two children, reading, and attending live music events.

Sarah Howorth
University of Maine College of Education & Human Development
Sarah K. Howorth is an associate professor of special education and program coordinator for the special education graduate programs in the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development’s School of Learning and Teaching. Her research interests include social skills and social coaching of neurodivergent individuals and the use of emerging technology, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, to support behavioral, academic and transition skills instruction for individuals with disabilities. She also has expertise in the following areas: assistive technology, reading comprehension, positive behavior interventions and supports, and improving employment and transition outcomes for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Sarah is a board-certified behavior analyst with more than 25 years of experience in special education.

Miranda Hutchinson
Oklahoma Developmental
Disabilities Services
Miranda Hutchison began her career with Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Services (OK-DDS) as a case manager in 2002 and then transitioned to the roles of Program Field Representative and Programs Manager where she was responsible for supporting case management and quality assurance remediation. In January 2022, she became the Business Analyst for OK-DDS where she oversaw continuous improvement initiatives and project management. In November 2025, Miranda became a Programs Administrator where she manages OK-DDS's training program and continuous improvement efforts. Miranda developed and launched the remote support and enabling technology programs. Miranda is a LifeCourse Ambassador, a member of the National Technology Consortium, co-chair of OK's Bridging and Aging COP and Waiver Stakeholder Committee, and is a graduate of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities Leadership Institute. Miranda holds a bachelor’s and master's degree in criminal justice. She is passionate about helping people to be their best selves.

Deborah Johnson
Maine DHHS/Office of Aging and Disability Services
Dr. Deborah Johnson was born and raised in New York City. After attending the prestigious Bronx High School of Science, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Boston University, a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Community Social Work from Yeshiva University, and a PhD in Human Services with a concentration in Social Policy Analysis and Planning from Walden University. Dr. Johnson’s dissertation was on Second Generation Homelessness in New York City Family Homeless Shelters, which explored homelessness recidivism and ways to address this serious problem in New York City. In 2022 Dr. Johnson began working with the Maine Office of Aging and Disability Services’ Developmental Disability and Brain Injury Services department. Dr. Johnson is working on a variety of Quality Assurance and Behavioral Health projects for the IDD and Autism population.

Elizabeth Korson
Maine DHHS/Office of Aging and Disability Services
speaker bio.Liz Korson is a Quality Improvement Specialist for Meaningful Day and Employment Services with the Office of Aging and Disability Services in Maine. Liz has been helping to oversee and develop the Self-Employment for ME Pilot Project for the past year. Before working at OADS, Liz was a community supports program director for eight years specializing in the arts. Outside of disability work, Liz is an artist, maker and mom of two busy boys.

Kirsten Lane
Disability Consulting, LC
Kirsten has been involved in Secondary Transition work since the early 1980s when she worked with students with complex support needs in community-based employment as they planned for their transition to post high school. Following that, she did similar work with students who had significant challenges related to behavior and mental health. Since then, Kirsten has worked in several different support roles in local, regional, and state agencies ensuring that students with disabilities had access to high expectations for employment and inclusion outcomes in their communities. From 2018-2024, Kirsten was a consultant to the Iowa Department of Education to serve as the State's Secondary Transition Program Facilitator.
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Danny Laneri
GIV Health Care
Danny Laneri is the Vice President of Business Development at Giv, with over 15 years of experience in healthcare software solutions. He is passionate about striking the right balance between personalized care and the efficiencies provided by software automation. Danny specializes in building strategic partnerships with state and national associations to co-develop innovative software tools that empower providers and enhance outcomes for the individuals they serve. Outside of his professional role, Danny enjoys spending time on the golf course, skiing in the Utah mountains, and cherishing moments with his wife and three sons.

Sarah Loizeaux
National Disability Institute
Sarah Loizeaux is a Training and Technical Assistance Manager for the National Disability Institute and the LEAD Center. With over 15 years of experience in disability-focused organizations and nonprofits, Sarah has devoted her career to empowering people with disabilities to lead more independent lives by expanding employment opportunities and enhancing economic advancement. Sarah provides professional development training and guidance to professionals across multiple disciplines. She is a national subject matter expert in creating career opportunities and pathways for people with disabilities. Her expertise also extends to advancing performance outcomes for workforce and employment programs through effective cross-agency service coordination strategies. Sarah is especially passionate about linking financial education and economic advancement to employment, and she is committed to identifying and sharing innovative practices from the field that include elements of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Becky MacDicken
National Disability Institute
Becky MacDicken is a Director of Financial Empowerment for National Disability Institute. She is managing projects and innovative strategies to promote financial empowerment and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities. Becky spent 18 years with the PA Department of Banking and Securities as an outreach specialist, bringing financial education to incarcerated populations, the disability community, state employees, employers and women. Prior to moving to Pennsylvania, Becky spent 16 years in Washington, DC working for the U.S. Congress - Committee on Small Business and as a lobbyist for small business associations. During this time, she owned and operated a comedy improv troupe and performed with two bands. Becky is a native of Detroit, a graduate of Michigan State University, and the mother of one charming son, Jonathan, who is a young adult with autism.

Dr. Lisa Mills
Consultant to Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Dr. Lisa Mills is a consultant to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, assisting with the design and development of the Lifespan Waiver. Previous to this role, Dr. Mills was the lead Subject Matter Expert on Maine’s HCBS Settings Rule compliance initiative. Lisa lives in Wisconsin and has worked in more than twenty-five states on community services, employment initiatives and affordable housing. She has two adopted sons, each of whom experience disabilities, which brings her personal experience with using special education, children’s waiver program, vocational rehabilitation and mental health services.

Dennis Morrison
Morrison Consulting
Dr. Dennis Morrison is the owner of Morrison Consulting which has provided consulting services to the behavioral health information technology field since 2017. He currently serves as Chief Clinical Officer for Eleos Health. Previously he has served as Chief Clinical Officer for Netsmart Technologies, CEO of Centerstone Research Institute (CRI) and CEO of Center for Behavioral Health (CBH). Academically, Dr. Morrison holds two Masters degrees in Psychology and Exercise Physiology from Ball State University. His doctorate is in Counseling Psychology also from Ball State University. In 2022, Ball State awarded him the Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest award given to an alum. He is a prolific author, frequent presenter (including a TEDx talk), podcast host and co-inventor on a patent for a behavioral healthcare outcomes software product. A Navy veteran, he is a licensed, instrument-rated private pilot and triathlete completing 19 triathlons since turning 70.

Stacy Nonnemacher
National Association for State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services
Stacy L. Nonnemacher, Ph.D. is the Director of Cross-Systems Strategies for the National Association for State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) where she is responsible for leading NASDDDS’ efforts to support states in develop positive support models for people with dual diagnosis, medical complexity, multi system involvement, and other populations with complex support needs. Dr. Nonnemacher received her Ph.D. from Lehigh University and most recently served as the Clinical Director for Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations in the Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Programs. In this role, Stacy influenced, and informed policy and programmatic decisions related to state Medicaid programs focusing on clinical practices and behavioral science to affect change and create best practices in supporting people, their families, and other supporters.

Kristin Overton
SKILLS Inc
Kristin Overton is the Executive Director of SKILLS, Inc., a non-profit that has supported individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 60 years. Kristin has worked in the non-profit social service field for more than 18 years, focusing on community-based services for older adults and adults with disabilities. She has a Master's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Non-Profit Change Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Economics from the University of Maine at Farmington. She lives in the foothills of the western mountains in Franklin county with her husband and 2 teenage sons.

Lindsey Parker
Arkansas Support Network
Lindsey Parker, Chief Wellness Officer at Arkansas Support Network, specializes in developing and implementing comprehensive wellness strategies, including distress management plans and supported decision-making frameworks. Her expertise in enabling technologies and holistic support empowers individuals to achieve greater independence and quality of life. She is passionate about driving positive change through research, collaboration, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities at both individual and systems levels.
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Roland Paulette
Momentum, LLC
I was born and raised in the Bangor area and attended the University of Maine. My wife and I have raised three children and recently became grandparents. I have worked in the following fields for the past 25 years; Adults with ID, Adults with SMH, Adults with Dementia and Alzheimer's and Children with ID and Autism. I currently am the Regional Supervisor for Momentum in their Bangor office overseeing Community Support and Shared Living Programs.

Jennifer Putnam
Waypoint Maine
Jennifer Putnam is the Executive Director of Waypoint Maine, a nonprofit that employs over 300 people who support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Waypoint's programs include Adult Services, Case Management and Care Coordination, Pre-K through Grade 5 Special Purpose School, Clinical Services, Remote Technology Center and a social enterprise, a statewide secure shredding business. Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Maine and a Master of Business Administration from St. Joseph’s College. She holds a Certificate in Leadership Studies from the University of Southern Maine and currently serves on multiple Boards and stakeholder groups, and is past President and Legislative Chair of Maine's provider association.

Kady Predota
Palco, Inc.
Kady has over 10 years in Self- Direction working with programs of all sizes across the country. She is a certified trainer for person centered planning. Her FMS experience includes management of service delivery, billing, accounts payable, payroll, and program operations.

Ben Richter
Night Owl Support Systems
Ben has worked in field of Remote Supports for six years, working for different Remote Supports providers in various capacities from technology to operations to development to special projects. During his tenure he has developed an extensive knowledge of Remote Supports services, including policy and regulations, education, and best practices.

Michelle Robinson
Bangor Savings Bank
Michelle Robinson has more than 15 years’ experience in banking and customer service roles. In her current role as Branch Manager of Bangor Savings Bank’s Brunswick, ME branch, she is known for fostering a positive work environment, uplifting her team, and making a positive impact through community engagement.

Rebecca Salon
National Disability Institute
Rebecca Salon is a Senior Advisor on the LEAD Center/WIOA Policy Development Center at National Disability Institute. She was Project Director of the LEAD Center for over six years, starting in 2013. Dr. Salon also works at the District of Columbia’s Department on Disability Services (DDS) on projects related to Employment First, was Project Director for DC’s No Wrong Door and Partnerships in Employment Systems Change grants, and works on many other program initiatives through DDS’s developmental disabilities and vocational rehabilitation administrations. Rebecca previously was Executive Director of the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Institute, where she worked for 20 years in positions that spanned all of its programs and projects. Since 1988, Salon has been an advisor to Project ACTION!, DC’s state-wide self-advocacy coalition run by adults with developmental disabilities, and has worked with a number of family advocacy coalitions in DC and Maryland.

Megan Sanders
Institute on Community Integration at the University of MN
Megan Sanders is a national workforce consultant at the University of Minnesota's Institute on Community Integration. She provides training, consultation, and technical assistance to provider organizations, states, and individuals to address workforce challenges for direct support professionals (DSPs) and frontline supervisors (FLSs). Using data and best practices, her work informs strategies to support the recruitment, selection, training, and retention of DSPs and FLSs. She earned master's degrees in social work and public policy from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor's degree from Truman State University. Working as both a DSP and a FLS before joining the ICI staff in 2020, Sanders learned firsthand how the field’s persistently high staff turnover and vacancy rates affected her and the people she supported.

Laura Stover
State of Oklahoma- DHS
Laura Stover has spent 20 years dedicated to the developmental disabilities field, with a diverse background spanning both the public and private sectors. As a social worker, Laura has worked tirelessly to advocate for and support individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring they receive the resources and care they need. Her experience in the public and private sectors includes pivotal roles within Oklahoma Human Services and local residential providers where she contributed program and financial oversight aimed at improving the lives of those with developmental disabilities. Laura holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and a certification as a Certified Procurement Officer.

Julie Strenn
Opportunity Development Centers
Julie has more than 25 years of experience in long-term care, having worked for provider agencies, managed care organizations, and state and local government agencies including the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. She has provided consultative services to service providers, funders, and multiple state governments in transforming the long-term care system to focus on community employment and community living for people with disabilities. Over the years, Julie has worked with funders to create innovative outcome-based funding models as well as providers to transform their service models to a community-based model. The last five years Julie has been the President/CEO for Opportunity Development Centers (ODC) a large non-profit organization in rural Central Wisconsin. ODC has completely transitioned their services from facility based to community-based supporting over 1200 individuals annually. Julie brings on the ground experience in building financial stability for an organization during significant change.

Lisa Sturtevant
Maine DHHS/Office of Aging and Disability Services
More information coming soon.

Catherine Thibedeau
Independent Advocates of Maine
Catherine started working at IAM in 1997 and began her role as the Executive Director on January 1st, 2000. From 2000-2022, she also served as the Administrator of Treats Falls House, an ICF/IID under IAM. As the Executive Director, Catherine leads IAM in delivering services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through ICF/IID and HCBS Waiver programs. Catherine is active on the state and federal levels. As a national expert on the ICF/IID program, she is a consultant to ANCOR for the sector. She is also involved with Maine’s State Association, MACSP, having served on the Board of Directors for 6 years, and currently serves as the Chair of the Professional Development Committee for MACSP. In addition, Catherine serves on the steering committee for Community Connect Maine, a grassroots stakeholder advocacy group.

Kate Turpen
Disability Rights Maine
The Youth Self Advocacy Team seeks to start to equip young Mainers labeled with intellectual and developmental disabilities (aged 14-25) with the confidence and self-advocacy skills to assertively speak up for their needs (alongside their support team) in all areas of their lives. The team includes: Project Director Kate Turpen (they/them) who has a Masters in School Counseling and strives to show each person that the YSA project comes into contact with compassion and understanding; Youth Trainer and self-advocate Kile Pelletier (he/him) works tirelessly to eliminate the national marriage penalty and raise the social security asset limit; Youth Trainer Jaheim Franklyn (he/him) is developing a first-of-its-kind student-led IEP training for professionals and students alike; and Youth Trainer Aydan Rudolph (he/they) is implementing several healthy relationship and sexual wellness pilot programs in to ensure youth with disabilities have access to high quality health education.

Caitlin Veenstra
National Center for START Services at the UNH Institute on Disability
Caitlyn Veenstra (she/her), Ed.D., is a higher education professional specializing in data analysis, inclusive curriculum, and professional development for adult learners. She coordinates national training initiatives, leveraging data-driven methods to assess learning outcomes and enhance learner engagement. As an adjunct faculty member at the University of New Hampshire, she designs curriculum for online learners. Her research examines institutional support for minority students, focusing on identity-based student organizations and their impact on belonging and academic persistence.

Shannon Webb
National Disabilities Institute
Shannon Webb has over 30 years of experience working in the field of employment, school transition, and community-based services for people with disabilities. Her experience includes fourteen years of service provision in multiple programs and at multiple levels and 17 years of project consultation and training to agencies, educators, families and advocates on local, statewide and national stages. Over the years, Shannon has facilitated strategic planning and provided intensive training and technical assistance to more than 100 service providers and high schools. In Maine, she was the lead SME responsible for monitoring almost 250 heightened scrutiny settings with their progress toward HCBS Settings Rule compliance. She has facilitated several communities of practice, has provided an extensive amount of training, and has authored many guides, planning and implementation tools, and training curricula for professionals, families, and self-advocates. Shannon is known for her follow-through, creative problem-solving, and results-oriented work.
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Brent Vicnaire
Bangor Savings Bank
More information coming soon.

Jeanine Zlockie
National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services
Jeanine Zlockie is the Director of Technical Assistance and Special Projects for the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS). Ms. Zlockie has been working in the field of developmental disabilities (DD) for nearly thirty years which provides her with a strong foundation and understanding of Medicaid policy, structure and DD systems. Jeanine uses her background in Medicaid policy and system’s transformation to provide technical assistance to states to modify their Medicaid-financed home and community-based services waivers, and other Medicaid authorities, build Support Coordination change strategies and further employment initiatives. Jeanine also serves as faculty for the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities. Prior to joining NASDDDS, Ms. Zlockie managed the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs policy office.