Matt Aaron
President & CEO, Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Breakout Session: Building Bridges to Inclusion: Empowering Collaboration through Cities of Inclusion
Matt Aaron has served as the President and CEO of Special Olympics Pennsylvania for 17 years. As the visionary behind the groundbreaking Cities of Inclusion initiative, Matt’s leadership has transformed the organization and inspired communities to embrace inclusion. His dedication to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities has fostered innovative programs and opportunities that create lasting change across the state and beyond.
Alena Anderson
Director for Moving to Financial Stability, United Way of Southwestern PA
Breakout Session: The Alliance for Access and Assets: Building Financial Power Together
Alena Anderson is the Director for Moving to Financial Stability at United Way of Southwestern PA where she leads strategic initiatives to help individuals and families achieve long-term financial health. With over 16 years of experience serving financially vulnerable populations, Alena is passionate about empowering people to pursue pathways to achieve economic self-sufficiency and build wealth. Before joining United Way, she worked in various roles in the nonprofit sector, building a comprehensive understanding of the complex causes and challenges of poverty. In her current role, Alena works collaboratively with corporate, civic, foundation, and nonprofit leaders to develop innovative strategies and investments that create equitable opportunities for people to engage in meaningful work and asset-building practices. A member of several advocacy and public policy committees, Alena is a graduate of Carlow University and The Advanced Leadership Institute’s Emerging Leaders Program at Carnegie Mellon University-Tepper School of Business.
Megan Andros, U.S. Army Veteran
Program Director, The Heinz Endowments
Breakout Session: Continuum of Interventions for Preventing Gun Suicide
Megan Andros is program director at The Heinz Endowments and is responsible for the foundation’s Veterans and Military Families Initiative. Focusing on Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania, the initiative aims to improve the reintegration of an estimated 5,200 veterans and their family members who move to the region each year by advancing strategies in five key areas: navigation of services, full employment, leadership, perception change and policy change. Megan, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, served for five years as an ordnance officer in the Army’s 1st Cavalry Division. She graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science in international law and systems engineering and holds a Master of Public Management from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College. Megan is also a Veteran Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, which seeks to bring greater innovation, awareness, action, and implementation to policy.
Aleta Barnett, BA
Director of Mental Health Equity and Community Engagement, NAMI Keystone PA
Breakout Session: Empowering Black Youth: Navigating Mental Health and Community Support
Aleta Barnett, BA, graduated from Edinboro University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. With a longstanding career in social services, she has dedicated herself to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges.
In 2019, Aleta joined NAMI Keystone as a Mental Health Advocate, where she provided invaluable support to families and individuals by offering information and connecting them to essential mental health resources. Her outstanding contributions led to her promotion in 2021 to the position of Director of Education and Support. In this role, she successfully coordinated and delivered NAMI’s signature classes and trainings statewide.
In September 2023, Aleta was appointed Director of Mental Health Equity and Community Engagement. In this capacity, she continues to focus on her passion for educating minority communities about mental health, ensuring that they have access to critical information and resources. Her new role enables her to dedicate even more attention to expanding educational events and services for underserved communities, further advancing NAMI’s mission of mental health equity.
Representative Jessica Benham
State Representative, 36th Legislative District
Breakout Session: Politics and Governing with a Diagnosis
State Rep. Jessica Benham took office on a platform of fighting for the interests of residents in the 36th Legislative District and solving the critical problems that her constituents face: lack of access to quality health care and to economic opportunity, poor air and water quality, and failing infrastructure. Benham’s background is in advocacy for health care, education and worker’s rights, with experience advocating for legislation on the federal, state and local levels.
Prior to holding public office, Benham was Director of Development for the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy (PCAA), a grassroots self-advocacy project run by Autistic people for Autistic people. She co-founded PCAA after moving back to college, and it remains the only LGBTQ Autistic-led advocacy organization in the Greater Pittsburgh Area.
Through her work with PCAA, Benham has worked to ensure that individuals with disabilities are treated fairly in the legislative process. She has provided feedback and consultation for legislation including the Autism CARES Act on the federal level and health care efforts at the state level. She advocated strongly for Paul’s Law, which states that an individual can’t be deemed ineligible for an organ transplant simply because of a disability and was signed into law in Pennsylvania in 2018.
However, her advocacy efforts are not limited to health care. Benham also has experience fighting for workers’ rights, notably during her time as a graduate worker at the University of Pittsburgh, where she was involved in efforts to organize a union of graduate student workers through the United Steelworkers.
Benham has B.A. degrees in Political Science and Communication Studies from Bethel University, an M.A. in Communication from Minnesota State University, and an M.A. in Bioethics from the University of Pittsburgh.
She currently resides in the Southside Slopes with her cat, Ravi.
Krista Boyer, PsyD
Psychologist/Owner, Authentic Perspectives Psychological and Counseling Services
Legislative Panel: Transforming Mental Health Care Access through Prescribing Privileges for Psychologists
Dr. Krista Boyer is a practicing psychologist specializing in integrated care models. She has contributed to research on the efficacy of prescribing psychologists in various healthcare settings. She is currently completing her Masters in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Ikeya Craig-Swatson
Community Engagement Specialist and SAFE Coordinator, NAMI Keystone PA
Breakout Session: Empowering Black Youth: Navigating Mental Health and Community Support
Ikeya Craig-Swatson is a wellness champion, educator, and advocate. She is the Community Engagement Specialist and SAFE Coordinator at NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania. In her role, she has the privilege of leading mental health initiatives for youth and young adults and the Faith Community, while also coordinating SAFE (Suicide Awareness For Everyone), the suicide prevention task force of Allegheny County. Having conversations and creating spaces that inspire healing, inner prosperity, and community is her life’s work.
Christie Cyktor
Youth Training and Leadership Coordinator for Western Pennsylvania, PEAL (Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership) Center
Breakout Session: Centering Student Vision: Collaborative Transition Planning for a Future of Possibilities
Christie Cyktor is the Youth Training and Leadership Coordinator for Western PA at the PEAL Center and is a board-certified Occupational Therapist. She earned her doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh. Christie is a disabled woman who is a full-time power wheelchair user and has spent her life advocating for herself throughout school, employment, and independent community living. Through her role at PEAL as well occupational therapy, she uses her lived experience and unique skill set to teach self-advocacy skills to children with disabilities and enable them to feel empowered to take charge of their futures.
Patrick DeMico
Executive Director, The Provider Alliance
Virtual Kickoff Session: Performance Based Contracting
Patrick DeMico is Executive Director of The Provider Alliance (TPA), a Pennsylvania association dedicated exclusively to supporting community services for individuals & families with intellectual disability and autism (ID/A). DeMico has worked in the ID/A field for over 40 years, beginning his service as a Direct Support Professional in 1982. He has held leadership positions in the provider community, consulted for human services organizations on financial management and strategy, and represented the ID/A community in its advocacy and policy development. He has served The Provider Alliance and its membership in his current role since 2017. DeMico completed his undergraduate studies at Duquesne University, subsequently earned his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, and is currently enrolled at the Duquesne University Kline School of Law.
Andrew Fee
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Breakout Session: Building Bridges to Inclusion: Empowering Collaboration through Cities of Inclusion
Andrew Fee is the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Special Olympics Pennsylvania, bringing over a decade of experience in championing inclusion and athlete empowerment. As the leader of the Cities of Inclusion initiative in Pittsburgh, Andrew builds authentic relationships to drive initiatives that foster meaningful opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, making a lasting impact across the state.
Representative Dan Frankel
State Representative, 23rd Legislative District
Legislative Panel: Transforming Mental Health Care Access through Prescribing Privileges for Psychologists
Representative Dan Frankel has been, and always will be, an outspoken advocate for civil rights and public health. He champions legislation to bring equality to Pennsylvania for LGBTQ+ residents, stands in staunch opposition against efforts to limit women’s healthcare options, and works tirelessly to end gun violence with common sense measures.
In the wake of the 2018 tragedy at the Tree of Life building, Representative Frankel assembled a coalition of community and faith organizations and others to fight for an update to Pennsylvania’s laws to address hate crimes in a modern era.
Currently serving as the Democratic chairman of the House Health Committee, he promotes science-based policies to protect and improve the public health of the Commonwealth. He serves on the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council to contain healthcare costs and support high-value care. In addition, Rep. Frankel is co-chair of the PA SAFE Caucus and the founder and past chair of both the PA Women’s Health Caucus and LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus.
Representative Frankel serves the heart of Pittsburgh, representing the neighborhoods of Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, Greenfield, Oakland, Point Breeze, and Regent Square. As the Representative, he leads these communities with the same compassion and activism he sees from his neighbors. An active member of his community, he works to build a thriving region for everyone.
Representative Frankel sits on Allegheny County’s Area Agency on Aging’s Advisory Council, the State Employee Retirement System board, and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Board of Directors. He also serves as the governor’s representative to the Board of Trustees for the University of Pittsburgh. Representative Frankel previously served as President of the Jewish Family and Children’s Service board.
In addition, he’s honored to have participated in Pittsburgh’s urban renaissance through his past work on the Urban Redevelopment Authority Board of the City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau Board.
Representative Frankel is a graduate of the Pennington School (1974) and Kenyon College (1978). He completed a certificate program for senior executives in state and local government at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government (2000). Formerly an insurance executive, he served as a Vice President at Hilb, Rogal, & Hamilton Co. and a regional insurance brokerage firm, Frankel Co.
Representative Frankel resides in Squirrel Hill, down the street from the house he grew up in. He is married to Debra Frankel, a psychotherapist. Together, they have three grown children.
Nate Garland
Chief Operating Officer, Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Breakout Session: Building Bridges to Inclusion: Empowering Collaboration through Cities of Inclusion
Nate Garland serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Special Olympics Pennsylvania and has been deeply involved in Special Olympics programs for many years, contributing at all levels of development, programming, and strategic growth. As the leader of the Cities of Inclusion initiative in Philadelphia, Nate combines his extensive experience with a passion for creating inclusive communities and empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Ashley Harland
PN-3 Early Childhood Policy Manager, Trying Together
Breakout Session: Early Intervention Transition: The Children are Small, but it’s still a BIG Transition
Ashley Harland has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from John Carroll University and a Master’s of Education in Early Intervention from the University of Pittsburgh. Across the past 17 years, Ashley has served in various roles in early care and education, early intervention, and special education. Currently, in the position of PN-3 Early Childhood Policy Manager at Trying Together, Ashley advocates for equitable access to positive early childhood development opportunities, with a focus on prenatal – 3 systems such as child care, evidence-based home visiting, and early intervention. Outside of work, Ashley and her husband are the parents to a 6-year-old. They have utilized high-quality early care and education as well as early intervention to support their child and family’s overall well-being.
Mary Hartley
President, The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh (Achieva)
Legislative Panel: Supporting Families with Children with Complex Medical Needs
Mary is a parent advocate who began as a volunteer on the Pittsburgh Local Task Force on the Right to Education. She began her professional career in disability policy at Achieva’s Disability Healthcare Initiative. Prior to returning to Achieva as the President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, she was Executive Director of the PEAL (Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership) Center and led the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s 21 and Able (transition to adulthood) Initiative. Most notably, she directed #IWantToWork, a self-advocacy social media campaign, increasing employment and financial freedom through three successive efforts that resulted in legislative wins. She is recipient of the 2023 Richard Meritzer Award and the 2018 Excellence in Advocacy Award from Achieva. She has served on the Board of Disability Rights Pennsylvania and is past Chair of UPMC’s Disability Resource Council.
William Hasek, PhD, ABPP
Board Certified Clinical Psychologist, Cornerstone Mental Health
Legislative Panel: Transforming Mental Health Care Access through Prescribing Privileges for Psychologists
Dr. William Hasek is a board certified clinical psychologist who promotes legislative changes to enhance mental health services in Pennsylvania. He runs a small private practice in Pittsburgh where he serves professors, students, start-up employees, and LGBTQ+ clients. Dr. Hasek is also completing his MSCP at Fairleigh Dickinson.
Doug Henry, PhD
Medical Director, Enterprise Behavioral Health at Highmark Health
Breakout Session: What’s Wrong with our Mental Health System?
Doug Henry, PhD, is vice president and medical director of Enterprise Behavioral Health at Highmark Health, a $27 billion national, blended health organization that includes one of America’s largest Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers and a growing regional hospital and physician network. Based in Pittsburgh, Pa., Highmark Health’s 44,000 employees serve millions of customers nationwide through the nonprofit organization’s affiliated businesses including Highmark Inc., Allegheny Health Network (AHN), HM Insurance Group, United Concordia Dental, enGen, and Helion.
In his current role, Dr. Henry leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive enterprise mental behavioral health strategy focused on improving access, reducing stigma, and improving overall quality of mental behavioral health care. He is committed to addressing the full spectrum of mental health needs, from early intervention and prevention to specialized care for complex conditions.
Erin Johnson, MPH, MSN, RN
Program Coordinator, Health Promotion Council’s Technology Assisted Children’s Home Program
Legislative Panel: Supporting Families with Children with Complex Medical Needs
Erin Johnson, MPH, MSN, RN is a public health nurse and Program Coordinator for the Health Promotion Council’s Technology Assisted Children’s Home Program. In this role, Ms. Johnson works with families of children with complex medical needs across 31 counties in Pennsylvania, supporting caregivers to navigate systems, obtain necessary resources, and advocate for themselves. She is on the Imagine Different Coalition’s Nurse Work Group and is working on an app (Shift Check for Caregivers) to address the home shift nursing shortage. She holds an MSN, MPH and RN from the University of Pennsylvania. She also holds a BA from Washington University in St. Louis. Ms. Johnson is the parent of a pediatric cancer survivor, originally diagnosed at 11 months of age.
Mary Kenah JD
State and Local Policy Counsel, Everytown for Gun Safety
Breakout Session: Continuum of Interventions for Preventing Gun Suicide
Mary Kenah is a state and local policy counsel for Everytown for Gun Safety. After graduating law school, Mary clerked for a judge in the New Jersey Appellate Division and went on to investigate and prosecute labor and civil rights violations for the New Jersey Attorney General. Since coming to Everytown in 2023, Mary has advocated for state level policies holding the gun industry accountable, and she has assisted cities across the country in adopting gun violence prevention policies suited to their communities.
Representative Emily Kinkead
State Representative, 20th Legislative District
Breakout Session: Politics and Governing with a Diagnosis
Since 2020, Representative Emily Kinkead has served Pennsylvania’s 20th state House District – Ross Township, Avalon, Bellevue, and West View Boroughs, and parts of the city of Pittsburgh. In her first term, she was assigned to serve on the House Appropriations, Judiciary, Human Services, and Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committees. Currently, she serves as secretary of both the Human Services and Agriculture committees. Additionally, she serves as chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime & Corrections and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Fiscal Policy. She is the House chair of the Legislative Hunger Caucus and on the Leadership Team of the Pennsylvania Progressive Caucus.
After earning degrees in biology and political science at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, she began her career working and advocating for people with disabilities in Washington, D.C. She then pivoted to return to the work she had started in college — advocating for good government reform. Kinkead joined Common Cause, where she helped to organize public education programs exposing the disenfranchising effects of gerrymandering and money in politics, while mobilizing youth to demand responsive climate change policy. She then moved to the Legislative Policy Office of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which works to educate members of Congress about the need for investment in medical research and reviews the impact of proposed legislation on NIH and its projects. Kinkead also worked as the logistics coordinator for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s summer diverse internship program.
While working toward her law degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, she interned at a legal aid clinic in Eldoret, Kenya, protecting the rights of HIV+ individuals and victims of gender or domestic violence. Stateside, she applied those skills and refined them during her internship at Pittsburgh’s Neighborhood Legal Services office, where she assisted low-income tenants in landlord-tenant disputes across the region, and at the Pitt Law Immigration Clinic, where she helped clients seeking asylum or otherwise needing assistance navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. Additionally, she served as an intern law clerk to U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa Pupo Lenihan. Following her graduation, Kinkead clerked for the Honorable Judge Michael H. Wojcik of Commonwealth Court before entering private practice.
She currently serves on the boards of ALCOSAN, the Pennsylvania Prison Society and Scenic Pittsburgh, and is one of the Pennsylvania House appointees to the State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision.
A staunch believer that government’s calling is to do the most good for the most people, Kinkead has vocally championed the policies that help working families and raise up communities – criminal justice reform, addressing food insecurity, affordable housing, livable wages, worker protections, health care, LGBTQIA+ equality, reproductive justice, adequately funding education, and more. She’s also focused on local issues like addressing blight and landslides.
A native of Pittsburgh’s Northside, Emily lives in Brighton Heights with her cats and dog.
Christina Kraemer
Administrator of Community Programs, Disability Options Network
Breakout Session: Smart Home Technology – Improving Independence for People with Mental, Intellectual or Physical Disabilities
Christina is currently the Administrator of Community Programs at DON Services. She is part of the Housing Team and assists consumers with low to very low income with DON’s USDA Housing Preservation Program.
Christina is a Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) Certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP). She served as the Director of Assistive Technology at Lifesteps from May of 2022 to October of 2023. Before that she served as the Assistive Technology Resource Coordinator for TechOWL PA, Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Act Program. She served a seven county area as the ATRC for 8 years at Community Living and Support Services (CLASS) and Three Rivers Center for Independent Living (TRCIL) where she also served as the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services Coordinator. Christina has an Associate’s Degree in American Sign Language Interpreting/Transliterating from Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio.
Christina taught the 2021 Fall Quarter RT 2101 Fundamentals of Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Applications at The University of Pittsburgh. While working as the Director of Assistive Technology at Lifesteps, she prepared Lifesteps to be in the position to apply to the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) as a provider of Remote Support Services in Pennsylvania.
Christina Lawley
Pennsylvania District Manager, SafeinHome
Breakout Session: Smart Home Technology – Improving Independence for People with Mental, Intellectual, or Physical Disabilities
Christina joined SafeinHome in October 2020 as an Account Executive and was promoted to the position of Pennsylvania District Manager in June of 2022. In her role with SafeinHome, Christina supervises the Pennsylvania Account Executive team along with working directly with stakeholders at the state and local level, to attain remote supports and assistive technology services to individuals within the intellectual and developmental disability community.
Prior to joining SafeinHome Christina spent over 20 years developing her professional skills within the senior healthcare industry, holding advanced positions with UnitedHealthcare, ManorCare and National Health Management within Implementation, Business Development and Management, respectively. Christina received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Psychology from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA.
Christina is proud that her work with SafeinHome has helped to make a profound difference in the lives of the individuals and families that have chosen to embrace remote supports and assistive technology, proving that both remote supports and assistive technology can help them to live a more independent and self-directed life, in the least restrictive way.
Stephen (Rick) Lipa
Transition Coordinator, The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh
Breakout Session: Breakout Session: Centering Student Vision: Collaborative Transition Planning for a Future of Possibilities
Rick has spent over 27 years working with at-risk children and youth and students with disabilities. Prior experiences include working in residential programs and as a therapeutic staff support. Upon earning his Master’s Degree in Special Education, Rick was brought on board at the Children’s Institute Day School where he has been the Transition Coordinator for the past 17 years. In this time Rick has worked with numerous students and families across nine counties to assist in the planning and success of postsecondary outcomes. Postsecondary outcomes include students attending various programs, moving into a residential programs, and gaining employment. Rick works with each individual based on their hopes and needs for their life after graduation, with an emphasis on out-of-the-box thinking and problem solving. Additionally, along with networking with professionals across many agencies and counties, Rick works with parents/guardians to provide education on the various supports and services for students when they transition to adulthood.
Brynne Madway, Esq.
Staff Attorney, Disability Rights Pennsylvania
Breakout Session: Disability Rights PA: Focus on Mental Health Rights
Brynne earned her B.A. from the George Washington University. She then worked at the National Fair Housing Alliance for a year before returning to the George Washington University to earn her J.D. After graduating from law school, Brynne worked as a litigation associate at Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. She left Drinker Biddle to become a Staff Attorney at the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education where she litigated First Amendment cases on behalf of students and professors at colleges and universities. Brynne works on a variety of cases at Disability Rights PA.
Rachel Mann, Esq.
Attorney, Disability Rights Pennsylvania
Legislative Panel: Supporting Families with Children with Complex Medical Needs
As an attorney at Disability Rights Pennsylvania (formerly Disabilities Law Project) from 1990 to 2020, Ms. Mann represented both adults and children with all types of disabilities in class action litigation, administrative advocacy, and individual legal assistance, with a particular emphasis on children’s entitlement and access to the full range of Medical Assistance services and on deinstitutionalization. Since her retirement from DRP, she has taught Public Interest Law at Drexel’s Kline School of Law and is a member of the steering committee of the Imagine Different Coalition, a collaboration of state-wide advocates for systemic change to enable children with disabilities to live in families rather than institutions.
Representative Brandon Markosek
State Representative, 25th Legislative District
Breakout Session: Stuttering: Progress Made and Navigating the Future
Breakout Session: Politics and Governing with a Diagnosis
Before his election to represent the 25th Legislative District, Representative Brandon Markosek served as a Community Outreach Representative for State Senator Jim Brewster, where he was involved in directly working with residents to identify community needs, while working to best address those needs in the district and in Harrisburg.
Additionally, as a board member for Visit Monroeville and the Monroeville Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Friends of Monroeville Library, Monroeville Chamber of Commerce and St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church in Monroeville, Brandon has remained committed and active in the community, with vested interests championing the betterment of Allegheny County and beyond.
His legislative priorities include providing sufficient funding for senior citizen-based programs, confronting the opioid epidemic, ensuring greater public safety, securing increased funding for all levels of education, and bolstering the area’s economy to create jobs. Brandon is dedicated to maintaining efficient constituent services in his district office.
With bachelor’s degrees in both Political Science and History from Duquesne University, he also holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, and has taken courses through Stanford University’s online program.
Maggie McMahon
Educational Supervisor, The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh
Breakout Session: Breakout Session: Centering Student Vision: Collaborative Transition Planning for a Future of Possibilities
Maggie McMahon has dedicated 17 years to the field of education, specializing in special education and leadership. She holds a Master’s in Special Education from Edinboro University and has earned certifications in Principal K-12, Supervisor, and a Letter of Eligibility. Currently, Maggie is pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on transitioning students with low-incidence disabilities to adulthood at PennWest California University of PA.
Maggie’s extensive background in special education is complemented by her hands-on experience as an educational supervisor at The Day School at The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. Maggie’s expertise lies in advocating for and developing strategies that support the academic and social growth of students with disabilities, particularly those with complex needs. With her advanced credentials and a deep understanding of educational leadership, she is committed to creating inclusive, effective learning environments and promoting successful transitions for students into adulthood.
Christine Michaels, MSHSA
Chief Executive Officer, NAMI Keystone PA
Breakout Session: Critical Connection: What to Expect When Contacting 988
Christine Michaels, MSHSA, is Chief Executive Officer of NAMI Keystone PA, the state organization in Pennsylvania for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health advocacy organization. Ms. Michaels has more than 35 years of experience in community mental health service delivery, social service agency administration, public policy, and legislative advocacy. She is an accomplished instructor with experience in curriculum development and is nationally certified by NAMI as a state trainer for NAMI Family-to-Family, NAMI Support Group Facilitators, and NAMI Smarts for Advocacy. Ms. Michaels serves on the 988 Advocacy Coalition Committee and acts as the liaison from that committee to the State 988 Advisory Board. Ms. Michaels holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master of Science in Health Services Administration.
Representative Dan Miller
State Representative, 42nd Legislative District
As the eldest child of immigrant parents, Dan was the first member of his family born in America. Raised by a single mom from an early age, finances were often challenging. Even so, his family instilled in him a strong appreciation and recognition of the special opportunities America offers. As a result, Dan has made public service an important part of his life.
He enlisted in the Army National Guard after high school. While his military service was cut short due to injury, he found another way to engage in service. As a Team Leader in the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, he led a team of young people working on community projects across the Mid-Atlantic. Dan earned undergraduate degrees in education and history and became a teacher. He later graduated with a law degree from Catholic University, where he received two community service awards, chaired its public interest auction, and served as executive editor of its communications journal. Upon passing the bar, Dan decided to serve the community again as a public defender focusing on juveniles and later as a county solicitor where he worked to make sure kids were safe in their homes and received a proper education.
Dan and his wife Kim moved to Mt. Lebanon where he joined the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter. In 2011, he was awarded the Medal of Merit for his attempt to save the life of a 3-year-old child from a devastating house fire. He went on to be elected as a municipal commissioner and has served the community as a board member of such local institutions as Outreach Teen and Family Center, the Center for Theater Arts, Carnegie Library, and the Hollywood Theater in Dormont.
Dan was elected to the House of Representatives in 2013. In previous terms he served as a member of the Education, Labor and Industry, Judiciary and Human Services committees and on the following caucuses: Steel, Government Reform, Early Childhood Education, Equality, Autism and Intellectual Disabilities, and Fire/EMS. In 2018, he was elected by his peers to be chair of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation and in 2020 he became Caucus Chair of the Democratic Caucus. Two year later, he was elected Whip of the Democratic Caucus when Democrats became the majority party in the state House. He currently serves as the Chair of the Committee on Committees and the Chair of the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime and Corrections. He also is a member of the Government Oversight, Intergovernmental Affairs & Operations, Labor & Industry, and Professional Licensure Committees.
As state representative, Dan has received awards for his advocacy for people with disabilities from Achieva, The Peal Center, the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association, the Pittsburgh Local Task Force, Autism Connection, the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association, and the Arc of Pennsylvania, and he has been awarded a lifetime membership in the PTA and an advocacy award from the United Steelworkers.
Johanna Murphy, MFA
Inclusion Program Director, Evolve Coaching
Breakout Session: Community and Employment Issues in Neurodiversity
Johanna Murphy, MFA, is a late-identified autistic and adhd-er. As a writer, teacher and autism advocate, she has spent the last ten years writing and speaking about the experiences of autistic adults, especially late-identified autistic women. Attendees have commented “Her presentation struck the perfect balance between education and entertainment. She infused the session with humor, while also sharing a wealth of fascinating facts that explored neurodiversity from historical, social, and economic perspectives.” She’s proud of her work building autistic community, educating employers and advocating for inclusive policy.
Nancy Murray, MS
Chair, Government Affairs Committee, The Provider Alliance
Virtual Kickoff Session: Performance Based Contracting
Nancy Murray M.S. has more than 45 years of experience in the disability field in the areas of public policy, advocacy, family support, supports coordination, health care, and state government serving people with disabilities and their families. Nancy is currently the Chair of The Provider Alliance’s Governmental Affairs Committee, Board Chair of the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation, and a Board Member of the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices (NTG). Nancy and her husband have three adult children with intellectual disabilities. Nancy was one of the founders and the first Director of the Down Syndrome Center at Children’s Hospital (UPMC) of Pittsburgh, the Director of Staunton Clinic Supports Coordination, the Western Director for the PA Office of Developmental Programs, and the President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh and Senior VP of Achieva.
Lezley Pisone
The Catatonia Foundation
Breakout Session: Recognizing Autism with Catatonia: Real-Life Insights, Warning Signs, and Misdiagnosis from a Caregiver’s Perspective
Lezley Pisone, originally from Pittsburgh, PA, has called Dayton, Ohio home for the past 17 years. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s in public management from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College. With over 20 years of professional fundraising experience, Lezley has helped grassroots and multi-million-dollar organizations achieve their fundraising goals. She founded Ripple Effect Studio, a boutique consulting company established eight years ago to assist nonprofits with fundraising strategies and grant writing.
Beyond her extensive work in the nonprofit sector, Lezley is dedicated to raising awareness about autism and catatonia, focusing on the profound consequences of misdiagnoses based on her son’s and family’s personal experiences. As both a professional and a parent, Lezley brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to this advocacy, making her a passionate and informed voice in the movement to improve understanding and care for individuals with autism and catatonia.
Michael V. Quatrini, Esq.
Managing Partner, Quatrini Law Group, P.C.
Breakout Session: Disability Benefits 101: Understanding and Navigating Social Security Disability and VA Disability Compensation
Michael Quatrini is an attorney with Quatrini Law Group, P.C., working out of the firm’s offices in Greensburg, Pittsburgh, Latrobe, and Altoona. He exclusively represents individuals in claims for Workers’ Compensation, VA Service-Connected Compensation, and Social Security Disability/SSI. Mr. Quatrini is a current faculty member and presenter for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s publication “Workers’ Compensation: Practice and Procedure.” Since 2013, Mr. Quatrini has been a faculty member and course planner for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s publications “Social Security Disability: The Basics” and “Advanced Issues in Social Security Disability.” He is also a past President of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Allegheny County Bar Association.
Mr. Quatrini is admitted to practice before the courts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Social Security Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. He is an active member of, and speaker for, national organizations including the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) and the Workers’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group (WILG).
Luciana Randall
Executive Director, Autism Connection of PA
Breakout Session: Police Interactions at the Intersection of Race and Disability: Common Concerns and Strategies for Increasing Success
Lu Randall has a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Wright State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Art Education, concentrations in Art Therapy and Creative Studies from SUNY College at Buffalo. Early in her career she worked with people who had moderate to severe physical disabilities and traumatic brain injuries directing an adult day center. She landed solidly in the autism world in 1994 as a mobile therapist in the Pennsylvania Wraparound system. Working in family homes and community settings informed her practice and helped develop her practical knowledge base related to autism spectrum disorders and family living. With colleagues she co-founded the Spectrum Charter School in Monroeville, PA, educating high school students in community-based, real work, nontraditional instruction addressing PA state standards and their IEP goals. Ms. Randall was a key player in the design of the Pittsburgh International Airport Sensory Room, a one-million dollar, award-winning project designed to facilitate air travel for people with neurological disabilities of all ages and ability levels. She has led the Autism Connection of PA since 2010, and speaks extensively on all areas of autism life, including education, employment, healthcare, victims’ services, jail and prison advocacy, and law enforcement officer continuing education. She is a member of the Office of Developmental Programs Information Sharing and Advisory Committee, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Victim Services Advisory Council, the Allegheny County Autism in the Courts Workgroup, the PA Provider Oversight subcommittee, and the Advisory Board of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
Monica Ruiz
Executive Director, Casa San José
Breakout Session: The Importance of Cultural Competence in Healthcare
Monica Ruiz, the Executive Director of Casa San José, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and has Latino roots from Guatemala and Puerto Rico. Her humanitarian work and passion for helping others began as a case manager for Catholic Charities, which led her to intern at Casa San Jose in 2014. She holds a Bachelors degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh with a concentration in Psychology, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work focusing on community organizing and social action from the University of Pittsburgh. Following her academic accomplishments, Monica completed the Lead Now Pittsburgh fellowship, a transformational leadership program for the civic sector in 2019. Monica advocates for minority communities in Pittsburgh and welcomes all from the Western Pennsylvania region.
Representative Abigail Salisbury
State Representative, 34th Legislative District
Breakout Session: Politics and Governing with a Diagnosis
Abigail Salisbury was elected to the House in 2023 to represent the 34th Legislative District in Allegheny County.
Salisbury was born in Conneaut, Ohio, and her family later moved to a suburb of Erie, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 2004 and earned a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 2007. She also graduated from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh in 2013.
Earlier in her career, Salisbury worked on human rights and microfinance issues in Kosovo, Senegal, and Ethiopia. Salisbury went on to serve as the executive director of JURIST.org and to teach First Amendment law at the University of Pittsburgh, later establishing her own reduced-cost law practice for nonprofits and small businesses in Swissvale. She served on Swissvale Borough Council for five years, spending two years as council president.
Key issues for Salisbury include updating infrastructure, standing up for human rights for all citizens, fostering small business development, supporting public schools, and preserving the environment.
Salisbury resides with her husband in Swissvale.
Emma Schmidt and Conrad Walton
Family members
Legislative Panel: Supporting Families with Children with Complex Medical Needs
Emma Schmidt and her son, Conrad Walton, make their home in the Chippewa area of Beaver Falls, PA in Beaver County along with her husband, Scott, their two dogs, and a few chickens. Emma is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 24 years of experience and holds an EMT certification. She currently works in a local healthcare system as a Mobile Social Worker. She is not a nurse in real life, but she plays one at home. Conrad is an exceptional twelve year old who lives with a rare disease called Myotubular Myopathy that results in profound muscle weakness. Conrad relies on mechanical ventilation, feeding tube, VP shunt, and ileostomy to keep him well. He uses a wheelchair and other assistive technologies to help him communicate and access his world. He is completely dependent on caregivers for his needs. Despite this, Conrad is full of spunk and has a knack for spreading joy to everyone who has the privilege to encounter him. He loves music and singing, laughing and his Nana and Pap are his absolute favorite people. Emma and Conrad have experienced the best and worst of times together and are hopeful that their story will shed some light on the experiences of families of medically complex and fragile children.
Robin Stein
Board Member, The Catatonia Foundation
Breakout Session: Recognizing Autism with Catatonia: Real-Life Insights, Warning Signs, and Misdiagnosis from a Caregiver’s Perspective
Educator. Mentor. Advocate. Robin Hutter Stein has been a dedicated educator, mentor and advocate throughout the entirety of her professional and personal life. As a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s Germanic Language and Literature program, Robin embarked on a 22-year teaching career that provided transformative learning experiences for her students. Outside of the classroom, Robin sponsored the North Hills Environmental Club, where she provided leadership and mentorship inspiring many students to pursue careers in environmental science.
After volunteering for the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, Robin pursued a second certification in English as a Second Language. She has used her skills to connect with students, community, and family members struggling to find their way.
Robin has always provided a voice through advocacy, working tirelessly to represent those whose voices may otherwise not be heard. Presently, Robin is serving on the board for The Catatonia Foundation. It is her heart’s desire that through the collective effort of its members, others will not suffer the devastating cost of misdiagnosis.
Monica Albert Still, RN, BSN
Chair, Mental Health Advisory Council of Disability Rights PA
Breakout Session: Disability Rights PA: Focus on Mental Health Rights
Monica Albert Still, RN, BSN is an adult with Spina Bifida who is proud to be among the first generation of kids with SB on the threshold of Senior Citizenship. She lives in the wilds of Western Pennsylvania with her tribe of cats. Monica is the mom to two beautiful adult daughters and grandmother to one adorable girl. She is very proud of the women that they are growing into. Monica spent most of her life in Connecticut and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Southern Connecticut University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. She has spent her nursing career keeping people in the community. Working her way from client care in the home to starting two Home Health Care Agencies as the administrator, she decided to take on a new challenge.
After 30 years in nursing, she has now turned her focus to the advocacy part of nursing and serving her community on a broader level. She is involved in advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. Monica currently serves as a board member of Access Mob Pittsburgh and United Spinal. She is honored to serve as the secretary of the board for Disability Rights PA, chair of the Mental Health Advisory Council, and member of the CT Health Law Project board. She is on the planning committee for Disability Pride Pittsburgh. She is also a founding member of the SBA Adult Advisory Council and continues to serve to this day as well as serving on various other committees. She returned to nursing when she got her dream job at the UPMC Adult Spina Bifida Clinic. She combines care with advocacy.
Monica would like to thank her parents, Dorothy Albert Crockett and Alberic Albert, for giving her the support, care and love to have accomplished everything listed above. Without them and her grandparents, Mary and Joseph Zukowski, she would not be here today.
Seth E. Tichenor, PhD, CCC-SLP
Assistant Professor and Program Director, Stuttering Clinic, Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Duquesne University
Breakout Session: Stuttering: Progress Made and Navigating the Future
Seth E. Tichenor is a person who stutters, a speech-language pathologist specializing in the treatment of stuttering, and an assistant professor at Duquesne University. His research interests include better understanding and predicting individual differences in the experience of stuttering, understanding how adverse impact related to the condition develops, and determining how moments of stuttering occur in speech. He is funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health. He practices clinically and is actively involved in clinical education regarding stuttering assessment and treatment.
Jackie White
Community Relations Coordinator, PEAL (Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership) Center
Breakout Session: Breakout Session: Centering Student Vision: Collaborative Transition Planning for a Future of Possibilities
Jackie White is the Coordinator of Community Relations and Executive Support for the PEAL Center. As the mom of 3 children with disabilities she has extensive personal experience in advocating for the rights of children with disabilities. She is a graduate of CUNY School of Professional Studies with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Disability Studies and is in the last semester of Temple University MPH program. Additionally, she has completed the C2P2 program through the Temple Institute on Disabilities and loves being able to use her lived experience in her work. Advocating for Children and Youth with special healthcare needs is of particular interest.