Speakers

Keynote Speakers

Zach Anner

Zach Anner is a comedian, author, television writer, public speaker, and YouTube personality. He grew up in Buffalo, NY, and somehow remained an optimist despite enduring seven-month winters and watching the Buffalo Bills lose four straight Super Bowls. Zach’s YouTube videos have amassed over 100 million views and have helped change the conversation around disability.

Zach hosted his travel series Rollin’ With Zach on the Oprah Winfrey Network, becoming the first person with cerebral palsy to host their own television show.

He is an ambassador for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and has worked with United Cerebral Palsy’s Wheels for Humanity program to distribute wheelchairs to underserved communities in Nicaragua. He published his memoir If At Birth You Don’t Succeed in 2016, and his work writing for television has been honored with 2017 and 2023 Sentinel Awards for outstanding depictions of people with disabilities on screen.

In 2023, Zach was selected for Netflix’s Created By Initiative, and in 2025, he was a fellow for the Inevitable Foundation’s Accelerate Program for screenwriters with disabilities.

www.zachanner.com

Kris Burbank

Kris Burbank is the proud mother of three grown children, including a son with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. A passionate advocate, certified coach for families with disabilities, and co-author of the highly acclaimed book “Embracing Another Normal: Resilience Stories & Strategies for Raising Children with Disabilities,” Kris has spent nearly three decades helping parents, educators, health professionals, and community leaders support individuals with disabilities to enhance their resilience and build meaningful lives. She loves collaborating with others to generate positive change, personal transformation, and increased fulfillment.

Presenters

Suzanne Aaron, CRS-A/D

Suzanne is the Senior Information and Outreach Specialist for the Illinois Lifespan program and serves Northern Illinois. She has worked and volunteered in the areas of disability advocacy and family support since 2008. She and her husband are the proud parents of a young adult with I/DD and Autism. Her passion is helping families access and understand services that are available to them so they are empowered to build an inclusive and meaningful life with their loved one with disabilities. She is a 2018 graduate of Illinois Partners in Policymaking and has navigated disability services in the states of Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana.

Randa Abdelrahim, PhD

Randa Abdelrahim is a Senior Research Specialist at the Institute on Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois, Chicago. She holds a PhD in Disability Studies with a focus on program development, evaluation, and policy analysis. She has worked on multiple projects covering topics such as future planning, housing for people with IDD in the state of Illinois, and bridging aging and disability services.

Ruth Aguilar, QIDP

Ruth Aguilar has over fifteen years of combined experience advocating for people with disabilities. She holds a B.S Psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology and Professional Graduate Studies in Non-Profit from Harvard University. Ruth’s professional experience stems from working previously in an ISC Agency and then as a Self-Directed Assistant serving the community with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Moreover, with her personal expertise as a mother of a teen girl with Rett Syndrome and Seizure Disorder, Ruth brings a wealth of knowledge to the families by assisting them in how to obtain services and understanding their options by being assertive, yet professional. Ruth is inspired by her husband and her daughter to be a servant leader who helps those around her without hesitation.

Ruth Aguilar tiene más de quince años de experiencia combinada defendiendo a las personas con discapacidades. Ella tiene un B.S. Psicología de Illinois Institute of Technology y Estudios Profesionales de Posgrado en Organizaciones sin Fines de Lucro de Harvard University. Ruth’s experiencia profesional proviene de haber trabajado previamente en una Agencia Independiente de Coordinación de Servicios y luego como asistente autodirigido al servicio de la comunidad con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo . Además, con su propia experiencia como madre de una adolescente con Síndrome de Rett y trastorno convulsivo, Ruth aporta un gran conocimiento a las familias ayudándoles a obtener servicios y comprendiendo sus opciones siendo asertiva pero profesional. Ruth está inspirada por su marido y su hija para ser una líder servidora que ayuda a quienes la rodean sin dudarlo.

Sharon Anderson

Sharon Anderson is the Senior Director of Quality and Strategic Initiatives at Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities (RGA).

Ray Graham Association is a not-for-profit organization that supports more than 2,000 people with disabilities and their families to Reach, Grow, and Achieve their dreams. With over 35 years of experience, Sharon has held various positions within the organization that include Occupational Therapy Assistant, Program Specialist/Manager, Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP), Community Learning Center Administrator, Training Coordinator, Employee Development Manager, and Quality Enhancement Manager. Sharon is dedicated to advancing person-centered practices and is responsible for leading, coordinating, and facilitating organization-wide quality enhancement, accreditation, and strategic plan activities.

Shakari Asbury

Shakari collaborates with organizations that focus on underserved communities and individuals with I/DD, among other duties. She keeps the team focused and in touch with diverse audiences, ensuring our materials are understandable.

Gary M Arnold

Gary Arnold is a Program Specialist with the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD). ICDD is an Illinois State Agency dedicated to leading change in Illinois so all people with developmental disabilities exercise their right to equal opportunity and freedom. With ICDD since July 2023, Arnold works to support leadership development and inclusion within the Illinois Developmental Disabilities community. Before ICDD, Arnold worked at two different Chicagoland Centers for Independent Living. He worked as the Public Affairs Manager at Access Living, which serves Chicago, and as the Program Director for Progress Center, which serves Suburban Cook County. Arnold identifies as disabled and a person with dwarfism. He sat on the Little People of America (LPA) Board of Directors for 11 years. Little People of America is a national membership organization for people with dwarfism. Arnold served as Public Relations Director and as President with LPA.

Sydney Badeau

Sydney is an unstoppable disability rights advocate and gifted digital storyteller from Wisconsin, whose passion for plain language and accessibility drives real change. After discovering her unique strengths as a neurodivergent individual, she is eager to help others with disabilities discover their strengths. She regularly speaks at state and national conferences. She encourages organizations to hire individuals with disabilities, based not on assumptions, but on demonstrated capabilities. Known for her “die-hard” spirit and unwavering confidence, Sydney embodies her motto: “I am somebody. I matter. People with disabilities matter.” She works for People First Wisconsin and The Arc of Wisconsin, and is Chair of the Wisconsin Board for Developmental Disabilities (BPDD).

Vicki Borlin

Vicki is dedicated to helping families find resources that enable them to navigate the sometimes difficult world of raising a child with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. She holds a public relations degree from the University of Central Missouri. Vicki is also a 2023 UIC LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) graduate. She has two children, one of whom has a genetic disorder, autism and special healthcare needs. Raising a child with disabilities spurred her to become her daughter’s biggest advocate and has taught her how to keep fighting for what is best for her children.

Sara Buttita

Sara earned her MSW from Dominican University and is a Licensed Social Worker. She is currently a staff therapist with Bridgepoint Psychology Center and is also the Program Coordinator for Grief Connection Space. Sara is the parent of a child with a developmental disability. She believes that community education is essential for improving awareness and support for those facing loss. She aims to provide compassionate care to help individuals heal and navigate one of life’s most challenging experiences.

Sara completed her clinical internship as a Bereavement Counselor at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care. Prior to that, she interned with Pillars Community Health’s Buddy’s Place Program, where she helped develop and deliver grief education to local schools and families, facilitated grief support programs, and participated in outreach
initiatives. Her community-focused work has given her a deep understanding of grief and bereavement support from both clinical and outreach perspectives.

Annie Bruno, MSW, LCSW, QIDP

Annie is the Family Advocate for Central & Southern Illinois. She holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois in Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, as well as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional. Annie has over fifteen years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and their families. She has spent time as a Service Facilitator in the Home-Based program and as an Independent Service Coordinator at an ISC agency. Annie has a background in consulting and is passionate about assisting families with navigating complex service systems and connecting to available resources.

Kathy Carmody

Kathy Carmody is the CEO of the Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities, a statewide association whose members provide direct services and support to over 35,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Illinois. At the Institute, Kathy is involved in a wide array of policy and practice issues affecting people with I/DD and serves on and leads multiple committees and task forces impacting the I/DD service system. Kathy has played a dynamic role in shaping and impacting I/DD policy issues in Illinois as CEO of the Institute and nationally as a member of the ANCOR Board of Directors.

Rebecca Clark

Rebecca Clark is the Chief Operating Officer of the Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities, a statewide association whose members provide direct services and support to over 35,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Illinois. Rebecca has experience both as a CEO of an adult provider organization as well as in leadership roles in the K12 special education system, bringing a lifespan perspective to her work on behalf of people with I/DD.

Claire Cook

Claire Cook is the Title V Transition Specialist at UIC: Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC). Claire’s role at DSCC is to help youth with special healthcare needs make a smooth and successful transition to all aspects of adult life. Before joining the Transition Team, she was a Care Coordinator in the Home Care Program at DSCC for several years. Claire received her master’s in social work in 2019 from the University of Illinois. She has previously worked in mental health, substance abuse, and child welfare as a social worker.

Brandon Eddy, RN

Christine Escobar-Sawicki, LCSW

Christine Escobar-Sawicki, LCSW, is a social work educator and mother to three fantastic adult children, one of whom has Fragile X Syndrome. As a Clinical Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Christine draws on years of experience in social work practice, guiding students through the social work internship experiences. Christine is the Social Work Discipline Coordinator for the Illinois Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program, which provides graduate-level interdisciplinary training designed to improve the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities.

Donna Ennis

Donna Ennis is the Senior Vice President of I/DD CILA, In-Home Respite and Home-Based Services at Envision Unlimited. She has a Master’s in Social Work from Jane Adams College of Social Work at UIC. Her experience in the field is extensive, having worked with persons across the life span in a variety of programs, including early intervention, CDS, and clinical services. Donna was part of the team at Envision Unlimited that developed host family CILA, SSH Homes, and, more recently, the remote support homes. Donna particularly enjoys opportunities for networking and collaboration with members, families/guardians, other community providers, and referral/funding sources in pursuit of optimal services and supports for persons with I/DD.

Sherill Mae Flowers

Sherill Mae Flores is a Special Education Teacher with Chicago Public Schools, working in a low-incidence cluster classroom for students in grades 3–5. She supports learners with significant needs through individualized instruction, visual supports, communication strategies, and structured routines that build confidence and independence. Sherill is passionate about creating inclusive classroom environments where students can grow at their own pace and participate meaningfully in daily activities. She focuses on practical, easy-to-use approaches that strengthen collaboration among teachers, paraprofessionals, and families. Sherill is committed to helping students develop functional, academic, and social skills that support their success in school and in the community. She believes that small, consistent steps lead to meaningful progress and that collective action helps all students thrive.

Michelle Halm

Michelle Halm is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Fellow in Thanatology (FT), and educator with extensive experience supporting individuals and families navigating grief and loss. She is the founder of Grief Connection Space, dedicated to grief education and support, and is also a staff therapist at Bridgepoint Psychology Center. Michelle specializes in grief education and offering compassionate guidance to both professionals, clients, and communities. She combines her grief knowledge along with her formal education to build supportive partnerships and provide community education (space) for grief.
Michelle is also a certified instructor for the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s Youth Mental Health First Aid and Teen Mental Health First Aid. She is dedicated to helping others better understand the grieving process and develop skills to provide meaningful, informed support around loss.

JJ Hanley

JJ Hanley is Deputy Chief Officer for Financial Products at the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office. Her role combines all aspects of two careers: first as a financial securities trader, followed by parent advocate and disability services and policy professional after one of her children was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

She serves on the legislative, data, and outreach committees for the National Association of State Treasurers ABLE Savings Plan Network and the steering committee for Equip for Equality’s Illinois ADA Project. She founded jjslist.com, a review website on the disability friendliness of businesses, produced the award-winning PBS documentary “Refrigerator Mothers”, and served with pride for eight years on the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Adam Herges

Adam has worked in the I/DD Field for over 15 years. He currently serves as Community Choices’ Transportation Coordinator but has worked in different capacities in his long career in the field, including 1:1 intensive supports, as a QIDP supporting individuals with behavioral challenges, and in higher education, obtaining his Master’s Degree in English and Disability studies.

Amanda Hedberg

Amanda Hedberg is a strategic leader with extensive experience in program design, partnerships, and marketing across the nonprofit and private sectors. She has led transformative initiatives in disability services, business development, and brand strategy, driving innovation, community engagement, and measurable impact. Currently serving as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships at Aspire, she advances mission-driven growth through cross-sector collaboration and visionary leadership.

Kimberly Hill

Kari Jones

Stephanie Kanter

Stephanie Kanter is the Director of the IL ABLE savings and investment program for people with disabilities at the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer. As an advocate and member of Chicago’s disability community, Stephanie’s background in nonprofit program administration and management is rooted in advancing the empowerment and equity of people with disabilities. Stephanie is an alumna of the US Department of State’s Professional Fellows Program and served on the Chicago Commission on Human Relations Board of Commissioners

Courtney Kerfoot

Courtney Kerfoot is the Integrated Program Support Specialist within DSCC and is also the team lead for Title V transition initiatives for DSCC. She works closely with care coordination teams across DSCC and with Claire Cook, who is DSCC’s Transition Specialist. Courtney worked for several years as a Care Coordinator within DSCC. Courtney received her master’s in Human Development Counseling in 2013 from the University of Illinois at Springfield, and has a background in providing outpatient therapy for children and adolescents.

Jordyn Klingbeil

Jordyn Klingbeil, LMFT, M.A., is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She earned a Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy from Adler University in 2021. Jordyn has been employed at Trinity Services since 2021, initially working as a therapist at the Joliet Family Counseling Center, and has served as Director of Youth Services since 2024. In her role as Director of Youth Services, she oversees programs such as Pathways to Success, the Youth Personal Support Program, Teen Wellness Center, and multiple school contracts. She supervises peer support workers in their interactions with clients and maintains her own caseload. Jordyn is also a certified trainer for the Chicago Parent Program and Adult Mental Health First Aid.

Christopher Landis

My name is Christopher Landis. I hold a bachelor’s degree in social science and have built my career around supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As someone who identifies as being on the autism spectrum, I bring both personal perspective and professional experience to the work I do. My lived experience helps me connect with others, understand their needs, and advocate for meaningful inclusion. I have been with The Arc of Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle Counties for over 4.5 years, and I currently serve as the SDA Supervisor. I work closely with people to ensure their voices are heard and respected, and I strive to create an environment that encourages and celebrates self-advocacy.

Robyn L Lewis

Robyn spent three years as the senior policy advisor for the Illinois Department of Human Resources (IDHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), where she worked to reform policy supporting employment for persons with disabilities. Robyn is also a retired special education teacher, spending 22 years teaching transition-related life and vocational skills to students ages 18-22 diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. Her tenure in the field was dedicated to providing quality, fully immersive, community-based training, bridging the transition gap between secondary education and adult services.

Sam Miller

Sam Miller is the founder of Dreaming Made Simple and was born with cerebral palsy. Sam has a passion for helping people overcome limitations and setbacks through discovering practical steps to reach their dreams and goals. Sam is certified by the world’s No.1 leadership expert, John Maxwell, to coach, speak, and train. He is the author of I’MPOSSIBLE: Life Lessons on Thriving with a Disability and I’MPOSSIBLE JOURNEY: Finding Treasure in the Midst of Grief.

Piyush Mishra

Piyush Mishra is an interdisciplinary researcher and program developer in disability studies, with a background in engineering, working at the intersection of systems and stories. A PhD candidate in Disability Studies at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), his work is grounded in lived experience as a sibling of a brother who is autistic and intellectually disabled. His research focuses on housing, caregiving, and future planning for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), bridging policy and community practice across India and the U.S.

Piyush has contributed to several projects, including Virtual Future is Now, where he co-developed and facilitated future planning training for adults with IDD and their families; MindWalk, a mindful walking intervention for aging South Asian caregivers. He is also the co-founder of Saarthi, India’s first sibling-led support network. Through participatory research, cross-sector partnerships, and disability arts, he aims to advance inclusive care infrastructures and sustainable disability futures.

Jesse Brian McMorris

Jesse is originally from the west side of Chicago and grew up in Cabrini Green. He moved dozens of times as a kid, but eventually found his home in a CILA, where he lived for 20 years. Jesse currently lives in a remote support home with Envision Unlimited. Jesse is an advocate for independent and semi-independent living options. He believes in tailoring the home living environment to an individual’s wants and needs. Jesse believes remote supports help him achieve his goal of living independently. Jesse likes basketball, movies, video games, and shopping. He prides himself on being a people person.

Amy Newell

Amy Newell has been with The Arc of Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle Counties since 2013. She brought experience in banking, Community Action, Head Start, LIHEAP, elder programming, and event planning, along with a strong commitment to community improvement. At The Arc, Amy expanded outreach by building relationships with first responders, strengthening collaboration with law enforcement, and educating the public about the criminal justice system and its impact on people with disabilities. She served on the Governor’s Task Force for Criminal Justice Reform and spent 11 years on The Arc of Illinois board, including roles as Treasurer, Secretary, and co-chair of the Public Policy Committee. Amy serves on several county committees to ensure disability representation and was recently appointed to the Arc of the United States National Council of Executives Steering Committee. She remains dedicated to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living full, self-directed lives in the community.

Jerin Olson

As a mother of four, including a child with disabilities, she has firsthand experience navigating the complexities of special education, healthcare, and community resources. These personal experiences have ignited her passion for advocacy and inclusion, driving her to support other families facing similar challenges.

Professionally, her background includes roles in childcare, family and community engagement in special education, and public service as a Village Trustee. In these capacities, she has worked to create nurturing environments for all children and has collaborated with families, educators, and community leaders to ensure individuals with disabilities have access to essential services. Her commitment lies in fostering equitable opportunities and building a more inclusive future for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Marney Orchard

Marney Orchard combines media, education, and nonprofit expertise in her role as Education Director at Center for Independent Futures (CIF), a non-profit in Evanston, IL. As a former teacher, Marney understands the power of engaging, practical learning. Now, she leads My Full Life, CIF’s innovative digital life skills curriculum, ensuring educators and agencies across the country have the tools to empower individuals with IDD. As a parent of a child with IDD, she brings both professional skill and deep personal insight to her work, helping learners, families, and organizations thrive.

Becca Obuchowski

Becca Obuchowski, M.Ed., LBS1, QIDP, has served as the Executive Director of Community Choices since 2016. Community Choices offers all community-based services to adults with I/DD in Champaign County, IL. Becca has close to 20 years of experience in the field, working in Direct Support, Case Management, K-12 education, and organizational leadership. In her 10 years at Community Choices, she has spearheaded the expansion of the organization in the areas of Community Living, Social Connections, and, most recently, with the development and implementation of their Transportation program.

Jae Jin Pak

Jae Jin is a research associate II and Coordinator of Community Education for IDHD, developing, coordinating, and conducting presentations on disability related topics. He also serves as the Self Advocacy Training Mentor for the IL LEND program, working to empower self-advocates through leadership development. He is a member of the VFiN team and has co-facilitated VFiN trainings and assisted in the TTT project development.

He is co-founder of the Chicagoland Disabled People of Color Coalition (Chicagoland DPOCC), which is a group of disabled people of color in the Chicagoland area that promotes disability pride, self-advocacy, and inclusion. For over 25 years, he has worked on issues of ending domestic and sexual violence, mental health, disability, anti-oppression, and cultural competency. He has worked to build bridges between diverse communities and providers to foster collaborations and partnerships.

Cat Principe

Cat Principe is an experienced program instructor with a strong background in environmental conservation and outdoor education. She has worked in nonprofits and research organizations for 13 years, focusing on creating safe and inclusive outdoor learning environments. Currently based in Chicago, she oversees Thrive Outside Chicago at The Nature Conservancy, connecting 46 grassroots groups to improve access to nature for historically excluded communities. Cat’s work emphasizes representation for disabled individuals, BIPOC, LGBTQIA, veterans, newcomers, and youth in the context of climate change and environmental justice. She recently planned and presented the first Thrive Outside Summit, which included dozens of Envision Unlimited members participating as equals in plotting collective action that can lead to social change. She participates in initiatives like the City Nature Challenge: Chicago and was featured on a panel about inclusivity at the Outdoor Retailer conference. Cat enjoys gardening, hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and baking in her free time.

David Pufundt

David is the Envision Unlimited Adventures Director, planning a wide variety of exciting and engaging group activities that get adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) out in the community. He is also the heart and soul of the Inclusive Environmental Stewardship Program. David has shaped this initiative into an unparalleled leadership opportunity for the people we serve, one that puts adults with IDD in spaces where they have historically been excluded or lack accommodations. Over the past three years, he has partnered with numerous nature-based organizations, which eventually led us to form a very close partnership with Thrive Outside Chicago, an organization that has brought together an existing network of partners dedicated to reducing barriers to the outdoors by increasing meaningful outdoor engagement opportunities for youth and adults in Chicago. Together, they have created opportunities for adults with IDD to both enjoy and steward their local greenspaces.

Kirby Rabalais

Garrett Reynolds

Garrett Reynolds is a Chicago-based public-service leader dedicated to expanding inclusive employment and building stronger communities. Known for his collaborative and grounded approach, Reynolds works closely with partners, employers, and community stakeholders to create pathways that prioritize dignity, independence, and long-term success. He draws on his MPH education and extensive program experience to design initiatives that are both compassionate and operationally effective.
With a career centered on equity and opportunity, Reynolds continues to champion practical, forward-thinking solutions that help people thrive in the workforce and contribute fully to their communities.

Benji Rubin

An attorney, “little/big” brother of Mitchell, who has Autism, and a partner in Rubin Law, a firm whose practice is limited to future planning for his future planning for his fellow families of individuals with special needs. Benji graduated from the University of Illinois College of Law, Magna Cum Laude, received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University, and his Graduate Law Degree, and LLM (Tax), with honors, also from Northwestern University. Benji is a member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners, a member, by invitation, of the Special Needs Alliance (the national not for profit association of special needs planning attorneys with membership by invitation only), is Chairman of the American Bar Association Special Needs Planning Committee, serves as the President of SIBS (Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters), the Illinois chapter of the national Sibling Leadership Network, an organization of adult siblings of individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and/or mental illness. Benji is a member and officer (Treasurer) of the Board of Directors of The Arc of Illinois, is a member of the Clearbrook Associate Board, an organization serving more than 8,000 individuals with disabilities, including his brother, Mitchell, serves on the Board of Directors of DayOne PACT, which serves as Trustee of Special Needs Trusts as well as Guardian for individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and/or mental illness, serves on the Board of Directors of the Foundation of The Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL Foundation), serves on the Advisory Council of Encompass (Encompass in partnership with Jewish Child & Family Services, Jewish United Fund, JVS Chicago, JCC Chicago, Keshet, and The Center for Enriched Living and Center for Independent Futures). Benji is also a Faculty Member for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE) on the topic of special needs planning, as well as a Speaker for the American Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association on those topics.

Brian Rubin, JD

Attorney Brian Rubin, the founder of Rubin Law, a former IRS Agent, and former IRS Attorney, has been a practicing attorney since 1976, has been married to his wife Linda for the past 45 years, and is the parent of three children, one of whom, Mitchell, 41, has Autism. Brian’s law practice, for four decades, since Mitchell was one year old, has been dedicated to serving the legal and future planning needs of his fellow Illinois families of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and/or mental illness.

Shirley Sains

Shirley Sains is a parent advocate and co-founder of IPACD (Illinois Parents of Adults with Complex Disabilities), a grassroots organization of families and allies of adults with complex medical or behavioral support needs. As the parent of a young adult daughter with significant support needs, she has firsthand experience with gaps in Illinois’ service system and brings more than two decades of lived experience navigating the state’s developmental disabilities system. Shirley is also a 2023 graduate of Illinois Partners in Policymaking, where she learned about Supported Living as a truly person-centered Medicaid waiver service, passed by Congress in 1990, and now in many states. She collaborates with legislators, policy teams, and advocacy organizations to advance a Community Supported Living Waiver that would expand high-acuity community options and help Illinois meet its obligations with the Ligas Consent Decree while aligning with national best practices.

Veronica Salazar

Veronica has been working in the field, serving both children and adults living with intellectual disabilities and their families for over 26 years. Her passion is to advocate for the individual’s needs as well as provide support to their families. She is married and a proud parent of 2 young adults, Serena and Ramon. Her son blessed us with a granddaughter, Brooklyn, who is 4 years old and keeps our family on our toes! Veronica also enjoys serving as a lector at Immaculate Conception-St Michael Church on the Southeast side of Chicago. She also serves as a volunteer, providing baptism preparation classes, co-facilitating, alongside her sister, Sandy. Her faith and family are her joy!

Kristen Salkas, PhD

Dr. Kristen Salkas is the Director of Innovation at Envision Unlimited. She earned her PhD in Disability Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago and brings over 12 years of experience in the disability field. Kristen has published in peer-reviewed journals, spoken at national conferences, and teaches as an adjunct instructor. Passionate about translating research into practice, she is committed to building inclusive systems that center the voices of people with disabilities. When she’s not exploring the latest disability research, you’ll find her training for her next triathlon.

Scott Sanders, BCBA

Scott Sanders is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and complex behavioral needs. He integrates applied behavior analysis with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and trauma-informed care to deliver meaningful, person-centered outcomes. A passionate advocate for systems change, Scott partners with provider agencies, healthcare teams, and families to develop scalable, compassionate interventions that prioritize quality of life and real-world impact. He challenges conventional practices while empowering caregivers and clients alike. Scott trains clinicians, direct support professionals, and administrators across the Midwest on staff motivation, ethical practice, and evidence-based care. His current focus is on integrating behavior analysis within whole-person care frameworks to transform outcomes across healthcare systems. His dynamic, interdisciplinary approach bridges clinical excellence with dignified, innovative service delivery.

Sean Sawicki

Sean Sawicki is a 23-year-old self-advocate who lives with Fragile X Syndrome. A graduate of Richards High School and District 218 Adult Transition Program, Sean has worked at High Five Heights and Beggar’s Pizza. He is a volunteer at Mercy Circle, a Senior-Living Community, and attends the Park Lawn Day program. Sean is a frequent guest lecturer at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, School of Social Work, where he lectures in both undergraduate and graduate classes about living with Fragile X, advocacy, and inclusion. Sean loves politics, presidents, and voting. He attended the Speak Up, Speak Out Summit in 2025 and has traveled to Washington DC to advocate for increased funding and laws that support people with disabilities. Sean is also a medal-winning Special Olympian!

Hannah Sheets

Hannah has over 20 years of experience supporting people with I/DD. She has her Master’s degree in therapeutic recreation and has worked in many different capacities in the disability support field. She has been with Community Choices for over 10 years and was instrumental in the growth of the organization from just a few staff through the creation of their Connect Program, the expansion of their Community Support department, and finally in the development of their Transportation services.

Elana Sickman

Elana is a Behavior Specialist at Illinois Crisis Prevention Network, with experience in community-based mental and behavioral health care. She uses principles of behavior analysis to support interdisciplinary teams in addressing mental and behavioral health disparities, while building on the strengths of those she supports to overcome challenges. Elana is passionate about translating evidence-based strategies into practical solutions, fostering collaborations across disciplines, and improving outcomes for diverse communities.

Daniel Smrokowski

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate, best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a pioneering podcast platform with over 800 episodes spanning 17 years. Through his storytelling and journalism, Daniel has empowered people with disabilities, giving them a platform to share their voices. He is a recipient of the prestigious Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice, recognizing his media work in advocating for disability rights. In 2020, Daniel received the Self Advocacy Award from The Arc of Illinois for his commitment to advancing the rights and representation of individuals with disabilities.

Vincent Smith

My name is Vincent Smith, and I am a graduate of Chicago Public Schools. I am an outspoken advocate and have served in a variety of settings, including the PACE ADA Paratransit Advisory Board and as a past member of the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) Board of Directors. I have presented in Illinois (Speak Up and Speak Out Summit, Going Home Rally, DDD Provider Webinars) on supportive housing, assistive technology, and transportation. I have also presented for self-advocates in Ohio on rights. I am passionate about supportive housing and present often about my experience. In my free time, I enjoy traveling to visit family in Virginia, California, Minnesota, and North Carolina.

Meaghan South

Meaghan South, ATR, MS, is a licensed Art Therapist with extensive experience in trauma and mental health. She holds certifications in Trauma-Focused CBT, EMDR, Somatic Approaches, EAGALA, and is a Certified First Responder Counselor. Meaghan is an Illinois Complex Trauma Trainer with the Complex Trauma Training Consortium, a Chicago Parenting Program Instructor, a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and an Educational Instructor at Joliet Junior College.

Her career spans diverse settings, including professional conferences, residential programs, hospitals, public and therapeutic schools, cancer centers, outpatient care, community mental health, and memory care units. Meaghan is committed to serving Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking survivors and advocates for systemic change as Co-Chair of the Domestic Violence Task Force for Safe Communities in the Village of New Lenox. Meaghan currently serves as Program Director for the Joliet Family Counseling Center with Trinity Services, Inc., supervising therapists and interns while maintaining her own caseload, providing art therapy to teens and young adults through individual sessions and the Open Art Studio.

Tiffany Steinhauser, M.Ed, CRS-A/D

Tiffany has been a special educator for 21 years in Quincy, Illinois. Advocacy is something that is close to her heart and has led her to spend her life teaching, advocating, and supporting parents. As an educator of children with disabilities for many years, she has found there to be a huge need for more family resources and supports. Tiffany is a parent to two children. In her free time, she and her husband both enjoy camping and boating. Tiffany also enjoys reading and being outdoors. Tiffany holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Special Education from Quincy University (IL) and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Williams Wood University (MO).

Jacqueline Steward

Jennifer Summers

Dr. Jennifer Summers is an Occupational Therapist and a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her work focuses on helping people with disabilities navigate important parts of everyday life related to relationships, sexuality, and intimacy, including dating, sexual expression, gender and sexual identity, sexual activity, menstruation management, and reproductive health. She speaks across the country on these topics with the goal of helping people understand that intimacy and sexual health are normal, meaningful parts of overall well-being.

Jada Thompson