Presented by The Arc of Illinois Family Advocate Program & the Family Support Network
Day 1, August 4, 2021
Ligas Family Advocate Program presented by Megan Mutti and Ruth Aguilar
Independent Service Coordination Agency – Suburban Access presented by Patty O’Brien
ACES$ – IL Fiscal Agent for HB presented by Tasha Whiteside
DHS Division of Developmental Disabilities presented by Andrea Medley
Envision – Self-Direction Assistance presented by Eileen Morrissey
Recording for Day 1 – passcode: BootCamp#1
Day 2, August 5, 2021
HBS Family Panel
Personal Support Work – Process & Responsibilities presented by Shirley Perez and Tasha Whiteside
Recording for Day 2: Part 1 and Part 2 – passcode: BootCamp#2
Speaker Bios
Andrea Medley
Andrea Medley joined the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Developmental Disabilities in 2001. Initially, Andrea served as the Division’s liaison to the Dept. of Children and Family Services, Community and Residential Services Authority and to the Statewide Independent Living Council as well as facilitated interstate transfers. In 2003, Andrea became the North Central Region Facilitator in what’s now called the Bureau of Community Services. In November of 2015 Andrea was asked to assist in the Life Choices transformation for 60 days. A year later, she committed to the transformation full time. As of April of 2019, Andrea serves as the Strategic Planning Unit Supervisor within the DDD, where she is responsible for updating DDD Administrative Rules. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services and Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Administration.
Eileen Morrissey
Eileen Morrissey graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Psychology. She has been employed by Envision Unlimited for over 23 years. She is a QIPD and currently serves as the Director of Family Support Services for Envision Unlimited. She has worked serving families in the Home-Based program since its inception. She currently serves over 120 families by providing Self Directed Assistance Service.
Patty O’Brien
Patty O’Brien, has worked at Suburban Access for 11 years. She currently serves as the Developmental Disability Manager. Prior to working at Suburban Access she worked for a large provider agency for 25 years. Patty’s philosophy is “doing whatever it takes to get the job done – so that we can serve families in need!”
Tasha Whiteside
Tasha Whiteside is Director of Illinois Operations for ACES$ Financial Management Services with responsibility for the payroll operations, enrollments and client care for over 3,000 consumers in the State of Illinois. Tasha has spent her career working with people with disabilities in a variety of functions and roles. Prior to joining ACES$ in March of 2014, Tasha spent six years with Ray Graham Association in administration, program enhancement and life skills development. She began her career in direct support and Residential Services and was named Residential Services Director of the Year while at Frances House. One of Tasha’s core strengths and beliefs is that community partnership is essential to all non-profits and she continues to improve the connectedness and outreach of ACES$.