Marilee Adamski-Smith was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Her disability, Tetra-Amelia, means four missing limbs. She became interested in self-advocacy in college. She is married and currently lives in Brookfield: “Don’t feel sorry for me. I don’t know what it is like to have arms or legs, so I’m not missing anything!”
Jordan Anderson co-leads the Center on Youth Voice, Youth Choice project on Supported Decision-Making for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WI-BPDD). He works full-time at Marshfield Clinic Health System as a Patient Care Assistant. He enjoys sports, hunting, and politics.
Kathryne Auerback is the executive director at Movin’ Out. ka@movin-out.org
Sydney Badeau is a self-advocate and also a Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities board member. She also works for People First Wisconsin as an Outreach Self-Advocate and works for the Arc Wisconsin as a Social Media Assistant. She is also the President of the Board of the Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum.
Rosie Bartel is a widow, mother, grandmother, and an educator. In August of 2009 she underwent a total right knee replacement that developed into a MRSA staph infection, which led to many health problems and procedures. As Rosie continues to battle this infection in her body, she is driven to share her story of survival.
Patti Jo Becker, brings more than 25 years of experience and passion to her current role. Patti’s experience includes provider roles of direct support and management, consultant roles with families, advocates, and funding agencies as well as, advocacy in local, state, and federal venues. She is currently the Director of Program Operations at Community Living Alliance. She lives in Oregon, Wisconsin. beckerp@clanet.org
Cindy Bentley is the Executive Director of People First Wisconsin (PFW). Cindy is a fearless advocate who leads others in making our communities more accessible. Cindy leads the charge for all and works to find equal opportunities for all. peoplefirstwi@gmail.com
Erica Bessert is a Work Incentives Benefit Specialist. She has a background in understanding the long-term care system, over 6 years of experience providing benefits counseling services and a passion for working with individuals. Erica provides service to individuals to help them understand and make informed decisions about working and their benefits. bessert@eri-wi.org
Ginger Beuk has been a lifelong self-advocate. Ginger is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking Program, and she currently serves as the President of People First Wisconsin. She works as a self-advocate leader for the Living Well Project.
Julie Blasky is a self-advocate from Madison and an Outreach Advocate for People First Wisconsin. She is passionate about transportation and works as a dispatcher for a private transportation company and participates on the Transportation Advisory Council. She is excited to be here at the Conference to share her expertise. blaskyj@gmail.com
Lynn Breedlove was the Executive Director of Disability Rights Wisconsin from 1980-2011. He served as Co-Chair of the Survival Coalition from 1999-2011. He is a Board Member InControl Wisconsin from 2009 to date. Lynnbreedlove.wi@gmail.com
Holly Carmichael leads a team that helps more than 25,000 people self-direct their long-term service and support. Holly works to make sure of inclusion, accessibility, and equal treatment for all. Holly is co-host of the Disability Garrison Podcast.
Christie Carter is the Aging & Disability Program Coordinator at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center. She has a Masters in Education with a focus on instructional design and is part of both the LGBT and disability communities. She uses her personal experiences in both groups to educate policymakers and advocate for the people she works with every day. ccarter@mkelgbt.org
Felicia Clayborne is visually and intellectually impaired. She is on the WI BPDD Board and a traveler at heart. She has her own travel group named Abilities Travel Club for 5 years. abilitiestravelclub@gmail.com
Molly Cooney works for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. She oversees the Partners with Business initiative and the Families Supporting Families grants. Molly is especially interested in the benefits of natural supports, the impact of high expectations, and the importance of plain language. molly.cooney@wisconsin.gov
Katie Corbett works with business owners and marketing professionals so they can tell the success stories of their happy customers. She does this through writing customer case studies, gathering impactful testimonials, and collecting effective reviews. Katie has written for coaches of all types, technology companies, website developers, and graphic designers. When she isn’t writing, she can be found baking, reading fantasy novels, stargazing, and road-tripping with her husband. Katie lives near the Wisconsin Dells.
Camille DeGaz is a self-advocate leader with the Living Well grant working with Aptiv. Camille lives in Lacrosse, Wisconsin.
Annette Downey is a trainer and consultant for the Center for Self-Determination and serves as the CEO of Community Living Services in Michigan. adowney@comlivserv.com
Stacy Ellingen is a college graduate and business owner. Stacy’s advocacy and self-determination have gotten her where she is today. Through her perseverance and resiliency, she has yet to meet a challenge she can’t overcome! Her motto is: never ever give up! sellingen@incontrolwisconsin.org
Jason Endres is the Chair of the Independent Living Council of Wisconsin, former President of People First of Wisconsin, and a Partners in Policymaking graduate. He lives with his wife and their dogs in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. jason54701@gmail.com
Sally Flaschberger has been a disability advocate for over 20 years. She is the Program Manager for the BPDD-Living Well Grant and co-leads Partners in Policymaking. She is the parent of a young adult with a disability. sally.flaschberger@wisconsin.gov
Tony Freiberg lives independently at Movin’ Out’s Pinney Lane Apartments. In addition to running his own business, Freiberg’s Hardscaping, Tony works in a restaurant and serves on the Movin’ Out Board of Directors.
Matt Frisinger lives in Hartland, WI and is highly involved in his community. He is a manager for the Arrowhead Boys Basketball team, he works at the Wisconsin Athletic Club and at Naga-Waukesha Golf Course. Matt is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing golf with his family and friends.
Carrie Gartzke has been a Community Partnership Specialist with TMG since 2017. She has over 25 years’ experience in long term care. Carrie is passionate about leveraging community resources that help people build lives which are meaningful for that person. cjgartzke@tmgwisconsin.com
Beth Gaytan has worked in adult education for 20 years and partnered with healthcare organizations, service industries, manufacturing companies, state departments, and community programs to improve outcomes through improved communication. She is the primary author of a curriculum recognized by the State of Wisconsin as “a promising practice” to improve minority health outcomes. beth@wisconsinliteracy.org
Nikki Gilkowski started with ODC in spring of 2019, as a community day aid. She transitioned into respite, daily living skills, community friends, and volunteering for other community special needs events. Nikki is also a mother, and grandmother of one. She likes to make and sell jam in her spare time. sgalkowski@odcinc.com
Kelly Gochenaur is the Managed Care Lead Ombudsman, providing technical support to regional ombudsmen, leadership and outside groups, and serving Family Care members 60+ years in La Crosse County and participating in system advocacy. Kelly was hired by the Board on Aging and Long Term Care in 2017. She has over 20 years’ experience working with consumers receiving Long-Term Care services in various community settings and programs. Kelly.gochenaur@wisconsin.gov
Virginia Harrison is a Bridge Builder with LOV Inc. supporting adults with I/DD to connect to the community and set and achieve personal goals. virginia@lovinc.org
Jesse Horn was diagnosed with autism at age 3. He did not make eye contact, did not talk, and had meltdowns that were emotionally painful for his family and himself. Jesse graduated in 2018 from a State College with a 3.97 GPA.
Stan Hudson is the Health Literacy Director for Wisconsin Literacy, Inc. He is a health literacy expert and health policy analyst with almost 25 years of experience in health communication. He has led the development and implementation of health literacy and health equity education programs for professionals and communities. stan@wisconsinliteracy.org
Keith Jones is the President and CEO of SoulTouchin’ Experiences. He is an African American community activist and entrepreneur with cerebral palsy. As a strong advocate for independent quality living in the community, Mr. Jones has participated actively in various issues that face people with disabilities. Mr. Jones has been recognized for his emerging leadership by the state of Massachusetts and President’s Commission for Employment for People with Disabilities. kpjones@dasoultoucha.com
Sam Katz: Affectionately known as Sammi, is a determined, persistent individual who always tries to do the right thing, and has been in LOV Inc. since it started with 5 families around a coffee table. The Fearless Future workshop focuses on how to sustain and support someone when their family supports are not available. This workshop has been a passion for Sam, and he has been part of the workshop as a participant, support and a sibling.
Matthew LaBerge is a 25-year-old graduate from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College with an Associate Degree, Technical Diploma and Technical Certificate. He lives independently and has enjoyed fun employment experiences.
Mitchell LaBerge is a 25-year-old graduate from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College with an Associate Degree, Technical Diploma and Technical Certificate. He lives independently, enjoys travel and is getting married!
Ramsey Lee is a 41-year-old man with Cerebral Palsy and has a passion for disability advocacy. Ramsey works to improve the quality and reduce barriers for people of all abilities. He is a member of the Transportation Advisory Council. Ramsey received his business degree at University of Wisconsin Whitewater.
Nathaniel Lentz has presented at numerous state and national conferences. Nathaniel was a member of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities for eight years. Currently, he is a Self-Advocate for the Living Well Grant and for People First Wisconsin. Nathaniel earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2014. He is also a coauthor of an upcoming book about the history of disability culture. wiscoadvocate@gmail.com
Tim Markle is the parent of a 24-year-old with a disability, director of the Southern Regional Center for CYSHCN, presenter for Wisconsin’s Youth Health Transition and member of the Advisory Team for Dane County PATCH. tmarkle@wisc.edu
Shyquetta McElroy works for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities on lead education and prevention. She is a certified nursing assistant and has deep public health experience sharing information to help families identify sources of lead poisoning. Shy has 4 children – Ages 15, 12, and twin 4-year-old daughters. shyquetta.mcelroy@wisconsin.gov
Mary McKeown is the Managed Care Ombudsman for Dane, Jefferson, Rock, and Walworth counties, providing advocacy to members of Family Care and Partnership programs. Mary started with the Board on Aging and Long Term Care in 2016. Mary’s previous work experience includes advocacy for survivors of domestic violence as well as students in alternative education programs. Mary also holds a master’s degree in community counseling. mary.mckeown@wisconsin.gov
Kathi Miller is the IRIS Ombudsman Lead, currently serving clients statewide. Focusing on participant rights and systems advocacy, Kathi joined the Board on Aging and Long Term Care in 2018. Kathi has enjoyed a lifelong career path in human services, with fourteen of those years being exclusively connected with the IRIS Program. Kathi believes that every individual possesses a special gift or talent. KathleenA.Miller@wisconsin.gov
Stephenie Mlodzik is the Fund Development Coordinator for WisconSibs who has searched for and applied for countless grants to keep the organization moving forward.
Brittany Moreland has multiple special education and mental health labels of which she continues to navigate. As a motivational speaker and self-help advocate, she shares what works for her and how it has helped others. brittany.moreland2623@gmail.com
Lauri Moreland is the mother of Lindsey and Brittany Moreland. Lauri’s children have multiple special education labels and mental health concerns. Lauri has co-written a book about her family’s life with autism. our5thhouse@gmail.com
Lindsey Moreland was diagnosed with autism at 28 months old. Lindsey is now a fully independent adult with a full time job and a passion for drawing, cooking, traveling, and advocating for others with special needs.
Michael Murray, Chief Relationship Officer, GTI. He manages business development, government relations, marketing, innovation & corporate social responsibility. His drive is fueled by his experience as a person with a learning disability & ADHD. MMurray@gtindependence.com
Nick Musson is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and began his career in 2008 with Southwest Michigan Regional Planning Commission as a transportation planner. In 2020, he took a position as the Transportation Specialist with the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR), and is a resource for local, state, and federal transportation funding sources, transportation legislation, mobility management and transportation advocacy. nick.musson@gwaar.org
Jenny Neugart is Co-Lead of the WI Disability Vote Coalition and the Grassroots Community Organizer for the Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. She has worked with youth with disabilities for the past 20 years to be stronger self-advocates. jennifer.neugart@wisconsin.gov
PATCH Teen Educators are a group of high school students (aged 14-18) from across Dane County. They are trained as public speakers and advocates. The Teen Educators come from many different backgrounds and are experts on the needs and concerns of young people. They use storytelling and guided discussion to empower other teens to take control of their health care and to advocate for changes within health care systems that would help all young people access high-quality, youth-friendly healthcare.
Tasia Pinkham is the Employment Services Coordinator for Creative Employment Opportunities (CEO). Tasia has experience working with people with disabilities and providing career services to a wide range of individuals. tpinkham@transcen.org
David Pinno is a self-advocate. David advocates for Wisconsin to be inclusive and supportive of individuals with disabilities. David has been instrumental in advocating for Medicaid Purchase Plan (MAPP) Reforms, Employment First, Partners with Business Legislation, and the Wisconsin ABLE Law. David is a past board member for BPDD and the New London Homeless Shelter.
Stefanie Primm is the Executive Director of Living Our Visions Inclusively (LOV Inc.), an organization built by and for individuals with disabilities and their families. LOV Inc.’s mission is to unite individuals with disabilities and their families to build their best lives.
Michelle Roach is the CEO of Promote Local, a Wisconsin-Based marketing and outreach agency who specializes in helping organizations who support people with disabilities. Michelle’s team has been working with the Self-Determination Conference since 2015 and loves seeing their conference family each year!
Delores Sallis is the mother of five children, her youngest son, Albert, had multiple disabilities. Delores is the founder of Parent University, which serves as a resource center to help families in the Milwaukee area navigate systems to help their loved ones with disabilities. She helps families ask for what they need but don’t know how to ask. Delores.sallis@gmail.com
Emily Savage works with LOV Inc in Madison on the BPDD Living Well grant. Emily has been working with peer groups to deliver the Living Well safe and free curriculum and the rights guide. She moved to Madison in 2002.
Kristi Scheunemann is a self-advocate leader with the Living Well grant working with St. Coletta. Kristi lived in Watertown, Wisconsin.
Cheryl Schiltz is the author of Amazon’s Best Seller, “Silencing the Noise of Disability, A Journey of Transformation” where she tells her story of being introduced to disability. Her experiences have been featured in many publications as well as Dr. Norman Doidge’s New York Times best-seller, “The Brain That Changes Itself” and documentary.
David Scribbins is a self-advocate who uses technology to live a more independent life.
Marshfield Siegler is 25 years old and lives on his own in Stevens Point, WI in an apartment. He likes to make music, meet his followers in town and holds church services in his home. essentialmarshfield@gmail.com
Kai Slater is a self-advocate with several years of experience speaking publicly on the issues that they are passionate about. They have spent over a decade dealing with mental health challenges, and they use their knowledge and experience to help others.
Kayla Smith is a graduate from Marian University with a degree in social work and a specialty in psychology, with 13 years of experience within the IRIS program. Kayla is an IRIS Ombudsman Specialist with the Board on Aging and Long Term Care, and advocates for IRIS participants 60 years and older. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and being outdoors. Kaylaj.Smith@wisconsin.gov
Julie Strenn has more than 25 years of experience in long-term care, having worked for provider agencies, managed care organizations, and state and local government agencies including the Wisconsin Department of Health Services., She has consulted with service providers, funders, and multiple state governments in transforming the long-term care system to focus on community employment and community living for people with disabilities. Julie is currently the President/CEO (Chief Executive Officer) at ODC. jstrenn@odcinc.com
Dominika Tamley is a high school student in Chicago with a passion to teach others about disability advocacy. With a heart for independence and a desire to problem solve, Dominika aims to reach a large audience through her newest venture as a podcaster. She wants others to know that a student with disabilities can thrive in a school setting. She also wants to educate those unfamiliar with disabilities to know that there’s a common thread in everyone—there’s no need to judge but to understand and connect.
Andy Thain is a member of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities, former small business owner, and a Partners in Policymaking graduate. sendmail2andy@gmail.com
John Toppi was the first person in Michigan to volunteer when the grant vouchers for Self-Determination were being issued in 1997. John historically lived in institutions and said, “I was ready to start my life over again” and that is EXACTLY what he did!
Jeannette Walker worked for the City of Rockford Human Resources Headstart Program. The Headstart was designed to encourage parents to become more involved with their children’s overall education and preparing 3 and 4 year old children for public school. The parents were encouraged to learn more about community agencies by becoming board members.
Stacey Wargowsky has 22 years of experience in the health and human services field and has held numerous positions throughout the years. Stacey has spent a significant amount of time over the last few years exploring innovative approaches to support individuals in their communities with a focus on technology through her work at Inclusa. Additionally, Stacey has supported the development of the Technology First Coalition of Wisconsin and is on the training and education committee. stacey.wargowsky@inclusa.org
Tina Wiley is a mother of six awesome children. She has had the opportunity to work with the Safe and Free series for 2 years. She is an active member of People First and has had the opportunity to work with some very amazing people! Tina is also a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and a Certified Mediator.