Session Descriptions

Click here to view the 2026 Session Descriptions (MS Word).

Welcome Remarks.

8:30am – 8:45am.

Speaker:

Golda Duncan, BS, Peer Educator 2, Mental Health Association in Delaware and Advocate.

Speaker Bio:

Golda Duncan, BS, is an African American, Cis Gender Female member of the LGBTQ+ Community living with a Disability. She is Peer Support Educator 2 at Mental Health Association in Delaware (MHA), teaching people with lived experience in mental health and substance use who have been in recovery to become a support system to others with shared experiences. Among Golda’s other responsibilities she facilitates and co-facilitates groups, CEU’s (continuing education programs), trainings, advocacy work, and obtains seats on various councils.

2026 Keynote Address.

8:45am – 9:30am.

Moving Forward Together: A Panel Discussion with Advocates.

Speakers:

Maitri Campbell, Advocate, Chair, DDC Policy and Law Committee.

Jessica Davenport, BS, Community and Advocate Liaison, Delaware Developmental Disabilities Services.

Amy Gootzait, Adult with a Disability.

Ed Gootzait, Chair State Council for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) Housing Committee.

Dejza Harris, Daughter, Model, Advocate.

Michael Harris, Father, Family Caregiver, Advocate.

Session Description:

Have you ever asked yourself, “How can my voice make changes for myself and others?”

In this Keynote Address panel discussion, you will hear from advocates who will share their personal journeys, what set them on their path, where they began, and where they are today. They will talk about taking control of their own lives or supporting their loved ones while breaking down barriers for themselves and others. Along the way, they will show that anyone can be an advocate—whether you are an individual with a disability, caregiver, legal guardian, service provider, or community member. We all have the power to speak up and make changes. This discussion will highlight how taking control of our own lives and building a strong support network will help us all move forward together.

Speaker Bios:

Maitri Campbell is a person whose life is all about resilience, determination, and speaking up for herself and others. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Maitri always knew she was meant to live independently in the community. While living in an institution, Maitri fought for her freedom and independence. With the support of friends and advocates, she moved into her own apartment, taking charge of her life.

Today, Maitri is not only living independently but also advocating for others. As a member of the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council, she is a leader. Maitri serves as the Chair of the DDC Policy and Law Committee. Maitri has received awards for her advocacy and been in several documentaries. Maitri’s story shows that with determination, you can overcome any obstacle.

Jessica Davenport, BS, is the author of Detoured Destiny and is currently working on her master’s degree at Wilmington University in Health Science. Since 2023, she has served as the Community and Advocate Liaison for the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS). In this role, she connects with the disability community with DDDS, making sure their voices are heard, and their needs are met. With her degree she aims to create policies, practices, and educational materials that promote inclusion and well-being for future generations.

Advocacy is more than just a career for Jessica—it’s her passion. She believes that when one person succeeds, they open the door for others to succeed too.

Amy Gootzait is a 46-year-old woman with Down syndrome. She moved to Delaware in 2012 with her parents to be closer to her older sister and her family, thinking ahead for Amy’s future caregiving needs.

Amy has a busy schedule including working as a baker at Waggies for Maggie and Friends https://waggies.org; volunteering at the Mary Campbell Center; and taking part in Special Olympics (basketball, bocce, bowling and tennis).

Ed Gootzait and his wife Susan are caregivers to their daughter Amy, a 46-year-old woman with Down syndrome. They moved to Delaware in 2012 to be closer to his older daughter and her family, thinking ahead for Amy’s future caregiving needs.

After a 40+ year career in the defense and power industries and in academia, Ed completed his career as VP of a Virginia company developing sensors for healthcare and military and homeland security applications. After retiring in 2008 Ed has been active as a volunteer in both Virginia and Delaware. In Delaware Ed is the Chair of the Housing Committee of the State Council for Persons with Disabilities. He has been a member of the Christiana Care Patient and Family Advisory Committee and continues as a Master Financial Education Volunteer for the UD Cooperative Extension.

Dejza Harris is a fashion model and passionate advocate. She trains at the J. Love Fashion School of Etiquette and Ripley-Grier Studios in New York City. A determined “go-getter,” Dejza became a Certified Zumba Instructor in 2016 and still enjoys Zumba several times a week for its energy and community. She has met with U.S. Senators and Representatives to promote opportunities for people with disabilities and, in 2024, was invited to the White House to join a panel during the White House Convening on Care where she also dined with President Joe Biden. A 2017 graduate of Junior Partners in Policymaking, she works closely with the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council and recently completed The Kitchen School at the Food Bank of Delaware, earning her ServSafe Certification.

Michael Harris is a proud father, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and dedicated advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. After two honorable tours, he continued to serve as a Commissioned Constable for the State of Delaware and is an AmeriCorps alumnus. A 2015 Partners in Policymaking graduate, he serves as a member and former Chair of the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council and recently completed the Delaware LEND program. Michael embodies the Council’s mantra—Advocate, Educate, Inform, Outreach, and Unite—promoting inclusion through awareness and collaboration. As a father and caregiver, his advocacy is deeply personal, focusing on empowering families and building a society where every person lives with dignity, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

Concurrent Session 1.

10:30am – 11:45am.

A Seat at the Table: Make Your Voice Heard by Key Delaware Decision Makers!

Speakers:

Senator Spiros Mantzavinos, MA.

Andrew (“Drew”) Wilson, BA, JD, Director, Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services.

Representative Madinah Wilson-Anton, MA.

Session Description:

Now more than ever it is important to have your lived experience heard by key decision makers in Delaware. Federal uncertainties will impact the disability community. Please join us in meeting with some of the important individuals in Delaware who are shaping policies as they relate to those with disabilities. Ask questions! Make your voice heard! Come speak up and advocate for yourself and others, join the conversation!

Speaker Bios:

Senator Spiros Mantzavinos, MA, represents the 7th Senate District, which encompasses Elsmere, the Lancaster Pike/Newport Gap Pike areas, and portions of Newport. Senator Mantzavinos began his government service as a legislative assistant with the Delaware Senate in the 1990s. He then worked at the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce and then as a media relations professional for some of Delaware’s largest employers before launching his own communications consulting firm. In addition to his work on elder care issues, he chairs the Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee. He serves on the Senate Veterans Affairs, Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation, Rules & Ethics, and Bond Bill Committees. Raised in Caldwell, NJ, Senator Mantzavinos earned a BA from Muhlenberg College, and his Masters from the University of Delaware.

Andrew (“Drew”) Wilson is the Medicaid Director for the State of Delaware, where he leads policy, strategy, and operations for a $3.2 billion program serving over 250,000 residents. With a background in law and a deep commitment to public service, Drew brings a sharp analytical lens to complex healthcare financing, delivery reform, and system integrity. He is known for driving cross-sector collaboration, advancing equity in access and outcomes, and translating policy into practical, people-centered solutions.

Representative Madinah Wilson-Anton, MA, represents the 26th District, which covers parts of Newark and Bear. She was elected in 2020 and is the first Muslim elected to the Delaware General Assembly. Representative Wilson-Anton has spearheaded multiple progressive initiatives during her tenure, and in her spare time, performs standup comedy across the United States.

Assistive Technology Access and Use in Schools: What the Law Says and How to Make Things Happen!

Speakers:

Emmanuel Jenkins, Community Relations Officer, Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council.

Hannah Mennella, MA, CCC-SLP, Augmentative and Alternative Communication Specialist, University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies.

Beth Mineo, PhD, CCC-SLP, Director/Associate Professor, University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies.

Session Description:

Many students with disabilities can benefit from assistive technology (AT) in school. AT can be anything a person with a disability uses to perform a task, learn, communicate or function more easily. This session will talk about a new resource guide to help students have access to the AT they need. The resource explains what state and federal law says about AT in schools and how teams can help students find and use the AT that helps them learn and be successful. The resource includes topics such as how to figure out if a student needs AT; how to decide which AT tools a student needs; how to write about AT in a student’s Individualized Education Program; how AT supports learning; and how to make sure the AT is working for the student. One of the speakers will talk about his journey getting and using AT while he was in school and the difference that it has made in his life.

Speaker Bios:

Emmanuel Jenkins is a beacon of support for individuals with disabilities and their families. He is the Community Relations Officer for the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council and serves as the vice-chair of the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Services Advisory Committee. He serves on the Advisory Committee for the Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center and as chair of the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) Leaders with Lived Experiences (LLE) Committee. He also serves on the NACDD board. In 2024, Emmanuel was appointed by President Biden to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID). As a veteran user of assistive technology, Emmanuel’s experience with accessing and using AT—first as a student and now in his professional roles—illustrates why AT access is so crucial for young people.

Hannah Mennella, MA, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist who serves as the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist at the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS). She works with the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) and Systematic Processes for Enhancing and Assessing Communication Supports (SPEACS) program at CDS. With DATI, she helps individuals with disabilities and their support networks explore and acquire communication devices that best meet their needs. Through SPEACS, she works to improve school-based services for children who use AAC and promote communication in the classroom and community. Hannah received her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Delaware.

Beth Mineo, PhD, CCC-SLP, is Director of the University of Delaware’s Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS) and an Associate Professor in UD’s School of Education. She is also Co-Director at UD of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program. Dr. Mineo has taught courses about assistive technology, clinical practices in speech-language pathology, and disability studies. She also directs the Assistive Technology Unit at CDS, which includes the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI, the state AT program), the Delaware Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) Center, and several equipment distribution programs. She received her Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Pittsburgh.

Delaware’s Work with the National Community of Practice (CoP) for Supporting Families.

Speakers:

Sarah Westerfield Brooks, PhD, Senior Project Coordinator for Supporting Families, University of Missouri Kansas City | Institute for Human Development

Laura Dicus-Vegas, MPS, Director of Quality Initiatives and Supporting Families, National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services.

Zackary Enzor, Peer Representative for HUB 302.

Session Description:

Did you know the Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) is part of a National Community of Practice (CoP) alongside 21 other states? The CoP for Supporting Families works to improve policy, practices, and systems so people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live meaningful lives within their families and communities. The goal is to help families best support, nurture, and create opportunities for their loved ones to achieve independence, inclusion, and full community participation. DDDS is committed to offering service options and person-centered planning that support individuals across their lifespan. Through the National CoP, DDDS uses the Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) Framework to guide these efforts, using CtLC principles in planning, services, and system changes.

Join us to learn how the National CoP for Supporting Families is creating spaces for individuals, families, and organizations to learn, share ideas, and connect nationwide. Most importantly, discover how DDDS is shaping Delaware’s system of support for people with disabilities and their families.

Speaker Bios:

Sarah Westerfield Brooks, PhD, is the Senior Project Coordinator for Supporting Families at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, Institute for Human Development. With a Ph.D. in Special Education, Dr. Brooks is a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families, focusing on strengthening family-professional partnerships and fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Laura Dicus-Vegas is the Director of Quality Initiatives and Supporting Families for the National Association of Directors of Developmental Disability Services. In that role she uses her more than 30 years of experience in the field of I/DD services to support system transformation needed to support families of people with I/DD across the Lifespan.

Zackary Enzor is a graduate from Partners in Policymaking and an active member in HUB 302, a non-profit group for neurodivergent people and their families. Zackary is an aspiring author and activist who aims to share his life experiences and unique perspective to help inspire others.

Concurrent Session 2.

1:45pm – 3:00pm.

Advocacy 101: How to Speak Up and Make a Difference.

Speakers:

Selina Butcher, BA, Self-Advocate, LIFE Conference Planning Committee Member

Maitri Campbell, Advocate, Chair, DDC Policy and Law Committee.

Nancy Cordrey, Parent Advocate, Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens (GACEC) Adult and Transition Services Committee Member.

Session Description:

Advocacy is about making your voice heard, standing up for your rights, and working toward a more inclusive and accessible world. For people with disabilities, advocacy can be a powerful way to influence change—whether it’s in your own life, your community, or at the policy level. In this session, we’ll explore what advocacy means, why it’s important, and how you can use it to make a difference. You’ll learn about different types of advocacy—like self-advocacy, peer advocacy, and systems advocacy, and hear real-life examples of how individuals with disabilities have used their voices to drive change.

We’ll also cover simple, practical ways to get involved in advocacy, from speaking up in meetings to joining local or national movements. Information will be provided on the Partners in Policymaking advocacy training program sponsored by the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council. This program helps to train self-advocates and parents on ways to use their voice and personal stories to make changes. Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to build your confidence, this session will help you understand your power, find your voice, and take the first steps toward making an impact.

Speaker Bios:

Selina Butcher, BA, a woman with cerebral palsy was born and raised in Wilmington Delaware. Growing up, had its challenges ,being the “different one“, but her advocacy journey started from these experiences. She had to grow her “alligator skin” at a young age, asserting herself, so that she would not be rolled over in the world that was not made for her. She has carved out a simple life that she enjoys. Selina is a graduate of Temple university, with a BA in criminal justice. She loves to travel and make good friends. Your voice is your first tool to becoming a great advocate. People with disabilities have a right to live and enjoy the pleasures of life as everyone else. Make the best of any situation, and live life on your own terms. Selina currently works as an independent living specialist, where her advocacy skills are used daily!

Nancy Cordrey graduated in 2001 from Partners in Policymaking and became a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens (GACEC). She also now attends A-Team Delaware meetings and is a past member of several State and School District Working Groups. Widowed in 2013, Nancy is the mother of two adult daughters. Two beliefs were the motive for Nancy’s heart for advocating—both daughters were equally deserving of the opportunity to reach their potential, and nothing is gained by waiting for change to occur on its own. Nancy has found that the efforts to obtain needed services are lifelong as she now maneuvers the maze of available adult services, all the while trying to remain in compliance with each agency’s protocols.

Expanding Decision-making Options for Individuals with Disabilities: Delaware’s Legal Support Choices.

Speakers:

Marissa Band, Esq., MPAP, Project Director, Disabilities Rights Delaware Program (DRD), Community Legal Aid Society, Inc.(CLASI).

Ashley Steinbrecher, MS, Health Promotion Implementation Coach, Center for Disabilities Studies, University of Delaware.

Hope Vella, BSW, MS, Decision-making and Educational Advocate, Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI), Disability Rights Delaware (DRD).

Juan Villicana, Parent of an Advocate.

Juan Luis Villicana, Advocate.

Session Description:

As transition-aged youth approach 18 years old, professionals often begin talking to families about guardianship. However, adults with disabilities have choices when it comes to their legal decision-making rights. This panel includes state experts who will lead the audience on a journey exploring Delaware’s legal support choices, communication options used to increase understanding and expression of individuals with disabilities. The audience will hear from people with lived experience who were successful in finding the legal support choice(s) that best fit their needs.

Speaker Bios:

Marissa Band, Esq., MPAP, is the Project Director of the Disabilities Rights Delaware Program (DRD) of Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. “CLASI”. The DLP serves as Delaware’s Protection & Advocacy System. Marissa has been an attorney at CLASI since 2008; she has worked in both CLASI’s DLP and Medical-Legal-Partnership. In those roles, Marissa has assisted children and adults in special education, disability rights, public benefits, immigration and other matters. Marissa has furthered the rights of Delawareans with disabilities via service on many councils, committees and task forces. Marissa obtained a B.A. from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, a Master’s in Public Affairs and Politics from the Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, and a Juris Doctor, Magna Cum Laude, from the Rutgers University School of Law.

Ashley Steinbrecher, MS, is a Health Promotion Implementation Coach at the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies where she delivers accessible, health-related training and resources to Delawareans with disabilities, supporters, and professionals. Ashley also serves as a healthcare trainer for the Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism. She earned her master’s in health promotion and bachelor’s in health behavior science from the University of Delaware.

Hope Vella, BSW, MS, is the Decision-Making Advocate and an educational advocate with Community Legal Aid’s Disabilities Rights Delaware Program (DRD). She works with Delaware Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) service recipients statewide to help them understand their decision-making options and assists them with creating supported decision-making agreements, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives. Hope is a Child of a Deaf Adult (CODA) and believes disability happens.

She has advocated for children and adults with children with invisible disabilities like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia across the country for almost 35 years. Hope has testified before the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and lobbied Congress challenging both to “put her out of a job” and is also a published author. She has also volunteered extensively for organizations working to create accessible and inclusive social environments for Delawareans with disabilities.

Juan Villicana is the proud father of Juan L. Villicana. He and Juan L’s mother are very involved with helping Juan interact within his community with the maximum of autonomy possible. Juan doesn’t have a college degree, but he has earned his D.A.D., and he is an expert in “Juanology”.

Juan Luis Villicana is a 19-year-old young man who has autism. Juan was one of the first clients to benefit from the use of alternative communication tools from Disability Rights Delaware’s Project. Juan is a graduate of John Dickinson High School and recently graduated from Christiana’s Project Search Program. Juan L. Villicana’s short-term goal is to continue working part-time in a hospital providing organization and cleaning services. Juan Luis’s long-term goal is to be a barber.

Give Yourself a Break: Relax and Learn about Self-Care and Mental Wellness.

Speakers:

Daniel Lanier III, Self Advocate.

Hiba Stancofski, MS, Certified Yoga Instructor and Mindfulness Teacher.

Laura Strmel, MPA, Planner IV, Division of Public Health, Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness Section (EMSPS), Office of Preparedness.

Session Description:

Figuring out disability services and support systems is hard on a good day. Give yourself a break and join us for a relaxed session that is focused on the importance of taking care of yourself in times of stress, every day or just for a different type of learning this afternoon. This session will feature choices to participate in activities calm your mind and body and learn more about the importance of practicing self-care. For people with disabilities and those who support them, it is important to learn skills can be used outside of LIFE Conference at home or work to improve one’s mental health and the ability to manage life’s challenges.

Speaker Bios:

Daniel Lanier III is a poet and an aspiring creative writer at The Creative Vision Factory in Wilmington Delaware. Holding varies professional roles in community-based nonprofit, retail and customer service, Daniel is currently studying towards an Associates of Science in the General Studies degree program at Delaware Technical Community College and is a graduate of University of Delaware’s Career Life Studies Certificate program, and remains an active contributor to program communications, activities and peer to peer supports. Daniel, a black man with autism, is passionate about civil rights for all and expresses this through his writing and music. Daniel’s interests include sociology, computer technology, natural sciences, black culture history and music.

Hiba Stancofski, MS, has been teaching yoga for over 10 years. She is a certified yoga teacher. She is also a “Let Your Yoga Dance” instructor, a mindfulness instructor, a Reiki level II healer, and the author of national award winner “I Feel Better Now,” an illustrated children’s book that introduces children to the tools of yoga and mindfulness. Hiba has taught yoga at the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and the Cancer Support Community, has guest taught at several college athletic teams and within school through the years. Hiba regularly teaches yoga at Involution Yoga Studio and leads yoga practices for the local hospital staff where she includes mindfulness in each of her classes. Hiba holds a bachelor and master’s degrees in biology. She enjoys running, hiking, traveling, music, movies, and the beach.

Laura Strmel, MPA, has 25 years of professional experience supporting individuals with disabilities and/or access and functional needs in Delaware. As Planner at the Office of Preparedness within the Delaware Health and Social Services Division of Public Health, she facilitates existing planning projects while researching, identifying, and developing new activity to expand stakeholder networks forwarding the inclusion of people with disabilities and/or access and functional needs in the emergency planning process. Laura holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Delaware, is an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Leadership Network Trainer, and former Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) and certified Mental Health First Responder She lives in Wilmington, Delaware, and enjoys thrift shopping, any beach, and cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles (Go Birds!) while away from work.

Concurrent Session 3.

3:15pm – 4:30pm.

Achieving Financial Independence While Benefiting from Social Security: New Year, New Rules!

Speakers:

Saikye Johnson, Disability Advocate.

Alan Scott, AAS, WIP, CPWIC, Assistant Director of Benefits, Community Integrated Services (CIS).

Session Description:

Achieving financial independence while benefiting from Social Security involves combining strategies like saving, investing, and carefully managing the ways you make money, while also understanding how Social Security benefits interact with work and earnings. This can include taking advantage of Social Security’s work incentives and using ABLE accounts, Miller Trusts, and Special Needs Trusts to maximize long-term income. During the session we will review the Social Security programs and Delaware-specific waivers so participants and families can make informed decisions about employment and earnings, allowing them to become financially independent. Hear from someone who is employed and receives Social Security benefits and how they used benefits counseling to find out whether they qualified or not while working.

Speaker Bios:

Saikye Johnson has been a proud team member at ACE Hardware since 2012. He became employed at ACE Hardware immediately after graduation from Dover High School. He is an avid walker and enjoys walking to work every day. Saikye is an integral member of the ACE Hardware team and can be counted on to provide excellent customer service! He has utilized the Community Integrated Services (CIS) Benefits Team for ongoing supports to help him manage his finances and Social Security benefits.

Alan Scott, AAS, WIP, CPWIC, is the Assistant Director of Benefits at Community Integrated Services (CIS), a Supported Employment Agency located in Delaware that focuses on integrated, community-based employment. As a former Employment Specialist for CIS, Alan has an in-depth understanding of both the employment search and benefits counseling, which allows him to address issues comprehensively. Alan counsels’ individuals and actively works to advise the community about benefits counseling. Alan provides Social Security Benefits guidance and counseling for the Pathways to Employment program, Delaware DVR and DVI participants, the Promise program and school districts, as well as other state, local, and federal partners.

Alan earned his Business Degree from Johnson and Wales University. He is certified as a Work Incentive Practitioner through the Employment and Disability Institute at Cornell University and a Community Partner Work Incentive Counselor from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Exploring Service Dogs and Therapy Animals: Paws with a Purpose!

Speakers:

Taylor Kulp, Development Assistant, Canine Partners for Life.

Kate Rosenthal, Marketing & Event Manager, PAWS for People.

Jules Vasaturo, Director of Program & Client Services, Canine Partners for Life.

Session Description:

Have you ever wondered what service animals and therapy animals really do—and how they help people? In this comprehensive and interactive session, you’ll meet real service dogs and therapy animals from two trusted organizations: Canine Partners for Life and PAWS for People. You’ll learn how these animals support people with disabilities in meaningful and life-changing ways.

This session will explain the differences between service animals and therapy animals, how they’re trained, where they’re allowed to go, and how they assist with physical, emotional, and mental health needs. You’ll also learn about legal rights, how to obtain a service dog, how to access services from a therapy animal, and how to bring therapy animal programs into your organization. There will be time for questions, so bring your curiosity!

Whether you’re an individual interested in a support animal or part of an organization exploring therapy animal visits, this session is for you!

Speaker Bios:

Taylor Kulp is a Development Assistant and volunteer at the non-profit organization Canine Partners for Life located in Cochranville, PA. She has been a volunteer for over eight years and became a staff member in September 2024. Taylor has a medical alert service dog, Laurel, from Canine Partners for Life and they have been a team for five years. Taylor is also one of the organizers for Race to Beat POTS, a 5k and 1mile run/walk/roll, that helps raise funds and awareness for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, and dysautonomia.

Kate Rosenthal is the founder of Virtual Assistance Dragonfly (VA Dragonfly)is the Marketing & Events Manager for PAWS for People as well as a pet therapy volunteer. Kate joined PAWS in 2018 as the manager for PAWS’ programs for children, including PAWS Autism Initiative and PAWS for Reading. In her current role, Kate leads PAWS’ major fundraising events and coordinates the organization’s communication initiatives. As a PAWS volunteer, Kate provides pet therapy visits to adults with disabilities with her dogs, Maizy and Luka.

Jules Vasaturo is a certified professional trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA), a certified Fear Free Animal Trainer through Fear Free Pets leaders in Animal Wellbeing, a certified evaluator for the Canine Good Citizen and STAR Puppy programs with the AKC. She is also a certified End-of-Life Pet Companion Doula through the University of Vermont. In addition, Jules has ten years of experience as a professional groomer and animal caretaker through previous employment opportunities and mentorships.

Parenting with a Disability: I Can Do This!

Speakers:

Alvin Emory, Disability Advocate and CEO, Ability Focused.

Laura Greene, Advocate, Entrepreneur, CEO and Founder, Mid-Atlantic Captioning LLC.

Kelly Manogue, BA, Paralegal, Community Legal Aid Society, Inc.

Session Description:

This session aims to enable both current and future parents with disabilities by creating a supportive space to share real-life experiences, challenges, and successes. This important topic is not talked about enough, leaving many to navigate the parenting journey without enough resources or guidance. With over 4.5 million parents with disabilities in the U.S., it’s time to bring these voices to the forefront. Attendees will gain valuable insights from individuals who have forged their own paths in parenting, offering both inspiration and practical advice.

Speaker Bios:

Alvin Emory is the CEO of Ability Focused. He has a distinguished 45+-year career as a cleaning professional. Thirty-seven years of that duration specializing in FDA-validated sterilization for a global pharmaceutical company, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality. Since then, he transitioned into the role of a Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP), where he mentors and trains individuals with disabilities, advocating for workforce inclusion and equal employment opportunities. His work reflects a commitment to excellence, service, and social equity, making a positive impact in both the industry and his community. Alvin’s’ membership affiliations include Knights of Columbus, Shriners, and Masons. You may view and listen to Alvin’s personal journey online by searching: Claws & Wings -Alvin Emory 12/2017.

Laura Greene is a passionate advocate and entrepreneur based in Delaware. As a single mother and wheelchair user, she brings a powerful and authentic voice to discussions around equity, inclusion, and systemic change. She is the CEO and Founder of Mid-Atlantic Captioning LLC, a company that provides captioning services to enhance accessibility and inclusion.

Driven by her own experiences, Laura is also committed to designing and manufacturing affordable products that make parenthood easier for parents with disabilities. Her innovative approach aims to remove barriers and improve daily life for families like hers. Laura believes Delaware’s progress depends on inclusive leadership that reflects the full diversity of its residents. Through aspirations, Laura continues to embrace greatness and push for lasting change.

Kelly Manogue, BA, is a paralegal at Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI), where she worked for Disability Rights Delaware before joining the Family Representation Unit. Kelly also worked with young adults in her role as Transition Coordinator at Parent Information Center. Kelly was diagnosed with anxiety, ADHD, and autism at age 42 – a turning point in her voyage of self-discovery of neurodivergence. She is a 2023 graduate of the Partners in Policymaking program. She advocates for people with disabilities and the LGBTQIA+ community. She is a member of the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council.

Kelly lived in New Zealand while volunteering with Rainbow Youth and the New Zealand AIDS Foundation. She is married to Steve and is a stepparent to Sara and grandmother to Waylon, Dawson, and Baker.

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