2025 Membership and Bios:
NICOL BEAUMONT, Chicago
I have worked with individuals with developmental disabilities throughout my career in various capacities including residential & community support services. I was a guardian for almost 30 years for a man with a dual diagnosis who lived at times at SODCs and CILAs. He passed away in 2022 but taught me so much. I use that experience in my work and advocacy for individuals with disabilities at Equip for Equality working at SODCs and CILAs. I know these systems very well and believe I can assist in advising on strengths and needed improvements.
TYSON BEDFORD, Geneseo
Tyson Bedford was born and raised in Geneseo, IL. He is a graduate of Geneseo High School. After high school, he attended the University of Iowa UI Reach Program, in Iowa City, IA, where he studied Human Resources and graduated in 2017. While attending UI, he interned at Access 2 Independence where he became more active in advocacy and speaking on issues for those with disabilities. Tyson currently works with a group in East Moline, IL, called Respect Abilities where he helps the local community with downtown beautification maintaining the plants and flowers, works at a local concert venue, works concessions for summer sports programs, along with working at several downtown shops. Tyson was appointed by Governor Pritzker to serve on the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities in 2022 and he has served on the executive Committee. He is a 2019 graduate of Illinois Partners in Policymaking and is a Financial Wellness trainer with the National Disability Institute where he educates others on the importance of financial wellness. He co-presented with the National Disability Institute at the National Council on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) conference in Orlando, FL in July 2023. Tyson has met with lawmakers at the Illinois capital in Springfield on issues that affect people with disabilities, including Dignity in Pay. In his free time, Tyson enjoys listening to and creating music - electro-swing being his favorite genre of music. Other activities he enjoys include podcasting, computer tech, and gaming. He, also, volunteers at the Henry County Humane Society where every Friday he goes to take care of their cats.
MIKE BIBO, Galesburg
Mike has been in the profession of long-term care for forty-six (46) years. He is the Director of Public Policy for several organizations serving approximately 1,200 individuals with intellectual/ developmental disabilities. He is currently the President of the Center for Developmental Disabilities and Community Supports (The Center).
He has served on numerous Illinois State regulatory agencies advisory committees including, the Olmstead Steering Committee; the Medicaid Waiver Cost Unbundling Best Practice co-chair; the Division of Developmental Disabilities Finance Committee vice-chair; and was appointed by both Governors Ryan and Blagojevich to serve as a member of the Disabilities Services Advisory Committee. He currently serves on the IDPH DD Facility Advisory Board as The Center's representative; on the DHS/DDD Regulatory Advisory Board as The Center's representative; on the DDD Advisory Committee; and the LIGAS Rate Oversight Committee.
Mike has been effective in shaping the development of policies affecting residential services and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, and the elderly, at local, state and federal levels. He has presented issues and trends to numerous private, state and federal organizations and agencies, including the President's Committee for People With Intellectual Disabilities.
HELEN BLACKBURN, West Frankfort
Helen Blackburn is the Vice President of Clinical Services at Centerstone, a not-for-profit health system specializing in behavioral health, I/DD, and substance use disorder treatments. In her role, she leads an array of services for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, behavioral healt support, and applied behavior analysis.
Blackburn has over 2 decades of experience supporting people with disabilities in the community. Under her leadership, Centerstone's residential supports expanded 10-fold to expand community options including independent and supported housing. In addition, her team opened an autism clinic and reinvented vocational services to offer competitive, integrated employment and community-based programming. Blackburn has dedicated herself to advocacy for those supported in the programs and her team, which consists primarily of frontline workers. She continues engagement in projects to increase self-advocacy and a project to reduce turnover and burnout; a crisis affecting our frontine workers and those they support nationwide. Blackburn sits on the Board of Directors for IARF, the Fatality Review Team for the southern Illinois area, and is a member of a variety of advocacy organizations, including NADSP and SIARF.
Blackburn graduated from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Services and a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. She
holds certfications as a direct support professional (DSP), Qualified Intellectual Disabilties Provider (QIDP), and a licensed clincial professional counselor (LCPC).
STEPHANIE BROWN, Carbondale
Stephanie Brown is a dedicated professional with over 18 years of experience in early childhood development. Currently serving as Parent Educator Supervisor in a Birth to Three program, Stephanie offers invaluable support to families through child developmental screenings and vital parenting information. As a mother of three, one of whom is living with autism, Stephanie brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to her work, fostering understanding and compassion in the communities she serves.
Beyond her direct involvement in early childhood programs, Stephanie is deeply committed to advocacy and leadership in the field of developmental disabilities. As the current Board President of the Autism Society of Southern Illinois and the Board Chair for the Illinois Council of Developmental Disabilities, she champions the rights and well-being of individuals with developmental challenges, driving positive change at both local and state levels.
Stephanie's contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Points of Light Daily Point of Light Award and the Family Engagement Award for exceptional service from the Illinois Division of Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children. Her dedication to community service and volunteerism is further exemplified by her receipt of the Christine Zak-Edmonds Volunteer Award from the Children's Hospital of Illinois.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Stephanie proudly served her country as a veteran, embodying the values of dedication, integrity, and service. Her multifaceted experiences and unwavering commitment make her a driving force for positive change in the realm of early childhood development and disability advocacy.
KATHY CARMODY, Chicago
Kathy Carmody is the CEO of the Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities whose members provide direct services and support to over 30,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Illinois. The Institute is Illinois' largest statewide association focused exclusively on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the community agencies that support them.
Kathy began her career as a DSP at an Arc affiliate in Michigan and has worked in the Illinois and national I/DD arena since 1985. Kathy's experience includes leading research, demonstration and training projects which substantially improved the nature and quality of services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as direct support, clinical and executive management roles within community agencies. Kathy played a key role in the Taylor Institute studies which laid the groundwork for the development of the Illinois HCBS system. She led the SPICE project in the late 1980's which served as the pilot for today's CILA model. Kathy was extensively involved helping to shape the current Illinois IDD community system through participation and leadership on numerous committees as well as applied research and training.
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 is the proud recipient of the ANCOR 2022 Diane McComb State Association Star Award for leadership in transforming the delivery of IDD services and was elected to the ANCOR national board of directors in 2023.
LISA CESAL, Naperville
I have been a self-advocate my whole life. I am very passionate about disability issues and rights. I love to learn more about how things are changing for those with disabilities and how to assist them to help have a better society and better my skills as an advocate.
DAN COFFEY, Joliet
I have been involved with persons with Intellectual/Developmental Disabili??es since 2007, first as a board member of Service, Inc. of Illinois and now as the President and CEO. I was born
and raised in the Joliet area and have lived here most of my life. Currently, I am an elected Board of Education Member in Joliet Township High School District 204. I also formerly served on the Board of Directors for Lamb's Fold Women's and Children's center. I am married with four children, ranging in age from 7 to 18. As the President and CEO of Service, Inc. of Illinois, I am responsible for staff of approximately 230 that serves over 13,000 individuals and families. We currently operate an Early Interven??on program in four coun??es, serving approximately 2,100 families with children aged 0-3. In addi??on, we operate a PAS/PUNS and ISSA program in 21 coun??es in Northern and Western Illinois that serves approximately 11,000 individuals and families. Given that our organiza??on is an Independent Service Coordina??on Agency, I feel that I can bring the voice of families to the table, as well as the voice of an organiza??on contracted by the Department of Developmental Disabili??es.
SHARON COSTABILE, Naperville
Over 30 years of business experience as co-founder and COOand as a Real Estate investment specialist. Mom of 38 year old daughter with Down Syndrome, living with 2 roommates. Trained in PATH & Maps, Person Centered Planning. I am a strategic planner & problem solver.
DIEDRE FOOTE, Fairview Heights
Diedre is the Founder and CEO of Community Connections and Services. She has been a Nurse for 20+ years. Diedre has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership. She has a Master's Degree in Business Administration and Management. Additionally, she is an approved Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) through the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, and recognized by the National Association of QIDPs (NAQ)- furthermore, a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and First Aid and CPR Instructor.
Diedre has 10+ years of experience working for CILA, ICF/DD providers, and a developmental training program. Additionally, she has experience in Assisted Living Management. She has been privileged to serve as a Nursing Consultant, Director, and Executive Director within these settings.
Diedre is a court-appointed special advocate (CASA). She is appointed by the St. Clair County Court to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected infants and youth in the foster care system to ensure the health and well-being of the child. She makes recommendations to the court regarding these children's best interests.
Diedre is a devoted Christian and runs a small group called "Strength in Sisterhood." Her immediate family and close friends, including her puppy, Khloe, are essential to her life.
In her spare time, she enjoys relaxing, pampering herself, shopping, good food, and spending quality time with family and friends.
HOLLIS GORRIE, Arlington Heights
I have been working in the field of disabilities 24 years. Over that time I have overseen all service lines, I have supervised a number of staff and various levels. I currently serve as the COO at Clearbrook. I have gained a lot from this committee and look forward to making future contributions. I have worked with many division staff on a variety of projects.
CURTIS HARRIS, Chicago
As a 45-year-old black man with autism, Curtis serves as a self-advocate and champion for advancing issues at the intersection of disability and race. At the age of 4, Curtis was diagnosed with autism and predictions from "experts" for his life were grim. His family and he ignored these predictions and Curtis was the first student with autism to enroll in the Chicago Public Schools system in January of 1984 when they created a program specifically for Curtis and other students with autism. After graduating from Chicago Public Schools system in 1996, Curtis attended college for a span of 10 years.
Curtis currently serves on:
- Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, Executive Committee
- Access Living's Racial Justice Advance Your Leadership Power (AYLP) program
- Access Living's Housing and Home Services Attendant Board
- Vice-President of Chicagoland Autism Connection Trailblazers
- Illinois Single Payer Coalition Disability Working Group
- Northside Action for Justice: Human Services and Disability Perspectives Committee
- Going Home Coalition Member
Curtis is also a 2020 Illinois Partners in Policymaking Graduate as well as an Ambassador for the Illinois Self-Advocacy Alliance. Most recently, Curtis has been working with Wise Webinar Training series where he presents nationally on issues related to disability awareness and social justice issues.
KRISTEN HUFFAN-GOTTSCHLING, Chicago
Kristen Huffman-Gottschling has been Executive Director at the PACTT Learning Center since 2013. She also works as an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Illinois Chicago, Jane Addams School of Social Work. She received her doctorate in 2016 from the Jane Addams College of Social Work. She attained a Master of Social Work and is a graduate of the University of Michigan. She was formerly Director of Horizons Clinic-World Relief Chicago a mental health program supporting newcomer families. Dr. Huffman-Gottschling and her teams have spent the last decade working to create strong programs that are community embedded and support autistic adults and children who need intensive behavioral supports to succeed in their communities.
OMAR KHAN, Skokie
Omar Khan is a Medical Doctor who presents with a unique set of skills and experiences working in both healthcare settings as well as in nonprofit community day program setting with adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). The Douglas Center is a community day program, which Omar has had involvement in since its inception in 1999, and currently serves as the Director of Health, Administration & Development. Omar's previous experience in clinical research,
working on clinical trials as well as issues of the opioid epidemic has given him the tools to bring similar research interests to the IDD population. While at The Douglas Center, he has created an internship program in collaboration with a number of local universities for social work students as well as implementing health programs and research projects in conjunction with UIC & Midwestern University. He currently serves on the steering committee of the Skokie Health Equity Network, Community Leaders Group for Endeavor Health, and is the Chair of the MCC Health & Awareness Committee in Chicago, IL.
CRAIG LASKOWSKI, Lebanon
As a human service professional with thirty 38 years of governmental and community-based agency experience, Craig has a strong knowledge of Medicaid, and Home and Community Based Medicaid Waiver programs and regulations for individuals with developmental disabilities. Craig is currently the State Director for Vista Care, in Lebanon, IL. He provides leadership, management and vision necessary to support Vista Cares values and operational goals. Goals are to foster person centered services and supports, drive clinical excellence through evidenced based practices and the adoption of proven clinical models within the organization; ensure excellent customer service internally and externally; and to ensure the fiscal health of the organization. Has served as the President of the Southern Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities as well as a member of the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services Facility Advisory Committee.
AMIE LULINSKI, Downers Grove
Dr. Lulinski has worked with and for individuals who have IDD and their families since 1995 when she began her career as a Direct Support Professional in central Illinois after graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University with a BA in psychology. Since then, she has served in various roles in Illinois, Missouri, and the Washington, DC metropolitan area ranging from Individual Service Coordinator to Director of Research and Evaluation at The Arc of the United States. Amie is currently serving as the Executive Director of The Arc of Illinois. Previously, she served as Project Director for the State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Project at the University of Colorado. Amie was the 2011 Disability Policy Fellow at the Association of University Centers for Excellence and received her PhD in Disability Studies in 2014 from University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Disability.
SUSAN MACK, Northbrook
ABBI MARS, Shelbyville
Abbi Mars is an educational support coach for Family Matters PTIC. FM is one of 2 Parent Training and Information Centers in the state. Abbi helps parents and students understand their educational rights and responsibilities regarding special education. She was/am a student with a disability who works every day to overcome the barriers my disability regarding my education. I am finishing my bachelor's degree in human services with a focus on disability studies.
I am also the proud parent of a young man with profound autism and an intellectual diablity. Dayvin is 20 and we are trying hard to navigate adult services and funding. I want better for Dayvin and other individuals with developmental disablities and would like to be part of the solution the crisis our state is currently facing.
CYNTHIA MESTER, Springfield
My professional experience working with persons with developmental disabilities started in 1990 when I was a Resident Service Director at a 16-bed ICF-DD, which prompted me to return to school to obtain a Master's degree and a Ph.D. in psychology. I was hired as an Assistant Professor within the Division of Developmental Disabilities at SIU School of Medicine, where I worked for 8 years. I taught college and then transitioned to Memorial Health System for 13 years, where my final position was the System Director of Behavioral Health Services. I have been at HFS since 11/2021, at where I work with the DHS-DDD on waivers.
LEANNE MULL, Park Forest
Leanne Mull, TEDx, Editor's Pick speaker, has been supporting people with IDD to achieve their dreams since 1999. In her previous career as a corporate trainer and business manager Leanne hired someone who used a job coach, and that experience completely changed the course of her life. She spent the next 15 years at a traditional agency in a variety of roles including Director of Employment and Advocacy. Leanne believes that the key to meaningful lives for people who receive services is to encourage, empower and enlighten the staff who work for them. As co-director of Blue Tower Solutions, Leanne fulfills that dream as an international speaker, writer and consultant improving organizations and systems supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most recently Leanne and a self advocate with disabilities created the diversity training "It Starts by Saying Hi!" for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Leanne holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in healthcare administration.
MEGAN MUTTI, Germantown Hills
Megan is the Executive Director of Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center. She was most recently the Senior Ligas Family Advocate at the Arc of Illinois. Megan is a 2023 graduate of the Illinois Partners in Policymaking Program, as well as a family trainee graduate of the LEND Program at UIC, focused on neurodevelopmental education and advocacy. Megan attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she completed both her BS and MA in Human Development and Family Studies. She spent many years at the Children's Hospital of Illinois as a member of the Pediatric Supportive Care Team, with a primary focus of quality improvement and patient and family-centered care practices.
Megan resides in Germantown Hills, IL, and is the mom to two daughters, one an adult who lives with autism and an intellectual disability. Megan has a strong interest in developmental disability advocacy, best practices in transition supports, family-centered communication, and community-based inclusion.
BETH OWENS, Springfield
I currently work for IARF as the VP of I/DD Policy. I have a long history of working with people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Illinois. I began my career in Illinois as a DSP at an ICF/DD over 20 years ago. Since that time, I have also been a program director for a CDS program and was in program leadership at a CILA program. While working in a CILA program I gained experience licensing new homes and as a DSP trainer. That CILA provider also worked with host family CILA's so I have experience with that unique program as well. I also have been in program leadership at an ISC agency and specialized in crisis cases while I was an ISC. I love working with this population.
ZOUBIDA PASHA, Chicago
I have been a Bilingual Parent Trainer/Advocate with Family Resource Center on Disabilities for 5 years. I provide Special Education Rights and Responsibilities trainings and workshops in school districts, in head start programs, various social service agencies, and in other organizations that offer support to families. I am also, a parent of a child with autism who is receiving Special Education Services in Chicago Public Schools. In addition to my work with Family Resource Center on Disabilities, I am a volunteer with multicultural groups and organizations throughout the state of Illinois and to support/empower families to self-advocate. I can contribute with professional and personal experiences.
SHIRLEY PEREZ, South Holland
BOB PETERSON, Moline
Bob Peterson is well known in Illinois disability circles as a seasoned and impassioned advocate for community living. He served 9 years on the board of The Arc of Illinois, is now an Arc Mentor, and is an officer for the Arc's National Council for Self-Advocacy. Bob is currently a board member for the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities. He has been involved with many advocacy organizations including Partners in Policymaking, The Self Advocacy Alliance, the Going Home Coalition, SABE, and UIC. He has served on advisory committees, testified at hearings, and spoken at rallies and press conferences. He can be found at numerous events talking to legislators and other movers and shakers in the disability field. Bob has been interviewed, quoted, recorded, and filmed by a number of Media outlets. Bob likes movies, eating out, socializing with friends, time on his computer, and always advocating! The struggle for higher wages and real respect for direct support professionals is very important to Bob. As he says, "Without direct support professionals in my life, I don't have a life."
GABRIELA SIERRA MARQUEZ, Chicago
Gaby has worked in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities specializing in Mental Health, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Performance Management since 2001. She started as a Direct Support Professional supporting adults in Community Integrated Living Arrangements while in college. In 2008 she became one of the first few Hispanic Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Gaby spent the first 10 years of her career working in community agencies immersing herself in different aspects of organizational and individual service needs.
Over the past 20 years, Gaby has lead organizations in creating systems to successfully support Mental Health Services from the ground up, participated as an expert witness in a criminal case against a perpetrator of an individual with IDD (sentenced to prison), advocated for and created trauma informed behavior analytic supports and services for adults with IDD and youth in foster care, and supervised BCBAs in Illinois who went on to become successful practitioners. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico and is passionate about supporting Hispanic families and providers. As a result, she was invited to become a National Spokes Person for Autism Treatment in Hispanic Communities and participated in a televised campaign for 2 years. One of her most memorable experiences was traveling with an international delegation to research IDD supports in a Latin American country.
Her areas of interest include services for underserved and under resourced individuals, trauma informed behavior analysis, cultural awareness in treatment, and development of systems for organizations (including policy and procedures). Finally, her work focuses on the relationship between happiness, satisfaction (of individuals and support staff), and performance.
In 2018, Gaby and her business partner, formed BIOS in efforts to address the deficits and service gaps they see in the field. BIOS has served over 15 agencies and more than 200 individuals and families in Illinois. BIOS is regarded as one of the best providers of Behavior Analytic services for dually diagnosed (IDD/MI) individuals, and youth in foster care in the area. In 2022 she was appointed to the Oak Park Disability Access Commission.
SHENITA SLEDGE, Chicago
My name is Shenita Sledge, I am the mother of a 21-year-old daughter born with Down Syndrome. She was also diagnosed with developmental and intellectual disabilities. I live on the Southside of Chicago and am a product of the Chicago Public School system. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Roosevelt University. I am a retired federal government employee of the Social Security Administration where I proudly served people with disabilities. I am currently on the local school council of Southside Occupational Academy, a Chicago Public Schools transition center for adults aged 16-22 with the majority black and brown students. I have previously been a Class "A" volunteer with Illinois Special Olympics and a parent volunteer with the Chicago Park District Special Recreation Program. As a parent of a developmentally disabled daughter, I am passionate about the laws and services offered through the State of Illinois. I believe that we should foster safe and supportive environments to help people with disabilities become contributing members of their communities.
VINCENT SMITH, Chicago
I have experience in serving on boards. I was part of the ICDD advisory board and am currently on the Arc of IL board. I like to come up with new ideas and look forward to supporting the work of DDD. I consider myself to be a selfadvocate and want to advocate for others.
BENJAMIN STORTZ, Joliet
Ben Stortz is the President/CEO of Cornerstone Services, a position he has held for the past twelve years. In Ben's 23-year career at Cornerstone has held multiple leadership positions at the non-for-profit Illinois social service agency. Having begun is professional career at Caterpillar in Joliet, Mr. Stortz joined Cornerstone in 2000 as the agency's Director of Finance and was promoted to Vice President/CFO in 2004. Two years later, his responsibilities increased as he became the Chief Administrative Officer. In his new role, Mr. Stortz was responsible for a major expansion of services as a result of securing new funding sources. Cornerstone has tripled in size since his arrival at the organization with a $45M budget, over 550 employees and serves over 1,300 people daily.
Mr. Stortz earned his M.B.A. from DePaul University, and he received his undergraduate degree from Bradley University, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
A husband and father, Mr. Stortz has been married for 21 years. He and his wife have four children: two girls and two boys. Besides spending time with this family, he enjoys participating in and watching sports.
SUSAN WILD, Alton
With over 32 years experience in the area of Developmental Disabilities, I am qualified to advocate for the individuals with disabilities served by the state of Ilinois. The majority of my career has been directing Community Day Services for Challenge Unlimited, Inc. I have led the CDS team in transformation from a 14c sheltered workshop for over 50 years to a new model with community integration and employment as its focus. I have advocated for choice by speaking to the US Civil Rights Commission related to choice in employment for those with disabilities.I completed the Work Incentive Certification process through Cornell to better understand how employment affects benefits for those individuals seeking CIE. I participate in the CDS and Employment Committee and I/DD Committees through IARF. I am excited for the possible opportunity to be a voice in service change for individuals with disabilities in Illinois.
PAMELA WINSEL, Springfield
I am the Chief of the Bureau of HCBS Waiver Operations at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The waiver operations bureau is responsible for oversight and coordination of the nine 1915(c) home and community based services waivers in Illinois; these include programs for the elderly, medically fragile/technology dependent, developmentally/intellectually disabled, physically disabled, brain injury, and HIV/AIDS. The bureau also oversees the Statewide Transition Plan, Money Follows the Person, and Electronic Visit Verification. I have more than 15 years of experience with 1915{c) HCBS waivers, quality improvement, and care coordination through my work at the State of Illinois and in the private sector with an external quality review organization and a managed care organization.
ADAM WISER, Evanston
Adam Wiser is the Project Director for the Illinois Self-Advocacy Alliance. He is the Arc of Illinois 2022 Self-Advocate of the Year. Adam is also a member of the Young Professionals Board at Center for Independent Futures in Evanston, IL.
