2025 TFC Conference Speakers
Scott M. Mendel is a parent of a daughter with a developmental disability who lives at Misericordia. He is a retired partner of the international law firm K&L Gates. At K&L Gates, Scott concentrated his practice in complex antitrust litigation, including class actions, the antitrust aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures, and counseling clients on antitrust compliance with respect to pricing, distribution and other matters. He also counseled the firm’s healthcare clients on antitrust matters. During his 40 years of practice, Scott has been involved in a number of pro bono matters involving individuals with disabilities, indigent clients and incarcerated individuals.
Geana started her career at Misericordia 24 years ago after graduating from St. Norbert College in DePere, WI, with a bachelor’s in Psychology. She received her master’s in Psychology with a specialty in Counseling from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Geana currently is the Vice President of Strategy, People and Culture at Misericordia. She acts as a liaison, advocating for choice for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. She also serves as Chairperson for the Intersect for Ability Network in the Chicago metropolitan area, striving to move services for the intellectually and developmentally disabled population forward. Through her coordination and leadership, Misericordia held its first national conference in October 2015, “Together for Choice,” which included more than 100 participants from 25 states.
Robert M. (Bob) Brown is the President and CEO of Opportunity Village, Nevada's largest organization providing employment and other services for people with intellectual and related disabilities. Bob also operates Betty’s Village, Nevada’s largest housing community for people with disabilities. He is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. Bob is the former Publisher of the Las Vegas Review-Journal and has served as the Board Chairman for the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce. He served on the National Council on Disability and was appointed to the post by Congress. He is the President of Together for Choice, a national nonprofit working to preserve employment and residential choices for people with disabilities. He is also on the Emeritus Board of Directors of the Vegas Chamber and formerly served on the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada and The Public Education Foundation. Governor Sandoval appointed him to serve on the State of Nevada 150th anniversary committee. Bob is also proud to serve as the VicePresident on the National Council of SourceAmerica Employers Executive Committee.
Adam C. Pomeranz joined Annandale Village in 2004 as its Chief Executive Officer. A widely respected leader in the developmentally disabled sector, Adam oversees Annandale’s strategic direction and daily operations including the delivery of programs and services, finance, development, health services, and community outreach. In addition, Adam also serves as the Executive Director of The Annandale Foundation.
Immediately prior to joining Annandale Village, Adam served as Director of the Access Center at Ridgeview Institute, a $30 million a year psychiatric and substance abuse hospital in metro Atlanta. In this role, he directed a high volume psychiatric and substance abuse emergency room that triaged over 700 emergent patients a month. Prior to his tenure at the Ridgeview Institute, Adam held several senior-level positions for The Devereux Foundation, managing the daily operations of the 125-bed residential component of the network, supervising five programs, including 120 staff and a yearly operating budget of $5 million.
Adam holds a Master’s of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida State University. In 2013, Pomeranz graduated from Emory University’s Executive MBA program. Though he no longer practices, Adam is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia. Adam and his wife, Veronica, live in Peachtree Corners with their two children, Lily and Evan.
Kari has been President/CEO of The Arc Jacksonville, Inc since 2021. In this role she leads a team providing supports and services to over 500 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Shortly after joining The Arc Jacksonville, the organization launched an innovative program that supports individuals with dementia and IDD. In addition, Kari and her team recently developed a new partnership with Florida State College at Jacksonville to create Career Campus, a unique vocational training program that allows students with IDD to pursue their career dreams through various credentialed pathways. Kari previously led The Arc of Putnam County where she developed programs for individuals with complex medical conditions. Prior to working with individuals with disabilities, Kari spent over 10 years working in hospital systems managing various programs. Kari is the current Chairperson of The Arc of Florida Board of Directors and is a Board Member of Together for Choice. She is also a member of The Rotary Club of Jacksonville and Leadership Jacksonville’s Class of 2025. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Health Administration from the University of Central Florida. In 2021 she received the University of St. Augustine Force for Good Award. In 2022, Kari was recognized as Outstanding Leader of the Year by The Arc of Florida, and most recently was recognized as a 2023 Jacksonville Business Journal 40 under 40 honoree.
Megan Thompson, M.Ed. is the Executive Director of Bittersweet Farms in Whitehouse, OH, a nonprofit serving individuals with autism spectrum disorder. She holds a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Special Education from Northern Kentucky University and an Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate from Bowling Green State University. With over 12 years as an intervention specialist supporting individuals with autism Levels 1-3 and more than six years as an Assistant Teaching Professor at BGSU, she has led graduate and certificate programs in Autism Spectrum Disorders while collaborating with community organizations and providers.
Carissa O’Bryant, SHRM-CP, joined MARVA Workshop, Inc. in Russellville, Arkansas in April of 2020. She began her career in the disabilities field in 2000 while attending the University of Central Arkansas, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. She fell in love with the population she was working with and knew it would be a lifelong career. In 2005, she went to work for a large disability provider and over the course of 10 years, was promoted into several different positions. When she left, she was running the state-wide Waiver and Residential Department. She then spent four years as the Director of Operations and Human Resources for a nonprofit provider of youth mental health and juvenile justice services before accepting her current position as Executive Director at MARVA. Since being at MARVA, Carissa has worked as part of a team effort to educate state and federal legislators on the importance of preserving choice in employment for individuals with disabilities, especially the option of working under a Special Minimum Wage certificate. As a result of these efforts, Arkansas was one of the first states to pass a law protecting community rehab programs who use a Special Minimum Wage certificate and the individuals served by these programs. In her spare time, Carissa runs a small nonprofit that provides furniture and household supplies to youth aging out of foster care in Arkansas. Carissa resides in the small town of Dover with her husband, Nathan, a son, four dogs, and three cats. Her passion for preserving employment options comes partially due to her son at home who has Cerebral Palsy. She also has a grown son and daughter who are both married, one granddaughter and a grandson on the way. Spending time with her family and being active in church are her favorite pastimes.
Brittany Goodrich has over 13 years’ experience in the human service and nonprofit field. Brittany stands as an independent meeting facilitator and consultant for families and community-based service providers across New York and Pennsylvania. She has received training through the Council on Quality and Leadership and is a trained facilitator of the Second Wind Dreams® Virtual Dementia Tour®. Brittany is an Affiliated Regional Trainer with the National Task Group on Intellectual and Dementia Practices. As the Director of the Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome, Brittany is responsible for the ongoing education, training, and life planning services for individuals, families and greater community who care for individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities. She received her Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership and concentrations in Consulting and Healthcare Leadership from Thomas Jefferson University.
Becca McPherson, Vice President of Development at the Marbridge Foundation near Austin, TX, has 19 years of fundraising leadership experience, with a relationship-focused approach. Her background includes work in residential settings and fundraising for mental health, seniors, and adults with disabilities, aligning well with the Marbridge mission. In her eighth year at Marbridge, she led a development team through successful capital campaigns totaling over $12 million while maintaining millions in annual fundraising. Prior to Marbridge, she raised funds for Family Eldercare in Austin, TX, supporting 5,700 seniors and adults with disabilities. At Marillac in Overland Park, KS, she directed a team in an $8 million capital campaign and increased general donations. Becca began her career at Methodist Children’s Home while attending Baylor University and developed skills in working with major donors and managing large endowments.
In her role as Vice President of Philanthropy, Stacy leads Opportunity Village’s comprehensive development program, enhancing relationships with corporate and community partners. She oversees donor stewardship, giving programs, sponsorships, grants, capital campaigns and fundraising events for annual operating needs and events such as Camelot and Magical Forest. Stacy Ostrau is a lifelong volunteer, fundraiser, donor and purpose driven person who has an appreciation for the joy of philanthropy, and a commitment to inclusion and equity. A seasoned professional whose career has included working in corporate philanthropy, a non-profit foundation and a professional sports organization, Stacy began her career with the Florida Marlins Baseball Club as Manager of Marketing and Youth Programs – and is a proud owner of a World Series ring! After hanging up her cleats, Stacy took her talent to the Sun Sentinel Media Group overseeing the company’s community impact, philanthropic activities and sports partnerships. In addition, Stacy served as Publisher of Society Scene, a weekly publication highlighting the charitable and philanthropic efforts of the community and hottest social events in town. Active in the community, Stacy has served in leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, spanning human service to the arts, education, and sports. Stacy earned a Bachelor’s degree from University of Georgia and a Master’s Degree from Florida State University.
Scott’s experience in serving the adult population of adults with varying abilities is extensive. His professional career as a psychiatric counselor at River Oaks Psychiatric Hospital in New Orleans led to his move to become the CEO of CPC Coliseum Medical Center, Assistant Managing Director of River Oaks Hospital. He later moved to Austin to assume the CEO position at Meridell Achievement Center. Prior to joining Marbridge, Scott was Program Manager for Empowerment Options, a home and community services company providing residential alternatives to people with intellectual disabilities. In 2004 Scott joined Marbridge, a 200-acre residential training and education community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities near Austin, TX as the Director of Mabee Village. He was later promoted to Vice President of Operations, Executive VP, and, in 2023, was appointed President/CEO. In 2012, Scott was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities. He was reappointed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2016 and again in 2019. Scott has also served on the board of the national advocacy group Together for Choice and Texas Coalition for Culture Change as well as membership in the Coalition for Community Choice and the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Vivian Streit Shudde is merely a mom on a mission to “Change the way the world thinks about adults with disabilities”. Her passion for people with disabilities was originally driven by her sister, Vicki, who became severely brain damaged from encephalitis and then by her son, Wilson, who was born with special needs. Her life’s journey has led her to an unwavering pursuit to “speak for those who have no voice”. Vivian desires to help all who are willing, experience the fullness of humanity, beautifully unveiled, in the authentic and transparent lives of people with disabilities. Her faith and steadfast belief that God does not make mistakes, is the foundation for her life and gives her the ability to celebrate neuro-diversity! Vivian has a degree in special education and psychology from the University of Texas, but this is not where she was truly educated. She attributes much of what she knows to her mother, Yvonne Tuttle Streit, who founded Briarwood School, Tuttle School, and Brookwood Community, and pioneered educational techniques “to cure Vicki”. Thousands of people with disabilities are now living lives filled with meaning and purpose, because of these educational techniques. Vivian is currently the Executive Director of Brookwood Community’s Center for Learning.
Sarah Quinn serves as the Director of Program Services for Opportunity Village, one of Nevada’s largest disability service providers. In her role, she oversees Day Habilitation and Prevocational programs, Community-Based programs, Fine & Performing Arts, Case Management, Assessments, VIA Youth Arts Program, and Pre-Employment Training Services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and has over 20 years of experience serving people with disabilities in the areas of art and recreation, behavioral services and program management in the states of Ohio, Indiana, and Nevada. She has passion for advocacy and service, and when not in the office you can most likely find her outdoors enjoying the beauty of the west with her husband and daughter.
Parke Pepperserves as the Executive Director of The Baddour Center, an intentionalcommunity for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism, located inSenatobia, Mississippi. He’s worked inthis field for 30 years, mostly in Mississippi and Tennessee, and been with Baddourfor almost 19 years. Parke actively serveshis church, is a Rotarian, and served on various civic and professionalboards. He’s a Mississippi native, a MillsapsCollege graduate, an avid golfer and runner, crossword puzzler, and rabid KCChiefs fan. He and his wife, Betsy, havethree grown children.
Kevin C. Johnson is the Executive Director of Magnify of Central Florida (formerlyBishop Grady Villas). Kevin is responsible for the vision, strategy, fundraisingand advocacy efforts for Magnify. He has over 20 years experience inresidential, employment, life skills development, and transition services for individualswith intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). As Executive Director,Kevin advocates at the state and national level for expansion of supports, servicemodels, and legislative priorities for I/DD. His expertise includes the Homeand Community Based Settings (HCBS) rule, the iBudget Waiver, Employment andTransition supports, and Assisted Living Services as a residential model forthose who experience I/DD. Kevin served as a gubernatorially appointed councilmember and chair of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC),past-chair of the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (FARF),board member at the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, and on theboard of Morning Star Catholic School in Orlando. Before being named Executive Director in February 2008,Kevin was the Resident/Staff Development Director (Assisted LivingAdministrator) at Bishop Grady Villas where he supervised the direct supportprofessional and nursing team and provided direct job placement and ongoingfollow-along supports to residents. Kevin received the Martin Bell MBA Scholarship from theCrummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College where he completed hisExecutive Master of Business Administration (MBA). Kevin was awarded theFlorida Assisted Living Administrator of the Year award by the Florida AssistedLiving Association (FALA) and the O’Neill Service Award by Catholic Volunteersin Florida.
Megan has over 17 years of experience working with the IDD population and over a decade of Human Resources experience. As theVice President of Human Resources at Marbridge, Megan is responsible for overseeing all HR functions and providing strategic insight for organizational growth and improvement. Megan graduated from Oklahoma State University with aBachelor of Science in Leisure Studies with a concentration in TherapeuticRecreation. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and began her career providing therapy to children and adults with differing abilities. Upon moving into Human Resources, Megan attained her Professional in Human Resources(PHR) certification. As an advocate for the IDD population, Megan seeks opportunities to educate and develop prudent and knowledgeable professionals to serve the greater IDD population. She is mission centric and believes work culture is the foundation for a successful organization.
Krista Mason is the Founder and Executive Director of Benjamin’s Hope, a pioneering “live, work, play, worship” farmstead community in Holland, Michigan, dedicated to creating belonging and purpose for people affected by autism.Under Krista’s leadership, Benjamin’s Hope has become a nationally recognized, debt-free nonprofit and a model of public-private partnership in residential services. It provides innovative housing, meaningful work opportunities, and a vibrant faith community for individuals profoundly affected by autism, empowering them to live full and abundant lives.Krista earned her degree in business from Miami University (Ohio) and has devoted her career to developing Benjamin’s Hope as her life’s work. Her impact has been recognized with a special tribute from the State of Michigan for advancing autism awareness, community inclusion, and independent living for people with disabilities. She is a passionate advocate at the local, state, and national levels, actively supporting the growth of emerging intentional communities across the country.
Mary has served as A New Leaf's Chief Executive Officer since 2011. During her tenure, she has taken A New Leaf from an $800,000 organization to a $12.4M organization, from 20 employees to over 280 employees and from $1,000,000 in net assets to over $22,000,000. Before coming to A New Leaf Mary worked for the American Red Cross, serving for 15 years across the country. Mary is originally from Ohio and has a master’s degree in comparative politics, is a member of Leadership Oklahoma Class XXI and has lived and studied in Tel Aviv, Israel. She currently lives in Claremore with her dogs and horses, and her hobbies include running, reading and, of course, gardening!
Maranda is currently the Chief Operating Officer of A New Leaf. She has served in the nonprofit sector in development and executive leadership for 14 years working in both national and local organizations. During the past six years at A New Leaf, she has established and grown a development team of 5 and scaled fundraising from $750,000 to $2.4M annually plus co-led a capital campaign with our CEO, Mary Ogle of $20M+ for The Village. Prior to her work in nonprofit, she was a food scientist with Sara Lee and Schwans. A graduate of Oklahoma State University (Go Pokes!) and an avid music fan, she enjoys time with her husband and three children usually at their activities including baseball, volleyball, softball, and karate. After serving in development roles at national nonprofits for a number of years, an opportunity presented itself to make an impact within A New Leaf, a Tulsa area nonprofit.
Melissa Harris has been with CMS since the summer of 1995, and is currently the Deputy Director for the Disabled and Elderly Health Programs Group (DEHPG). Prior to this role, Melissa was a Senior Policy Advisor in DEHPG, developing and implementing a myriad of policies advancing home and community-based services as an alternative to institutional placement.Before joining the Office of the Group Director, she was the Director of the Division of Benefits and Coverage from 2012 to 2015, in which she was responsible for overseeing implementation of most Medicaid benefits, including benefits provided to individuals in the Medicaid expansion population, and the establishment of national benefit policy.
Jackie Ceonzo was inspired to create SNACK* in 2003, motivated by her role as a mother raising two sons- one with severe autism and one typically developing. With a vision to provide a place where both her children and others could thrive, she formulated a plan to establish a space welcoming of all individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds, to gather, learn, grow, and build connections. Driven by this commitment, Jackie evolved SNACK* into a lively and inviting space for kids, teens, and young adults, offering a diverse array of classes and opportunities. Jackie worked with a pediatrician, a disability advocate and a behavioral specialist to initially create SNACK*. She spent three years funding, developing, implementing and building the SNACK* organization to what we see today – growing from having served 6 people when SNACK’s doors first opened, to now serving over 250. Jackie is actively involved in SNACK’s administrative and programming decisions and is available on-site to meet with parents, caregivers, SNACK* attendees, outside therapists, etc. Jackie served as President of the Alumnae Association of The Marymount School of New York for over 10 years. She recently completed serving 20 Years as Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Hawthorne Foundation, an agency that provides a continuum of care for individuals with developmental disabilities. Jackie received her BA in Economics from Villanova University, where she met her husband, Joe; their son, Andrew, is also a proud Villanova alum. Jackie’s business experience includes 16 years in the textile industry supplying major retailers and manufacturers. She had risen to the position of vice president, with responsibility for $75 million of annual sales, when her son, Joey was diagnosed.
Philippe Habib is a co-founder of Coastal Haven Families, a parent-funded LLC that developed lifelong housing in a community that provides access to social and recreational opportunities. Philippe led the creation, funding, design, and construction of the ten buildings that make up Coastal Haven and acts as a Managing Member. He will be discussing the successes and lessons learned during the course of the nine years since the project's conception. Professionally, Philippe works as an embedded firmware engineer.
Heidi Cartan co-founded Coastal Haven pocket neighborhood and Common Roots Farm in Santa Cruz, CA with her husband, Philippe Habib. Their son, Noah, lives with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and is the inspiration for their project. Heidi has an M.S.W. in geriatric social work and had the privilege of working with Judy Heumann and Ed Roberts at the World Institute on Disability and has extensive experience in community-based long term care.
Cortney was born and raised in Central Texas and now resides in Giddings, TX with her husband and two daughters. She earned a BS in Human Development and Family Sciences from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Business Administration from Concordia University Texas. Cortney began working at Down Home Ranch in 2017, serving as the Development Director and Director of Business Development before moving into the COO role in 2024. She believes that everyone deserves to be happy, healthy and safe and it’s this mantra that helps drive her work to move the DHR mission forward. In her free time, she enjoys making memories with her family, volunteering, rummaging around thrift stores and discovering the best eats and drinks in Texas.
Casey Kuperus is the President of David's House Ministries, where he has served since 2018. Prior to joining David's House, Casey spent 20 years in the for-profit business world in the areas of sales, management, and executive recruiting. Under Casey's leadership, David's House Ministries recently opened their 9th Adult Foster Care home, bringing the total number of individuals served through residential services to 66, with a growing staff of over 130. Casey holds a degree in Recreational Therapy from Calvin University, which has provided him with a solid foundation for his role.
Madelyne Trejo is a nurse executive with over 30 years of healthcare experience in the acute care
setting. She is a native of Chicago’s Northwest side and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from
the University of Illinois Chicago, and Master of Science in Nursing and Business Administration dual
degree program from NorthPark University.
She is currently the Vice President of Clinical Services at Misericordia Home, with administrative
responsibilities inclusive of the division of nursing, dietary services, physical/occupational/speech
therapy, nurse practitioners, onsite medical, dental, and specialty clinics, and Misericordia’s 125-bed
skilled facility.
Prior to this she served as the Assistant Vice President of Perioperative and Anesthesia Services at
Swedish Hospital, Endeavor Health for eight years.
Madelyne is a Board-Certified Nurse Executive and Fellow of the American College of Healthcare
Executives.
Cory Gumm became Search’s Chief Executive Officer in January 2020. Cory began her career at Search as a job coach supporting individuals to achieve community employment immediately after graduating from Millikin University in 2006. She moved on to manage Search’s largest Adult Learning Program until 2011, and then took on the role of Senior Project Manager at Keystone Alliance. During her time at Keystone she earned her Master’s in Nonprofit Business Administration from North Park University, and worked to onboard Keystone’s first partner organization, PACTT Learning Center, in addition to leading several other strategic initiatives supporting Keystone’s affiliate organization. Prior to her current role, Cory held the position of Senior Division Director at Keystone, overseeing Human Resources & Benefits, Communications, Social Ventures and Strategic Project Management for all partner organizations. Cory’s 18-year history in the field and deep knowledge of Search, she brings unique qualifications to enriching the lives of the individuals, families and communities that Search supports. Since joining the Search team in 2020, Cory has supported the integration of Intersect for Ability Communities of Practice and other partnership opportunities throughout the organization, as well as most recently serving on the Advisory Committee for the Workforce Growth Project.
Susan has been the Executive Director of The Enterline Foundation since 2015 and a Board member since 2023. She brings over 34 years of nonprofit management experience in the health and human services sector.From 2008-2022 she served in leadership roles at the Hi-Hope Service Center in Lawrenceville, GA, a longstanding provider of residential, employment and day support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Susan serves on the Service Providers Association for Developmental Disabilities(SPADD), the provider trade association in Georgia. She has provided start-up leadership for Georgia Uplift, a SPADD initiative to provide community resources and support to Direct Support Professionals with the goal of improving job retention. Susan is proud to lead The Enterline Foundation as it works to leverage resources, relationships and experience to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She believes that everyone, with the proper support, can make a meaningful contribution to their community.
Nathan Stevens joined the Foundation in May 2022 and leads the two funding strategies for the Entrepreneurship and Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities programs. His love for the non-profit and philanthropic sector began in 2014 when he served as an Executive Assistant and Board Liaison at the Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s largest and most comprehensive LGBTQ community center. His work there piqued his interest in sustainable and innovative programming and how foundations can impact underserved communities and neighborhoods. In July 2024 Nathan joined the Board of Entrepreneurship Funders Network. Their purpose is to galvanize philanthropic funders to support and catalyze change to improve conditions for entrepreneurs and inclusive entrepreneurship, foster innovative mindsets and skill development, and strengthen equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems. Prior to joining Coleman, Nathan spent nearly seven years at the Goldman Sachs’ grant-funded initiative 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB), a 15-week entrepreneurship training program designed to help small business owners take their ventures to the next level. Nathan held three separate positions during his six and a half years with 10KSB, and as Project Director he managed the curriculum delivery for 900+ scholars and secured over $3.3 Million in programmatic funding. Nathan has a B.A. from Columbia College Chicago in Film & Video and a Grant Writing Certificate from DePaul University. He received First Place at Columbia’s Written Image Awards for Best Student Feature and in 2018 was named Windy City Times’ 30 Under 30, which recognizes substantial contributions to the Chicagoland LGBTQ community in the fields of entertainment, politics, health, activism, academics, and sports.In his free time, Nathan pritorizes time with friends and family. He enjoys baking (cakes, cookies, and ice cream), working out, and traveling as much as he possible can.