As Youth Services Coordinator, Anna provides a variety of programs, supports, and events for youth with disabilities in the Ann Arbor community and surrounding areas. Youth come from as far as Howell, Inkster (Wayne County), and Monroe to participate in the popular events for individuals between the ages of 14 and 26. Through enriching and supportive events, classes, and support sessions, the aim of the program is to help youth connect with others who share similar disability experiences and teach young people more about how to live as a responsible adult with a disability.
Born with Cerebral Palsy, Anna serves as an important role model for many youth and shares her personal experiences and stories of accomplishment openly with youth in the program. Anna believes in offering both fun and serious programs to help youth gain the skills and know-how they need as they enter adulthood. She fosters an environment where young people can learn that just because you have a disability, it doesn't mean it's going to get in the way of achieving a full, meaningful, and independent life in adulthood.
Anna also co-coordinates the CIL's mentoring program, in partnership with the Washtenaw Youth Mentoring Coalition, which pairs young adults with disabilities with adults with similar disabilities. Together young adults and mentors share experiences and build connections, and in turn the young adults learn through the examples set by their mentors that living as an adult with a disability can be a positive experience. For the last nine years, Anna herself has served as an individual mentor to various young adults with similar disability experiences.
Anna has been involved with the Ann Arbor CIL since 1993. Anna graduated Magna Cum Laude from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor's degree in Communication and Management.
When she is not hard at work on youth programs, she can often be found sweating, pedaling, and lifting heavy weights in the CIL Fitness Gym. Since New Year's 2010, Anna has been implementing a strict fitness regimen and showing that individuals with significant mobility impairments can achieve physical fitness through hard work, discipline, and using fitness equipment in non-traditional ways. More information about her fitness journey can be found on the Sports, Recreation & Arts page. In 2009 Anna married her CIL sweetheart Alex and lives in Ypsilanti with her husband and devoted yet charismatic service dog Karson.
