Staff & Directory

Morgan Barr – Information/Referral & Employment Specialist

mbarr@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 18

Morgan is an Employment and Independent Living Specialist at the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living. She assists individuals with further developing the skills needed to obtain and maintain employment. She received her bachelor’s in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University and is expected to graduate with her Masters of Social Work in April 2019. Prior to coming to the CIL, Morgan worked for Community Mental Health in Wayne County where her main focus was advocating for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses.

Joyce Blair – Information/Referral & Program Support Specialist

jblair@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 36

Joyce is a registered Social Service Technician, a certified Medicare & Medicaid Assistance Program counselor, and a Michigan Department of Health & Human Services MI Bridges Navigator. Joyce holds an Associate’s degree from Washtenaw Community College and studied health administration at Eastern Michigan University. Knowledgeable about public benefits and community resources, Joyce enjoys advocating for disabled adults with housing agencies, health, and social systems, toward individual self-determination. Her community participation helps build our capacity and enhances our relationships with other social service agencies. She is a member of ADA Michigan; the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition Housing Workgroup; Washtenaw County Barrier Busters Group; Washtenaw Housing Alliance; and the Ann Arbor Host Lions Club.

Eleanor Chang, LMSW – Information/Referral Specialist

eleanor@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 24

Eleanor Chang received her Master’s of Social Work degree from The University of Michigan School of Social Work. Eleanor considers her foray into the social work field to be quite accidental (she was a third-year medical student when she was in a serious car accident, and acquired multiple injuries).

When working with clients and with consumers, Eleanor draws on her science background and her empathy as a person with an acquired disability. She also has especial empathy for persons whose capacities and whose lives change in the blink of a moment (often because of an unintended and/or unplanned for event), and is deeply committed to the welfare of all informal caregivers of persons with disabilities.

Eleanor is a firm believer in self-advocacy but recognizes that sometimes there are barriers which impede goal attainment; such barriers may stem from one’s medical and/or mental health conditions, but may also arise from deficits in policy (which can reflect attitudes). She is especially passionate in the education of health professionals and with other service providers who interact regularly with members of the disability community.

Shannon Clark, LLMSW – Information/Referral Specialist – Livingston County

sclark@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 29

Shannon has the great opportunity of expanding services and connections in Livingston County. Shannon received her Bachelor of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago in 2016, where she interned serving individuals facing homelessness and recently released from the prison system. Within these roles, she worked with clients on housing and employment opportunities. Upon graduation, Shannon immediately began an MSW program with a focus in clinical social work at Michigan State University, graduating in May 2017. During her program, she worked under the oncology social worker at the Wilson Cancer Resource Center at Troy Beaumont Hospital, where she saw patients for supportive counseling and financial assistance. As someone who has taken care of a family member with a disease that presented barriers in their life, Shannon knows exactly how she wants her loved ones to be treated when facing an obstacle, so she strives to treat consumers how she would want a family member to be treated: with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Anna Dusbiber, LLMSW – IL Youth Program & Peer Support Program Manager

anna@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 17

Anna co-founded the Ann Arbor CIL’s Youth Services Program more than fifteen years ago. As program manager, Anna communicates with participants, recruits volunteers, and plans and implements events. The Youth Services Program offers workshops, social activities, individual assistance and advocacy to support youth as they navigate school and prepare to transition into adulthood. Anna has mentored many youth over the years and is a certified peer mentor of the Ann Arbor CIL. She speaks at conferences and local events on behalf of the Ann Arbor CIL. Anna earned her Master of Social Work with a concentration in children and family services from Eastern Michigan University and her Bachelor’s of Science in Communication and Management, magna cum laude, also from Eastern Michigan.

Rhonda Elliott – Independent Living Specialist & Community Transition Services Coordinator – Monroe County

rhonda@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 107

Tara Farris – Community Resource Specialist & Receptionist – Monroe County

tfarris@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 106

Paula Finnegan – Employment Program Manager

pfinnegan@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 33

Paula oversees the CIL career services operations in Washtenaw and Livingston counties. She believes in a holistic approach to the job search, assisting job seekers in securing basic needs such as housing, healthcare, and financial planning services, as well as supporting a strong job application, so that job seekers can not just obtain a job but also maintain it successfully long term. She has two years of experience working at the Ann Arbor CIL as an Independent Living and Employment Specialist, and over six years of career services experience. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University.

Alex Gossage – Executive Director (Interim)

alex@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 25

Alex Gossage is Interim Executive Director at the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (Ann Arbor CIL). He started in November of 2004 after working at the Center as an unpaid volunteer and then as an Americorps*VISTA volunteer until November of 2006. As the Americorps*VISTA Grants Team Associate he was responsible for actively researching and presenting grant opportunities, develop program ideas into grant proposals, and the preparation and curation of background and organization documentation. During his two years as an Americorps*VISTA, Mr. Gossage also facilitated group-based activities, developed marketing informational materials, and evaluated programs to gather both qualitative and quantitative data.

Mr. Gossage works on a wide range of programs and responsibilities. Mr. Gossage helps to ensure program reporting and compliance for all CIL funding sources including Federal, State, and private funders. Mr. Gossage maintains a resource library and knowledge base of private and public funding sources and current grant-funded projects at the Ann Arbor CIL. In collaboration with staff, he coordinates scheduling of proposal development activities and assists staff with project development and proposal preparation activities including; researching, writing and editing proposals. Mr. Gossage fundraising responsibilities extend to assisting with resource development activities such as special events fundraising, volunteer recruitment including oversight of the AARP volunteer program, and assisting with the annual giving campaign. Other responsibilities include: coordinating new outreach efforts, taking on urgent projects, and more.

Mr. Gossage earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science and History at the University of California, Santa Barbara in the Spring of 2004. During his employment at the Ann Arbor CIL Mr. Gossage has participated in a variety of grant development trainings presented by: The Foundation Center, The Grant Institute, and The Grantsmanship Center.

Tom Hoatlin – Director of Business & Benefactor Development

tom@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 55

Andrea Henry – Business Operations Manager

andrea@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 44

Andrea Henry oversees researching data, information collection, and records management. She helps develop and maintain project records, meeting agendas and minutes, and all reports.

Prior to the CIL, Andrea worked in higher education and the nonprofit arenas, including 7 years at Concordia University as Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the School of Education and as Certification Officer and SB-CEU Coordinator. She also spent 3 years as Case Manager for the Domino’s Pizza Partners Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to Domino’s Pizza Team Members worldwide during times of undue hardship, such as on-the-job accidents, illness, fire or natural disasters, medical emergencies, serious illness, or the death of an immediate family member.

Andrea earned a BA in Sociology and Communication from Saginaw Valley State University in 1999. She served as President of the Abler’s Club, the student-run disability organization, and facilitated an open forum to amplify the voices of students with disabilities. She also worked to incorporate a unit on disabilities into the Department of Sociology’s curriculum.

Born with Spina Bifida, Andrea has been an active part of the disability community, serving as a guest speaker for an Adapted Physical Education class and for a Concordia University Diversity Council event on Disability Issues. In 1995 she was the recipient of the John Weir Scholarship Internship at the Ann Arbor CIL. In 1981 she and her non-disabled twin sister were featured in the Washtenaw-Livingston County March of Dimes’ publicity campaign.

Krystina Johnson – Independent Living and Employment Specialist – Monroe

kjohnson@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 108

Krystina received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Wayne State University in 2012. She has previous work experience in both Human Resources and Safety Training. Krystina brings knowledge and experience of what employers are looking for when hiring and uses these tools to help others gain employment.

Helen Ledgard – Director, Livingston CIL

helen@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 65

Helen leads outreach for the Ann Arbor CIL as well as directs the Livingston CIL. Earlier in her career, she served as the Director of Career Services for the CIL and led the development of the Ann Arbor Area Business Leadership Network, advancing employment of people with disabilities in the business community. Helen has worked as a marketing leader for the University of Michigan, Acro Service Corporation, and Southwest Research Institute. Helen began her career as a lawyer with the U.S. Department of Education working on disability and civil rights programs. She has degrees from the University of Michigan Law School and the University of Toledo.

Bev Mattinson – Accountant

bmattinson@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 39

Bev is our accountant, administrator, and HR extraordinaire. In addition to keeping our books in tip top shape, she also keeps myriad details running smoothly. Bev has served as an accountant and controller for a variety of companies, including John Bailey & Associates, Franco Public Relations and Ilmor Engineering. Bev attended Detroit College of Business and Cleary University, majoring in Accounting.

Tennery McCutcheon – Independent Living & Employment Specialist – Monroe County

tmccutcheon@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 110

Tennery is an Employment Specialist in our Monroe Center for Independent Living (MonroeCIL) office since November 2017. Before coming to the MonroeCIL, Tennery was a Psychology Instructor at Monroe County Community College for 8 years, where she still teaches occasional classes. She was also a substitute teacher for Monroe Public Schools. Before that, Tennery had her own home day care, Tennery’s Treasures, for 10 years.

Tennery graduated from University of Michigan with her Masters of Science in Clinical Health Psychology in 2010. She has always been motivated toward helping others and uses her skill set in that regard to help people through the CIL. From working with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) to organizing workshops in local schools, Tennery finds many ways to assist others as they transition into independent living and greater autonomy.

Kelly Meadows – Independent Living Specialist and Site Manager – Monroe County

kelly@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 101

Kelly Meadows has been with the Ann Arbor CIL since February 2006. She currently works out of the Monroe office as the Site Manager and Independent Living Specialist. Kelly teaches independent living skills which include issues such as housing, budgeting, maintaining and retaining stability, job retention, and finding the necessary community supports.

Kelly serves as a member of the Transition Council at the Intermediate School District of Monroe County and takes part in the Agency Road Show, which travels to local high schools and informs students in transition about the agencies in the county and the variety of support services they offer. Kelly works closely with human service agencies in Monroe County to assure our customers receive maximum benefits and opportunities for successful independent living and employment. Before working at the CIL Kelly worked in management and customer service areas of business, and worked in senior retail management for 10 years.

Kelly Meadows received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Siena Heights University in 2004. She has also participated in numerous workshops and educational seminars pertaining to Michigan Medicaid, Area Agency on Aging and general topics such as budgeting, social security disability, housing, job retention, career development and transition.

Karen Meints – Disability Awareness Workshop Coordinator

karenm@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 43

Karen Works with Rachel Kosla to coordinate the Disability Awareness Workshops (DAW) within the Ann Arbor Public schools and in the wider community.

These workshops teach through hands on activities and presentations, not only how difficult and complex daily living can be for people with disabilities but also how innovative and resourceful they can be to find solutions so that they can accomplish daily tasks and lead successful, happy lives.

Karen Trained as a Registered Nurse and then as an Occupational Therapist in England. After qualifying she worked mainly with individuals with Learning disabilities who had multiple and complex physical and health needs in Devon and East London. Most of her work involved visiting people in their homes and places of work or school and working with families and individuals to find solutions to enable them to lead their chosen lifestyle.

After moving to the US in 2002, Karen volunteered to coordinate the DAW at her children’s school. She then coordinated it for the Ann Arbor Schools District for an number of years. She is delighted to now be employed by the CIL as a DAW coordinator.

Lauren Opra, MA, LLPC, NCC – Youth Services and Pre-Employment Transition Services Specialist

lauren@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 53

Lauren works to foster youth autonomy and assist them in building confidence and independence as a foundation for personal and professional growth. She believes that success should be defined by each individual and enjoys supporting that process for community members.

She most recently worked in the Ann Arbor Public Schools where she assisted students at various grade levels for ten years. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education as well as a Master of Arts in Counseling. She completed her master’s degree in December of 2017 after a two-semester internship at The Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan where she worked with clients in a therapeutic capacity. Lauren continues to work toward full licensure through ongoing with clients.

William C. Purves, MS, GCGSS – Director of Planning & Program Development

wpurves@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 56

Will’s career encompasses a series of overlapping worlds: non-profit management, teaching, school administration, teacher education, game design, writing & editing, non-profit consulting, carpentry, and work with hundreds of students planning and thinking about their future. He moved to SE Michigan in 1992 after living and working in Colorado, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin, earning degrees at various levels in Anthropology, Geography, Urban Planning, and Gaming & Simulation Design. He was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa in 2000, and has steadily lost vision since. He often can be found writing poetry, making and playing games, spending time with his family, and tending backyard chickens.

Cheranissa Roach, MS – Employment Program Specialist

cheranissa@aacil.org * 734-971-0277 x 18

As a Business Consultant for the Center’s MicroEnterprise Works program, Cheranissa works closely with individuals to help them at all stages of launching a small business. In this role, Cheranissa brings savvy business know-how and a compassion and interest in helping people achieve their dreams.

Cheranissa earned her Master of Science Administration degree with specialization in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Her knowledge of business and professionalism is supported by working with corporations, non-profits and faith-based organizations for over 15 years. She has over 10 years in human relations, customer service and operations management, leadership teams, and staff development and training.

In addition to her work at the Ann Arbor CIL, Cheranissa is President and Chief Executive Officer of CDR Consulting, LLC. She conducts seminars and workshops for corporations and individuals on Diversity and Multiculturalism, Women’s Issues, and Women’s Journey to Wellness, Mind, Body, and Spirit. Cheranissa is a certified Diversity Trainer and a Certified Wellness Trainer with the Professional Woman Network.