Life in the Community Conference Presenters

9:45 am Sessions

College and Career Readiness Track

Next Steps: A Panel on Post-School Pathways and Possibilities 

Panel Moderator: Tommy Murphy, College Steps

Panel Members & Biographies:

•  Shay Ruff, Alliance Training Lead, The Arc of VA
• Alex Thurman, Self-Advocate. Alex Thurman is a non-speaking autistic and has apraxia. He uses a letterboard to communicate and has a communication and regulation partner.  He attends All Minds Academy (an accredited high school) where he is getting his general high school diploma. He has also attended BrightPoint Community College for advanced math classes. He is active in The Arc of Virginia’s ALLY Alliance, I’m Determined, and Youth Leadership Academy (Virginia Board for People with Disabilities ). He loves math and plans to go to college to be a mathematician. Alex received The Arc of Virginia’s Catalyst for Change award (2022). Alex’s motto is “I AM AN ADVOCATE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND FOR INCLUSION IN ALL FACETS OF LIFE.”
•  Ben Blakenship, Self-Advocate. Ben Blankenship is completing an Associate Degree in English at Brightpoint. He is an alumni of the College Steps program.
• Hannah Lane, Self-Advocate. College Steps and Brightpoint Alumni who now works as a peer mentor for College Steps at Brightpoint. She attends Longwood University and is pursuing a degree in English.
• Elena Bellinger, Self Advocate
• Brenden Oakes. Brenden graduated from Marshall University in 2018 with a computer Science degree. Brendan Oakes is an autism advocate who shares his experiences as a speaker, content creator, mentor, and consultant. Diagnosed with autism during his teenage years, Brendan understands the difficult dynamics affecting those on the autism spectrum as well as their parents and caregivers. Brendan earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Marshall University and has worked with a variety of local, regional, and national organizations focused on autism that includes, Charlottesville Region Autism Action Group (CRAAG), University of Virginia’s STAR (Supporting Transformative Autism Research), Virginia Autism Hope Summit, Virginia Institute of Autism, Blue Ridge Leadership  Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND).   

Self-Advocacy Exploration Track

Relationships Matter: Navigating Friendships, Boundaries, and Love

Presenter: Staci  Carr

Presenter’s Biography: Staci Carr received a masters degree in education from Harvard University and a second masters degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a B.A. in Psychology from Oakland University. Since 1993, Staci has been working and conducting research in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder, specifically Social Skills Training. She has worked in Michigan, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Virginia developing programs to support children in a variety of settings with varying abilities. In December 2014, Staci earned a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Caregiver Track

Turning 18 in Virginia: What Individuals with Disabilities Need to Consider

Presenter: Kendra L. Wormley, RSA- Transition to Adulthood Project Coordinator, Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)

Presenter’s Biography: Kendra Wormley is a native of Newport News, VA, and the RSA Transition to Adulthood Project Coordinator with the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC).  She is a proud graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where she received a degree from the School of Education in Therapeutic Recreation.  For over 25 years, she has worked with families, professionals, and organizations to provide support to students and adults with disabilities to increase their independence and improve opportunities to actively participate in their community.  Kendra enjoys working with families to support them when it comes to transition planning for students with disabilities from high school to adulthood.  Kendra does this through the development and implementation of trainings and resources for families and professionals, and through PEATC’s YET (Youth Empowerment Transition) Council to promote and increase self-advocacy for students with disabilities.  Planning for the future can be overwhelming, but the goal is to take one step at a time to get one step closer to the ultimate goal.  

11:00 a.m. Sessions

College and Career Readiness Track

Academic Access: Tools, Tips, and Strategies for Post-Secondary Student Support

Presenters:  Jan Shea, MSW & Mark Miller

Presenter’s Biographies: Jan Shea, MSW, is an Ed.D. student at VCU, focusing on Higher Education. At VCU’s Center on Transition Innovations (CTI), she supports individuals with disabilities, notably as program coordinator for ACE-IT in College. Her work at CTI includes:  

• Supporting students with disabilities in accessing college
• Part of the leadership team for IHEAC accreditation 
• Publishing resources and scholarly research about college transition

Mark Miller. For the past 11 years, Dr. Miller has been serving as a professional counselor at Brightpoint Community College assisting students in establishing accommodations to facilitate access at the college.  Dr. Miller completed his undergraduate degree in secondary education in English (BA) from the University of Pittsburgh, a master’s degree (MS) in psychology from Shippensburg University and a doctorate degree in clinical psychology (Ph.D.) from the California Institute of Integral Studies. He is licensed in Virginia as a professional counselor (LPC) and certified as a substance abuse counselor (CSAC). Dr. Miller is also currently the Midlothian Supervisor for Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. 

Self-Advocacy Exploration Track

Making Your Mark: Building and Mapping Community Belonging

Presenter: Seb M. Prohn, Ph.D.,Assistant Director- Research & Evaluation

Partnership for People with Disabilities

Presenter’s Biography: Seb Prohn is the Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation at VCU’s Partnership for People with Disabilities. All projects and research that he leads include people with disabilities as collaborators and leaders. His work addresses the health, well-being, and community participation of people with IDD. Seb is a parent of a child with autism. 

Caregiver Track

Special Needs Planning: Pulling Together Financial, Legal, and Advocacy Supports for People With Disabilities 

Presenters: Kathy Matthews, Kristin Carleton and Nick Thompson 

Presenter’s Biographies: Kathy Matthews, PhD Chief Clinical Officer, Care Manager, Advocate All Needs Planning, Born in Virginia, Kathy holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Columbia University. While living in New York, she worked in Special Education as a teacher and consultant. After that, she returned to Virginia to serve as Executive Director of the Faison Center for Autism. She is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Virginia, teaching behavior analysis. As the mother of an autistic child, Kathy is proud to be a part of All Needs Planning and enjoys celebrating the successes of the families we support. Away from the office, Kathy enjoys planning new adventures with her two sons.

Nick Thompson Attorney, Pender & Coward. Nick Thompson focuses his practice on advising ultra-high and high net worth individuals and families on the broad range of very complex estate planning concerns, guardianship and conservatorship matters and adoptions. During his tenure at two large international law firms, Nick’s practice focused on commercial financing matters across the energy industry. He advised lenders and borrowers in connection with commercial financing matters across a broad range of industries and asset classes, with a particular focus on renewable and conventional energy assets. Nick also represented private equity, private company, and public company clients on mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. Nick currently serves as an Adjunct Professor leading the University of Richmond School of Law’s Aging & Disability Practicum. He previously served as an Adjunct Professor and the Director of William & Mary Law School’s Elder & Disability Law Clinic from September 2020 through December 2024. Nick regularly gives continuing legal education seminars on topics in guardianship and conservatorship matters.  Prior to attending law and business schools, Nick played professional baseball in the St. Louis Cardinal’s organization.

Kristin Carleton  CEO and Chief Investment Strategist, All Needs Planning. Kristin Carleton is a multi-accredited financial services professional with over two decades of experience helping families confidently achieve their long-term financial goals. Her previous experience includes leading a financial planning and investments team at James River Wealth Advisors, working in Investor Relations at Universa Investments, a popular hedge fund founded by Nassim Taleb, and handling business development for two territories at WisdomTree Investments, an ETF provider. Kristin’s journey into special needs planning began with the diagnosis of her own son. She is an active member of the boards of GRASP and a Senate-appointed member of the Commonwealth Savers Board, where her goal is to expand post-secondary opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Kristin’s ability to implement the appropriate investment strategy within an overall financial and life plan is her role in the special needs planning process. Her passion, dedication, and expertise make her a trusted advocate for families with special needs.

1:00 p.m. Sessions

College and Career Readiness

 Building Your Future: Internships and Career Prep for Every Ability

Presenter: Sonya Durham, Career Support Specialist

Presenter’s Biography: Sonya Durham earned her BS in Interdisciplinary Studies and Special Education from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Gerontology, also from VCU.

Self-Advocacy Exploration Track

Innovate Your Future: Entrepreneurship & Out-of-the-Box Career Paths

Presenter: Nasiyah Isra-UI

Presenter’s Biography: Nasiyah Isra-Ul (they/she) is a nonbinary autistic and disability self-advocate, writer, public speaker, entrepreneur, content creator, and policy professional working in the fields of education reform and disability justice. They are the founder of the Mishpacha Rising Collective, and the creator of Living Confident with Nasiyah. As a queer, disabled, and neurodivergent individual, their ultimate aspiration is to be a rabbi and Jewish educator, utilizing their experiences to create inclusive spaces where people of all abilities and backgrounds can flourish. When they are not working, volunteering in their local community, or traveling across the country for speaking engagements, they enjoy baking, business coaching, crafting, singing, and taking care of their beloved leopard gecko.

Caregiver Track

Making the Most of Medical Visits: Communication Strategies for Families

Presenter: Dr. Bambi L. Gladfelter, D.O.

Presenter’s Biography: Family Medicine Physician Dr. Bambi Gladfelter is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician with a diverse background in patient care, education, and medical leadership. She currently practices at Partner MD in Richmond, Virginia, where she provides comprehensive, concierge-based primary care to patients across the lifespan, from youth to seniors. With over a decade of experience in outpatient medicine, Dr. Gladfelter is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that emphasizes prevention, wellness, and continuity.

After earning her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2007, Dr. Gladfelter completed her residency in Family Practice at Chesterfield Family Practice in Richmond, VA. Her residency provided robust training in both outpatient and inpatient care, including experience in managing patients across eight intensive care units. Dr. Gladfelter’s journey into medicine followed an accomplished career in science education and museum programming. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Science in Physics and General Science Education from West Virginia University. Before entering the medical field, she served as the Director of Educational Programs at the Science Museum of Virginia, where she oversaw curriculum development, grant writing, and educational program management. She also taught science at both the middle and high school levels in West Virginia and Virginia.

3:00 p.m. Sessions

College and Career Readiness Track

Building Independence at Work: Supported Employment and the Path to Natural Supports

Presenter: Cate Ingle, Manager The Choice Group, Mindi Radtke

Self-Advocacy Exploration Track

The Road to Independence: Essential Executive Functioning Skills for Young Adults

Presenter: Maria P DelCorso, MA, CCC-SLP New Agenda

Presenter’s Biography: Maria P DelCorso, MA, CCC-SLP offers more than 30 year of experience and expertise with toddlers, children, youth and teens, as well as families, through non-profits, university, hospital, school, and early intervention work, as well as her private practice, RVA Pediatric Therapy and Consulting.  Maria has extensive experience and expertise in working with Executive function (EF) Disorders through her work with learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and communication disorders with behavioral and mental health needs. 

Caregiver Track

Rights, Respect, and Support: Navigating Legal Decision-Making Options

Presenter: Dana Traynham, Senior Attorney, Disability Law Center of Virginia

Presenter’s Biography: Dana has worked with and for people with disabilities for over 30 years. She has held a variety of positions in Virginia and California including case manager (both ID and MH), in-home counselor, direct care and management in group homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health clubhouse counselor, and advocate. She has been a staff attorney at the disAbility Law Center since May 2000 (she did leave in 2005 to pursue private practice, but was elated to return a year later!). She received her undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia, MSW at Virginia Commonwealth University and J.D. at the University of Richmond. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her three children and a menagerie of animals!