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Christopher R. Bugaj, MA CCC‐SLP is a founding member of the Assistive Technology Team for Loudoun County Public Schools. Chris co-hosts the Talking With Tech podcast and has hosted The A.T.TIPSCAST; a multi‐award winning podcast featuring strategies to design educational experiences. Chris is the author of The New Assistive Tech: Make Learning Awesome For All, co-author of Inclusive Learning 365: EdTech Strategies for Every Day of the Year and The Practical (and Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology in Public Schools all of which are published by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Chris co-authored two chapters for a book published by Brookes Publishing titled Technology Tools for Students with Autism. Chris co‐produces the Night Light Stories podcast which features original stories for children of all ages. Chris has presented over 500 live or digital sessions at local, regional, state, national and international events, including TEDx.

Rob Carr, CPACC, is the ICT Accessibility Program Manager for Oklahoma ABLE Tech. ABLE Tech is Oklahoma’s Assistive Technology Act Program housed at Oklahoma State University. Rob helps Oklahoma state agencies and higher education institutions to make their websites and software more accessible. He trains and guides organizations to make accessibility doable. Rob focuses on topics that range from making PDF documents more accessible to building an accessibility program. Rob regularly talks about accessibility at local and national conferences and events. He also organizes Oklahoma’s statewide technology accessibility conference, TechAccess Oklahoma.

Elisa Cohen, Senior Staff Advocate, Employment Team / PABSS Coordinator

Janet DeSenzo been involved in the educational and assistive technology industries since 2003. With a background in education, a M.Ed. and educational supervisor certification, I've assisted schools with grant planning, the roll-out of district-wide technology initiatives, assisted with lesson plan development and delivery and the integration of AAC in the classroom. My passion is helping students of all abilities reach their maximum potential with the help of technology.

Kate Flaxman M.S., CCC-SLP is an Augmentative Communication Specialist with Advancing Opportunities. She has been practicing as a Speech Language Pathologist for 14+ years. She has had a diversified experience working with individuals with complex communication needs who benefit from AAC in early intervention, schools, adult placement settings, homes, and employment. She strives to promote communication for the purpose of improving lives through interactions with parents, peers, caregivers, school personnel, and community members.

Catherine Fredericks is employed by the Wayne Board of Education, Catherine is a Speech/Language Pathologist with over 45 years’ experience helping students with complex communication needs. Credentialed as an Assistive Technology Professional and Certified Autism Specialist, Catherine is also certified as a LAMP professional by the Center for AAC and Autism. Catherine serves as Recording Secretary on the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Coalition for the Advancement of Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology (NJCART) and is a member of the New Jersey Speech/Language Hearing Association’s (NJSHA) Committee on Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Dr. Brian Friedlander is a school psychologist with expertise in the area of assistive technology. Dr. Friedlander has a passion for using all kinds of technology in his professional work. Dr. Friedlander is an Associate Professor of Education at the Saint Elizabeth University in Morristown, N.J. where he coordinates Graduate Programs in Special Education and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in assistive technology. He maintains a consulting and private practice in the area of assistive technology working with schools and parents to find innovative solutions to support student learning. Dr. Friedlander is the author of the following assistive technology reference guides which are available from National Professional Resources, Inc. : Chromebooks in the Classroom: Changing the Landscape of Education, Assistive Technology: What Every Educator Needs to Know, Autism and the iPad: Strengthening Communication and Behavior, Co-Teaching & Technology: Enhancing Communication & Collaboration, and iPad™: Enhancing Learning & Communication for Students with Special Needs and Using Alexa in the Classroom. Dr. Friedlander is available for consulting and training in the area of assistive technology and learning disabilities. You can reach him at Brian@assistivetek.com

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Teresa Goddard joined the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) staff as a Program Assistant in March 2008, joined the JAN Motor Team as a Consultant in August 2008, and then transitioned to JAN’s Sensory Team. Teresa now provides expert level consultation and team leadership as a Lead Consultant on JAN’s Sensory Team. In this role, Teresa fields questions from employees and employers regarding their rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and assists in identifying accommodation solutions for individuals with sensory impairments. Teresa’s professional experience includes work as an Educational Speech-Language Pathologist and as an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructor in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, where in addition to classroom teaching, she led continuing education workshops on collaborative instructional techniques and cross-cultural understanding. Teresa earned a Master of Science degree in Speech Pathology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from West Virginia University (WVU). Teresa’s research interests include assistive technology, trauma informed practices, and cross-cultural perspectives on disability services.

Susan Head has worked at Disability Rights New Jersey as a senior staff advocate and program coordinator for 12 years. As a member of the agency’s employment team, she assists individuals pursue their employment objectives through access to appropriate, individualized vocational rehabilitation services, and other Rehabilitation Act funded programs. Susan works with both clients and vocational rehabilitation staff to resolve service and communications issues.

Garth Heid has over thirty five years of experience working in the field of assistive technology and direct client services. He has provided services encompassing all aspects of technology designed for people with disabilities at home, school, and in the work place. Garth currently specializes in providing home accessibility evaluation and consulting services for a multitude of funders throughout New Jersey.

Patricia Holzman, has been an educator at the A. Harry Moore School in Jersey City for over 30 years. She recognized early in her career the impact technology can have on the educational and social journey of her students. Patricia has been an advocate of finding the best AT devices for her students with low-incidence disabilities. Being a life-long learner, Patricia has received a doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership completing a dissertation on the delivery of AT to students with ASD in postsecondary education. Patricia previously served as the Recording Secretary and is currently serving as the Vice President on the NJCART Board of Directors.

Adam Krass: Adam has over 30 years of experience in the field of assistive technology. He has provided assistive technology services to children and adults with disabilities in school, work and home settings. Having worked in non-profit organizations, K-12 schools, universities, equipment manufacturers and, now as a consultant, Adam has extensive experience with all phases of assistive technology. He is based in Northern NJ.

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Maggie Pickett is a Senior Technical Assistance Specialist at CAST currently working on the Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES) and the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials. She has worked with teachers, students, administrators, para-professionals, families, and community partners to build a common understanding of how creating engaging and accessible learning for ALL is possible. Maggie is an ISTE Community Leader, an assistive technology specialist, and a certified speech-language pathologist.

Jordan Pratt is a young adult and has graduated from High School in June 2021. Jordan, since graduation is working part time at his local staples. Jordan is very involved with his transition in his adult life learning and advocating for his own healthcare services, particularly the importance of Mental Health services. Jordan has participated in Special Olympics Basketball, Cycling and Track and Field. He knows volunteers for Special Olympics New Jersey. Jordan also love learning and playing electronic games such as Basketball, Baseball, Hockey, Wrestling and Mario Brothers. Jordan is also learning how to create games from his game instructor form Game University. Jordan participates in a SPAN Parent Advocacy Network Youth Chat to enhance his self-advocacy skills. Jordan has recently been selected to be on the National Health Care Transition Resource Center Youth Steering Committee

Nicole Pratt a single working mom of two young adults’ who both have special health care needs. Nicole is a strong advocate for both her children and for other families who struggle to obtain appropriate education supports and healthcare services for their children. Nicole sits on several New Jersey State, national and local parent leader advisory committees/ boards that support/empower families and children. Nicole works for The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network as a Senior Parent Professional Trainer educating parents and professionals, which include teachers, administration, and community organizations on an array of education along with health topics across New Jersey and nationally. Nicole is the Project Director on the Leaders Empowered as Advocates with Dignity project coordinating trainings and support for women around healthcare messaging. She is also The Diverse Parent Engagement Development & TA Facilitator on the Leadership in Family Professional Partnership project. BS Psy, MAT

Kristen Russell is an Assistive Technology Specialist at Advancing Opportunities with a degree in occupational therapy. She has been certified by RESNA as an Assistive Technology Professional since 2006. At Advancing Opportunities, she provides assistive technology evaluations and trainings to children and adults with all types of disabilities to help them improve their independence at school, work, and home. She works with a variety of agencies including the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, School Districts, NJ Traumatic Brain Injury Fund, and Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Laurie Schaller serves as a Manager of Financial Empowerment at National Disability Institute (NDI). Laurie manages and coordinates activities and builds partnerships with federal, state and local community leaders in her role managing the National Disability Institutes Assistive Technology Loan Program in New Jersey and New York. In addition, she serves as a nationally known subject matter expert on the public workforce system, Social Security Disability benefits planning and financial education and coaching. Laurie is certified as a Community Work Incentives Counselor and a key member of the ABLE National Resource Center providing support on Disability Benefits, Assistive Technology Loans, and ABLE accounts. Laurie has a Bachelor of Science: Community & Human Services / Empire State College.

Barbra Seltzer is a Speech/Language Pathologist with more than 30 years of experience working with children and adults with complex communication needs. Barbra has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practice, special needs schools, early intervention, and home-based therapy. Currently, she is the Director of Access Communication and Therapy, a private practice in Northern New Jersey which provides AAC evaluations and therapy to children and adults. Barbra has a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech/Language and Hearing Association, a New Jersey license to practice Speech/Language Pathology and Certification by the New Jersey Department of Education as a Speech/Language Specialist. She is PROMPT trained and is Chair of the New Jersey Speech/Language and Hearing Association’s Committee on Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Barbra is also a member of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America and is certified as an Assistive Technology Professional. Barbra believes that all people have a right to be heard, understood, and respected.

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Janna Sheiman, Senior Staff Attorney; Managing Attorney, Employment Team & PAAT Coordinator

Travis Tallman, MS, CCC-SLP, ATP - Ms. Tallman serves as an AAC/AT Consultant for the NJ Institute for Disabilities and Lakeview School. She previously served as the Director of Augmentative and Computer Services until June 2019. She has ben an adjunct instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at UMDNJ and taught graduate level courses in Augmentative Communication. She has lectured extensively in the areas of both Augmentative Communication and computer access for children and adults with varying disabilities and complex communication levels. She serves on the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey Coalition for the Advancement of Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology (NJCART). Ms. Tallman is certified as an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) by the Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America, and received the RESNA Mentorship Award in 2019. She is an NDT trained therapist, and was co-author of the book: Positioning for Function: Wheelchairs and Other Assistive Technologies.

Wendy Thompson, Ed.D, a special education teacher, has worked with students with complex needs for thirty years. The past twenty-five years as a demonstration teacher for the A.Harry Moore School of New Jersey City University located in Jersey City, New Jersey. With experience as an early interventionist, camp counselor, and an adjunct instructor, Wendy has worked with individuals with disabilities over the life span. Combining her interest in technology and her skill set as an educator, Wendy earned her doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership. A wish to learn more about assistive technology through professional development while increasing her personal professional learning community led Wendy to her first NJCART meeting. Through the years, Wendy has gained a perspective on the interwoven layers of the need for product, information, and delivery that encompass the ever changing landscape of the supportive goals surrounding assistive and educational technologies through her connection to NJCART. Now, having served on the NJCART board as Recording Secretary, and Treasurer, Wendy is taking on the role of President.

Melissa Zeidler. Managing Attorney, Community Inclusion Team