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Emily Armbruster (she/her) is a Legal Specialist with the Policy Unit of the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR). She leads a new initiative to address algorithmic discrimination in New Jersey. Emily received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Franklin and Marshall College and her Juris Doctorate from Cornell Law School.  Prior to joining DCR, she worked as an associate with Sullivan & Cromwell, LLP, and as a clerk in the District of New Jersey with Judge Esther Salas. Emily is passionate about ensuring equitable access to justice for all. 

Elizabeth Burns is the Associate Director of the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center. She has presented at national, state, and local conferences on a variety of topics. Her articles have appeared in The Horn Book and School Library Journal. Most recently, she has co-authored with her TBBC colleagues “Providing Accessible Library Services at the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center” for the "World Library," The National Library of Korea. With co-author Sophie Brookover, she wrote "Pop Goes the Library: Using Pop Culture To Connect With Your Whole Community." 

Katherine Chiumento, Elevate Health and Therapeutics

Dr. Danielson (Priscilla) is a speech-language pathologist who has been involved in the fields of Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for over 20 years.  Her roles in AT/AAC have included working within university programs, teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels, supporting and developing public school AT/AAC programs, national and international presentations and private practice.  Her private practice has included consultation with law firms, developing AAC programs within school districts, due process consultations, and working with clients and families.  Presently, Priscilla is preparing to retire from full-time university teaching and graduate student supervision.  She will continue adjunct teaching, finishing up a research project targeting AAC vocabulary to support the LGBTQIA+ communities, and several student research projects.  Retirement from full-time teaching will allow her to focus on continued development of her private practice and developing to include a practicing SLP to support the areas of speech-language pathology that complement and enrich the practice.  Priscilla is a parent of an adult child who presents dyslexia and two adult children who grew up managing ADHD across their academic careers.  Consequently, she respects the role of parents in the therapy, learning and advocacy processes. 

Janet DeSenzo, M.Ed, ATP, is currently the Technology Coordinator and Assistive Technology Specialist for CTC Academy. She holds an M.Ed in Education, an educational supervisor’s certification and is a RESNA certified assistive technology practitioner. She’s been involved in the educational and assistive technology industries since 2003. Janet has worked in public schools as a technology coach and assistive technology specialist, an adjunct instructor in higher education and has owned and operated an assistive technology consulting company. Her passion is helping students of all abilities reach their maximum potential with the help of technology. 

Kai Durant (she/her) is a community relations specialist in the Community Relations Unit within DCR. She works to prevent acts of discrimination and bias based harassment through education and community engagement with a focus on religion, disability, and youth initiatives.   She completed her undergrad at Rutgers University with a focus Sociology and Gender Studies. Following undergrad, she completed her master’s in social work with a concentration on policy at Columbia University. She has experience in community outreach, advocacy, and organizing from her past work at a non-profit, community health center, and campaign. 

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Stephen Felle is the Outreach Librarian for the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center. Besides helping people with their book orders, Stephen goes all around New Jersey to promote the library and meet with members. Stephen presented at last year’s Assistive Technology Summit. He has also presented at the New Jersey Library Association’s annual conference, and other local conferences throughout the state. Stephen helps with some of TBBC’s assistive technology programs, such as our LEAP Program and our Tech Loan Program. 

Kate Flaxman M.S. CCC-SLP is an Augmentative Communication Specialist with Advancing Opportunities. 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, family members, peers, caregivers, school personnel, and community members. 

Catherine Fredericks, MA, CCC-SLP/L, ATP-CAS   is a Speech-Language-Pathologist with over 45 years of experience working with students with complex communication needs. In addition to accreditation in her field, she is credentialed as an Assistive Technology Professional, Autism Specialist and is a LAMP Certified Professional. Catherine serves on the Board of Directors for the  NJ Coalition for the Advancement of Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology (NJCART.org). Catherine is an active member of the NJSHA AAC Committee. In 2023 she was recognized at the national level by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) as an innovator in her field, and for Outstanding Contributions in Preschool-Grade 12 Education Settings. 

Brian S. Friedlander, PhD is a school psychologist with expertise in the area of assistive technology, Brian has a passion for using all kinds of technology in his professional work. Friedlander consults to many school districts in the State of New Jersey and works privately with families to help them navigate the various assistive technology solutions.  He is always on the lookout for the latest and greatest gadgets and gizmoos to help students reach their full potential. He can be reached at Brian@assistivetek.com or at innovative technology.us 

Teresa Giardina,M.ED, (she/they) Co-Director HMS Connect, Special Education Teacher, and Adapted Physical Education Teacher Tgiardina@hmsschool.org 215-222-2566 x113 Teresa Giardina is the Co-Director of HMS Connect, a special education teacher, and the adapted PE teacher at HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy where she has been employed for over a decade. Her professional journey started with volunteer opportunities, then paraprofessional work, onto a classroom teacher, and now education administration. Teresa is a proponent of DIY assistive technology, playful exploration, and interpersonal play. Outside of school, Teresa can be seen playing with her own children, officiating roller derby, and questing for the best vegan wings. After presenting at Closing the Gap, HELIX, and ATIA, Teresa and her co-conspirator Courtney Grimes launched an Instagram account documenting their games and conference appearances: check them out at Adapt_Play_Connect. 

Sally A Hagarty, MST, ATP Assistive Technology Specialist, has a Master’s degree in Special Education, a New Jersey teaching certificate, RESNA certification, and has been working in the field of Assistive Technology since 2000.  She has had experience teaching students with multiple disabilities, individuals who are blind and visually impaired, adults who are interested in returning to work, and adults who are experiencing difficulties in everyday life due to traumatic brain injuries .In her current position, Sally is working with teachers, students, parents and adults to help adapt technology to their individual needs, and to help teachers and school staff discover adaptations that will best help each student achieve his or her potential. 

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. 

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Jason Khurdan has a passion for building strong teams that accomplish what others view as impossible. I believe that people help people, not programs or technology. My formula for success has always been: Adding value to my staff through assisting them in growing, making informed- data-driven decisions, and using technology to accelerate what we are doing. My background is in business, technology and accessibility. I have worked in the field of accessibility for about 15 years. In that time I have worked directly with students, faculty and staff with disabilities. I have had a key focus on assistive technology, and helping to build solutions to complex issues. I’ve sat on many committees including leading the BigTen e-text group, several working groups for WCAG 3.0, and others in math/STEM accessibility.  I currently work for Rutgers University’s Office of IT Accessibility, where I am leading the culture shift, and strategic planning in ensure all of our digital assets and processes have accessibility as part of its framework. 

Adam Krass is an assistive technology consultant, and president of Adam Krass Consulting, with over 30 years of experience providing AT services to children and adults with disabilities in school, work and home settings. He is based in Northern NJ. 

Dina Krupka is an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with complex communication needs in school and private practice settings. She has collaborated with SLPs and other members of an individual’s team to access and assist students with a variety of diagnoses including cerebral palsy, CVI and rare genetic disorders for volitional movements that can be used for communication and provided training to their staff on and families on their how they access their AAC systems. 

Karen L. Latimer, ATP, ETIS: Karen Latimer, ATP, ETIS is the Director of Enabling Technologies at KenCrest. With over 30 years of experience in the field of Assistive Technology and Disability Services, Ms. Latimer previously held roles such as Assistive Technology Specialist at the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative Center (DATI) for Disability Studies at the University of Delaware, as well as at the Pennsylvania Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT). She also served as a Student Services Coordinator for Assistive Technology at Disability Student Services at Temple University before joining KenCrest in 2023.Prior to her move to the East Coast, Ms. Latimer held the position of CEO at TECH4U Adaptive Solutions, LLC in Phoenix, Arizona. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing the training and support of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and Veterans Services Counselors in delivering Assistive Technology solutions to clients and veterans. Ms. Latimer played a key role in helping individuals and families access Assistive Technology to enhance their ability to work, live independently, and pursue education. She also collaborated with employers to establish appropriate accommodations for employees with disabilities. MS. Latimer is a dedicated Certified Assistive Technology Practitioner (RESNA, ATP) and Enabling Technology Integration Specialist (SHIFT, ETIS) with a strong commitment to providing solutions in the field of Assistive Technology. She holds a degree in Deaf Education and possesses a wealth of experience working with technology solutions tailored to the needs of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. 

Tracy Lee, CCC-SLP is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist with over 25 years of experience specializing in AAC for individuals across the lifespan with developmental and acquired disabilities. She is a member of the Gramon Family of Schools administrative team in Essex County, NJ. Tracy leads many innovative initiatives to advocate for students, families, staff and community stakeholders in the areas of special education and assistive technology. Tracy is also on the Boards of Trustees for NJCART and the Alliance of Private Education Schools in North Jersey. She has presented at numerous professional conferences on various topics in AAC and related services across the lifespan. 

Lynda Lemisch is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy (OT) at Saint Joseph’s University (SJU).  She has over 30 years of clinical experience as an OT throughout the U.S.  She is a recent recipient of Saint Joseph’s University faculty development grant on “Ethical Implications of AI,” completing a course from Auburn University on “Teaching with AI.”  Dr. Lemisch teaches Assistive Technology to OT grad students and is on the advisory board for the Haub Innovation Center of the Haub School of Business at SJU.  The philosophy of this center is problem solving and entrepreneurship.  She has worked on projects at the center involving Iggy the Robot (AI), OT grad students (human intelligence), and clients in efforts to maximize clients’ satisfaction and outcomes. 

Vanessa Lombardo is the Training and Learning Manager for Bookshare, an initiative of Benetech. In this current role, she is responsible for providing relevant and engaging training content to educators, parents, and students. Her primary goal is to empower students and educators to use accessible educational materials to improve students’ educational outcomes. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Assistive Technology in the Special Education, Language and Literacy Department of The College of New Jersey. Vanessa has worked in the disability field for over 17 years in various roles such as special education teacher, assistive technology specialist, director of programs, adjunct professor, and lead trainer. She has provided training to individuals with various disabilities and ages. She is a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Practioner and holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Cincinnati. Vanessa has expertise in the implementation and training of technology tools to help support individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals. 

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Luisa Martucci, who is bilingual, is the Hispanic Outreach Coordinator at the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center. Luisa was born in Manizales, Columbia, and graduated from Caldas University with a bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts. Luisa transitioned to a career in libraries in 2022. She has presented at the New Jersey Library Association annual conference. In addition to Reader Services, her focus at the library is the coordination of programs to engage the eligible Hispanic population to participate in the accessible library services offered by the TBBC. 

Sandra Masayko, M.Ed., OTR/L has worked with people of all ages in home, community and school settings. Currently she is a member of the AT / AAC Evaluation Team of Easterseals Southeastern PA. As an OT and educator with a half a century of experience, Sandy has seen technology expand from head stick pointers and language boards to Eye-Gaze Computer Technology (EGCT) and more. To assess the outcomes of children who tried Eye-Gaze Computer Technology when in preschool, Sandy and colleagues Joy McGowan and Namrata Grampurohit carried out a follow up study with parents of children who are now school aged. The results indicated that starting the children with EGCT when they were young had a profound effect on the children’s and parents’ lives. The research was published in February 2024 in the American Journal of Speech Language Pathology. 

Joy McGowan, M.S., CCC-SLP, has worked with individuals with complex communication needs for over 30 years. She received her training in speech-language pathology at Emerson College and her graduate degree at Columbia University. Joy has developed specialized programs integrating training, research, and policy in health and education at the regional and state levels. She was an adjunct professor at Temple University, teaching the required AAC course for several years. She has published and presented nationally on augmentative communication ad dysphagia, including book chapters, webinars, and articles evaluating evidence-based treatments and strategies for developing AAC and dysphagia services. Joy is currently the Director of Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication at Easterseals Southeastern Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia and serving the surrounding counties. In addition, Joy provides AAC and dysphagia consultation to various Intermediate Units and school districts throughout the Delaware Valley. She has developed an introductory AAC course that is available through Northern Speech Services. Her current publication, co-authored with Sandy Masayko and Namrata Grampurohit, was published in February 2024 in the American Journal of Speech Language Pathology, and is titled “Parents’ Perceptions of Eye Gaze Technology Use by Children with Complex Communication Needs. 

Nicole Palmer, is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Professional currently working in central and south Jersey as an AAC/AT consultant in school districts and providing education and support with technology in the community. She previously worked in the VA Healthcare System, at Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, where she stayed for 7 years. Nicole was an adjunct lecturer at the University of Texas Health San Antonio for 2 years teaching the graduate AAC/AT course. She has presented at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) multiple times and her other presentation credentials include the Texas Laryngectomee Association (TLA) and the Association of VA Speech Pathologists and Audiologists (AVASLP). 

Amanda Paravati is a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 15 years of experience working with individuals with complex communication needs in the educational and private practice settings.  Amanda has received her AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Certificate from Stockton University and is a certified RESNA ATP (Assistive Technology Professional). She performs assessments to obtain the most appropriate AAC systems and provides training to staff and families for meaningful interactions. 

Trish Perlmutter (she/her) serves as Associate Director for Policy, Outreach, and Community Relations for the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights. In that role, she leads anti-bias initiatives to proactively prevent discrimination. Throughout her career, Trish has worked to combat discrimination and drive institutional reform. Previously, Trish served as Policy Counsel at Partners, advocating on behalf of survivors domestic and sexual violence. Prior to that, Trish was a clinical professor at the Center for Social Justice at Seton Hall University School of Law, where she led class action lawsuits to address the abuse and neglect of individuals, detained in jails and prisons. She holds a B.A. from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

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 adultlife 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 Adocacy 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 is a single working mom of two young adults who both have special healthcare needs. Nicole is a strong advocate for both her children and for other families who struggle to obtain appropriate education support 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.

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Kristen Russell  is an Occupational Therapist/Assistive Technology Specialist at a non-profit agency in New Jersey called Advancing Opportunities. After working in traditional occupational therapy roles at the beginning of her career, she found a passion for assistive technology and focused her career in this specialty area. In 2006, she became certified by RESNA as an Assistive Technology Professional. As an AT Specialist, she provides assistive technology evaluations and trainings to individuals with disabilities of all ages to help improve their independence and success at school, work, and home. She works extensively with school districts, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, the NJ Traumatic Brain Injury Fund, and NJ 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. She has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practice, special needs schools, early intervention, adult day programs, and home-based therapy. Currently, Barbra works in private practice providing AAC Evaluations and Therapy to children and adults in Northern New Jersey. 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 serves as Chair of the AAC Committee and is on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Speech/Language and Hearing Association. 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. 

Jessica Smith a high school graduate with autism. I originally got in to AT when I was in the 9th grade making communication boards for first responders. Today I have grown to making switches and other AT and now I give presentations about what I make. I hope to become a ATP in the near future! . 

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. 

Carmelys Vincent is a graduate of Rutgers University-Newark of 2013 with a dual bachelor’s degree in psychology and public Service. She has the privilege and honor to work with young children as a part of her ministry teaching them how to increase their faith and grow in their love to serve. At the age of 35, Carmelys’ passion lies within the marginalized disability population. Her mission is champion those who are failing to thrive. Her commitment is to inspire hope and those change.  Carmelys love is a verb, an action word. Carmelys believes you cannot give love if you do not have love.    Carmelys’ working experience includes working at the United Cerebral Palsy of Washington, D.C doing individual and group psychotherapy for those with cerebral palsy.  She served at Lake Nelson Adventist Academy as a volunteer school counselor. Here, she worked with children from fifth to eighth grade. Carmelys used this opportunity to encourage the students to be unafraid to seek help. She engaged the students by using her therapeutic skills to meet every stride and strive for excellency especially with children that may be exhibiting behavioral issues or just need that need some quiet time to focus. Every child is destined to do great things because a mind is a terrible thing to waste. Carmelys is currently working on attaining her LCPC from Washington Adventist University. Carmelys served as a clinical mental health intern for the Jon Thomas Group a telehealth agency based in Maryland. Currently, she serves as a therapist intern for Synergy Family Services a mental health agency in Hyattsville, Maryland.