Kim Humphrey, from Auburn, is a mother of Kristin and Daniel. Daniel is an adult with autism. She is the Founder and President of Community Connect Maine, a family driven 501c3 that aims to support increasing the visibility and opportunities of the developmental disability community through increased connections. One of the ways to accomplish this goal is through sharing stories. Kim has a Masters in Public Health. She graduated from the Maine LEND ’17-’18 program as a public health trainee and is excited to be back at a Maine LEND event.
Lisa Wesel of Bowdoinham is a former newspaper journalist who currently works as a freelance writer and editor. She is the mother of two adult daughters, Anita and her older sister, Lidia, who has a rare genetic condition called Dup15q, which causes intellectual disabilities and seizures. Lisa serves on the board of Community Connect Maine and on the governmental advocacy committee of the Dup15q Alliance.
Maggie Hoffman is in her 4th decade as a disability and health advocate. Her work centered on school integration and community inclusion, regardless of diagnosis or support needs. Maggie’s twins were born extremely premature, and their health and disability challenges informed her advocacy. Maggie led a parent support group for 20+ years, co-developed and was the executive director of a national medical education program training focused on families of children with healthcare needs and disabilities, and in NY state, co-created a coalition that developed policy and training resources to sustain self-directed services. Now a Mainer, Maggie is working to help insure the development of effective, user-friendly self-directed services in our state. Maggie lives with her husband, son, and puppy in Hampden.
Diane Frechette was born and lives in Maine. She has been a Registered Nurse for 34 years. She currently works as a Leadership Development Specialist. Diane holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a Master’s degree in Management (Healthcare). She is a Certified Perioperative nurse, a certified facilitator, American Heart Association Instructor, speaks at many venues, is the Director of Challenger League baseball, President of the Board of Directors for Carlisle Charitable Foundation, and is a LEND graduate. Most of all she is a proud Mom of Hunter, her 18 year old son with Down Syndrome and ASD.
