Institute on Disabilities STAFF DIRECTORY

Kristin Ahrens
Ms. Ahrens is the Policy Coordinator for the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University. She also coordinates the Partnership (The Pennsylvania Training Partnership for People with Disabilities and Families), a statewide community-based training project for family members and self-advocates. Her 20 years of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities spans from advocacy and community education to providing supported living, family support and participant-directed services. Ms. Ahrens was previously the Director of Self-Determination Resources, Inc. (SDRI), a regional brokerage serving adults with developmental disabilities, in Portland, Oregon.

John Badger
Mr. Badger is the Coordinator of Student Supports for the Academy for Adult Learning program, overseeing the mentoring and tutoring components, ensuring that each student is imparted with necessary supports. Since graduating from Temple University in 2010 with a BA in Psychology, Mr. Badger worked as an Employment Specialist in Bucks County, PA, with the adult special needs population, and spent a year teaching English as a Foreign Language in the city of Changsha, Hunan Province, China.

Titania Boddie
Ms. Boddie is the Program Coordinator of the Academy for Adult Learning and Assistant Coordinator for Supported Leadership Facilitation. She is responsible for supervising student mentors and for coordinating activities for the Academy. In addition, insures the participants' access to Temple's campus. Ms. Boddie has a bachelor's degree in Elementary/Early childhood Education from Temple University.

Yvette Bolden
Ms. Bolden is the Administrative Assistant for Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT), responsible for many of the administrative functions of this Institute program. In addition, Ms. Bolden chairs the Workplace Diversity Committee to assure, initiate and facilitate dialogue among staff and students within the Institute.

Anthony Brown
Mr. Brown is the Academic Relations Coordinator of the Academy for Adult Learning. He is responsible for leading the team of faculty, students and other ancillary professionals in developing an appropriate accommodation plan for each student auditing undergraduate and continuing education courses. Mr. Brown acts as the lead liaison with faculty in placing Academy students in undergraduate courses that match their interests and abilities. Mr. Brown has a Master’s Degree in Education from Eastern University.

Guy Caruso
As Western Coordinator, Dr. Caruso is responsible for training and related activities in western Pennsylvania. In addition, he provides technical assistance to Pennsylvania's OMR Independent Monitoring for Quality Program. He has worked in human services for 32 years as an advocate, teacher, trainer, researcher, and consultant. Dr. Caruso has a master's degree and a doctorate from Syracuse University.

Carol Csaniz
As Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Csaniz provides office support to the Institute on Disabilities and is responsible for all logistics involving The Partnership and for the Confidence and Competence: Partners in Policymaking (C2P2) Trainings. A graduate of the Institute's C2P2 program, she has been active in issues involving people with disabilities for more than 20 years. Mrs. Csaniz is active in the Delaware County Down Syndrome Interest Group as well as Special Olympics. She is the mother of a daughter with a disability who has graduated from high school and is currently working and volunteering in the community.

Mary Kay Cunningham
As the Assistant Director of Technical Assistance, Ms. Cunningham is responsible for providing technical assistance to Pennsylvania's Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q) Project, a statewide project assessing the quality of life of individuals receiving mental retardation services. Before joining the Institute staff, Mary Kay worked for a provider organization in Philadelphia overseeing the agency's quality management activities and promoting continuous quality improvement. She has a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and more than 10 years experience working with individuals with disabilities.

Virginia DiLello
As Graphic Designer for the Institute, Ms. DiLello is responsible for designing and producing all print publications. She is both a designer and writer, following a project from conception to printing, insuring accessibility. Ms. DiLello has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism/Advertising from Temple and before joining the Institute, was a freelance writer and designer, with clients such as E.P. Henry, Wheaton Scientific and Renault Resort.

Celia Feinstein
Ms. Feinstein is Co-Executive Director of the Institute on Disabilities. Additionally, she directs the Institute's Leadership Development activities (Competence and Confidence: Partners in Policymaking) and all of its variations. In addition, Ms. Feinstein directs The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Partnership for People with Disabilities and Families, as well as evaluation activities such as Independent Monitoring for Quality, Montgomery County monitoring and evaluating family support services. Ms. Feinstein received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and an Master of Arts in Medical Sociology from Temple University. She has also completed her doctoral coursework in Medical Sociology.

Katie Fetterolf
Ms. Fetterolf is the Project Coordinator for Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Lending Library. She is responsible for processing and screening all device loan applications, and for managing and maintaining all lending library equipment for Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology. Ms. Fetterolf is a graduate of the Institute's C2P2 Emerging and Established Leadership program. She has done a variety of volunteer work throughout the community, and has a Masters degree from Temple University.

Beverly Frantz
Dr. Frantz directs the Institute's criminal justice and sexuality initiatives, including curriculum development, research, and technical assistance at the local, state and national levels. She has published numerous journal articles, reports, and personal safety/sexual abuse curricula. Dr. Frantz earned a Master of Science degree from Villanova University and the London School of Economics and a Doctorate degree from Widener University in Human Sexuality.

Susan Fullam
As Director of Information Dissemination, Ms. Fullam is responsible for all material created and distributed by the Institute, including web, print, audio and video. She spent the greater part of her career in publishing and communications in the private sector. After graduating from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Ms. Fullam served first as graphic designer, then as managing Editor, of a local newspaper. She then spent more than 10 years at TV Guide magazine as Director of Marketing Services.

Kelly George
As the Director of Academic Programs, Ms. George oversees the Institute's university-based education division, including the Interdisciplinary Faculty Council on Disability and the Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies, a collaboration with the College of Education. She is also a doctoral candidate in Media and Communication at Temple University, and has published research in the fields of health communication and audience studies. Her dissertation focuses on disability in media and public memory.

Amy Goldman
Ms. Goldman is Co-Executive Director of the Institute on Disabilities. Her portfolio includes the Institute's assistive technology (AT) - related services and supports, including Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology, the Assistive Technology Lending Library, Augmentative Communication and Empowerment Supports (ACES) and the Telecommunication Device Distribution Program. Ms. Goldman serves as the manager of the emergency preparedness and reuse initiative of the national Pass It On Center. As a licensed speech-language pathologist, she has many years of practice in the area of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and she recently completed her term as chair of the steering committee of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Special Interest Group on AAC. Ms. Goldman completed her undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology at Ithaca College; her master's degree in Communication Disorders from the State University of New York College at Buffalo, and her doctoral coursework in Special Education at Temple University.

Adora Hatten
Ms. Hatten is Coordinator of the Supported Leadership Initiative, which supports people with intellectual disabilities to participate on boards and committees as fully participating members. In addition, she serves as Assistant Administrator for the Institute, with a variety of budgetary responsibilities. Ms. Hatten has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Temple University and co-chairs the That All May Worship Network of Greater Philadelphia.

Shana Hornstein
As Graduate Assistantship Coordinator, Shana Hornstein, Ph.D., BCBA-D assists in hiring graduate assistants from a variety of terminal degree programs across campus to work at the Institute and teaches a seminar on disability for the GAs. An assistant professor of Special Education, Shana earned her doctoral degree from Arizona State University. She has been a classroom teacher, a home-based and school-based consultant, and a professional development trainer in the areas of early childhood special education, Applied Behavior Analysis, and autism.

Mary Jones-Furlow
Ms. Jones-Furlow is Project Coordinator helping to manage the quality-of-life monitoring of individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities. In addition, she coordinates the Mini Series on Disability and facilitates the completion of the leadership training programs' individual projects. Ms. Jones-Furlow earned her bachelor's degree in Business Education from Albany State College in Georgia and her Master of Social Work degree from Temple University.

Julie Kessler
As LEND/IOD liaison, Dr. Kessler serves as the discipline director for our Leadership and Education in Neuro/Developmental Disabilities fellow who is selected each year to develop and implement research, community-based, and family-related projects through collaboration efforts between the Institute on Disabilities and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She coordinates the annual Beyond Inclusion Summer Institute which provides professional development in best practices regarding Inclusive Education to school personnel, graduate students and family members in Philadelphia and surrounding regions. Dr. Kessler has doctorate degree from Temple University in special education/inclusive practices and is a clinical assistant professor, currently teaching pre-service and in-service teachers in the special education program in Temple's College of Education.

Karen Latimer
As Assistive Technology Specialist for Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT), Ms. Latimer helps individuals explore different Assistive Technology options available and also serves as the Consumer Educator for the Telecommunications Device Distribution Program for Pennsylvania through PIAT. She has worked in the field of Assistive Technology for over 20 years and has special interest in computer and listening technologies. Ms. Latimer holds a bachelors degree in Deaf Studies and Political Advocacy from California State University Northridge (CSUN) and her Assistive Technology Practioner Certificate (ATP) from RESNA.

Jim Lemanowicz
Mr. Lemanowicz is Assistant Director of Research at the Institute on Disabilities, as well as the Data Coordinator for the NIRS database. A 30+ year employee of Temple his responsibilities include statistical analysis and data management on multiple research projects. Mr. Lemanowicz co-authored several publications in developmental disabilities and presented at many forums. Currently his area of concentration is quality assurance, consumer interviews, and evaluation of the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Mr. Lemanowicz received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Temple University.

Carrie Leonhart
As Augmentative Communication Services Coordinator, Ms. Leonhart provides information, technical assistance, device demonstrations, consultation, and evaluations related to assistive technology for communication (augmentative and alternative communication - AAC). She is a PA licensed and ASHA certified speech-language pathologist with a master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Kansas State University. She has worked with individuals with disabilities of all ages in home, school, recreational, and community settings.

Amy Letson
Ms. Letson, Graphic/Web Design Specialist, manages the websites for the Institute, and also designs and produces print, multimedia, and photographic materials. Since earning her BFA degree from the University of Delaware she has specialized in web development, photography and graphic design, and has recently completed a master's degree at Temple University.

Carol Marfisi
Ms. Marfisi is an instructor with a master's degree in Counseling Education from the University of Edinboro and has B.S. in Psychology from Scranton University. She lectures throughout Temple University on disability-related issues. Ms. Marfisi develops and conducts community training and is a senior instructor for the ACES program. Ms. Marfisi is an integral part of the graduate certificate disability studies program.

Sandra McNally
Sandra McNally is Assistant Director, Community Services at the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University. She is Program Director for PA's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT), and coordinates other funded statewide assistive technology activities, including the Telecommunication Device Distribution Program (TDDP) and iCanConnectPA. Sandi is a parent of two children with disabilities, and holds a Master’s Degree from Temple University.

Kathy Miller
As Director of Community Services, Ms. Miller is responsible for overseeing the Institute's leadership development training programs. She also manages the Supported Leadership Initiative providing supports to self advocates on boards and committees and the Academy for Adult Learning a postsecondary opportunity at Temple for adults with intellectual disabilities. Kathy has a Master Degree in social work, and has worked along with and for people with disabilities for over 25 years.

Jamie Prioli
Ms. Prioli is an Assistive Technology Specialist and Program Coordinator for the Reused and Exchanged Equipment Partnership (REEP), and is responsible for information, technical assistance, device demonstrations, and funding assistance related to assistive technology. She also specializes in Emergency Management, AT and People with Functional Needs. For over 20 years she has worked with individuals with disabilities of all ages in home, school, work, and community settings. Ms. Prioli received her bachelor's degree from West Chester University and holds an Assistive Technology Professional Certificate (ATP) from RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America). She currently serves as Secretary to the Board of Directors of RESNA.

Cathy Roccia-Meier
Ms. Roccia-Meier is the Family Education Coordinator, with the C2P2/EI and C2P2/Family Leadership programs, as well as Philadelphia's Families First program. A graduate of the Institute's traditional C2P2 program and parent to a young man on the autism spectrum, she has been active in local and state issues, including serving as chairperson for the Philadelphia Local Right to Education Task Force; a member of the Coalition of Philadelphia Special Education Advocates and serves on the Board for the Arc of Philadelphia and Autism Sharing and Parenting Inc.

Claudia Smarkola
Dr. Smarkola is the Assistant Director of Evaluation and Research. She works with all the projects at the Institute on Disabilities to help infuse, analyze and report on evaluation and research. She also works with staff to assist in disseminating their projects to show the wide range of work done by the Institute. Dr. Smarkola holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Systems Management and Marketing from Drexel University. She received her Masters of Education from Holy Family University, and her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Temple University.

Lisa Sonneborn
Ms. Sonneborn is the Project Coordinator for Visionary Voices: Leaders, Lessons. Legacy. For over fifteen years, Ms. Sonneborn has produced media that is focused on issues meaningful to the disability community. With Visionary Voices, she is working to capture oral histories of leaders in Pennsylvania's Intellectual Disability Movement, and is overseeing the processing and preservation of the Institute's archival collections. Ms. Sonneborn earned her BA in Art History from Arcadia University, and her MFA in Film and Media Arts from Temple University.

Lisa Troy
As Telecommunication Device Distribution Program (TDDP) Coordinator, Ms. Troy is responsible for screening and processing all TDDP applications. Much of her career has been in healthcare administration and customer service. Ms. Troy is currently a continuing education student at Temple University.

Ann Marie White
Ms. White is Deputy Director and is responsible for the daily operations and financial management of the Institute on Disabilities. She brings with her over a decade of experience in research administration and research financial management. Ms. White earned a bachelor's degree in Accounting from La Salle University, a master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and is a Certified Research Administrator.