national training conference - nena: national employment ... · page 5 2018 pre-conference schedule...

Louisville, KYLouisville, KYLouisville, KYLouisville, KY September 18September 18September 18September 18----21, 201821, 201821, 201821, 2018

National Training Conference

What to Expect:

• NENA Updates

• SSA Info & Updates

• TPM Info & Updates

• PII Information

• Marketing Tip’s

• Disability Awareness

• Youth Incentives

• VR Training

• Partnership Plus

• BPQY Information

• Individual Networking

• And much, much more!

Inside this issue:

Quick Glance Agenda 2

Workshop Descriptions 5

Presenter Biographies 12

Things to Do 21

After the Conference 24

Acknowledgements 24

Fun Facts 24

Board Members 23

Maps 4

NENA Fun Facts 11

Notes 20

Group Event 22

Trivia Question 11

Welcome to the 8th

Annual NENA Na�onal Training Conference!

And, Welcome to Louisville, Kentucky!!

Registra�on will begin at 7:30 a.m. in the Riverside Ballroom Foyer located on the 2nd

floor. A Con�nental Breakfast will be available immediately a-er registra�on.

On Day 2 and Day 3, a Con�nental Breakfast will be served from 8:00am—9:00am in

the Riverside Ballroom. Morning announcements will begin at 9:00am.

Lunch will be served on Wednesday and Thursday in the Riverside Ballroom. Your

Conference Commi4ee selected some local favorites that are sure to be a hit!

At the end of each day, we’ve built in some �me to network with your peers and learn

something new about the various Ticket Program models.

Conference Information

Ask those ques�ons!!!

We’re here to help you be

successful!!

The NENA Conference

program is based on input

from the NENA Board and

our members who a4end-

ed previous conferences.

The 2018 conference ses-

sions will cover a variety

of hot topics and so much

more! Take a look inside!

We hope you’ll enjoy your

stay at the Sheraton Louisville

Riverside Hotel in Jefferson-

ville, Indiana. The hotel is

just across the bridge from

the beau�ful riverside city of

Louisville, Kentucky.

If you are venturing out in

Louisville at night, please try

to stay with a group.

Remember...Safety in num-

bers! Located in the program

you’ll see some areas of inter-

est.

There are so many net-

working opportuni�es for

you during the conference

and a-er hours! The NENA

conference, which is held

annually, is the ONLY event

where you can learn, share

and network face-to-face

with others from across the

country who are involved

in the Ticket to Work Pro-

gram. You’ll also be able to

talk and ask ques�ons in a

safe environment of peers.

NENA's 8th Annual Na�onal Training Conference

Quick Glance Agenda Pre-Conference Lewis & Clark Lobby Level

General Session/Breakfast & Lunch Riverside Ballroom 2nd Floor

Mee�ng Room 1 Lewis & Clark Lobby Level

Mee�ng Room 2 Jefferson 2nd Floor

Mee�ng Room 3 Lincoln 2nd Floor

Time Room Pre-Conference

Tuesday, September 18, 2018 Presenters

9:00 - 12:00pm Lewis & Clark EN Ticket Basics: Everything You

Need to Know! NENA Board

12:00 - 1:30pm Lunch (On Your Own)

1:30 - 4:30pm Lewis & Clark Work Incen�ves Basics: What You

Need to Know!

James Sheldon &

Tanya R. Chiles

Time Room Day 1 Schedule

Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Presenters

7:30 - 8:15am Riverside Ballroom Registra�on & Con�nental Breakfast

8:15 - 8:30am Riverside Ballroom Welcome & Announcements Lisa Jordan

8:30 - 9:00am Riverside Ballroom Annual Report & Board Updates NENA Board

9:15 - 10:15am Riverside Ballroom Ticket to Work Payment &

COS Updates

Kimberly Cutler &

Jenni Purdum

10:30 - 11:45am Lewis & Clark Marke�ng Panel - General

Diana Bernardini,

Judy Sanderson,

Sherri Stone & Panel

10:30 - 11:45am Jefferson Are You Ready for a Goldmine?

Let's talk BPQYs! Amy Wallish

10:30 - 11:45am Lincoln

Partnering with AJC's to Create Work

Based Learning Opportuni�es for

Ticketholders

Margo Scoble &

Maiknue Vang

11:45 - 1:00pm Riverside Ballroom Lunch, Announcements & Elec�on

Results NENA Board

1:15 - 2:30pm Lewis & Clark Marke�ng Help-to-Hire Programs to

Employers Jessica Conant

1:15 - 2:30pm Jefferson

Financial Empowerment:

Networking Opportuni�es, Myths

& Misconcep�ons

David Leon &

Sherman Gifford

1:15 - 2:30pm Lincoln TPM Focused Forum

Felix Stump, Ana Morales,

Jenni Purdum &

Kimberly Cutler


Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Presenters

2:45 - 4:00pm Lewis & Clark Crea�ng a Roadmap to

Job Placement Success Lisa Jordan

2:45 - 4:00pm Jefferson Medicaid & Medicare Work

Incen�ves: A Prac�cal Discussion James Sheldon

2:45 - 4:00pm Lincoln You Think You Own the Territory,

Then Someone Else Shows Up! Amy Wallish & Gregory Bell

4:15-5:15pm Lewis & Clark Peer-to-Peer Networking: Voca�onal

Rehabilita�on Agencies Dr. Joe Ashley

4:15-5:15pm Jefferson Peer-to-Peer Networking:

Workforce ENs

Margo Scoble &

Maiknue Vang

4:15-5:15pm Lincoln Peer-to-Peer Networking:

Tradi�onal ENs NENA Board


Thursday, September 20, 2018 Presenters

9:00 - 9:15am Riverside Ballroom Morning Announcements NENA Board

9:15 - 10:15am Riverside Ballroom SSA Updates Patrice McLean

10:30 - 11:45am Lewis & Clark Pathways to Careers & Ticket Success Vickie Calder &

Brian DeAtley

10:30 - 11:45am Jefferson Serving SSI Youth - Lessons from

PROMISE

Thomas Golden &

Andrew Karhan

10:30 - 11:45am Lincoln Ticket to Work Services - A Cycle:

Obstacles or Opportuni�es?

Al Walker, Pam Walker, &

Amanda Sowell

11:45am - 1:00pm Riverside Ballroom Lunch, Announcements & Awards NENA Board

1:15 - 2:30pm Lewis & Clark Making the Case - A Value Proposi�on

for Partnership Plus

Dr. Joe Ashley, David Leon,

Sherman Gifford, Ana Morales,

Becky Cabe & Donna Osburn

1:15 - 2:30pm Jefferson Marke�ng Panel -

SSA Marke�ng Pilot

Diana Bernardini, Judy

Sanderson, Patrice McLean &

Panel

1:15 - 2:30pm Lincoln Youth & Work Incen�ves Ray Cebula

2:45 - 4:00 Riverside Ballroom All Things Payment! Pam Walker, Linda Pa�no, &

Kim Cutler

2:45 - 4:00 Jefferson Voca�onal Rehabilita�on 101:

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know Eugenia Cox & Adia Brown

2:45 - 4:00 Lincoln At Your Service -

Resource & Informa�on

NENA Board, TPM &

SSA Staff

8:00 - 9:00am Riverside Ballroom Con�nental Breakfast


Thursday, September 20, 2018 Presenters

4:15-5:15pm Jefferson Peer-to-Peer Networking: CIL ENs Judy Sanderson

4:15-5:15pm Lincoln Peer-to-Peer Networking: Partnership

Plus Models

Sherman Gifford &

Sarah Lyngdal

4:15-5:15pm Lewis & Clark Peer-to-Peer Networking: General NENA Board


Friday, September 21, 2018 Presenters

9:00 - 9:15am Riverside Ballroom Morning Announcements NENA Board

9:15 - 10:30am Riverside Ballroom

Na�onal Perspec�ve on Ticket to

Work & Partnership Plus: A Policy Dis-

cussion

Dr. Joe Ashley,

Patrice McLean,

John Connelly, Kirk Lew &

Sherman Gifford

10:45 - 11:45am Riverside Ballroom Everything Ticket—Expert Panel SSA/TPM/VR/AEN/AWIC/

NENA

11:45pm - 12:45pm Riverside Ballroom Awards, Closing Remarks

& Door prizes NENA Board

8:00 - 9:00am Riverside Ballroom Con�nental Breakfast

Training Room Maps

Lobby Level: • Clark Room

• Lewis Room

2nd Floor: • Riverside Ballroom

• Riverside Ballroom Foyer

• Jefferson Room

• Lincoln Room

Clark Lewis

Riverside

Ballroom

Riverside

Ballroom

Foyer

Jefferson

Lincoln

2018

Pre-Conference Schedule - Tuesday, September 18, 2018

9:00am – Ticket Basics: Everything You Need to Know!

12:00pm In this session, we will cover the basics that every organiza�on opera�ng as an Employment Network

needs to know - hiring processes, suitability, administra�ve requirements, opera�onal procedures,

intake, tracking, PII, partnering, marke�ng, and more. Examples of forms, agreements, policies,

procedures, and other tools will be made available to par�cipants.

Loca�on: Lewis & Clark

Presented by: NENA Board

12:00 - Lunch

1:30pm Enjoy lunch & network with others providers.

Loca�on: On Your Own

1:30 – Work Incen�ves Basics: What You Need to Know!

4:30pm This session is aimed at ENs who are focused on providing support services to new or returning work-

ers. Our discussion will focus on the exis�ng SSA work incen�ves and how each will be used when

earnings are received. You will be familiar enough with each work incen�ve applying to Title II and to

SSI and will be prepared to have a basic discussion with your worker about each. You will also learn

when that worker needs to be referred to a benefits planner for intensive planning services involving

all public benefits found within your worker’s benefits porPolio.


Presented by: James Sheldon & Tonya R. Chiles

Day 1 Schedule - Wednesday, September 19, 2018

7:30- Registra�on & Con�nental Breakfast

8:15am Check-in at the Registra�on Table to receive your name badge and conference materials. Enjoy a

delighPul con�nental breakfast!

Loca�on: Riverside Ballroom Foyer and Riverside Ballroom

8:15- Welcome & Announcements

8:30am Be sure to get a seat! Welcome to NENA’s 8th Annual Na�onal Training Conference. Join us as we kick

off the conference and share important conference informa�on.

Loca�on: Riverside Ballroom

Presented by: Lisa Jordan

8:30- Annual Report & Board Updates

9:00am Your membership dollars at work! The NENA Board will discuss the Annual Report and provide NENA

Board updates.


Presented by: NENA Board Members


9:15- Ticket to Work Payment & COS Updates

10:15am Join the Ticket Program Manager Team as they provide informa�on on the Ticket to Work payment

and COS updates.


Presented by: Kimberly Cutler & Jenni Purdum

10:30- Marke�ng Panel - General

11:45am This session will provide an overview of important components of a marke�ng plan—branding,

iden�fying what you are selling, iden�fying your customers, how to stand out from the crowd,

storytelling in marke�ng, and the importance of having a plan and evalua�ng the results. There will be

a panel discussion reviewing a variety of marke�ng approaches including social media, working with

veterans and using community events, PSA’s and more. The presenta�on will also have links to a

number of resources for marke�ng.


Presented by: Diana Bernardini, Judy Sanderson, Sherri Stone & Panel

10:30- Are You Ready for a Goldmine? Let’s Talk BPQYs!

11:45am Benefits Planning Queries provide incredibly useful informa�on when advising �cketholders. In this

highly interac�ve session we’ll be detec�ves as we uncover the layers of informa�on BPQYs show. Join

us as we review several real and unique BPQYs.

Loca�on: Jefferson

Presented by: Amy Wallish

10:30- Partnering with AJC’s to Create Work Based Learning Opportuni�es for Ticketholders

11:45am Persons with disabili�es o-en need work based learning opportuni�es to commence employment and

start earning wages. This workshop will provide informa�on on the benefits of partnering with nearby

American Job Centers (AJC) and other service providers in accessing Workforce Innova�on &

Opportunity Act (WIOA) work based learning opportuni�es that lead to compe��ve integrated

employment for �cketholders.

Loca�on: Lincoln

Presented by: Margo Scoble & Maiknue Vang

11:45am- Lunch, Announcements & Elec�on Results

1:00pm Enjoy lunch, network with other providers, and be the first to hear the Elec�on Results!



1:15- Marke�ng Help-to-Hire Programs to Employers

2:30pm Do you ac�vely engage with employers in your area? Building rela�onships with your local owners and

managers is the first step in this process. How do you find employers? How do you make a connec�on?

In this session, we will review rela�onship building strategies with the employers who are vitally

important to our job seekers. We will also explore the use of varying help-to-hire programs that help to

incen�vize and impact the employers we work with. Come ready to share best prac�ces in your area

and ready to leave with new ideas to implement! Loca�on: Lewis & Clark

Presented by: Jessica Conant

2018

2018


1:15- Financial Empowerment: Networking Opportuni�es, Myths & Misconcep�ons

2:30pm This training focuses on the opportuni�es as well as some common myths and misconcep�ons

associated with financial empowerment. This session iden�fies the benefits for ENs and the poten�al

to increase customer acquisi�on and partnerships with other community organiza�ons. Loca�on: Jefferson

Presented by: David Leon & Sherman Gifford

1:15- TPM Focused Forum

2:30pm Have a Ticket related ques�on or an opera�onal challenge? This is an opportunity to discuss this

directly with Ticket Program Manager Team. As �me permits, you’ll be able to share your promising

prac�ces, struggles, and successes with the Ticket to Work Program.

Loca�on: Lincoln

Presented by: Felix Stump, Ana Morales, Jenni Purdum & Kimberly Cutler

2:45- Crea�ng a Roadmap to Job Placement Success

4:00pm The road to job placement can take many curves and detours before leading to success. Taking a client-

centered approach requires you to engage each customer in the process and adapt your approach

based on your customer's goals, needs and desires. This workshop will explore the key touchpoints

customers travel through on their journey to compe��ve unsubsidized and/or integrated employment.

Resources will be iden�fy that can be used for each touchpoint, including an opportunity to share what

you do. Each a4endee will leave with a roadmap, including ac�on steps, that can be implemented

when you return to the office. Loca�on: Lewis & Clark

Presented by: Lisa Jordan

2:45- Medicaid & Medicare Work Incen�ves: A Prac�cal Discussion

4:00pm Many SSI and Social Security beneficiaries fear loss of Medicaid or Medicare if they work. A-er

providing basic Medicaid and Medicare informa�on, we’ll use case scenarios to describe how a working

beneficiary can access: 1619(b) Medicaid, the Medicaid Buy-In, Extended Medicare, and Medicare

Savings Programs.


Presented by: James Sheldon

2:45- You Think You Own the Territory, Then Someone Else Shows Up!

4:00pm All is well with your EN opera�ons when the “new kid” shows up. Will this new EN impact you

business? Can you “protect” your beneficiaries and territory? Join us for a lively discussion on how

COLLABORATION can benefit everyone!

Loca�on: Lincoln

Presented by: Amy Wallish & Gregory Bell


4:15- Peer-to-Peer Networking: Voca�onal Rehabilita�on Agencies

5:15pm Join representa�ves from State Voca�onal Rehabilita�on agencies for open discussion and networking.


Presented by: Dr. Joe Ashley

4:15- Peer-to-Peer Networking: Workforce ENs 5:15pm In this open discussion, we’ll explore Workforce ENs and how they serve their clients.


Presented by: Margo Scoble & Maiknue Vang

4:15- Peer-to-Peer Networking: Tradi�onal ENs

5:15pm In this open discussion, we’ll explore different ways to partner with other ENs and community-based

organiza�ons serving a similar clientele.

Loca�on: Lincoln


Day 2 Schedule - Thursday, September 20, 2018

8:00– Con�nental Breakfast

9:00am Enjoy a delighPul con�nental breakfast!


9:00– Morning Announcements

9:15am Conference updates and important announcements regarding the conference will be made.



9:15- SSA Updates

10:15am Join Patrice McLean from SSA, as she provides updates on the Ticket to Work Program, SSA Pilot

Programs, and the changes to E-Pay.


Presented by: Patrice McLean

10:30- Pathways to Careers & Ticket Success

11:45am Learn about The Pathways model and its' effec�veness in employing individuals with significant

impacts of disability. See the crucial role that TTW plays in Pathways, how TTW funds blend with other

supports and TTW related challenges the Pathways project at PARC has experienced. We’ll highlight

individual Ticket holder experiences and provide access to Pathways to Career informa�on. A4endees

will see how to pursue using the Pathways model to promote employment for your Ticket holders and

other individuals with disabili�es.

We’ll follow the journey PARC followed in becoming one of the na�on’s most successful TTW

programs! From ini�al frustra�on and declining to con�nue services to reapplica�on and Ticket

success with a popula�on of benefit recipients with au�sm and Intellectual and developmental

disabili�es.


Presented by: Vickie Calder & Brian DeAtley

2018

2018


10:30- Serving SSI Youth - Lessons from PROMISE

11:45am PROMISE is a na�onal, state-implemented research demonstra�on focusing on iden�fica�on of

evidence-based prac�ces leading to post-school success for youth with SSI. This presenta�on maps

cri�cal lessons learned in serving the younger SSI popula�on.


Presented by: Thomas Golden & Andrew Karhan

10:30- Ticket to Work Services - A Cycle: Obstacles or Opportuni�es?

11:45am Have you come across an obstacle and wondered how you can turn it into an opportunity? Well this is

the session you want to a4end. We’ll be discussing the Ticket to Work process in a 4-part cycle; Pre-

Employment, Job Search, GeVng the Job, and Post-Employment. We’re going to emphasize on SSA

changes, PII and Ethical usage of case notes. This presenta�on will also be touching on how ENs can

become ‘bulletproof’ for site visits.

Loca�on: Lincoln

Presented by: Al Walker, Pam Walker & Amanda Sowell

11:45am- Lunch/Announcements & Awards

1:00pm Enjoy lunch, listen to important announcements and congratulate our Award Winners!



1:15- Making the Case - A Value Proposi�on for Partnership Plus 2:30pm This session will present Virginia VR agency data on cost reimbursement cases and Partnership Plus

handoffs. The data has been analyzed with input from TPM and SSA staff to describe the value of Partnership Plus par�cipa�on to employment outcomes of SSA beneficiaries of the Virginia VR Program. We’ll also highlight some new strategies implemented by Virginia VR to increase �cket handoffs. In addi�on, we’ll focus on the new TPM ini�a�ve to engage VR Vendors and Agencies to create enhanced employment opportuni�es through Partnership Plus. Ac�vi�es and results from the Kentucky ini�a�ve will be highlighted. This will include the reason for the Kentucky VR Agency to par�cipate in the ini�a�ve, the ac�vi�es and outcomes to date, next steps and barriers and the TPM perspec�ve on the overall ini�a�ve.

Loca�on: Lewis & Clark Presented by: Dr. Joe Ashley, David Leon, Sherman Gifford, Ana Morales, Becky Cabe & Donna Osburn

1:15- Marke�ng Panel - SSA Marke�ng Panel 2:30pm Join us for a panel discussion on the SSA Ticket to Work Marke�ng Pilot. SSA will provide an update on

Pilot progress. Hear from some of the current Pilot par�cipants on successes, challenges and their innova�ve marke�ng strategies. Plus, learn how you can get involved!

Loca�on: Jefferson Presented by: Diana Bernardini, Judy Sanderson, Patrice McLean

2018


1:15- Youth & Work Incen�ves 2:30pm Will WIOA bring more transi�on aged youth to your office via Partnership Plus? If so, what will you do

with them? What are the unique work incen�ves that are available to youth? Come and find out! Transi�on aged youth face major barriers to entering the workforce. Youth, parental control, and SSA rules are 3 of the major barriers. Work incen�ve rules impac�ng youth can be very powerful to reduce the reluctance of parents to allow their child to work. The Student Earned Income Exclusion (one of the most o-en missed exclusions) can eliminate most, if not all, earned income. Sec�on 301 can provide relief from termina�on due to medical improvement by con�nuing payment of cash and healthcare un�l the youth completes educa�onal or voca�onal plans. The Age 18 review will impact every SSI youth and if successfully handled will produce Ticket to Work eligibility. In combina�on with a well planned return to work plan, the youth can not only succeed, but thrive and leave benefits behind.

Loca�on: Lincoln Presented by: Ray Cebula

2:45- All Things Payment! 4:00pm From assignment to geVng paid – everything impacts the payment process. Make sure you know the

ins and outs of geVng paid, including some �ps for geVng paid sooner rather than later! Loca�on: Riverside Ballroom Presented by: Pam Walker, Linda Pa�no & Kim Cutler

2:45- Voca�onal Rehabilita�on 101: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know 4:00pm This workshop will help you get a general understanding of the State VR agencies and also explain the

other SSA program (SSA Cost Reimbursement) SVRs par�cipate in and how it entangles itself with the Ticket to Work program. We will also share �ps on how to connect and possibly partner with your State VR agency.

Loca�on: Jefferson Presented by: Eugenia Cox & Adia Brown

2:45- At Your Service-Resource & Informa�on 4:00pm Have a burning ques�on you need answered? Need individual help with an issue? Drop in at our At

Your Service "clinic" and meet one-on-one with one of our Ticket experts. Loca�on: Lincoln Presented by: NENA Board, TPM & SSA Staff

4:15- Peer-to-Peer Networking: CIL ENs 5:15pm Come and meet other ENs interested in learning more about and how to partner with Independent

Living Centers, including the benefits! Loca�on: Jefferson Presented by: Judy Sanderson

4:15- Peer-to-Peer Networking: Partnership Plus Models 5:15pm Join representa�ves from State Voca�onal Rehabilita�on agencies to learn more about the Partnership

Plus Model and how others are u�lizing it. Loca�on: Lincoln Presented by: Sherman Gifford & Sarah Lyngdal

4:15- Peer-to-Peer Networking: General 5:15pm Join other providers for and open networking session. Loca�on: Lewis & Clark Presented by: NENA Board Members

2018

2018

Day 3 Schedule - Friday, September 21, 2018

8:00– Con�nental Breakfast

9:00am Enjoy a delighPul con�nental breakfast!


9:00– Morning Announcements

9:15am Conference updates and important announcements regarding the conference will be made.



9:15- Na�onal Perspec�ve on Ticket to Work & Partnership Plus: A Policy Discussion

10:30am This session will focus on the na�onal perspec�ve on Employment Networks and Ticket to Work from

representa�ves from VR, Social Security, Department of Labor and NENA. Loca�on: Riverside Ballroom

Presented by: Dr. Joe Ashley, Patrice McLean, John Connelly, Kirk Lew & Sherman Gifford

10:45- Everything Ticket—Expert Panel

11:45am This is it! Here is your opportunity to discuss Ticket to Work topics that were not discussed during the

conference with some of the top subject ma4er experts in the field. Hear about promising prac�ces,

discuss your challenges and concerns, find solu�ons, and get those burning ques�ons answered!


Presented by: Subject MaIer Experts, SSA / TPM / VR / AEN / AWIC / NENA

11:45- Awards, Closing Remarks & Door Prizes

12:45pm It’s �me to say so long partner...un�l next year. Join us for closing remarks, awards, and door prizes!

Hopefully you’ve kept a �ght hand on your raffle �ckets.



• 1st Annual Na�onal Training Conference was held in 2011 in Las Vegas, NV.

• We had 71 A4endees at the 1st Annual Na�onal Training Conference.

• We have 160 a4endees at our 8th Annual Na�onal Training Conference!

• We have 200 ac�ve NENA Members as of September 2018!

Who got married at a NENA Conference?

BONUS: What year did they get married?

Submit your answer at the Registra�on Table. Winner will be announced at Lunch on Day 1. Good Luck!

2018

NENA Fun Facts

Trivia Question:

2018

Presenter Biographies

Joseph M. Ashley, RhD, CRC, Department for Aging and Rehabilita�ve Services, serves as the Assistant

Commissioner for Grants and Special Programs and has worked in this capacity since 2000. He has

responsibility for Social Security Cost Reimbursement and Ticket to Work programs implementa�on as well as

the Agency’s implementa�on of the Workforce Innova�on and Opportuni�es Act. He currently is the Agency

representa�ve and serves as chair on the Virginia state Career Pathways Workgroup and is also a member of

the Virginia WIOA Implementa�on team. He is also charged with crea�ng opportuni�es for individuals with

disabili�es that support their choice to go to work. In addi�on he services as a Director on the Na�onal

Employment Network Associa�on Board and Co-Chair if their Partnership Plus Commi4ee.

[email protected]

Gregory Bell is currently a Senior Consultant with The Choice Group which is an Employment Network under

the Ticket to Work program, and an accredited vendor to Virginia’s Voca�onal Rehabilita�on agencies, with

which they collaborate closely to develop best prac�ces and effec�ve models for public-private

partnerships. Gregory has over 15 years of experience in the Human Services field including having worked

with Maximus Federal Services as a Senior Account Specialist working with ENs and State VR Administrators in

every state on the East Coast. Gregory also holds a Masters in Business Administra�on from Avere4 University

and is a member of NENA. [email protected]

Diana Bernardini, NENA Director. Diana Bernardini, MS, CRC< is the Owner and Service Provider for Discover

Your Ability, a na�onal Employment Network located in Mena, Arkansas. She earned an Associate Degree in

Interpre�ng for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the University of Arkansas Li4le Rock, before comple�ng her

Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts. Diana also a4ended the University of Arkansas Faye4eville, earned a

Master’s Degree in Voca�onal Rehabilita�on and began working in various posi�ons serving individuals with

disabili�es as a Sign Language Interpreter and as a State Voca�onal Rehabilita�on Counselor. Diana con�nued

to work as a Voca�onal Rehabilita�on Counselor (CRC) for 13 years, has been involved with the Ticket to Work

program for the last 8 years, and is a very involved NENA member serving on mul�ple commi4ees, including

the Marke�ng Commi4ee, Opera�ons Commi4ee and the Annual Conference Commi4ee.

[email protected]

Adia Brown, Manager for the Georgia VR Provider Management Team. As such, Adia acts as the technical

advisor to field staff providing support on several Social Security Ini�a�ves, including the Ticket to Work

program, Partnership Plus Ini�a�ve, and other work incen�ves. Through her in depth knowledge and experi-

ence, Adia provides training to field staff and keeps them apprised of changes to federal regula�ons. Adia

serves on the Statewide VR Management Team and is presently a4ending University of Georgia Cal Vinson

Cer�fied Public Manager Program. In addi�on, Adia has u�lized her exper�se in assis�ng the policy unit in

wri�ng the TTW policy for VR staff. Adia has her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Morris Brown College

and received her Master of Science degree from Thomas University. [email protected]

Becky Cabe, MRC, CRC is currently the Ac�ng Execu�ve Director for the Kentucky Office of Voca�onal

Rehabilita�on. Prior to that, she worked as Assistant Director of Consumer Services with the Kentucky

Office for the Blind for 4 yrs. She also has over 30 years of experience providing direct services, managing

voca�onal rehabilita�on services in a community rehabilita�on seVng and consul�ng with other community

programs to develop outreach, capacity building, and quality improvement programs. [email protected]

2018

Vickie Calder, is the Pathways Program Director for PARC, in Clearfield, Utah, a program that that empowers

individuals with intellectual and developmental disabili�es to match their skills, abili�es and interests to a career

driven job by making an informed choice. Vickie has many years of experience working with people with

disabili�es, both professionally and in her personal life. Vickie has made it her personal mission to help create a

society where people with disabili�es can achieve their full individual poten�al. Prior to joining the Pathways

Team at PARC, Vickie was with the Davis School District for 31 years as Manager for the Data Processing

Department. In 2013 she started PARC’s Ticket to Work Employment Network and has successfully grown the

program. [email protected]

Raymond Cebula, J.D., received his J.D. from the Franklin Pierce Law Center (now UNH Law School) in 1982. He

spent a total of 23 years working with legal services providing direct representa�on to individuals with disabili�es

having legal issues with the SSA. He became part of Cornell University’s Work Incen�ve Support Center in 2000,

in January of 2005, Ray was brought on staff at ILR's Yang-Tan Ins�tute on Employment & Disability where he now

serves as the Program Director of y�ONLINE (Cornell’s Work Incen�ve Prac��oner creden�aling program). While

with YTI he has provided training and technical assistance to Youth Transi�on Demonstra�on projects across the

country, served as Director of Training & Technical Assistance for the NYS Medicaid Infrastructure Grant and

con�nues to serve as a team member for the Technical Assistance Team of the Na�onal Training Center of VCU

providing technical assistance benefits planners in SSA Region 1. [email protected]

Tanya R. Chiles, has been a Cer�fied Community Work Incen�ve Coordinator (CWIC) through the Social Security

Administra�on for the past 13 years. She is currently employed through ARC Industries/Franklin County Board of

Developmental Disabili�es and as the owner of Chiles Crea�ons, a benefits consul�ng business. She is a mother of

seven children, grandmother of seventeen and the great-grandmother of two.

Tanya specializes in the areas of Na�ve American Affairs, Transi�onal Youth, and Developmental Disabili�es

Waivers. [email protected]

Jessica Conant is the Disability Resource Coordinator for the Golden Sierra Job Training Agency Consor�um.

The three member local government Consor�um consist of Alpine, El Dorado, and Placer County located in

Northern California. Jessica’s responsibili�es include the educa�on of staff and partner agencies who par�cipate

in the Consor�um's America’s Job Center. Current grants offering financial resources for par�cipants include the

Workforce Innova�on and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the Disability Employment Accelerator Grant (DEA) and as the

local area’s Employment Network financial resources from the Ticket-to-Work program. Her primary focus is on

assis�ng people with disabili�es find and retain meaningful employment. Prior work history includes serving as a

Business & Employment Specialist to par�cipants and Job Developer to local businesses. She has her Masters of

Science in Counseling from Sacramento State University and also teaches Human Career Development classes at

American River Community College as an Adjunct Professor. [email protected]

John M. Connelly, JD, is the Director of Research and Grants for the Council of State Administrators of Voca�on-

al Rehabilita�on (CSAVR). He has over 30 years experience in the public Voca�onal Rehabilita�on (VR) Program.

Since joining CSAVR in July of 2009, he has gained greater experience in the development and work of grants

examining the provision of voca�onal rehabilita�on services to individuals with disabili�es and iden�fying ways to

improve these services and outcomes for said individuals as well as business. Mr. Connelly also assists with legisla-

�ve work of the organiza�on. He par�cipated in the development of and coordinates a training program for new

state VR Directors. He supports both the VR A4orney and the VR Hearing Administrators Networks. He responds

to member queries and regularly contributes to the CEO’s Weekly report to members. Like other CSAVR staff,

John supports assigned CSAVR standing commi4ees. He is CSAVR’s primary staff liaison to SSA. Prior to joining

CSAVR he worked in the Ohio Combined VR agency where he served as general counsel, deputy director and from

2001 un�l he joined CSAVR as the Execu�ve Director of the agency. [email protected]

2018

2018

Eugenia Cox, Eugenia is the Ticket to Work Program Coordinator with the State of Oregon Voca�onal

Rehabilita�on. Eugenia oversees the Ticket to Work and SSA Cost Reimbursement programs for Oregon VR.

Eugenia is responsible for training staff, community partner and other states agencies with regards to Ticket to

Work and how it works in the State of Oregon. Eugenia also assists and provides training for other state VR

agencies with their Cost Reimbursement programs. Eugenia is an ac�ve par�cipant with NENA and its Legisla�ve

Policy commi4ee and has a strong commitment to improve the Ticket to Work program for both ENs and State VR

agencies. Eugenia has been with Oregon VR since 2003 and in her current posi�ng since 2006. Eugenia’s

educa�on background is in Law Enforcement, Management and Human Services and she has been working with

both public and private employers for over 26 years. [email protected]

Kimberly Cutler, is the EN Payments Manager with the Ticket Program Manager (TPM). In this capacity,

Kimberly manages staff suppor�ng Ticket to Work payment func�ons including payment specialists and

supervisors, a subject ma4er expert training specialist and a team of QA specialists located both offsite at client

offices and in Virginia. Kimberly has been part of the Ticket to Work program since 2008 and during her 10 year

tenure she has gained invaluable knowledge of the Ticket to Work Program. Prior to accep�ng the EN Payments

Manger posi�on Kimberly served in various capaci�es with TPM suppor�ng the Ticket to Work program; EN

Payments Supervisor, Senior Account Specialist, Program Integrity Analyst, Account Specialist and Call Center

Supervisor. [email protected]

Brian DeAtley, works with SourceAmerica Strategy and Innova�on Department, he focuses on workforce

development and disability employment. At SourceAmerica, Brian also supervises various research projects and is

ac�ve in managing the Pathways to Careers ini�a�ve. Prior to working with SourceAmerica, Brian managed

several na�onal technology and workforce ini�a�ves for the Informa�on Technology Associa�on of America.

Brian was also the Manager of Employment Services at the District of Columbia Arc and has addi�onal experience

in the Welfare to Work arena. Brian has worked with several different Community Rehabilita�on Programs where

his emphasis was on assis�ng persons with disabili�es in entering the workforce. Brian has a BA from the

University of Maryland and MA in Educa�on and Human Development from George Washington University.

[email protected]

Sherman Gifford, is Vice President of The Choice Group, which provides career counseling, employment

supports and work incen�ve services to individuals with disabili�es throughout most of Virginia. The Choice

Group is an Employment Network under the Ticket to Work program, and an accredited vendor to Virginia’s

Voca�onal Rehabilita�on agencies, with which they collaborate closely to develop best prac�ces and effec�ve

models for public-private partnerships. Sherman also serves on the NENA Board of Directors. He is a Cer�fied

Work Incen�ves Specialist, Cer�fied Rehabilita�on Counselor, Cer�fied Rehabilita�on Provider, and Licensed

Professional Counselor. [email protected]

Thomas P. Golden, Ed.D., CRC, is the Execu�ve Director of the Yang-Tan Ins�tute in the ILR School at Cornell and

a lifelong learner in four primary areas as they relate to individuals with disabili�es: social insurance policy and its

rela�on to return to work and greater economic independence and self-sufficiency; transi�on planning for youth

to live, learn and earn in their communi�es; organiza�onal behavior and systems change with an emphasis on

facilita�ng inclusive communi�es and integrated service delivery op�ons; and, workforce development and

voca�onal rehabilita�on. Since joining faculty in 1991, he has contributed extensively to policy and prac�ce at the

federal level, most recently as a member of ODEP’s Na�onal SSI Youth Community of Prac�ce, NCD/NDRN’s

federal task force on Enforcing Federal Disability Rights Laws, and past Presiden�al and US Senate appointment to

the Ticket to Work and Work Incen�ves Advisory Panel. [email protected]

2018

2018

Lisa Jordan, MS, CRC, GCDF-I, CCSP, NENA Board Chair. President of Human Solu�ons LLC, a na�onal EN providing

virtual services to job seekers na�onwide. Lisa has been providing workforce development & disability-related

services to government & community-based organiza�ons for 15+ years. With exper�se in curriculum design,

project oversight, & public speaking, Lisa uses her knowledge to develop and deliver innova�ve training programs

customized to meet the needs of her clients. She has trained hundreds of workforce development professionals

na�onwide. Prior to forming Human Solu�ons, Lisa managed four programs serving over 2500 clients with

disabili�es annually. Lisa proudly served in the U.S. Navy during Opera�on Desert Storm.

Lisa@Human-Solu�ons.net

Andrew Karhan, (MPA, MA) is the Director of Employment Policy for the New York Employment Services

System (NYESS), and is the Project Director for the NYS PROMISE ini�a�ve. Andrew serves the primary conduit

between the PROMISE federal partners, and the NYS PROMISE partners, and is responsible for monitoring and

managing the overall implementa�on of the ini�a�ve. In addi�on to PROMISE, Andrew oversees the NYESS

Administra�ve Employment Network, and is in�mately involved in the implementa�on of Governor Andrew

Cuomo’s Employment First ini�a�ve. Andrew’s 20-year career has been centered on the development of and ad-

vocacy for compe��ve employment opportuni�es for individuals with disAbili�es. To this end, Andrew has fo-

cused his energy’s on assis�ng organiza�ons in developing their internal culture, and shaping the external envi-

ronment to ensure that individuals with disAbili�es are afforded meaningful, and culturally valued employment

opportuni�es. [email protected]

Sheriene Knox, NENA Secretary. Director of Ticket to Work for Opera�on: Job Ready Veterans, Indianapolis,

Indiana. Sheriene has over 25 years experience in developing and managing Employment Services Programs for

people with disabili�es. OJRV is a Tradi�onal EN that specializes in transi�onal employment services for Veterans

with disabili�es, their spouses and care givers. In addi�on, Sheriene has experience in facilita�ng 4 Work Force

EN Agreements and works with 6 rehabilita�on companies to upstart/assist with the development of their TTW

Programs. As a member of ISETT, Indiana Supported Employment Training Team, she has trained hundreds of

Employment Specialists on best prac�ces to assist people with disabili�es to find and maintain meaningful &

quality employment.. She has presented at several state & na�onal conferences. [email protected]

David Leon is the Ticket to Work Manager for the Commonwealth of Virginia Department for Aging and

Rehabilita�ve Services. In this posi�on he oversees the Ticket to Work Program, Partnership Plus, SSA Cost

Reimbursement and the Work Incen�ves Specialist Advocate program for the agency. Mr. Leon has provided

technical assistance for other SVRAs and presenta�ons for mul�ple organiza�ons including NENA, CSAVR, NCRE,

APSE, NRA and NABWIS on the topic of Partnership Plus, Ticket to Work, VR, Work Incen�ves and Cost

Reimbursement. Mr. Leon served on Advisory panel for NENRI and developed a monthly all VR call through CSAVR

to promote cost reimbursement and TtW. Mr. Leon has also been u�lized as a subject ma4er expert on TtW for

ODEP and SAMHSA . [email protected]

2018

Kirk Lew is currently a Senior Policy Advisor for the US Department of Labor’s, Office of Disability Employment

Policy’s Youth Team. His work porPolio revolves around the successful transi�on of youth with and without disabili�es

from secondary environments to successful Post-Secondary and Employment outcomes. Kirk is currently helping

manage the Federal Partners in Transi�on (FPT) ini�a�ves and is in�mately involved in number of workforce related

policy ini�a�ves with key federal partners and various na�onal organiza�ons. Originally from the New York/New

Jersey area, he has been involved in the workforce development of youth for over 20 years. Kirk started his career as

a residen�al advisor at the Edison Job Corps center. He's worked for a number of non-profit organiza�ons that focused

on workforce development and training for young men and women. He's managed group homes for youth aging out

of foster care, managed a supported employment vendor and had a brief s�nt as the Director of Training and

Consulta�on Services for the Arc of NJ. His �me at the Arc of NJ introduced him to the world of high level strategic

planning, performance evalua�on and policy development. Before coming to Washington D.C. he was with the NJ State

Employment and Training Commission (SETC). He was a Senior Policy Analyst with a focus on youth, disabili�es and

adult literacy. He received his BA in history from Rutgers University and received his master’s in public leadership from

Thomas Edison State University in 2014. [email protected]

Sarah Lyngdal (Geller), NENA Director. Sarah is the Ticket to Work Program Manager at Employment Resources Inc.

(ERI). ERI is a nonprofit in Madison, Wisconsin with an Employment Network, ERI PLUS. ERI PLUS specializes in job

reten�on and advancement, with a major service area of work incen�ves benefits counseling. Sarah manages the

opera�ons, direct services, and marke�ng aspects of ERI’s Ticket to Work program in addi�on to providing direct

services to a caseload of consumers. Sarah has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from

the University of Wisconsin- Madison. Prior to coming to ERI, she worked in the Wisconsin Works (W2) program

providing case management, benefits, and employment services to low income parents. [email protected]

Patrice McLean is Branch Chief of the Employment Network Service / Grants and Contracts Management Branch in

the Social Security Office of Beneficiary Outreach and Employment Support (OBOES). She began her

career with Social Security as a Disability Examiner in 2010. In this role, she gained knowledge and experience

analyzing and adjudica�ng beneficiary wage data and work incen�ve u�liza�on. Patrice then became a Social

Insurance Specialist for the Benefit Offset Na�onal Demonstra�on project in the Office of Program Development. She

later served as Deputy Module Manager in the Interna�onal Benefits Office, where she lead Claims

Representa�ves and Benefit Earnings Technicians who processed claims for Social Security beneficiaries worldwide.

Patrice joined the Office of Beneficiary Outreach and Employment Support (OBOES) in 2015 to lead the

Benefits Planning Query, Marke�ng and Wage Repor�ng pilots. She now serves as Branch Chief in OBOES. In this role,

she oversees service that SSA provides to Employment Networks, Work Incen�ve Planning and Assistance, and

Protec�on and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security offices. [email protected]

Heather Miller, Serves as TTW Program Manager/Work Incen�ve Specialist for the Nebraska Ticket to Work program

with Easterseals Nebraska, a non-profit disability services organiza�on. A-er spending many years living in Texas,

Heather relocated back to her hometown in Nebraska, where she was introduced to team members from Easterseals.

For the past 5 years she has served Nebraskans with disabili�es through the Ticket to Work

Program and has found her true passion professionally. She’s been a NENA member since joining Easterseals and has

found the organiza�on extremely valuable to her success. Heather is a cer�fied Community Partner Work

Incen�ves Counselor through Virginia Commonwealth University. [email protected]

Ana Morales, EN Development Manager with the Ticket Program Manager. She has been part of the Ticket to Work

program since February 2006. In this capacity, Ana leads a team of consultants providing training and consul�ng

services to Employment Networks and State Voca�onal Rehabilita�on Agencies (State VR agencies). Addi�onally, Ana

provides strategic and tac�cal guidance related to Social Security Administra�on’s EN recruitment efforts. Ana is also

the Subject Ma4er Expert in helping State VR agencies and Employment Networks implement Partnership Plus

collabora�on across various states. [email protected]

2018

Linda Pa�no, CPWIC, NENA Treasurer. Linda is the Employment Services Coordinator for A Ticket to Success, a

na�onal non-profit EN based in California since 2003, opera�ng under Tulare County Office of Educa�on. Linda has

over 25 years of professional experience assis�ng individuals with mul�ple barriers in job development, on-the-job

training, life skills and communica�on. Developed materials to streamlined process and train other EN’s with

organizing their business, geVng paid and building partnerships. She integrated her EN services with local American

Job Centers and serves on commi4ees to help meet WIOA requirements. She works close with State Voca�onal

Rehabilita�on, Work Investment Board, Youth Programs and Veteran service providers to provide resources for clients.

She also serves as an Ambassador with local Chamber of Commerce, member of Society of Human Resource

Management and previous Chairperson with Central Valley Mayor’s Commi4ee for Partnership and Advocacy of

People with Disabili�es. lpa�[email protected]

Jenni Purdum, is the Program Integrity Manager for the MAXIMUS Ticket Program Manager (TPM) project. Jenni has

been a part of the Ticket to Work Program since 2010 under a previous contractor but joined MAXIMUS in 2012 as the

Execu�ve Project Assistant. A-er gaining experience across the project and suppor�ng the Office of the Director, Jenni

transi�oned to the Program Integrity Manager under the TPM contract in 2015. As the lead of the Program Integrity

Department, Jenni manages the oversight of Ticket to Work stakeholders, ISO program and the Con�nuous

Improvement Ini�a�ve. [email protected]

Les Roberson, NENA Director. Disability Services Coordinator for Managed Career Solu�ons (MCS), a California state-

wide Workforce Employment Network established in 2005. When Les began working at MCS in 2010, there were only 4

Tickets assigned. Under his leadership, the number of individuals being served has increased significantly, reaching as

high as 120. The organiza�on operates out their main office in Los Angeles, their 7 satellite offices throughout

California, and they currently serve 88 beneficiaries. MCS was a part of the Workforce Innova�on and Opportunity

ACT’s Disability Employment Accelerator (DEA) program for the City of Los Angeles, and that resulted in Les being

responsible for providing Ticket training to the staff at 17 Worksource Centers and several Voca�onal Rehabilita�on

sites. Les has been ac�ve on NENA’s Marke�ng Commi4ee and Opera�ons Commi4ee.

[email protected]

Judy Sanderson, M.Ed., EWIC, NENA Director. Director of Employment Services for Granite State Independent Living

(GSIL) in New Hampshire. She has worked in employment services for over 40 years. Currently she supervises a variety

of employment programs including Ticket to Work, services as a vendor for Voca�onal Rehabilita�on, employment and

day services for those with developmental disabili�es. GSIL is a Center for Independent Living that has been an EN

since 2008. Judy serves as co-chair on the Marke�ng and Outreach to Customers and Legisla�ve/Policy Commi4ees for

NENA. She is also ac�ve on the Opera�ons commi4ee. In addi�on, she serves at the President of the New Hampshire

Rehabilita�on Associa�on and Secretary of the Private Provider Network in New Hampshire. Judy is also a long-term

member of the Employment Leadership Awards commi4ee that formally recognizes employers with exemplary

prac�ces around hiring those with disabili�es. Judy is an CCWIC and is ACRE and APSE cer�fied. [email protected]

Donna Osburn, MRC, CRC, has worked for the Kentucky Office of Voca�onal Rehabilita�on (OVR) for 18 years. She

started her career as a counselor in the Lexington OVR office, serving primarily consumers with mental illnesses. In

January 2006, she took the posi�on of Social Security Coordinator. In this posi�on, she coordinates all aspects of the

Social Security Cost Reimbursement program, as well as Ticket to Work. She serves as the agency’s liaison with Social

Security and as a resource for OVR staff and consumers. Prior to working for OVR, she worked for the March of Dimes

Birth Defects Founda�on, obtaining 8 years of experience in non-profit fundraising and opera�ons. Donna is a

graduate of the University of Kentucky Rehabilita�on Counseling program. In addi�on, Ms. Osburn obtained

cer�fica�on as a Community Partner Work Incen�ve Coordinator in July 2012. [email protected]

2018

Margo Scoble, is the Program Director at Managed Career Solu�ons, (MCS). Simultaneously, she is the Project

Director for the Social Security Work Incen�ves and Planning Assistance (WIPA) and Promo�ng Opportunity

Demonstra�on (POD) programs. Her du�es include the opera�onal oversight of Hollywood WorkSource Center, a

City of Los Angeles American Jobs Center of California (AJCC). She is passionate about developing long term

Partnerships with Stakeholders so that beneficiaries can receive mul�ple support streams that will lead to

successful outcomes. In addi�on, she is a Disability Service Specialist III as she has completed all levels of City of

Angeles’ Legacy Training. She is a Community Work Incen�ves Coordinator as she completed training from

Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a past board member for the Na�onal Employment Network

Associa�on. Margo completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communica�ons from California State University, Chico.

[email protected]

James Sheldon, works for Neighborhood Legal Services in Buffalo, NY. His Social Security work incen�ves

exper�se goes back to the mid 1980s. He published his first ar�cle on the topic in 1989 and has since wri4en or

co-authored more than 30 policy briefs and a similar number of newsle4er ar�cles to support the efforts of

benefits counselors, other providers, and Social Security beneficiaries na�onally. Since 1998, he has supervised a

team of benefits counselors funded through the Work Incen�ves Planning and Assistance (WIPA) project, Social

Security demonstra�on projects, and voca�onal rehabilita�on agency fee-for-service arrangements. Mr. Sheldon

has, since 1996, been the project director of the Na�onal Assis�ve Technology (AT) Advocacy Project, a technical

assistance and training project. He has wri4en or co-authored many publica�ons on AT funding through programs

like Medicaid, Medicare, special educa�on, voca�onal rehabilita�on, and ABLE accounts and has provided training

on these topics throughout the country. [email protected]

Amanda Sowell, VP Alliance Professional Services LLC. Amanda has over a 10 years as an Educator and

Administrator. Her business interests include career counseling, assis�ng youth in transi�on, developing business

rela�onships, & working with social media. She a4ended the University of Mississippi and earned a Bachelor of

Arts in Educa�on & a Master of Arts in Modern Languages. She studied Spanish at the Universidad Pública de

Navarra as a foreign exchange student. She also earned a Specialist degree in Educa�onal Administra�on from

Arkansas State University. Amanda has a passion for learning and plans to further her educa�on with a doctorate

degree. Amanda has taught Advanced Placement Spanish, Business Communica�ons, Public Speaking, and World

Mythology. A-er teaching, Amanda became an interven�onist for adolescent students who struggle with

disabili�es in academics or behavior. In 2010, Amanda saw a need within the community. As a result, and with

the help of many generous business owners and individuals, she founded the Christmas Crusade, a charitable

program that provides shoes, coats, gi-s, & prepared meals to local families in need. Currently the program has

assisted more than 700 residents in the Mid-South region. [email protected]

Sherri Stone began a career in mental health case management in 1997. She has spent more than 20 years

successfully developing and managing employment opportuni�es for individuals with disabili�es through a wide

variety of programs including: community employment programs for individuals with intellectual and

developmental disabili�es, Department of Rehabilita�on services and the Social Security “Ticket to Work”. She

has extensive knowledge regarding issues unique to employment of individuals with disabili�es including;

assis�ve technology, Social Security Disability Benefits and Work Incen�ves, Veteran’s Disability Compensa�on

and Disability Pension benefits. She is well versed in the laws and regula�ons regarding: employment, federal,

state and local eligibili�es. Sherri is a member of the Tulsa Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinator’s

Associa�on, The Tulsa Mayor’s Veteran Resources Council and the Employment Squad for the “Stand Down for

Homeless Veterans”. sstone@stoneenconsul�ng.com

2018

Felix Stump, is the Project Director of the MAXIMUS Ticket Program Manager (TPM) project. Felix joined MAXIMUS

and the Ticket to Work Program in 2004. A-er his experience recrui�ng and training Employment Networks, in 2008

he created what would become the department responsible for EN/VR communica�ons and educa�on. A-er three

years as Deputy Project Director, Felix le- the Ticket Program in 2014 to join another MAXIMUS project in support of

the Department of Educa�on’s Debt Management and Collec�ons System, which provides assistance to Federal

student loan borrows in default. As a member of the Program Management Office, Felix led the organiza�on’s Human

Capital, Training, and Risk Management efforts before returning to the Ticket Program last year.

[email protected]

Peter Travisano, Manager of the Work Without Limits Administra�ve Employment Network, since 2014. They are

currently partnering with twelve community based voca�onal rehabilita�on programs to maximize their revenue

through Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program and providing detailed on-going work incen�ves counseling to

individuals assigned to TTW. Work Without Limits, housed at the University of Massachuse4s Medical School, is a

network of engaged employers working collabora�vely to support the employment of individuals with disabili�es.

Peter has more than twenty years of management experience in the Voca�onal Rehabilita�on field. In 2010, Peter was

cer�fied as a Community Work Incen�ves Coordinator (CWIC) and later became the manager of BenePLAN a Work

Incen�ves Planning and Assistance (WIPA) operated though the University of Massachuse4s Medical School.

[email protected]

Maiknue Vang is the Interim Deputy Director for the Madera County Workforce Investment Corpora�on and has

oversight of opera�ons and programs to support the implementa�on of the func�ons of the Workforce Development

Board (WDB). Previously, Maiknue was the Program Supervisor for Special Grants and Projects, Business Services,

Rapid Response, and the Ticket to Work program. Prior to that, she served as the Disability Resource Coordinator for

round 2 of the CA Disability Employment Ini�a�ve (DEI) program. Maiknue is also a Community Partner Work

Incen�ves Counselor and completed her training with Virginia Commonwealth University. She received her Bachelor of

Arts in Organiza�onal Communica�ons with a minor in Diversity Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

and her Master of Arts in Communica�on Studies from the University of Minnesota-Twin Ci�es. She is a loyal Green

Bay Packers fan and enjoys spending �me outdoors with her husband and two children.

[email protected]

Al Walker, CFO and Chief Informa�on Officer for Alliance Professional Services, LLC, is a licensed Cer�fied Public

Accountant and an honors graduate from the University of Memphis where he received his Bachelor’s degree in

Business Administra�on and Master of Science degree in accoun�ng and computer informa�on systems. Al has

accumulated over thirty years of management experience including Controller and Vice President Controller for two

Memphis, TN manufacturing companies, Mid-South Division Sales Analysis Manager for Coca Cola Enterprises Inc. and

Manager of five systems development teams for FedEx Services Inc. Al has also served in various officer capaci�es for

civic, Jaycee and scou�ng organiza�ons. [email protected]

Pam Walker, the Founder and CEO for Alliance Professional Services LLC, a for-profit EN established in 2008, has a

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administra�on and has over 25 years of management experience working in the legal

arena and with major service corpora�ons where she managed HR func�ons, developed training programs, policies,

procedures, and work tools that created streamlined, effec�ve, cost/�me saving business processes and contributed to

a high employee reten�on rate. Pam joined the NENA Board in 2010 and currently serves as NENA’s President. She

enjoys sharing and mentoring with other ENs to develop best prac�ces and reduce administra�ve burdens. In 2012,

Pam was awarded NENA’s first “EN Impact Award” for her service to NENA and ENs. [email protected]

Amy Wallish is the Founder and CEO of Full Circle Employment Solu�ons. Amy’s passion is helping people achieve

their dreams and stepping outside the box to get there. Amy has worked 20+ years with people with differing abili�es.

She is an expert on Social Security work incen�ves and the Ticket to Work program. She has trained across the country

on Social Security benefits, Ticket to Work and asset development. She is a NENA board member.

[email protected]

2018

2018

List three things you’ll implement a-er the conference:

1.

2.

3.

2018

NOTES:

2018

Old Louisville

A historic district & neighborhood in central Louisville. It is the third largest such district in the United States,

and the largest preserva�on district featuring almost en�rely Victorian architecture. It is also unique in that a

majority of its structures are made of brick, and the neighborhood contains the highest concentra�on of

residen�al homes with stained glass windows in the U.S. Many of the buildings are in the Victorian-era styles

of Romanesque, Queen Anne, Italianate, among others. 1340 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40208

Churchill Downs Thoroughbred Racetrack

Churchill Downs, a Thoroughbred Racetrack located on Central Avenue in south Louisville, Kentucky, United

States, most famous for annually hos�ng the Kentucky Derby. It officially opened in 1875, and held the first

Kentucky Derby and the first Kentucky Oaks in the same year. Churchill Downs has also hosted the renowned

Breeders' Cup on eight occasions. 700 Central Avenue, Louisville, KY, 40208

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

A museum and factory tour a4rac�on located in Louisville, Kentucky's "Museum Row", part of the West Main

District of downtown. The museum showcases the story of Louisville Slugger baseball bats in baseball and in

American history. 800 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202

4th Street Live!

It is the Louisville premier dining and entertainment des�na�on. A 350,000-square-foot entertainment and

retail complex located on 4th Street, between Liberty and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, in Downtown Louisville.

The district provides an a4rac�ve entertainment venue for the city's hotel and tourist business as well as the

local popula�on. 400 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202

Cave Hill Cemetery

A 296-acre Victorian era Na�onal Cemetery and arboretum. It is the largest cemetery by area and number of

burials in Louisville. According to recent travelers, this cemetery isn't a must for everyone, for obvious

reasons. But if you enjoy Victorian-era art, you'll probably find these monuments and mausoleums of east

Louisville interes�ng to behold. Visitors describe the cemetery's atmosphere as "beau�ful" and "serene" and

said it's a worthy addi�on to your i�nerary no ma4er the season. For most people, the highlight of visi�ng is

a stop by the burial plot of Harland Sanders, be4er known as Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

According to rumor, Sanders was buried in his characteris�c starch white suit and black string �e. Cave Hill

Cemetery is also the final res�ng place for legendary boxer and ac�vist Muhammad Ali. 701 Baxter Ave.,

Louisville, KY 40204

Kentucky Derby Museum

An American Thoroughbred horse racing museum located on the grounds of Churchill Downs in Louisville.

Dedicated to preserving the history of the Kentucky Derby, it first opened its doors to the public in the spring

of 1985. Much of its early funding came from a dona�on from the estate of James Graham Brown.

704 Central Avenue, Louisville, KY 40208

Things to do in nearby...

2018

Jeffersonville Main Street, Inc.

A variety of places to shop, eat and unwind! You’ll find restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and pubs to eat

at. If you’re looking to shop you can find merchandise that’s infused with local heritage that can’t be found

anywhere else! 401 Pearl St, Jeffersonville, IN 47130

Muhammad Ali Center

Even if you're not a boxing fan, recent visitors said you should make �me to see this impressive facility

dedicated to legendary athlete and ac�vist Muhammad Ali, who called Louisville his hometown. Along with

memorabilia displays, historical footage and art and photo galleries, the center's permanent and temporary

exhibits also touch on broader issues that were important to Ali, including race, gender equity and global

ci�zenship. 144 North Sixth Street, Louisville, KY 40202

Louisville Mega Cavern

One of the city's more unique a4rac�ons, the 100-acre Louisville Mega Cavern, which was created out of a

19th-century limestone quarry, now houses the world's only underground zip line course. But the zip line

course isn't the only ac�vity you'll find in this subterranean adventure park – there's also a bike park, an

aerial ropes course and a tram tour for those interested in a more relaxed cavern experience.

1841 Taylor Ave., Louisville, KY 40213

Mid-City Mall

While called a mall, and containing an enclosed shopping area, it has features atypical of suburban American

malls, such as a comedy club, bar, grocery store and public library. 1250 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204

2018

Things to do in nearby continued...

Disclaimer: Please note that the above Things To Do ac�vi�es are in no way connected with or endorsed by NENA. The infor-

ma�on is provided for informa�onal purpose only. NENA makes no representa�ons or warran�es of any kind, express or implied,

about the tours offered. Par�cipa�on is voluntary and at your discre�on.

Louisville Hunted Ghost Tour—Thursday, September 20th

During this enchan�ng ½-mile stroll discover a city that is rich in history and spirits. Dressed in historic period

costume, your lantern bearing guide will lead you through the dark mysteries and supernatural experiences

of some of Louisville's most haunted landmarks. This compelling blend of haunted tales and fascina�ng

history makes for a tour you don't want to miss.

Tickets have been discounted to $10 each. Maximum of 25 people per tour. Please see Marilyn at the

Registra�on Table to sign-up and pay for the tour. Cash only.

Mee�ng at 7:45pm at the Tour which is located at 400 South 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202

Please remember to wear comfortable shoes, as this is a walking tour. We suggest to Uber, taxi or take

the hotel van to 4th

Street to eat and shop perhaps before mee�ng for the tour.

After Hours Group Event

2018

The Na�onal Employment Network Associa�on (NENA) was created in 2004 by leaders of the

leading Employment Networks from across the country. The goal and purpose of NENA is to

support the needs of ALL Employment Networks in working with and a4aining success in the Social

Security Administra�on’s Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program. The bo4om line is to

provide the best possible services to those beneficiaries who are commi4ed to becoming

self-sustaining, tax paying ci�zens and contribu�ng to the economy. We serve the needs of

private EN’s, VR agencies and American Job Centers. NENA is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 associa�on

independent from SSA.

2018

A special THANKS to our NENA Board Members...

Lisa Jordan, Board Chair Human Solu�ons LLC

Pam Walker, President Alliance Professional Services

Sherman Gifford, Vice President The Choice Group

Linda Pa�no, Treasurer A Ticket to Success

Sheriene Knox, Secretary Job Ready Veterans

Joe Ashley, RhD, Director Virginia Department of Rehabilita�ve Services

Diana Bernardini, Director Discover Your Ability

Sarah Lyngdal (Geller), Director Employment Resources Inc.

Heather Miller, Director Easter Seals Nebraska

Les Roberson, Director Managed Career Solu�ons

Judy Sanderson, Director Granite State Independent Living

Peter Travisano, Director Work Without Limits

Amy Wallish, Director Full Circle Employment Solu�ons

2018 2018

We would like to thank the below organiza�ons for their �me, assistance and/or financial contribu�on to-

ward making the 2018 NENA Conference a success! Your generosity will directly benefit everyone. Thank

you, on behalf of the NENA Board.

What’s next? Our 8th Annual NENA Na�onal Training Conference here in Louisville has come to an end.

Thank you for par�cipa�ng and for taking �me out of your busy schedule to join us! We hope you enjoyed

yourself, gathered a plethora of informa�on, and made some new friends. We look forward to seeing you

next year.

Be sure to visit the NENA Website for copies of all the presenta�ons shared this week.

To download conference materials, please visit: h4p://nena�cket.org/training/2018-conf/

Un�l next �me!

• 95% of the world’s bourbon is produced in Kentucky

• 90% of the disco balls in the USA are produced in Louisville

• There is a replica of Babe Ruth’s baseball bat in downtown Louisville

• Over 100,000 Mint Juleps are served during the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks

• KY Derby Winners are covered with 554 roses

• Louisville has the largest annual pyrotechnics show in the country

(not for Independence Day) for the launch of Derby Season!

Acknowledgements

After the Conference...

Fun Facts

national training conference - nena: national employment ... · page 5 2018 pre-conference schedule...

Documents