Thirteenth annual

Opening

Richard Niedel, MSW, LSW, is currently the Associate Director, Specialized Home Care for the Association For Community Living. Rich has a Bachelors of Business Administration, Marketing, from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA and a Neuro Linguistic Program Certification, NLP Practitioner/Consultant. He has over 34 years progressive experience in all facets of shared and supported living. Expertise in program development, staff management, clinical services to individuals, training and regulation compliance. He is a founding member of the Shared Living Conference who has provided numerous workshops and has acted as its chair, co-chair and advisor.

Welcome and Introduction

Jean McGuire PhD, Assistant Secretary, Disability Policy, EOHHS

Dr. McGuire brings a 30 year history of work in disability across public and private sectors. In her current role, she is responsible for six disability agencies' operations, policies and budgets, including the Department of Developmental Disabilities, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, the Massachusetts Commission of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and the Chelsea and Holyoke Soldiers Homes and for oversight of the MassHealth Office of Long Term Care. Responsible for guiding all disability policy development across the EOHHS Secretariat including within the Departments of Public Health and Mental Health, and for providing guidance on disability policy and program improvements in the Commonwealth to the EOHHS Secretary and Governor. Dr. McGuire came to EOHHS from Northeastern University, where she served as Senior Clinical Professor at the Bouve College of Health Sciences. Prior to Northeastern, she served as Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Public Health from 1997-2003. Dr. McGuire's early work was in the field of mental retardation and developmental disabilities. She worked in special education in the mid-1970s and went on to develop adult rehabilitation, housing and social services for people with severe handicapping conditions. Later, Dr. McGuire's work included substance abuse treatment program management, mental health and elder community services development, and sheltered and other disability and employment efforts. For the last decade, she has been a major state and national leader in HIV prevention and care. Dr. McGuire received her PhD from the Heller School, Brandeis University, Pew Foundation Doctoral Fellow. She received her MSPH from Harvard School of Public Health, and her BA from Trinity College in Washington, DC. Active in disability public policy efforts since 1975, Dr. McGuire was an advocate for deinstitutionalization and community-based education and residential service access. In the late-1980s, she led significant parts of the national disability policy development in the Civil Rights Restoration Act, the Fair Housing Act Amendments, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Ryan White CARE Act.

Keynote

Michael Kendrick, PhD

101. Commissioners' Roundtable

Elin Howe, Commissioner, Department of Developmental Services, began serving as the DDS Commissioner on July 1, 2007. Elin has more than 35 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities, including four years as Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities where she was responsible for policy development, planning, financing, regulating, managing and providing services to more than 75,000 people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. Since 2003, Elin has served as Vice President of Consulting Services at the Columbus Organization, which helps states and private agencies provide the highest level of services to people with developmental disabilities. The organization specializes in offering a full range of services to both state and private sector community service organizations. In addition, Elin has worked extensively with parents, consumer and advocacy groups, private sector providers, organized labor and in legislative relations.

Charles Carr, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission - Secretary of Health and Human Services Judy Ann Bigby, MD, appointed Charles Carr as Commissioner for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) in July 2007. The MRC provides comprehensive services to people with disabilities that maximizes quality of life and economic self-sufficiency in the community. He began his new role in early August 2007. Mr. Carr is an advocate, manager, and public policy leader who has dedicated his career to advancing independence for people with disabilities through social and economic policies and programs. He has been instrumental in eliminating the institutional bias that, historically, relegated people like him to institutional life. As Commissioner, he will use many iof the same strategies to strengthen community living and pursue an ambitious employment agenda that will help people with disabilities work out of poverty and into the mainstream workforce. Mr. Carr, who was paralyzed in a diving accident at 14, has been an advocate for disability policies and programs for more than 30 years and has a national reputation for his leadership in the independent living movement. From 1980-2007, Mr. Carr was Founder and CEO of the Northeast Independent Living Program, a non-profit providing advocacy and services supporting independent living; the successful employment program he developed there has been used as a national model. In 1974, Mr. Carr founded the Boston Center for Independent Living, only the second of its kind in the nation.

Angelo McClain, Commissioner, Department of Children and Families - Secretary of Health and Human Services Judy Ann Bigby, MD, appointed Anthony "Angelo" McClain, PhD, as Commissioner for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in July 2007. Dr. McClain brings to his work as Commissioner an established reputation as a results-driven, seasoned child advocate. His strong clinical skills and commitment to creating systems of care that are responsive to those in need will ensure that the Department of Children and Families makes meaningful interventions in people's lives. For the past five years, Anthony "Angelo" McClain, PhD, served as Executive Director of ValueOptions New Jersey, the Contract Systems Administrator that provides the centralized administrative infrastructure for the state's $424 million behavioral health delivery system. In his role, Dr. McClain managed the development, implementation and oversight of the division's reform effort for an effective statewide system of care. One of his many accomplishments was the establishment of standardized assessment protocols for youth in the child welfare, mental health and juvenile justice systems. From 1997 until 2002, Dr. McClain served as Vice President for Network Management and Regional Operations at the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership, where he worked to develop and maintain a provider network capable of delivering high quality, responsive services to 450,000 MassHealth memebers. His extensive experience in child welfare issues also includes work as Senior Supervisor and Director of Training at Roxbury Children's Services from 1987-88 and as Supervisor of the Child Sexual Abuse Unit in the Texas Department of Human Resources. Dr. McClain previously served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as Program Manager (1988-91) and later Director of Program Management (1991-94) for the Child/Adolescent Division of the Department of Mental Health's Central Office. Dr. McClain earned his PhD in Social Work from Boston College.

Janet LaBreck, Commissioner, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind - Governor Patrick appointed Janet LaBreck as Commissioner for The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind on August 1, 2007. She served as Regional Director for MCB from 2001-2007. Janet has been employed with MCB since 1985 as a CAP Counselor, Independent Living Case Coordinator and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. She obtained her Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Springfield College in addition to being a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Janet was awarded a national and international award for "Outstanding Talk Show" for her work as a talk show host for the Audio Journal (a radio reading service program for individuals who are blind or print handicapped). Additionally, she has been recognized as a leader in the area of working to increase employment opportunities for persons who are blind through her association with the Council on State Administrators for Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR). In September 2007, Janet coordinated the first "Smart Solutions" forum which was held in Boston, MA. The forum was designed to partner public vocational rehabilitation with business partners with the goal of increasing early work experience through internship opportunities with the goal of securing competitive employment for individuals who are blind or disabled. As an Adjunct Professor at Assumption College, Janet is responsible for designing a graduate level course titled Rehabilitation of the Blind in addition to teaching Case Management to graduate students who are preparing to work in the rehabilitation field. In 2008, New England College of Optometry selected Commissioner LaBreck to deliver the first commencement address in the history of the college to be delivered by a person who is blind. She was awarded with the first honorary doctoral degree to be given to a legally blind recipient as a result of her commitment to partner with the low vision community to impact low vision services for persons who experience a loss of vision. Commissioner LaBreck is developing a network of low vision providers with the goal of working toward educating future optometrists and ophthalmologists to partner with public and private rehabilitation agencies to design a coordinated system that links the medical community with agencies servicing persons who are visually impaired or blind. The low vision network also maximizes the potential to create a proactive agency that addresses the rehabilitation and low vision services required by persons who are blind.

Laurie Burgess, DMH, Assistant Commissioner for Quality and Managment Policy -

102. Families as Partners, Part 1

Donna Macleod- Prior, BA is currently the Director of Individualized Support Services, at Alternatives in Whitinsville, MA. Donna has extensive residential experience working with individuals in a wide variety of program models including Supported and Shared Living. Prior to her 19 years at Alternatives, she worked at a school in London, which specialized in seizure disorders. Donna was educated in Edinburgh and grew up in the Western Isles of Scotland.

Lisa Hella has worked at Alternatives for over 15 years in the position of Manager/Developer who oversees Supported Living, Shared Living and Residential programs. Lisa is very involved with screening potential providers as well as matching people together based on an individual's preferences and interests.

103. AFC - A Community Based Living Option

Lisa Prince, MS, LSW, received a Masters degree in 1999 from Worcester State College in Nonprofit Management. She has been involved with the Adult Foster Care program for over 11 years and serves as an Adult Foster Care Program Manager for Tri Valley, Inc. Lisa is also the President of the Massachusetts Council for Adult Foster Care, a position she has held for over six years.

Beth Shelton has an MBA from Boston University's School of Public and Nonprofit Management. She worked in the Housing Department at the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, licensing Assisted Living facilities and assisting municipalities to develop affordable supportive housing. In 2007, she began working at the MassHealth Office of Long Term Care as the program manager for Adult Day Health and Adult Foster Care.

104. Providing Clinical Support in Shared Living

Shanna Burke, MSW, LCSW received a Masters degree in 2007 from Springfield College in Social Work. She is a Program Director/Clinician for Nonotuck Resource Associates.

John Struth, EdS, is the clinical diretor for Nonotuck Resource Associates. He has worked their for 20 years. In his capacity he supervises four clinicians and coordinates clinical services with other program departments throughout the agency. He also maintains an active caseload of direct clinical services. Additionally, John serves as chairperson for the New England Business Associates human rights committee and does consulting work when he can fit it in. Previously he served as a psychologist for Commonwealth Community Services in the Berkshires. He has taught several courses in special education and applied behavior analysis through Johnson State College in Vermont and at Kansas University. John has coauthored several professional publications in journals and book chapters, and served as coeditor for a special journal issue on innovative employment services while a student at Kansas University.

105. Navigating the Options of Guardianship and Alternatives

Frederick J. Misilo, Jr., Esq., M.Ed is the director with the law firm of Fletcher, Tilton & Whipple, PC, which has offices in Worcester and Framingham. He practices in Massachusetts and Rhode Island in the areas of estate planning, trusts and estates, elder law, probate and real estate. Mr. Misilo is a former Deputy Commissioner for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation and Executive Director of Harbor Area Community Services, Inc. of Boston. Mr. Misilo holds a law degreee from Suffolk University Law School; a Master's Degree from Harvard University; and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

201. Interactive Workshop: Providers Share Their Experiences

Kate & Brenda Kelly and Sarah Weeks, Alternatives -

Kristen Buss and Eva Brantley and James & Marcia Buss, Nonotuck -

LifeStream -

Kathy Cabral became a caregiver for LifeStream, Inc.'s AFC in 2009 when she opened her home and her heart to Sue Flynn. Kathy has a strong background in advocacy for individuals with disabiities through her employment with a local DDS vendor. Kathy's husband Manny is a retired high school teacher. Kathy came to LifeStream expressing a desired to learn more about the AFC program. Kathy and her husband decided that opening their home to an individual in need was the right move for them and applied to be a caregiver. Soon after they met Sue Flynn, it was a perfect match from the start. Sue is a member of Kathy's family without a doubt. She has her own bedroom beautifully decorated, she travels with Kathy who keeps her involved in many recreational and social events. Kathy is assisting Sue in reaching her personal goal of finding personal companionship and a relationship. Kathy has also done a wonderful job assisting Sue in maintaining a relationship with her mother. Sue's mother is sensitive and fearful of being replaced in Sue's life and Kathy recognizes this and involves Sue's mother routinely to help alleviate some of those fears. Although Kathy has only been an AFC caregiver for a short period of time, the care, compassion and natural supports she and her husband provide for Sue make all the differences in the world to Sue's continued growth and accomplishments.

Sue Flynn was referred to LifeStream in February 2009. She was 21 years old and residing with her mother. At first Sue received in home Individual Support services. An advocate from LifeStream assisted Sue with daily activities. Sue began to express her desire to move from her mother's home and begin to live her life as a young adult. The team met with Sue and her mother and assisted Sue in expressing her desires to her mom. Sue recognized she needed some support and supervision and that she was not ready to live alone. The Adult Foster Care program was explained to Sue and her mother. Both agreed it was a perfect program design for Sue to start to gain some independence from her mom yet receive the assistance and support needed. Sue met Kathy and Manny Cabral and felt they were the perfect fit for her. She joined their family in October 2009. Sue has flourished in this environment by gaining independence in areas that she was previously struggling in. Withe the guidance, support and supervision provided by the Cabral's, not to mention the loving and caring home life provided to Sue, Sue will continue to grow and reach her personal goals.

Sandy Melo is the AFC Program's Care Coordinator. She graduated from UMass Dartmouth with a bachelor's degree in Management. Her background includes working for Southcoast Hospital Group as a Unit Coordinator for the elderly. Sandy joined LifeStream in 2000 as a Program Manager for the Day Habilitation Program and has held several positions throughout the agency. In 2008 Sandy transferred to the AFC Coordinator position. As part of Sandy's role, she remains a resource to caregivers and members while receiving AFC supports. Sandy has gone above and beyond in many instances to ensure all members and caregivers have the appropriate supports both in an out of the home. This includes but is not limited to medical, psychosocial, recreational and safety supports. Sandy is viewed as a valued member of the AFC team and is considered an asset to the organization.

202. Families as Partners, Part 2

Brenda Marks, Alternatives, is a graduate of UMass/Amherst with several years experience in the mental health field. She worked on a small inpatient mental health unit for 15 years and many years supporting people with disabilities living on their own in the community. She has been working with Shared Living families for the past two years.

David Placido, MSW, is the director of the Shared Living Program at HMEA. He has worked in residential services for more than 20 years, and has been the Director of the Shared Living Program for more than 10 years. HMEA's philosophy of Shared Living is simple--people do best when their homes are designed with their unique interests and supports in mind.

Ron Anderson has been a Shared Living provider for HMEA for five years. In this time he has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the individual he lives with as well as the organization he works for. Ron has become a vital member of the team that supports Will on a daily basis.

William Wellman live with Ron Anderson and is supported by HMEA's Shared Living program. Will has been part of HMEA's Shared Living program for six years. In this time Will has realized his dream of becoming a public speaker talking with students about his personal story. In the five years that Will has lived with Ron, he has demonstrated tremendous personal growth.

Elaine Haron is Will Wellman's mother and legal guardian. She is a tremendous source of support and advocacy for Will. She has been by his side through many personal struggles and accomplishments. Elaine continues to be a vital member of the team that supports Will on a daily basis.

Karen, Darin & Grace Rutz have been Shared Living providers for over two years. Over the last two years, the Rutz's have played an important role in Gail's life. The family encourages and supports Gail's interest, passion and love for traveling. Karen can be quoted saying "this is exactly what I envisioned Shared Living to be, an extension of my family."

Gail Hisiore has been in Shared Living for approximately seven years. Since moving in with the Rutz's Gail has become a valued member of the family which promotes independence and creativity. Last year, a new addition was added to the family, Grace was born in May 2009. Since the birth of Grace, Gail has taken on additional responsibilties in the home. Gail describes her role in the family as a sister to Karen and Darin and "Auntie Gail" to Grace who adores her.

203. Awareness and Action - Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong

Sandra Norlin, Project Metro Boston Team Coordinator and Assistant Director of Specialized Home Care and Supported Living for Riverside Community Care

Karen Norton & Kim Plaut, Metro Boston Trainers

Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong is a statewide self-advocacy organization started and run by individuals with disabilities. The group has over 2,000 members across the state of Massachusetts.

204. Safeguards in Shared Living

Michael Kendrick, PhD -

205. Benefits

Edward Sweeney has been an insurance professional for over 36 years. He has focused on employee and associated benefits for the past 16 years and had owned his own benefit enrollment business for the past five years. He represents only "A" rated insurance companies and is one of the few providers of a completely self enroll, highly secure web based enrollment program or if preferred, a 1-800 enrollment center. He specializes in matching organizations with the best benefit providers available and offers coverage to employees, associates and family members without ever requiring a physical or speaking to an agent.

Bonnie Mello, Sr. Vice President, Disabilities Services. Bonnie joined LifeStream in 1993. During her career with LifeStream, she has held various positions including Program Coordinator, Residential Director and Clinical Director. Bonnie was promoted to Sr. Vice President of Disabilities Services in 2004. In her current role, Bonnie manages the Residential, Clinical and Day Supports programs. Combined, she oversees services for 180 individuals through LifeStream's day program services, 4 program sites ranging from habilitation services to supported work, 55 individuals in NB residential programs (24/7 program), 35 individuals in FR residential supports (24/7 program), 45 individuals through LifeStream's Individual and Family Support contracts. In addition, Bonnie oversees all clinical supports provided throughout the agency including nursing, psychology and therapeutic services. She is the President of the National Adult Family Care Organization (NAFCO). She holds a BA from Bridgewater State College with a concentration in Communication Disorders. Bonnie resides in Berkley with her family.