disabilities Archives - Business RadioX ®

Discovering Your Gifts with John Dickerson, Advocate & Founder, Red Road Ventures

January 15, 2025 by John Ray

Hello, Self . . .

Discovering Your Gifts with John Dickerson, Advocate & Founder, Red Road Ventures

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Discovering Your Gifts with John Dickerson, Advocate & Founder, Red Road Ventures (Hello, Self… Episode 59)

In this episode of Hello Self, host Patricia Leonard welcomed guest John Dickerson, an advocate for people with disabilities, to discuss the transformative power of self-discovery and turning dreams into actionable plans. They explored how each individual’s unique gifts can contribute to a fulfilling life and community.

John shared his extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities and emphasizes the importance of shifting perspectives, fostering curiosity, and building supportive relationships. He also discussed the apps he helped develop, Quillow and Life Course Connect, that are designed to help people realize their potential and create positive memories.

Hello, Self… is presented by Patricia Leonard & Associates and produced by Arlia Hoffman in association with the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

A video version of this conversation is available on Patricia’s YouTube Channel here.

John Dickerson, Advocate & Founder, Red Road Ventures

John Dickerson began his career with The Arc of South Dakota in 1973 and on his first day remembers attending a meeting to draft the first statewide rules for special education. He spent five years with The Arc of Indiana from 1974-1979; four years at The Arc of the US from 1979-1983 and returned to The Arc of Indiana as Executive Director from 1983 – 2015.

John has been an advocate for change his entire life, helping design the first Medicaid Waivers in Indiana, helping people transition from state institutions and ICF/DDs, developing solutions to the waiting list and supporting families, people with I/DD and staff see a vision of life in the community. All of this success he attributes to those who rally to support others and build a better community.

After a brief adventure in politics, John founded Red Road Ventures and led the development of two apps, Quillo Pro and Quillo Connect. Quillo Pro offers exciting new technology to increase staff retention for organizations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Quillo Connect provides a unique communication platform that connects families and people with IDD to each other and to the IDD system. Quillo is now utilized in 15 states.

John received his BA from Huron College, Huron SD in 1973. He was recognized by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities as one of the top 200 influencers of the last 20 years on our field.

About Hello, Self…

Hello, Self… is a biweekly podcast focused on inspiring stories of turning dreams into reality. Join coach and author Patricia Leonard and her guests as they share life-changing Hello, Self… moments.

Hello, Self… is brought to you by Patricia Leonard & Associates and is based on the new book by Patricia Leonard, Hello, Self.., available here.

The show is produced by Arlia Hoffman in association with Business RadioX®. You can find this show on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

Patricia Leonard, Host of Hello, Self…

Patricia Leonard is President of RUNWAY TO SUCCESS, a division of Patricia Leonard & Associates located in Nashville, TN. She is a MESSAGE ARTIST speaker, career & business coach, author and magazine columnist. Patricia consults with clients on leadership, empowerment, career management, entrepreneurship and the power of language. Her work is focused on helping clients find their runway to success!

She has a professional background in management, human resources, corporate training, business consulting and talent development. Patricia has worked with companies in the service, music, banking, manufacturing, publishing, warehousing, healthcare, academic, retail and financial industries, and has taught management classes as an adjunct professor.

Patricia has a degree in Human Resource Management, is certified as a Career Coach and Consulting Hypnotist and is MBTI qualified.

Her volunteer energies are focused on Women in Film and Television-Nashville, where she is a Board Vice President; Dress for Success as the Advisory Board President; and International Coaching Federation-Nashville where she held Board roles for several years.

Patricia is the author of Wearing High Heels in a Flip Flop World, BECOMING WOMAN…a journal of personal discovery, THE NOW, HOW & WOW of Success, Happenings, a full year calendar of inspirational messages and a spoken word album titled, I AM…

She enjoys songwriting, creating poetry and has written a one-woman show and artistic speech she performs titled Hello, Self…, about a woman in midlife reinventing herself, which led to her new book by the same name, available here.

On the personal side, Patricia, describes herself as a woman, lover of life, mother, grandmother, career professional and message artist; AND in that order! Her goal is to continue inspiring others, of any age, to START NOW creating and expanding their Runway to Success.

She believes that life is a gift, the way we wrap it is our choice.

Connect with Patricia:

Website| LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Remote Work, Mandated Returns, and Reasonable Accommodations

December 19, 2023 by John Ray

Hall Booth Smith Podcast Network

Remote Work, Mandated Returns, and Reasonable Accommodations

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Remote Work, Mandated Returns, and Reasonable Accommodations (Litigators Lounge, Episode 2)

On this episode of Litigators Lounge, hosts Jackie Voronov and Shylie Bannon discuss the complex legal and workplace dynamics surrounding the return to office mandates currently making headlines. They explore cases, current events, and key laws, with an emphasis on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Jackie and Shylie tackle the debates around remote and hybrid work models, the impact on various industries, and the legal implications of accommodation requests associated with disabilities in the post-COVID world. Through detailed conversations and insights, they offer guidance for both employees and employers navigating these mandates. In the rapidly changing landscape of workplace norms, this episode provides valuable insights backed by legal expertise.

Litigators Lounge is underwritten and presented by Hall Booth Smith. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Topics in this Episode

00:01 Introduction to Litigators Lounge

01:02 Discussion on Return to Office Mandates

01:09 Legal Issues Raised by Return to Office Mandates

03:01 Impact of Remote Work on Different Industries

04:06 Accommodations for Disabilities in Post-COVID World

06:28 Impact of Return to Office Mandates on Protected Classes of Workers

06:53 Impact of Remote Work on Women in Workplace

08:56 ADA Accommodation Requests and State Equivalence

09:22 Legal Aspects of ADA and Remote Work

09:34 ADA Requirements for Employers

23:43 Guidance for Employers Navigating ADA Terrain

24:04 Challenges of Remote Work

33:19 Conclusion and Sign Off

About Litigators Lounge

Jackie Voronov and Shylie Bannon, attorneys at Hall Booth Smith who specialize in labor and employment law, are the hosts of the engaging podcast Litigators Lounge. Listen as they delve into the intricate world of workplace legal issues as they explore real-life examples, unpack legal scenarios, and offer expert insights to help organizations and employees navigate the ever-changing legal landscape. With engaging discussions, diverse viewpoints from expert guests, and an ample touch of humor, Litigators Lounge is the go-to source for in-depth analysis and expert advice on law and the workplace.

Litigators Lounge is underwritten and presented by Hall Booth Smith. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Jackie Voronov, Partner, Hall Booth Smith

Jackie Voronov is a Partner in Hall Booth Smith’s office in Paramus, New Jersey, and she represents management in a wide variety of employment matters and litigates employment claims before administrative agencies and state and federal courts. Her clients include major hotels, retailers, shipping companies, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, manufacturers, and national fast-food franchisees.

Jackie’s litigation experience includes the defense of employers in single and multi-plaintiff actions on claims of wrongful discharge, sexual harassment, race, national origin, gender, disability and age discrimination, breach of contract, family medical leave, failure to accommodate, retaliation, wage/hour laws, and related tort claims. Jackie also works with her clients to prepare various employment agreements (including non-compete, confidentiality, independent contractor, and separation agreements). She has extensive experience before various administrative tribunals, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the State Division of Human Rights (SDHR), the Division of Civil Rights (DCR), and other state, federal, and local agencies.

In addition, Jackie frequently conducts management training for employers on a wide variety of employment law topics, such as:

EEO/anti-harassment
employee recruiting and hiring practices
family and medical leave
reasonable accommodations for disabilities and religion
preventing and investigating harassment, discrimination, and whistleblower claims
wage and hour compliance
discipline and termination of employees
privacy in the workplace

Jackie is regularly invited to speak nationally on best practices and other employment-related issues. Before joining Hall Booth Smith, she worked for one of the country’s largest law firms, where she defended employers in a wide range of labor and employment matters, including wage and hour class actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), claims related to the New York State Human Rights Law (NSHRL), the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD), the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), and Title VII.

Jackie was selected for inclusion as a New Jersey Rising Star by Super Lawyers® for six consecutive years (2010-2016), which honors the top 2.5% of young lawyers in New Jersey.

Shylie Bannon, Partner, Hall Booth Smith

Shylie Bannon is a Partner in Hall Booth Smith’s Jacksonville, Florida, office. She also serves as Hiring Partner for the region of Florida, where she oversees associate attorney hiring endeavors. Prior to joining Hall Booth Smith, Shylie was a partner in both a multi-state, multi-specialty firm and a boutique practice.

At Hall Booth Smith, Shylie continues to represent physicians, mid-level providers, and health care providers in high-exposure medical negligence claims and in administrative proceedings before the Florida Department of Health. She also represents national retailers in high-exposure premises liability, negligent security, and transportation litigation with our National Trial Counsel team.

In addition to litigating matters involving personal injury and negligence, Shylie also represents management in all aspects of employment-related litigation arising from allegations of sex, disability, race, and pregnancy discrimination; whistleblower actions; and alleged violations of the National Labor Relations Act and Fair Labor Standards. She does so in administrative proceedings before both the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, as well as in all of the state and federal courts in Florida. She also provides employment-related counsel to clients, helping them avoid employment-related litigation through the implementation of best employment, investigation, and risk management practices.

Shylie earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, cum laude, and graduated magna cum laude from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History.

Shylie volunteers with the Guardian Ad Litem program and supports child welfare advocacy efforts in Northeast Florida. She is also a Member of the Board for the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida.

About Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

Established in 1989, Hall Booth Smith, P.C. (HBS) is a full-service law firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with regional offices strategically located throughout Georgia and the United States. Experienced across a wide range of legal disciplines, HBS prides itself on providing knowledgeable, proactive, client-specific counsel to individuals, domestic and international corporations, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

HBS possesses the legal knowledge, skill, and experience to meet their clients’ needs wherever they do business. HBS maintains the highest commitment to ethically and professionally serve their clients by providing the highest quality legal representation.

They deliver quality legal services in a variety of service areas. Experience across legal disciplines combined with a focus on the unique business or personal requirements of the client is the hallmark of the firm. Their clients receive the attention, expertise, and cost-effectiveness of a smaller law firm with the full-service and strong regional presence typical of a larger one.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Disclaimer

Litigators Lounge is a production brought to you by Hall Booth Smith, PC. This podcast is published for the purposes of providing general information and education on topics which include those related to the law and legal issues, but the contents of the podcast do not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast or utilizing the information contained in it in any way does not constitute nor does it create an attorney-client relationship between you and Hall Booth Smith or its lawyers. The contents of this podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

Michele Rebeor with Michele M Rebeor Consulting Dawn Hocking with The Centers for Habilitation and Anne Gill with Tempe Chamber of Commerce E8

May 27, 2020 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Michele Rebeor with Michele M Rebeor Consulting Dawn Hocking with The Centers for Habilitation and Anne Gill with Tempe Chamber of Commerce E8

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Michele Rebeor with Michele M Rebeor Consulting Dawn Hocking with The Centers for Habilitation and Anne Gill with Tempe Chamber of Commerce E8

During this episode of Collaborative Connections Radio Show and Podcast, a few common themes were echoed throughout the show. One important thing for people to understand is that building and sustaining relationships is the key to success for businesses and non-profits alike. We also all agreed that collaboration and communication will help pull us through these unprecedented times.

If you are a Tempe resident, business owner, leader in the community or have a passion for non-profits, check out this episode of Collaborative Connections Radio Show and Podcast hosted by Kelly Lorenzen, with KLM Consulting. Featured guests included Anne Gill, President of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, Dawn Hocking, Development Director for The Center for Habilitation and Michele Rebeor, Fundraising and Philanthropy consultant.

Michele M Rebeor Consulting (MMRC) specializes in supporting nonprofits of all sizes, budgets and resources through the evaluation, identification and implementation of innovative practices that maximize their current and prospective donor relationships using meaningful and intentional philanthropic opportunities. Our guidance enhances a nonprofits current resources to build more deliberate practices that will garner increases in contributions, donor loyalty and sustainable giving. Additionally,

MMRC offers a unique and rare insight into the transformative role of women in philanthropy. Applying a decade of hands-on expertise we prepare, educate, and advance organizations to effectively establish and incorporate practices that recognize the significant role and substantial impact women have on the future of philanthropy.

Michele Rebeor has enthusiastically served the nonprofit sector for more than 28 yrs. as a development professional & consultant specializing in innovative practices to maximize donor relationships, with meaningful, intentional, realistic, efficient & sustainable strategies. She has also developed a rare, niche expertise in women focused philanthropy drawn from the passion, skill & success she discovered through a decade of leading female investors as the director of ASU Foundation’s Women & Philanthropy program.

Since 2016, through her own consulting firm and as the Arizona-based consultant for CCS Fundraising, Michele been coached clients of all sizes with customized services that encompass women-focused philanthropy, creating sustainable development and donor engagement strategies, as well as testing and advisement for capital campaigns; all resulting in new heights of engagement and contributions for non-profits.

Committed to her profession – she has been an active member in the Greater AZ Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) since 1998 and is currently serving on the Board and as the Chair of the AFP Professional Mentor Program. Additionally, she participates as a volunteer for the AZ Air National Guard’s 161st Air Refueling Wing Copperheads Care Family Support Program, a variety of animal programs and for the the annual Ironman Arizona.

Originally from Upstate New York, Michele has lived in Arizona since 1988. She is an Ironman triathlete, competitive rower, and avid animal lover. Hoyt, her long-time significant other is a Commanding Officer and refueling pilot for the Arizona Air National Guard. They enjoy international and local traveling whenever possible – especially taking their camper and dogs for off the grid excursions to simply enjoy the outdoors.

Connect with Michele on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

TCH is nonprofit which provides support for individuals with disabilities. Our mission is finding creative and innovative ways to provide hope and purpose for individuals with disabilities.

Dawn Hocking has been changing the lives of people with disabilities for 29 years.

As Director of Development she is responsible for community outreach, writes grants, and oversees volunteers to ensure individuals with disabilities live a full meaningful life.

She is a Relationship Builder, Advocate, Instigator of fun, Creative thinker, Resource connector, Mentor and graduate of Tempe Leadership Class XXVII.

Follow TCH on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

The Tempe Chamber serves as the voice of business, a catalyst for economic growth, and a champion for a strong community.

Anne Gill, IOM, is the President & CEO of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce. Anne is an innovative nonprofit leader recognized for her work in business advocacy, organizational excellence, development and community outreach.

Anne serves on the boards of the Western Association of Chamber Executives, Arizona Chamber Executives (Past Chair), Tempe Tourism Office, Tempe Leadership Council, Rio Salado Foundation, Friends of Public Radio Arizona, and Rio Salado College President’s Community Advisory Council.

Anne is a graduate of the US Chamber Foundation’s Institute for Organization Management, and recently completed their Business Leads Fellowship. She holds a B.A. in International Business.

Follow the Tempe Chamber on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Show

Kelly Lorenzen started the “Collaborative Connections” show to bring her clients and favorite charities together to meet each other, connect and collaborate in life and business. She hopes to build a stronger community one show at a time.

About Our Sponsor

KLM Consulting is a business concierge and project management firm. They help small business owners and non-profits build, brand and brag about their businesses.

About Your Host

Kelly Lorenzen, CEO of KLM Consulting, is an award-winning entrepreneur with over 15 years of business-ownership experience. She is also a certified project management professional.

Kelly’s expertise is in business development, customer service, marketing, and sales.

Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn, and follow KLM Consulting on Facebook.

Scott Tekesky and Jason Smith with Bunker Labs, Terrie O’Hanlon with GreyOrange and Conrad Meertins with MyAbilities

October 15, 2019 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Scott Tekesky and Jason Smith with Bunker Labs, Terrie O'Hanlon with GreyOrange and Conrad Meertins with MyAbilities

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Scott Tekesky is Bunker Labs Atlanta City Leader. He enjoys making connections for others and building supportive communities. Scott has a strong background with talent acquisition and operations, specifically focused on the military to civilian transition process.

As a former Infantry Officer, he still prefers to be out in the woods or with people as opposed to behind a desk.

Jason Smith is Bunker Labs Atlanta City Leader. He is a Sales Expert, Business Coach, Trainer, & Military Veteran Community Leader. Jason helps businesses grow predictable revenue by applying his years of professional experience to his clients’ business development goals. He can personally augment your sales team to conduct business development campaigns.

Jason can train your sales teams to implement tailored strategies he will develop in partnership with you. He will engage his network of partners and experts to meet your needs.

Follow Bunker Labs on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

In her role as CMO of GreyOrange, Terrie O’Hanlon is responsible for global brand positioning and influencer strategies as well as for leading GreyOrange’s market development, communications and demand generation programs.

O’Hanlon brings extensive expertise to her role, including leading marketing for emerging and established companies in supply chain, healthcare, financial ecommerce, enterprise applications and cybersecurity.

Her supply chain experience includes orchestrating a successful brand transformation for Manhattan Associates, a global leader in supply chain commerce, inventory optimization and omnichannel solutions, and for Steelwedge, a supply chain planning company acquired by e2Open in 2017.

Follow GreyOrange on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Conrad Meertins attended St. John’s University in Queens, New York for his Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Computer Science and Master of Science in Mathematics (M.S). After moving to Georgia, he received his Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) from Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Conrad also have many technical and leadership certifications such as Oracle DBA Masters and CCNA.

While living in New York, he was an Assistant Vice-President at Citibank/Citicorp Brokerage and Manager at Salomon’s Brothers Brokerage on Wall Street where the software he helped to write traded billions of dollars on a daily basis. In Georgia, Conrad held various leadership roles at Sprint, Center for Disease Control (CDC), Internet Security System (ISS) and HD Supply to name a few. His love for the community led him to be on the board of directors for South DeKalb Churches Federal Credit Union for many years.

As CEO of FamTeck and 25 years in Information Technology, Conrad brings a wealth of experience in disruptive technology as it relates to Database Security, optimization and doing more with less.

Conrad’s spiritual faith, love for the community and members of his family with different types of disabilities allowed him to embark on developing MyAbilities. Conrad encourages business leaders to look at ways to give back to the community outside of their core solutions. Together, we will make a difference.

Connect with Conrad on LinkedIn.

Laura Whitaker with ESP (Extra Special People)

September 27, 2018 by Mike

Beyond The Cupola

Laura Whitaker with ESP (Extra Special People)

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“Beyond the Cupola” allows invited customers, community, and team members of Oconee State Bank to have an opportunity to share their stories of success and inspiration, and/or how the “Remarkable” culture of Oconee State Bank has inspired them to mark lives in their own right.

Laura Whitaker/Extra Special People

Extra Special People is the legacy of one woman who had a passion for children and young people with special needs, and a vision of a place where they and their families could focus on their abilities instead of their disabilities. Martha Wyllie founded Extra Special People in 1986, offering high-quality affordable programs for “people with different abilities.” Twenty-one children enrolled in that first summer camp. By the time Martha passed away in 2004, ESP was serving 130 campers with a budget of $150,000 and had acquired a small facility where children could be served on-site.

The year following Martha’s death, ESP Summer Camp was in danger of being eliminated because of lack of funding. When a young camp counselor, Laura Whitaker, heard this, she pulled together the families and made a call to the community to save camp by raising $50,000 in just a matter of months. The founder’s family appointed Laura as the new Executive Director in January of 2006.

Since becoming Executive Director, Laura has led ESP to expanded programming, and the organization now serves more young people than ever before. ESP runs weekend and after-school programs, family support programs, and events in addition to summer camp. After a 5 year capital campaign, ESP opened the doors on a 14,000 sq. ft. facility in Watkinsville in June of 2016. Every day, ESP continues to provide a safe place that individuals with disabilities can call their own.

Through the magic that ESP creates kids, young adults, families, volunteers, donors and staff are changed!

Valley Life with Fund Development Director Margaret Stephens-Reed

July 11, 2018 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Valley Life with Fund Development Director Margaret Stephens-Reed

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Valley Life with Fund Development Director Margaret Stephens-Reed

VALLEYLIFE is a 70 year old not for profit organization that provides services to individuals with disabilities. They help men, women, elderly, and children in the metropolitan Phoenix area by enriching their lives with opportunities to thrive in their everyday life and increase their independence.

VALLEYLIFE’s four programs include: 26 group homes; 11 daytime programs; a full service vocational program, and in-home services. They also have a for-profit print shop called Williams Express.

Margaret Stephens-Reed is a native of Washington State who moved to Arizona in the winter of 2006 after spending eight years in Northern Virginia. Since her move to Phoenix, Ms. Stephens-Reed served as Director of Development for several area non-profits. In 2009 Margaret joined the VALLEYLIFE team as Senior Vocational Program Manager. In this role she was accountable for a staff of 30 and nearly 200 vocational trainees

In November of 2010, Margaret was appointed as the Director of Fund Development for VALLEYLIFE. Her department is responsible for fundraising, special events, community Relations, grant writing and other duties as assigned. In October they held a very Legacy of Love Gala celebrating the agency’s 70 years of providing services to adults with disabilities.

Mrs. Stephens-Reed earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Washington University of Cheney, Washington, and is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Central Phoenix Women, Women of Scottsdale, North Phoenix Women and East Valley Women. She serves on the Arizona State Oversight Board for Defensive Driving Schools and is a Board Member of the Planned Giving Roundtable of Arizona and The New Foundation.

She was recently honored as a Strathmore’s Who’s Who and in January 2016 she was honored as the Banking on the Future Mentor by Phoenix Suns and National Bank of Arizona. In February of 2018, Margaret was named 2017 East Valley Women of the year and in March she was named 2018 FOXY Woman of the Year.

She is married to retired educator Phillip Reed and the parent of a very spoiled cat named Boola.

Follow VALLEYLIFE on Facebook.

Zyrobotics

May 30, 2016 by angishields

Health Connect South

Zyrobotics

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Zyrobotics

We host Dr. Johnetta Maccalla, CEO of Zyrobotics, an assistive technology company that was conceived in the summer of 2012 and officially incorporated in 2013 as a Georgia Tech Venturelab spin-off company. Their mission is to create accessible technologies that engage and empower children with disabilities and enhance their quality of life.

The technology company develops personalized technologies that are adaptive to each individual’s capabilities. Zyrobotics first product offerings include accessible interfaces and smart toys, socially assistive robots, and a suite of educational apps that are specially designed to enable educational and accessible play. The company’s mission facilitates freedom through technology for children of all abilities.

Johnetta shared how she saw an opportunity to leverage her long background in research and development and robotics for several large, well-known enterprises to help children with disabilities. Zyrobotics is now engaging with professionals in rehabilitation facilities to make them aware of this technology that has shown to help engage these children in their rehab exercises, as well as increasing compliance with the prescribed plan.

We talked about the fact that the technology company is actively seeking funding to support their marketing and production scalability. The company is also interested in partnering with rehabilitation centers and physicians who would be prescribing such services so they and their patients can benefit from access to this tool.

Special Guest:

Dr. Johnettta Maccalla, CEO, Zyrobotics

Chad Terpstra with People Helping People, Susan Boland Butts and Shannon Brabner with Hi-Hope Service Center, and Jesse Lirette with Skyview Atlanta

February 11, 2015 by Mike

Silver Lining in the Cloud

Chad Terpstra with People Helping People, Susan Boland Butts and Shannon Brabner with Hi-Hope Service Center, and Jesse Lirette with Skyview Atlanta

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Chad Terpstra, Susan Boland Butts, Shannon Brabner, Jesse Lirette, Dom Rainey

Chad Terpstra/People Helping People

People Helping People does not have a one size fits all platform like many other companies in the financial services and insurance industry regarding products and providers. This allows their associates to tailor a solution that best fits the client’s specific needs and future financial goals.

Shannon Brabner & Susan Boland Butts/Hi-Hope Service Center

Hi-Hope Service Center has a 55-year tradition of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Now focusing on adults, they provide support by connecting them with integrated opportunities for learning, work and leisure. They believe that individuals with developmental disabilities have inherent value with gifts and abilities to share. Without intentional engagement and support, these gifts may remain hidden and our community may never benefit from their contribution. These individuals are not only a vital resource to our community, but they enrich our lives.

Hi-Hope Service Center is promoting its 2nd annual Gwinnett’s Kids Got Talent Show. The event will be held on Saturday March 28, 2015 at 6pm at Central Gwinnett High School Theater in Lawrenceville, GA.

Jesse Lirette/Skyview Atlanta

Towering nearly 20 stories above Centennial Olympic Park, the Skyview Atlanta Ferris Wheel features 42 climate-controlled gondolas providing guests with breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Atlanta and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Those looking for an even more enhanced experience will enjoy our VIP gondola boasting Ferrari leather seats, glass floor and a longer flight time. And with its convenient location just steps from many of Atlanta’s most popular attractions, SkyView Atlanta is the perfect compliment to your downtown adventure. SkyView. You can see Atlanta from here.

Trust Planning Issues Concerning Special Need Individuals

January 28, 2015 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Trust Planning Issues Concerning Special Need Individuals

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Craig Frankel, Kristen Lewis, Fontaine Lee, Kathy Keeley, Adam Gaslowitz

On this episode of “Wealth Matters“, attorneys Adam Gaslowitz and Craig Frankel discuss issues concerning special needs individuals with guests Kristen Lewis, an expert on special needs trust planning; Kathy Keeley, the Executive Director of All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD); and Fontaine Lee, Vice President of Cumberland Trust.

The panel will discuss information relating to special needs trust planning and helping families understand their individual roles in a special needs trust.

Kristen Lewis/Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP

Kristen M. Lewis practices law in Atlanta, GA with Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP. She is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and is a nationally recognized expert on “Special Needs Trust” planning for persons challenged by disabilities. She is an active member of the Special Needs Alliance, the Academy of Special Needs Planners, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the American Bar Association, the New York Bar Association Elder Law Section, the State Bar of Georgia Fiduciary Law Section, and the Georgia Planned Giving Council. She recently completed her tenure as Co-Chair of the Long-Term Care, Medicaid and Special Needs Trusts Committee of the Elder Law, Disability Planning and Bioethics Group of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the ABA. In her free time, she trains certified service dogs for Canine Assistants based in Milton, GA.

Ms. Lewis received her B.A. degree in French and political science, with highest honors, from Wellesley College in 1981. She earned her J.D. degree from Cornell Law School in 1984. She is admitted to practice law in both New York and Georgia.

Ms. Lewis co-authored an article entitled “Top 15 Tips for Estate Planners When Planning for Special Needs”, published in Probate & Property, Volume 24, Number 2, March/April 2010, which won the magazine’s 2010 Excellence in Writing Award for “Best Overall Article – Trusts & Estates”. She most recently authored an article entitled “The Crime of the 21^st Century: Financial Abuse of Elders” which was published in Probate & Property, Volume 28, Number 4, July/August 2014.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kristen-lewis/22/901/32

Company LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/27889

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sgrlaw

Kathy Keeley/All About Developmental Disabilities

Kathy Keeley is the Executive Director of All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) which focuses on creating a meaningful life for individuals with developmental disabilities through family support, employment and community engagement. Prior to joining AADD, she had her own consulting firm providing strategic planning and business planning to large cities and nonprofits throughout the U.S. She is a social entrepreneur having started the first loan fund for women-owned businesses in the U.S. and the first micro-enterprise association of lenders. She is the former Chief of Staff for a Mayor, launched the Calvert Foundation, and provided technical assistance in nearly 30 counties on economic and business development. Keeley came to AADD to jump off Delta flights and make an impact in her home community with a focus on restructuring one of the longest serving nonprofits focused on developmental disabilities in Georgia.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllAboutDevelopmentalDisabilities

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AADDorg

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aadd

Fontaine Lee/Cumberland Trust & Investment Company

Fontaine Lee is currently the Vice President and Business Development Officer with Cumberland Trust & Investment Company, an independent trust company with headquarters in Nashville, TN. She opened the Atlanta office for Cumberland in the Fall of 2010 and is responsible for business development in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. Fontaine began her career at Citigroup in Institutional Fixed Income Sales and Trading where she focused on tax-exempt offerings. After receiving her M.B.A from Emory University, she transitioned from capital markets into private wealth management. Since that time, she has held business development roles at Atlanta-based Reliance Trust and with a multi-family office. Fontaine also spent two years at the Coca-Cola Company working in marketing research.

A native of Atlanta, Fontaine is actively involved with the Atlanta Vanderbilt Club and is a graduate of the Atlanta Women’s Foundation Destiny Fund program, and co-authored the L.E.A.D. program for Leadership Atlanta. She sits on the board for the Agape You and Family Center and is on the Marketing and Development Committee for Whitefoord, Inc. She has also served as a board member for Executive Women of Goizueta, the women’s alumni organization for the Goizueta Business School. In addition to her M.B.A., Fontaine has a B.A. from Vanderbilt University.

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/fontaine-mcdaniel-lee/0/381/1a9

About Gaslowitz Frankel:

Gaslowitz Frankel LLC is an experienced trial practice firm specializing in all aspects of complex fiduciary litigation, representing individuals, companies, banks, and fiduciaries in will, trust, and estate disputes; investor and financial advisor disputes; shareholder/partnership disputes; contract disputes; complex commercial disputes; and appeals.