Agique “AJ” Anderson
FACILITATOR
PEER MENTOR
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Lived experience advocacy
Group facilitation
Public speaking
Instruction and education
Peer mentoring
Advisory teams
PROGRAMS
ALP-NC
LEND-NY
The Academy of Peer Services, NY
I incorporate lived experience into my work by facilitating support groups and public speaking at events and my former Elementary and High School.
Judith Brown
FACILITATOR
CERTIFIED PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Lived experience advocacy
Group facilitation
Public speaking
Instruction and education
Peer mentoring
Advisory teams
PROGRAMS:
ALP-NC
Partners in Policymaking
My lived experience with the medical, social services, social security, and educational ecosystems was the catalyst for creating the advocacy service delivery of Project 70Forward. I use my lived experience in the areas of digital equity, homelessness, and housing and food security as well.
Holly Connor, BS, QP
FACILITATOR
FAMILY NAVIGATOR
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Lived experience advocacy
Group facilitation
Public speaking
Peer mentoring
Advisory teams
PROGRAMS
ALP-NC
COPAA (Council for Parent Advocates and Attorneys)
SEAT I (Special Education Advocacy Training)
I feel lived experience is the cornerstone to ensuring people's voices are heard and valued in the development and utilization of services for those with IDD. Live experience on various levels is crucial to have effective outcomes for everyone!
Amy Dickey
CONTENT CREATOR
FACILITATOR
EDUCATIONAL ADVOCATE
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Lived experience advocacy
Group facilitation
Public speaking
Instruction and education
Parent mentoring
Education advocacy
Advisory teams
PROGRAMS
ALP-NC
Partners in Policymaking
I incorporate lived experience into my work by sharing my journey as a mother of children with complex diagnoses to build trust and relatability with families. I use this same perspective to advocate with and for children, youth, and systems, ensuring that policies and services meet their obligations and reflect the realities of those affected by I/DD and mental health challenges.
Brittany Ellis
PEER MENTOR
FACILITATOR
CONTENT CREATOR
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Lived experience advocacy
Group facilitation
Public speaking
Instruction and education
Parent mentoring
Education advocacy
PROGRAMS
ALP-NC
Person Centered FIRST
Through my lived experience I’m passionate about supporting others in leading their own self determined lives and showing others that there’s many forms of being independent and one’s disability is only one component of who they are!
Travis Evans
FACILITATOR
PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Lived experience advocacy
Group facilitation
Public speaking
Instruction and education
Peer mentoring
PROGRAMS
ALP-NC
Peer Support Specialist
I support others in living an independent life. I use my experience to support them in navigating life lessons. I have been through the highs and lows in my life.
Cynthia Harris
FACILITATOR
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Lived experience advocacy
Group facilitation
Public speaking
Instruction and education
Peer mentoring
PROGRAMS
ALP-NC
Peer Mentor Program
LEND Program at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
I inspire people to strive for their goals and dreams regardless of their circumstances !
Your disability does not define you!
Jessica Hofstetter, CFPS
FACILITATOR
CERTIFIED FAMILY PEER SPECIALIST
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Lived experience advocacy
Group facilitation
Instruction and education
Family peer mentoring
Advisory teams
PROGRAMS
ALP-NC
COPAA (Council for Parent Advocates and Attorneys)
I provide support to families with child(ren) that have an Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability, Mental Health diagnosis, Behavioral Health Diagnosis, and/or Complex Needs through my lived experience and help them navigate the system of care and get their child(ren) and families connected to long term services and support.
Aldea LaParr
CONTENT CREATOR
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Lived experience advocacy
Group facilitation
Public speaking
Instruction and education
Peer mentoring
Advisory teams
PROGRAMS
DD Council member (NY and NC)
ALP-NC
Due to my Cerebral Palsy with limited motor skills, I have taught myself through trial and error to use several areas of technology to accomplish day to day tasks. I have also turn these skills into a small home business supporting both businesses and individuals.
Cameron Kempson, MEd
FOUNDER AND CEO
EDUCATOR + FACILITATOR
ADMINISTRATOR
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Group facilitation
Public speaking
Instruction and education
Curriculum and content development
Program design and replication
Program operations management and administration
PROGRAMS
Master of Education, Interdisciplinary Studies in Early Childhood Inclusive Education and Family Development, UNC-Greensboro
National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities (NLCDD)
Person-Centered Thinking/Planning (CQL)
Gerald Parrish
FACILITATOR
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Lived experience advocacy
Group facilitation
Public speaking
Advisory teams
PROGRAMS
ALP-NC
Sharing my lived experience as a Black and Neurodivergent person. Empowering and amplifying other Black and Neurodivergent people.
MATT POTTER
FACILITATOR
INSTRUCTOR
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Lived experience advocacy
Group facilitation
Public speaking
Instruction and education
Peer mentoring
Advisory teams
PROGRAMS
ALP-NC
Person Centered FIRST
I use my lived experience to inform my decision making and guide my path. However, perhaps more importantly, I try to use it to help connect my messages and teachings to people on a more personal level.
HAYLEY ROBERTSON, LMSW
FACILITATOR
EDUCATOR
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Group facilitation
Instruction and education
Mental health advocacy
Education advocacy
Administrative and program support
PROGRAMS
ALP-NC
Bridging Pathways Initiative
NASW Licensed Social Worker
My lived experiences have shaped my ability to embrace an open-minded, strengths-based approach when engaging with others in my community. This perspective has enhanced my capacity to advocate for and support individuals from diverse backgrounds while ensuring their voices remain at the forefront. I strive to empower others by fostering an environment where they feel seen, heard, and respected.
HAnnah Shumaker, LCMHCA
PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
EDUCATOR
FACILITATOR
PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Lived experience advocacy
Group facilitation
Public speaking
Instruction and education
Peer mentoring
Advisory teams
Accessibility and inclusion review
PROGRAMS
ALP-NC
Facilitate for Freedom
Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies (CUNY)
Lived experience is the foundation of my commitment to crafting welcoming, accessible environments. I believe all people belong, regardless of their way of being in the world.