Yasmin Avila leads statewide Business Services and Job Placement teams, and employer training and engagement for Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services, helping businesses recognize the value of a broader workforce, ADA compliance and effective accommodations. She is a natural trainer and business leader with a strong background in law, business, and human rights. Multilingual, Yasmin holds degrees in Law, Business, a Master’s degree in Counseling, a Certification in Human Resources from Tulsa Community College and Advanced studies in management at Yale. She is also a Certified ADA Coordinator (ADAC). Passionate about expanding opportunity for all, she has proudly served in multiple roles at DRS for more than ten years.

Juanita Barker is the Deputy Director of the Department of Blind Services with the Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division. She is responsible for supporting both the VR and OIB programs which includes the Criss

Cole Rehabilitation Center and the BEP program. She has been with the VR agency for four decades of extensive field and state office experience.

Edward Bell, Ph.D., is the Owner and Manager of Gemini Research and Training, LLC. He is currently a consultant on research and staff training. His expertise includes program evaluation, outcome research, and staff training in the methods and principles of Structured Discovery Training. He is also the former Director of The Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness at Louisiana Tech University where he spent 20 years in professional development, research and advocacy for blind children and adults.

 Julya is a Senior Technical Assistance and Research Analyst with The George Washington University Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education. Prior to joining the VRTAC, Julya worked for the Rehabilitation Services Administration as a Financial Management Specialist, where she provided technical assistance and guidance to more than 25 State VR agencies. She redesigned the RSA-17 and multiple versions of the SF-425. She also worked for RSA when the Rehabilitation Act was amended by WIOA and assisted with the development of implementing regulations for Pre-Employment Transition Services and the maintenance of effort. Earlier in her RSA career, Julya worked in the Data Unit and contributed to the redesign of the RSA-911, the development of data tables for Standards and Indicators, the implementation of queryable RSA-MIS tables, and the preparation of annual reports to Congress.

Kendra Farrow is the Project Director for the Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center, located at Mississippi State University within the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low vision. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University with 14 years’ experience providing services. In her current role she oversees grant activities, provides technical assistance to older blind programs, conducts program evaluation, and consults on research projects.

Dr. Crystal S. Garry has worked with The George Washington University - Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education (GW-CRCRE) as a Senior Technical Assistance and Research Analyst since 2021. In this capacity, Crystal provides training and technical assistance to State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (SVRAs) as part of the National Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center (VRTAC). Crystal previously served on the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance for Quality Management (VRTAC-QM)project and the Vocational Rehabilitation - Return on Investment (VR-ROI) project.

Eden Hagelman, Ph.D., Principal of Short-Term Programs at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) in Austin, Texas. Short-Term Programs offers year-round group and individualized classes for students with visual impairments. Dr. Hagelman earned her doctorate in Special Education from the University of New Orleans and holds both a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. Her professional background includes experience as a special education department chair, lead teacher, and itinerant teacher for students with visual impairments. Dr. Hagelman is an active member of the professional community, having served as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Personnel Prep Division of AER and participating in the Texas Education Action Committee of Texas, Personnel Prep Advisory Group of Texas and currently a 2 year member of The State Agency Council that supports the Governor’s Council for Women, Texas. She has two adult daughters, and lives in Austin with her husband as well as Toast- the cat.

Melva Henderson is the Founder and CEO of Living Beyond Limits, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals who are blind and visually impaired through advocacy, mentorship, education, and community engagement. As a vision life coach, disability advocate, author, and playwright, Melva uses her lived experience with vision loss to inspire others to embrace independence and live beyond limitations. Appointed by the Governor of Texas to serve on the State Independent Living Council, Melva also serves as a liaison for the Rehabilitation Council of Texas, advocating for greater opportunities and support for the disability community.

Kira Hollywood has been working in Vocational Rehabilitation for over 15 years. Starting as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, she transitioned to several roles including as a quality assurance specialist, OIB manager, and is currently a program manager in the Office of Blind Services at the Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division where she leads the In-House Services and Supports, BVI Training, and OIB teams. Kira is a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX.

Natasha Jerde is the Department of Employment and Economic Development- State Services for the Blind Director. She proudly carries out the mission to facilitate the personal and vocational independence of Minnesotans who are blind, visually impaired, or Deaf Blind. She is a University of Wisconsin-Stout alum where she received a bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and vocational evaluation. She has a certification in Deaf Blindness from Northern Illinois University. Natasha started her career as a vocational evaluator and Deaf Blind rehabilitation counselor at State Services for the Blind. She went on to become a vocational rehabilitation supervisor and then the Director of Policy and Program Administration, overseeing policy development, training, quality assurance, and data analytics. For several years, Natasha was also the adjunct sign language instructor at UW-Stout. 

Dacia Johnson's leadership within the Oregon Commission for the Blind reflects a career dedicated to expanding opportunities for individuals who experience vision loss. As the Executive Director of the Commission, she plays a pivotal role in guiding the agency's efforts to deliver exemplary employment and independent living services to Oregonians who are blind.

Over the course of more than twenty-eight years, Dacia has specialized in Vocational Rehabilitation, consistently striving to improve employment outcomes and independent living services for individuals with disabilities. Dacia's commitment to data-driven decision-making, process improvement, and performance management is evident in her leadership style. 

Educationally, Dacia holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Oregon University and a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Portland State University. She proudly carries the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential.

Dacia's has actively participated in various state and national committees and organizations. This includes serving as President for the Council of State Administrators in Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB). Her involvement in national efforts reflects a commitment to enhancing systems, streamlining business processes, and contributing to leadership development within the national public vocational rehabilitation program.

Erica Kress is an independent disability consultant, accessibility advocate, and public speaker based in North Texas. Blind for more than 20 years, she collaborates with museums, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations to advance accessibility and disability inclusion. Drawing on her background in art history and lived experience, Erica speaks on accessibility, visitor engagement, and disability awareness. She was appointed by the Governor of Texas to serve on the Rehabilitation Council of Texas, where she helps advise the Texas Workforce Commission on vocational rehabilitation services and policies that support Texans with disabilities.

Catriona Macdonald has served as an NCSAB policy advisor since 2005, advising State Licensing Agencies and the organization on Randolph-Sheppard issues, Older Blind, and other vocational rehabilitation priorities.  She is the President and Founder of Linchpin Strategies, a boutique public policy firm that was recognized by National Journal as one of Washington, DC’s top women-owned government relations providers. Ms. Macdonald graduated with a master’s degree in public policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Michael MacKillop has provided the full range of agency services through many roles during his 21-year tenure at the agency. He has helped manage the agency’s growth and the success of agency clients across the state. DSB serves Washington state residents of all ages who are blind, low vision or deaf blind. The agency supports those who want to engage in family, civic, and community activities, manage their home and life tasks independently, keep a current job, or start a meaningful new career or small business path. Michael is an exceptional leader who has demonstrated that he can implement the agency's mission of independence, inclusion and economic vitality for individuals with a visual disability.

MacKillop is focused on continuing the agency’s tradition of helping people with visual and other disabilities to meet their high expectations for independence and meaningful careers, helping identify and overcome environmental barriers, and advocating for full accessibility for all.

Kevin Markel is a Statewide Transition Program Specialist for the Texas Workforce Commission – Vocational Rehabilitation Division. He has worked for this agency for more than 20 years, and he holds an M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of North Texas. He resides in the Ft. Worth area with his wife and two kids.

Abigail is an English Language Learning Specialist with the Minnesota State Services for the Blind (SSB) and is passionate about empowering and connecting people through language and cultural exchange. She holds a master’s degree in English as a Second Language and a certificate for Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Hamline University. She brings 15 years of experience working with English Language learners in the United States and Japan. Since joining SSB in 2024, Abigail has led initiatives to improve employment outcomes for ELLs who are blind, low-vision, and deafblind through targeted English instruction and strengthened collaboration between ATB trainers and employment specialists.

John Oliveira first joined MCB as a rehabilitation teacher, providing adaptive living skills to MCB’s consumers. From there he moved through the Commission holding a number of roles, but always focused on supporting the mission of MCB, and overseeing the opportunities for those who are blind and visually impaired in Massachusetts. He has also held the positions of vocational rehabilitation counselor, employment services supervisor, director of training and staff development, and director of assistive technology, allowing him to learn every facet of MCB. Through case work and leadership positions he constantly found solutions for consumers with complex needs that would grant them autonomy, whether through employment opportunities or consumer services.

For over 30 years, Melinda Paninski’s passion and commitment have allowed her the opportunity to work in various roles within the rehabilitation field assisting individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment. In her current position at Texas Workforce Commission as the Manager of Communication and Partnerships in the Vocational Rehabilitation Division, she assists with communication internally with staff and partners to development programs across the state to create stronger employment and training opportunities.

Carol is the fiscal lead for the national Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center at The George Washington University Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education. She previously served as Director of Minnesota State Services for the Blind and as Assistant Commissioner of Workforce Services for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. She provides technical assistance to State VR agencies on Federal financial reporting, fiscal forecasting, match, maintenance of effort, carryover, reallotment, Pre-Employment Transition Services, period of performance, and internal controls.

Jenny is a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist and a Board-Certified Music Therapist. She has worked in a variety of health care and special education settings, currently providing ATB/O&M training at Minnesota State Services for the Blind with individuals ages 14 and older. She earned her undergraduate music therapy degree from the University of Minnesota, an MS in Human & Community Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and an MA in Special Education/O&M from the University of Nebraska. Jenny loves learning and finding new ways to collaborate with colleagues!

Ms. Shirley Robinson has served within the blindness community for 20+ years.  After earning her master’s degree and CRC In 1997, from Georgia State University she began her career as a vocational Specialist with the Center for the visually impaired in Atlanta. This led to her present affiliation with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, vocational rehabilitation program where she served as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. In 2008, she completed the Vision Specialist Certification Program through Mississippi State University’s Graduate Studies program. In April 2009, Ms. Robinson was promoted to the position of Rehabilitation Unit Manager for the Metro Blindness Services Unit.   In September 2016, Ms. Robinson was promoted to Service Area Manager overseeing the DeKalb and Rockdale County Areas.  Then in October of 2017, she was promoted to Assistant Director of Blind Services.  Most recently, in October 2020, Ms. Robinson was promoted to Coordinator of Blind Services with GA VR.  

Aside from training, Ms. Robinson serves as the Employment Committee Chair with the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind, and Board Member of the National Rehabilitation Professionals Division of the National Federation of the Blind.  In addition, she sits on the advisory boards with Tools for Life and the Audible Universal Information Access Service.   Ms. Robinson was also the 2018 and 2019 President of the Georgia Rehabilitation Counselors and Educators Association Division.  Her passion is assisting the blind community and developing methods for improving the lives of individuals with disabilities in Georgia.  

With 10 years of experience in the blindness and low vision field, Kia Sadler is dedicated to helping individuals develop the skills and confidence needed for greater independence in their daily lives. She holds a master’s degree in education in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy from the University of Massachusetts Boston and is passionate about providing personcentered instruction that meets everyone where they are. Her approach emphasizes collaboration, recognizing that every person's journey toward independence is unique and that independence often includes knowing when to seek support and embrace interdependence. She enjoys partnering with clients to identify practical, individualized solutions that support each person's goals and enhance their quality of life. Outside of work, she enjoys attending live music concerts, exploring local lakes and nature trails, reading, and making time for fun and relaxation.

Carlos R. Serván, J.D., born in Lima, Peru, overcame significant adversity after losing his sight and his right hand in an explosion at age 20. Immigrating to the U.S. in 1989, he pursued higher education, earning an M.P.A. and a J.D., and dedicated his career to serving people with disabilities. As the Executive Director of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired since 2017, his innovative work has earned him national recognition, including the E.B. Witten Silver Medallion Award.

Tim Shaw is the Manager of Evaluation and Support Services for the Texas Workforce Commission’s Vocational Rehabilitation Division, Office of Blind Services. He oversees statewide programs including Assistive Technology, Customer Technology Services, and Vocational Diagnostic Services, leading multidisciplinary teams that provide specialized evaluations and technology services to Texans who are blind or visually impaired. Tim has spent his career advancing the use of assistive technology to improve employment outcomes and independence. He has led numerous statewide initiatives focused on expanding access to services, improving program quality, and integrating emerging technologies into vocational rehabilitation.

Cynthia joined the national Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center at The George Washington University Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education in January 2026 after serving as Director of the North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind. She brings a current director’s perspective on the challenges and opportunities experienced by leaders of State vocational rehabilitation agencies. With more than 38 years in the human services field, she has extensive experience in vocational rehabilitation program administration, Randolph-Sheppard, partnership development, leadership, management, and organizational capacity building.

 Casey joined the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center at The George Washington University Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education after retiring from the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation General Agency. During her more than 27 years at NMDVR, she served in numerous leadership roles, including Agency Director. Her experience includes financial and program management, human resources, training, and the integration of fiscal and operational decision-making.

Tyler Thompson is the Coordinator of the Post-Secondary Program, a transition program for young adults with visual impairments, at the Texas School for the Blind in Austin. Over the last 18 years, Tyler has worked in various roles at TSBVI, including as a Residential Manager and also as the Mandt Coordinator. He has a degree in Communications from the University of Texas and lives with his wife and three children in Austin, TX.

W. Ashley Townsend is the Assistant Commissioner for the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) Vocational Rehabilitation Blind and Deaf Division. Prior to his current Assistant Commissioner role, he was the ADRS Blind and Deaf Services Director of Special Programs from April 2014-December 2021. He holds a BS in Rehabilitation from Troy University and a MA in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Ashley has been directly involved with Blind and Low Vision Vocational Rehabilitation Service provision since 2009 when he became the VR Field Supervisor for North Central Alabama. He has also worked as a Job Coach for individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury as well as a General VR Counselor. Ashley has direct experience with the OASIS Program (OIB Program) and the Vision Rehabilitation Therapy and Orientation & Mobility Programs. In addition, Ashley has extensive experience with the implementation of special VR projects and initiatives, policy, and procedure development, and has overseen quality assurance for ADRS’s Blind and Deaf Services Division. In his previous role as Director of Special Programs, he was the state office liaison to AIDB’s EH Gentry Facility and implemented/monitored ADRS’s longstanding MOA’s with AIDB, Troy University, and Mississippi State University. 

Beginning in January of 2025 he started serving on NCSAB’s Executive Committee as the co-chair of the Randolph Sheppard Committee. Previous non-profit work includes work with the Arc of Shelby County which consisted of a term as Board President and as a board member with the Alabama Chapter of the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER). Ashley is a resident of Calera, Alabama and married to Krista Townsend who is an elementary education administrator. They have two daughters, Emma and Lily.

Greg Trapp has been the Executive Director of the New Mexico Commission for the Blind since 1999. Prior to joining the Commission, he was a Senior Staff Attorney for Disability Rights New Mexico, where he began work in 1992. He taught Disability Law as an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law in the fall of 1993 and worked as an Equal Opportunity Specialist at UNM from 1991 to 1992. Trapp graduated with honors from the UNM School of Law in 1990. He is currently a member of the State Workforce Development Board and secretary of the New Mexico Council for Purchasing from Persons with Disabilities. Trapp is also President of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB), and he served as NCSAB President in 2007. Mr. Trapp is also the Historian for the New Mexico Council of the Navy League of the United States.

Dr. Kyle J. Walker Ed.D., CRC, CRL, CPMKyle was born in the San Francisco Bay Area of California and grew up in Northern New Mexico. He earned his Doctor of Education in Career and Technical Education Leadership at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He is a graduate of Utah State University with a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. For 16 years Dr. Walker worked at the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation in various capacities including as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Counseling Supervisor, District Director, Regional Director, Client Services Director, Administrative Services Director, and as the Director of the Division of Rehabilitation Services. In 2015 Kyle was appointed Director of the Division of Consumer Services at the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.

Dr. Tammi Williams is a Senior Technical Assistance & Research Analyst with the Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education and the Vocational Rehabilitation Subject Matter Expert and Customer Support Specialist at YesVR. She provides compliance-driven professional development for vocational rehabilitation and workforce professionals. Tammi brings 20 years of experience translating federal requirements for professional development and program enhancement into practical, accessible learning for the field. She holds Ph.D. in Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Education from Michigan State University.

Ms. Dorothy L. Young is a graduate of Alcorn State University (B.S.); The University of South Alabama (M.S.in Counselor Education and Minor in Rehabilitation Counseling); and Belhaven University (master’s in management). Her case study at Belhaven presented a historical overview of the kinds of relationships that should exist between vocational rehabilitation counselors and individuals with disabilities. In 2000, Ms. Young began work as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind. In this position, she was responsible for working with blind and visually impaired clients to regain, advance, or maintain employment. It was during this time that she experienced the many challenges one would face because of one’s physical or mental limitations. 

In 2013, Ms. Young was promoted to the Director position for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind Services, Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services. During this tenure, she started the agency’s first Summer Internship Program for students with disabilities and the first partnership with the Governor’s Job Fair Network. Both initiatives are ongoing and have helped place people with disabilities with businesses, state and federal agencies hiring year around people with disabilities. Dorothy L. Young serves on the National Executive Leadership team as the President for the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind. She is elected by her peers around the country for this position.