Graduate Profiles
Bright, Hedi - Class of 2009
“I’m working hard on myself and organizing my dreams,” said Hedi Bright
Bright works at Summit Health (Belmont, NH) as an Occupational Therapist.
“This work completes the final goal of my Leadership project The Sensory Dome by meeting family social needs within a therapeutic, playful setting. I work on grants for PIC and am on the Faculty at BDS for FCESS teaching programs.”
She has become a certified master signing time instructor as well.
“My oldest will graduate from prep school this spring (2011). Andrej was accepted in Sant Bani last year, but after a long and hard decision we decided to keep him in public school to be with Uziah.”
“Uziah is in private preschool and will start kindergarten next year with his sign language interpreter full time. He’s getting an ipad as his AAc device and signs up a storm. Almost 2,000 signs!”
“Cancer tests and illnesses kept us at Children's Hospital last year. Uziah was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. He has more going on from kidney, heart, celiac and now JRA, but nothing slows the little rascal down!”
Bright notes husband Pete is still working at Frisbie Hospital and doing well.
Butler, Lorriane - Class of 2009
Lorraine Butler continues to be very active in her community of greater Salem, New Hampshire.
“Back in June of 2010, I went to a public safety meeting,” said Butler. “I got up and spoke, too.” Smiling she added, “The town of Derry then put in a street light in my neighborhood.”
In addition to her activism, Lorraine is nearing an important milestone professionally.
“This February, I will have been at Wal-Mart for twelve years.”
Cohan, Margaret - Class of 1997
“I’m not sure how many folks will remember me. I graduated from the NH Leadership Series in 1997,” said Margaret Cohan in an email to Beth Dixon recently.
Shortly after graduation, Cohan moved to Connecticut, where she still lives and still fights the fight.
“I’m currently on staff for the CT DD Council. I was a CT DD Council Member from 1997 to 2003, serving as chair four of those six years. I’ve also graduated from the CT Partners in Policymaking.”
Margaret continued, “Graduating from the NH Leadership Series however, was my life-changing event. I had to write and thank everyone at Leadership again after watching a clip from Including Samuel. I was so very moved.”
Margaret’s son, who is 22-years-old now, has duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The Situation in Connecticut
“Unfortunately, Connecticut does not have Partners (a Leadership-like group) right now. When I was on the Council we did fund it in collaboration with the UCEDD here. However, they didn’t do a good job of collecting outcome data. You do that so well in New Hampshire.”
“It’s grown increasingly hard to justify funding without concrete data despite all the systemic change that has occurred. “
“Recently I attended a Wrightslaw conference in Nashua. A lot of folks from New Hampshire assumed the services must be great in Connecticut and I had to tell that, no, no, that’s not really the case,” said Margaret.
“When we moved to Connecticut 13 years ago, they didn’t get that my son had his Physical Therapy in the classroom. In New Hampshire, everyone in the classroom started the day by stretching with my son. Together.”
“My son really has turned out great. He recently graduated from Connecticut State University with honors in Political Science and is now doing an internship at our local center for independent living. Another budding advocate!”
As for Margaret, her advocacy work continues as well.
“Going forward I would love to do a documentary. I’d focus on an adult here in Connecticut who uses Personal Care Assistants for support in the workplace. Show the warts and all. Especially how hard it is to find competent PCA's.”
DeBlois, Tina - Class of 2010
“I just finished ordering my new business cards,” smiled Tina DeBlois (NHLS ’10) as she spoke to Beth Dixon last spring.
DeBlois’ excitement and sparkle are infectious.
“I am starting a support group for parents of children with Special Education Needs (SEN). I plan to share cooperative advocacy ideas, as well and bring wellness to parents,” she said.
DeBlois plans to launch in Groveton, New Hampshire. To begin with.
“My plan is to become a non-profit organization. I want to bring education to parents in the communities in my immediate area.”
After that, who knows.
“Contact us at parentsleadingparents@yahoo.com or via FACEBOOK, parents leading parents. And, wish me luck, Leadership. I'm sure I'll be in touch with you soon for advice,” DeBlois added, laughing.
Decker, Jennifer - Class of 2010
Jennifer Decker ‘10 of Portsmouth is making an impact.
“I’ve been working for Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) since April 2010 doing legislative advocacy,” said Decker to NHLS. “I’m both a Ticket to Work Outreach Coordinator and Regional Advocacy Facilitator.”
GSIL is a New Hampshire nonprofit service and advocacy organization that provides tools for living life on your own terms.
Just like everyone else.
“I attended the Statehouse Rally and testified at several hearings in Concord, including the special session budget hearings,” said Decker.
“I know that I would not have been as successful at my job if not for my involvement with Leadership. The March session, which allowed us to engage in mock hearings with legislators was most useful.
The Legislature is just one of her many stops.
“I’ve worked hard on a presentation on cross-disability issues for new staff at New Hampshire Hospital. Unfortunately, budget cuts at the state level have presented challenges in launching the project, but it remains in the works,” said Decker. “My focus is on those who have physical disabilities and mental health challenges.”
“In January 2011, I started actively collaborating with GSIL’s peer groups to create a core group of new advocates.” In the coming year, I hope to assist participants in reaching their goal of increasing awareness of accessibility in Seacoast area communities.
Those of you living in the Seacoast are most likely aware of the inaccessibility in downtown Portsmouth. We can now count the eclectic establishment of Macro Polo and Macroscopic among those with wheelchair access. After conversations with a very cooperative shop owner, the store purchased a portable ramp and staff has been most accommodating.
Active collaboration indeed.
English, Bob - Class of 2010
Bob English is becoming a powerful presence in New Hampshire politics. Since graduation, he’s become active in ABLE NH.
Bob reports, “I’m working on a ConVal chapter with the goal of seeing to it that all schools meet ADA standards.”
Known to his 2010 leadership class for tenaciously pursuing his right to vote, his right to have access to voting facilities and ADA compliant voting booths, 2010 became a very accessible year.
“Three days before the November 2010 elections, I obtained his right to vote. I voted!”
Bob has also become a facilitated-communication ambassador since Leadership. His 2010 NHLS Action Group created a campaign for communities to use supporting friendship as a key component to civil rights reform and economic stability for people with disabilities.
Bob has taken the message public.
“I like to use facilitated communication. I like people to use it with me,” tapped Bob. “How does anyone make friends?”
“I’m going to present our NHLS graduation project at the NH Family Support Conference, too.”
Bob will have ample opportunity to teach facilitated communication as he now serves as the Legislative Liaison for Monadnock Developmental Services (Region 5).
People he meets had better act fast though. Bob is not one to stay in one place too long.
Gayhardt, Viki – Class of 1996
Viki continues to touch countless lives with her work, thoughtfulness and creativity.
“I work as an autism family support specialist for a pediatric outpatient clinic in Raymond, NH. I network parents and community who love/support someone with autism in the greater Seacoast/Rockingham County area,” Gayhardt told NHLS.
“I serve on the safety and transition-to-adulthood work groups reporting to the NH Autism Council, and soon expect to be appointed to the Council by the governor. I’m currently serving on a planning committee for a new initiative for NH Family Voices called Family-to-Family.”
In her free time Gayhardt collaborates as a singer/songwriter. Sometimes with an organization called Musicians for a Cause (that raises awareness and funds for autism in NH) and at other times, on her own.
Gayhardt released her first full length CD titled Unguarded Heart in 2011. “I’m pretty proud of some of my lyrics. They were inspired by a troubled girl from childhood. I think she was put in my life in part, to prepare me for what I’d later be dealing with later in life. The song is titled “Fourth Grade Picture.”
Hey Emmy - What was your story?
What was the reason your eyes look so sad
In the 4th grade picture - The classroom picture I still have
In every town on every playground, these little wars still rage
Girls and boys made fun of, never asked to play
One day we’ll teach our children, with action more than words
That every child needs a friend and being different shouldn’t hurt.
Email Viki at (Vikisuesings@yahoo.com) for info. To listen check out: www.vikigayhardt.com
Gayhardt, Vinny - YES Class of 2010
“Vinny is involved with a great group of musicians in Dover that work at Ralph's House of Tone,” said Viki Gayhardt (‘96) of her 17-year-old son.
“They facilitate the formation and tutorage of kids who want to be in rock bands. They'd never worked with someone with ASD before, but they were willing to learn” smiled Viki.
“He loves going to rock band practice, loves bantering with the other musicians and the waaay cool instructors. He gets to perform with his band at a real club, too. Another student with ASD is also now realizing the dream of playing with a rock band, thanks to Ralph's willingness to include our kids!”
Vince also obtained his driver's license earlier in the year and has enjoyed the freedom it has allowed.
Viki and her husband Mike (’97) attended Leadership – and Vinny was part of the 2nd YES program (Youth Empowerment Services http://www.yesleadership.org/Home.aspx) that Frank Sgambati ran for youth with and without disabilities, modeled somewhat after Leadership. YES gives kids lots of ideas for their future and assistance with planning to help their dreams become a reality.
Macdonald, Elizabeth - Class of 2005
“Leadership bought me from listing the limits, to pushing the boundaries,” said Elizabeth Macdonald to NHLS.
“There’s a piece in Including Samuel where the words of a mother of handsome chappy who has Autism come back to me, “I cannot limit my son. Others may but, I cannot” … She’s so right on!
“I know Leadership brought me to this level. As parents, we can merely seek to broaden our children’s’ choices. That means broadening their minds, and the minds of those around them.”
John, “my growing boy,” with Autism is going to be 10 this spring, and with the help of a great team at school and afterschool, he continues to meet the challenges of inclusive education.”
“My daughter was devastated when I told her Princessism is not a diagnostic category. Yet, she continues to stretch us all with her appetite for adventure.”
My husband (Mac) has been traveling for work, and fortunately that means we travel too. Next stop Egypt and the Great Pyramids! This time we’ll travel on American passports as we took our oath to become American citizens Jan 21st of 2010. I thoroughly looked forward to voting at last!
I worked with NH Connections for several years, a project of the Parent Information Center. I was fortunate to have experienced firsthand many of the benefits of building Family-School partnerships.
Hinsdale Parent partnerships continue their work to improve the knowledge of those supporting individuals with disabilities, and last spring began hosting inclusive baseball games.
Our school district responded successfully to being, “in need of improvement,” and I was fortunate to be part of the Focused Monitoring process.
Happy New Year Leaders!
MacLeod, Lindsey - Class of 2009
"So much has happened since graduation. In June of 2009, I got my own apartment in Downtown Dover and this past fall I bought my first home in Somersworth, NH."
Lindsey has much to be excited about.
"I had worked at Measured Progress part-time as a reader and scorer, but in collaborating with a job placement specialist to further career opportunities I was able to secure a position at the Salvation Army family store in Portsmouth."
Lyndsey added she enjoys seeing Leadership grads from the class of 2009 from time to time.
Nyberg, Susan - Class of 2007
Following Leadership graduation in April 2007, Susan Nyberg didn’t waste any time putting her new skills to work. She joined the Family Support Advisory Council for Region 10.
“Like others who join their FSACs, working with the Council in Atkinson leads to important opportunities to connect with other professionals and families.”
Nyberg continued, “I’ve benefitted particularly from attending the Family Support Conference. I continue to enjoy participating in the Region 10 Silent Auction and Challenger Baseball.”
All of this in addition to working full-time in Boston.
“I adopted a rescue dog in April of 2010. His name is Jesse and he is part Chihuahua and part Miniature Pinscher. He has been a wonderful addition to the family,” told Nyberg in an email to Beth Dixon recently.
“For myself, I started Greek Dancing Lessons in October. I'm enjoying that a lot!”
Nyberg says she often thinks of her fellow Leadership grads, sharing in their pain, growth and successes. She actively supports the Friends of Leadership and NHLS fundraising projects.
Primeau, Marie A. - Class of 2010
To describe Marie A. Primeau (NHLS ’10) as a, “wise elder of all things inclusion,” gets to the essence of what she means to her community. The moniker however, may miss the mark as far as her energy level is concerned.
The woman has spark.
“I continue to assist Bob E. with his endeavors, scouting and keeping up with his social calendar,” smiled Marie. “That said, it now means letting him go with others to legislative meetings.”
Any notion of having spare time is lost on Marie.
“I’m a member of the Family Support Conference Committee here in Region 5 and attend a lot of educational conferences.”
Marie serves as an advocate for total inclusion in the educational system, which leads her back and forth to Concord frequently.
“I’m always actively recruiting and educating others on the local level about the need for their input in the political process.”
“I became a member of ABLE NH, too and am really working hard towards getting a ConVal, NH chapter off the ground.”
Shaffer, Crissy - Class of 2009
“Since graduating from Leadership in 2009, I have found my voice in Concord,” told Crissy Shaffer to NHLS.
“I have testified numerous times in front of both House and Senate Committees. I made several trips to Concord last year and am planning on making many trips this year.”
“I am a member of the CAC committee and a part of the Family Support Council for Region 6 at Gateways Community Services. I have been taking part in Legislative meetings with Gateways Community Services over the last couple of months to help inform some of the Senators and Representatives in Concord about service and education for those with disabilities,” added Shaffer.
“I have a husband and two kids and am still working for the same company I have for 15 years.”
Spinney, Cathy - Class of 2007
Cathy is serving her third term as Chair of the NH DD/ABD (Developmental Disability/Acquired Brain Injury) Quality Council where regional information sessions are on-going. She continues to be an active member of the Region 10 Area Agency Board of Directors as Immediate Past-President.
This year, she will be helping get the Friends of Leadership Endowment off the ground which will seek to establish a more secure future for continued funding of the Leadership series.
Cathy will be representing the Quality Council in a cross-disability initiative with the Governor’s Commission on Disability seeking ways for all disability groups to combine resources and work together and ensure a better future in NH.
It’s been a very challenging Legislative year to date, and Cathy hopes to help identify members of our government who’ve been supportive of individuals and families and who have been thoughtful allies. She will also help educate the public about those legislators who are unworthy of being re-elected due to their destructive actions, hurtful words and bigoted points of view toward the disability community.
At the 2012 Family Support Conference, she will presenting “When You Change the Way You Look at Things – The Things You Look at Change1”, a workshop geared toward helping family members connect to their core strength and power in the face of so much uncertainty.
In October 2010 Spinney presented her workshops, “From DSP to FOD (Facilitator of Dreams),” at the NH Direct Support Provider’s Conference and, “Happiness 101” to the Family Support Council. She offered, “Legislative Advocacy – If You Don’t Do It Who Will?” at the 2011 Family Support Conference to assist families in participating actively in the legislative process.
“In my spare time, I try very hard to work long hours and provide my family with food and shelter.”
1) Wayne Dyer “The Power of Intention”
Wesson, Kim - Class of 2003
“I have been working with the Oyster River Cooperative School District for over seven years,” said Kim Wesson to NHLS.
“Most recently, I participated in the National Inclusive Education Initiatives Educator’s Leadership Series along with five of my colleagues. Although I am thrilled my role as special education teacher evolved into one of inclusion facilitator, my current position may be eliminated. I do hope though to continue work as an inclusion facilitator in some capacity.”
“My son Ryan is a sophomore in high school (2010-2011) and just shy of six feet tall! He spent the last three summers at Landmark School working on specific reading and writing skills. He plays baseball, winter track and golf,” added Wesson.
“Timmy is now a seventh grader. He is a strong student, loves sports and is an extremely kind friend. He continues to struggle with severe food allergies.”
“My husband and I opened a new grocery store in South Berwick, ME called Nature’s Way Market that helps us focus on being healthy and fit. I would like to compete in an Olympic distance triathlon and/or run a marathon. The training would keep me quite busy this spring and summer!”