NYHRC: A Housing Journey

Chris Liuzzo : As the host of this impactful podcast series sponsored by the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, and funded by the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Chris Liuzzo brings insightful conversations to the fore. Throughout the series, Chris engages with a variety of guests, including people who receive and provide supports, family members, administrators,...

Baturu Mboge serves as the Vice President for Learning and Development at the Care Coordination Alliance of New York. With an intrinsic passion for person-centered planning, Baturu leads its Person Centered Engagement initiative, guiding a vast organization almost spanning statewide. He strives to foster values-driven, person-centered practices aimed at nurturing beloved communities through innova...

Danyetta Najoli is the founder and principal consultant of the Najoli Learning Group. She has an illustrious career as an author and thought leader in the fields of person-centered planning and cultural humility. Danyetta spent 12 years at Starfire, a Cincinnati-based organization, as a senior community builder and learning network associate. Her commitment to fostering environments that empower i...

BJ Stasio is a prominent figure in the field of developmental disabilities. He has served as the president of the New York State Self Advocacy Association. Currently, he is a peer specialist at the New York State Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities. Known for his advocacy, training roles, and support for voting rights, BJ contributes significantly to nurturing a person-centered cult...

Mike Green specializes in community development, embodying decades of experience. Currently based in Denver, Mike’s professional journey began in small business, where he managed three operations before shifting to social work. Influenced by his daughter Annie's experiences, he developed a passion for fostering inclusive communities. He collaborated with the notable John McKnight on asset-based co...

Carol Blessing  is an expert person-centered planning and citizen-centered leadership. Until recently, she was a long-time employee at the Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability at Cornell University. While there, she developed and implemented the Citizen Centered Leadership Development Course, and she has been a fervent advocate for social justice, equity, and inclusivity for people...

Beth Gallagher  is the CEO and founder of LifeWorks, a person-centered services organization based in San Diego, California. Since its inception, LifeWorks has been focused on providing person-centered support, particularly through supported living services. Gallagher is a prominent figure in advocating for person-centered planning and has co-authored a book titled "Intentional Teaming:...

Hope Leet Dittmeier is the executive director of Mattingly Edge, a nonprofit organization based in Louisville, Kentucky, that is committed to providing person-centered supports. With a focus on social justice, Hope has dedicated her career to advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her leadership at Mattingly Edge emphasizes tailored, individualized services th...

John O'Brien was a renowned thought leader in the field of person-centered planning and disability advocacy. With extensive experience in promoting the rights and dignity of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, O'Brien contributed significantly to the conceptual and practical understanding of person-centered approaches. He is known for his deep insights into social justice...

John O'Brien: John O'Brien was a renowned figure in the field of disabilities, celebrated for his contributions to person-centered planning and advocacy for people with disabilities and their families. Over his 50-year career, he engaged in writing, teaching, and consulting globally. John is considered one of the pioneers of person-centered planning alongside his wife, Connie Lyle O'Brien, and col...

Carol Blessing  is an expert in person-centered planning and inclusion. Recently retired as a Senior Extension Associate at Cornell University, heshas made significant contributions to person-centered work, notably as the author and director of Cornell's Citizen Centered Leadership course. She has collaborated with prominent figures such as John O'Brien and Beth Mount, contributing to wo...

Kirk Hinkelman  is the Director of Creative Design and Wellbeing at LifeWorks, a renowned human service agency based in San Diego focused on supporting people with disabilities. Kirk has transitioned through various roles within LifeWorks, including coordinator and associate director, as he evolved both professionally and personally. His innovative role centers around creative expression and...

Jack Pearpoint: Jack , along with Lynda Kahn, is a co-director of Inclusion Press International, based in Toronto, Canada. He is a renowned consultant and innovator in the field of person-centered planning and a founding director of the Marsha Forest Center With years of world-wide experience in developmental disabilities and inclusive practices, Jack has become a thought leader and influential vo...

Lynda Kahn: Lynda Kahn is a former commissioner for the state of Rhode Island’s Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals, where she served from the early 2000s to 2005. With a background deeply rooted in person-centered planning, she is recognized for her advocacy and innovative approaches to disability services and supports. Kahn has worked closely with notab...

Lynda Kahn (along with Jack Pearpoint) is a co-director of Inclusion Press International in Toronto, Canada, an organization committed to promoting inclusion and innovation globally. Lynda has an extensive background, having served as the executive director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities in Rhode Island, akin to the role of a state commissioner. She has also been the president...

Dr. Beth Mount  is a pioneer in the field of person-centered planning, known for her innovative approaches to supporting people with disabilities. With over 50 years of dedication, she has created and implemented "Personal Futures Planning," a methodology that emphasizes individualized planning and systemic change. Dr. Mount has been a leading figure in transforming how organizations and...

Dr. Beth Mount is a renowned leader in the field of person-centered planning. Based in New York City, she created Personal Futures Planning for individuals with disabilities. Dr. Mount is an accomplished artist, author, and one of the foundational inventors of person-centered planning. Her work is influenced by Social Role valorization and she has created pathways for individuals with disabilities...

Chester Finn is a seasoned advocate and community leader known for his proactive approach to disability rights. With a rich history in advocacy, Chester has built extensive networks to promote inclusivity within and beyond the disability community. A musician and a community activist, Chester is an influential figure in connecting diverse groups through shared interests and mutual understanding. E...

BJ Stasio  is a distinguished disability rights advocate and activist known for his direct involvement in driving systemic change for individuals with disabilities. As a "respectful agitator," BJ has dedicated himself to fostering inclusivity and support systems that empower those with disabilities. He's not just a self-advocate but someone who has curated conversations that lead to impactful...

BJ Stasio BJ Stasio is a dedicated advocate and host of the Housing Journey podcast. He has extensive experience working with services like the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the Department of Health (DoH), facilitating personal care and mental health support. Known for his activism, BJ is deeply engaged in forming and working with circles of support to aid individua...

Sam Mattle: Sam Mattle is the Executive Director of the Center for Self Advocacy, a regional self-advocacy organization based in Buffalo, New York. With a commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities, Sam plays a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and needs of this community. Mike Rogers: Mike Rogers holds multiple influential positions, including Regional Organizer for the Self A...

Tim Elliott is a dedicated housing counselor based in New York City, specializing in finding affordable and accessible housing solutions for residents. With over 15 years of experience in real estate and an extensive background in mortgage consultancy, Tim brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. He is also an ABLE ambassador, advocating for financial empowerment of individuals with disabilities...

Marie Malinowski : Marie is a homeowner with a disability who shares her personal journey of transitioning from renting to owning her own home. Her story reflects resilience and determination, showcasing her ability to navigate challenges and leverage support systems designed for people with disabilities. Through her experience, Marie offers valuable insights into homeownership and the resources t...

BJ Stasio is the host of "A Housing Journey Podcast" by the New York Housing Resource Center. BJ brings a wealth of experience in navigating the housing landscape and sharing stories that emphasize accessibility and inclusivity in housing. His insights are drawn from personal experiences and interactions with industry experts. Luke Cusack is a property manager or landlord who shares perspectives o...

BJ Stasio is the host of "A Housing Journey Podcast" by the New York Housing Resource Center. BJ brings a wealth of experience in navigating the housing landscape and sharing stories that emphasize accessibility and inclusivity in housing. His insights are drawn from personal experiences and interactions with industry experts. Luke Cusack is a property manager or landlord who shares perspectives o...