Speakers

Catherine Babuscio

Human Resources Director

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center

Catherine Babuscio has worked in healthcare human resources for over 30 years. Her first experience working with individuals who experience disabilities began in 1991 with a program in Montana. In 2010 Mat-Su Regional Medical Center collaborated for a Project SEARCH program. This experience is one of the highlights of her career.

Clara Baldwin, M.A.

Assistant Director of Special Education

Anchorage School District/Alaska State School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Clara Baldwin has called Anchorage home for more than 14 years. She currently oversees the Alaska State School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Clara also serves the community as the Vice President of the Alaska Deaf Council and sits on the External Disability Advisory Board for Alaska Airlines. Furthermore, she is honored to be the first Deaf Fur Rondy Queen for 2026.

Dante Barganier

Courtesy Clerk

Carrs Safeway

Dante Barganier was a former student enrolled in Project Search who got the help he needed to gain employment. He would love to share his experiences with all of you.

Ashley Barth, Phlebotomist

Phlebotomist

Providence Laboratory Outreach

Providence Laboratory outreach is an outpatient department for routine lab work, it provides efficient care for all patients in our care.

Ashley Barth first came to the lab as a volunteer through Project Search. Fascinated by the processes behind the scenes, Ashley asked thoughtful questions to better understand the care and handling of specimens. Ashley was honored to spend both the first and final parts of the second semester at the lab. Lab Supervisor Misty Beatty offered Ashley an Apprenticeship for a Phlebotomy Technician position through Providence. Ashley became the second student to complete the program, finishing ahead of schedule in less than a year thanks to the strong support of colleagues and mentors along the way.

Dave Berube, M.Ed.

Legal Rights Advocate II

Disability Law Center of Alaska

Dave Bérubé returned to the Disability Law Center of Alaska, also known as the Protection and Advocacy agency (AK P&A), in November 2020. He had previously worked there from 1996 to 2015 as a Legal Rights Advocate II and has resumed his work as the lead advocate on the Client Assistance Program (CAP), funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), and the Protection & Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) program under the Ticket to Work, funded by SSA. He has been a member of the State Vocational Rehabilitation Committee (SVRC) for years and is currently the Chair.

Katrena Betts

Director of Integrated Employment Services

The Arc of Anchorage

Katrena Betts has worked in vocational rehabilitation and disability employment services in Alaska since 2015. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of roles serving Alaskans with disabilities and has been affiliated with The Arc of Anchorage since 2006. Additionally, Katrena serves as a member of Alaska's Vocational Rehabilitation Committee and represents Professional Development/Disabilities on the Alaska Workforce Investment Board. Dedicated to expanding the local workforce, she works to provide training opportunities and professional development for direct care providers while advocating for equal opportunity and fair work practices for the individuals she serves.

Eric Boyer, MPH

Senior Program Officer

Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority

Eric Boyer is the Senior Program Officer for the Trust, based in Anchorage, AK. He oversees a program officer team responsible for providing leadership in the planning, advocacy, implementation, and funding of services and programs for Trust beneficiaries in Alaska. He has over 35 years of experience working in residential and community-based psychiatric services for children and adults. Eric serves on the Consultative Monitoring Board for the National Center for Mental Health Dissemination, Implementation, and Sustainment at Stanford University School of Medicine. He obtained his MPH from UAA.

Jenn Bozard, MA, CESP

Chief Programs Officer

Nadon Family Home

Jenn Bozard came to disability employment services by way of manufacturing. After earning a master's in Educational Psychology, she spent seven years at a South Carolina packaging plant learning how work actually moves. A move to Alaska brought both halves together. As Chief Programs Officer at Nadon Family Home, she builds inclusive workforces inside real businesses — golf courses, restaurants, contract work — with real margins and consequences. She is the author of Seeing Through the Employer Lens, which argues the biggest barrier to employment is rarely ability — it's uncertainty, and most of it sits on the employer's side.

Joy Burress

Project SEARCH Program Manager

Cincinnati Children's Hospital

Joy Burress believes that the best results come from strong relationships, clear communication, and a willingness to learn from others. As a Project SEARCH consultant, Joy loves connecting people, improving processes, and helping teams achieve goals. Teaching teams to follow Project SEARCH model fidelity will make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

Ian Clark

Manager/Owner

Ian's Game Paradise

Ian Clark is a longtime Anchorage business owner who has operated an independent video game store for nearly two decades. His experience as a small-business owner has given him first hand insight into self-employment, adapting to challenges, and creating opportunities outside traditional employment.

Tom Class, COTA/L

Activities of Daily Living Instructor and Rural Outreach Specialist

Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

A lifelong Alaskan who is legally blind, Thomas enjoys the outdoors and everything Alaska has to offer, especially drowning hooks and shooting arrows. He began his career in skilled nursing as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant before transitioning into low-vision and blindness rehabilitation. Thomas has a unique connection to the Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, having first received services as a client. Five years later, he returned as a staff member, using his professional experience and personal understanding of vision loss to help other Alaskans build skills, independence, and confidence.

Amanda Coelho, MBA

Assistant Executive Director

Statewide Independent Living Council of Alaska

Amanda S. Coelho, MBA, is the Assistant Executive Director at the Statewide Independent Living Council of Alaska, where she leads policy, education, and workforce development initiatives for Alaskans with disabilities. She brings a background in talent acquisition and employee development, with experience across teaching, corporate training, and banking. She is a strong advocate for transition-age youth with disabilities as an untapped talent pipeline, and works to educate employers and communities on the value of investing in that talent early.

Larrisa Cummings

Alaska WIPA Project Director

UAA, Center for Human Development

Larrisa Cummings is a Project Director at the UAA, Center for Human Development, and is on a mission to encourage competitive wage employment and self-employment as viable employment options for people who experience a disability. She is the Director of the Alaska Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) Project. The WIPA Project provides benefits counseling to Social Security (SSA) beneficiaries and provides information regarding how benefits might be impacted by work. She maintains the AK DB101 website so that it continues to be an accessible tool for all Alaskans, providing access to information on employment, health coverage, and benefits.

Naomi DuCharme, CHST, CPRC, CPC

Founder, CEO

Integrating Wellness Solutions

Naomi DuCharme founded Integrating Wellness Solutions in Eagle River, Alaska, where she helps employers build the conditions that keep people at work: physical, psychological, and psychosocial safety, mental health, recovery, and the Alaska factors that shape them. She came up through construction and oil and gas in Alaska, from field safety to executive leadership. She is a Construction Health and Safety Technician, Total Worker Health® Facilitator, Certified Professional Recovery Coach, Certified Professional Coach, guest lecturer at the University of Washington, and a person in recovery herself. Her mission: make Alaska the model for workforce wellbeing.

Kathryn Duder, MA, CRC

Division Director

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Kathryn (Kate) Duder serves as the Director for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, providing strategic leadership for the division's core program areas. Kate is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology.

Throughout her career, Kate has demonstrated a commitment to advancing public service and improving outcomes for individuals. Her experience spans direct service delivery, program administration, strategic planning, policy development, and organizational leadership. She has extensive expertise in implementing federal and state policies, interpreting and applying applicable statutes and regulations, managing grant and performance reporting, and leading complex initiatives that strengthen service delivery.

Tricia Franklin, MPH

RHTP Project Coordinator

Alaska Department of Health

Tricia Franklin, MPH, has served in the Alaska Department of Health since 2001, bringing deep experience in quality improvement, rural health systems, and cross-sector collaboration. From 2018 to 2026, she directed the State Office of Rural Health and led the Office of Healthcare Access Unit, managing federal HRSA programs that advanced rural health capacity, workforce, and system performance. She now serves as Project Coordinator for Alaska’s Rural Health Transformation Program, applying her statewide experience to strengthen rural healthcare delivery through policy development, strategic guidance, and initiatives that improve access, quality, and long-term system resilience.

Suzzanne Freeze, Masters in Public Administration

Project Director

ICI at University of Massachusetts Boston

Suzzanne has been in the system of publicly funded support for people with IDD since 1993, and alongside that as a twin to her sister with IDD. She has worked for the State of Ohio and ICI/UMass Boston seeking to improve how our available services meet and exceed expectations for individuals and families. Driven by a deep belief in human potential and an understanding of complex systems, Suzzanne’s professional journey and personal commitments illustrate creating avenues for people and communities to flourish with today's resources as we seek tomorrow's incredible opportunities.

Abigail Gurgiolo

Legal Rights Advocate II

Disability Law Center of Alaska

Abigail Gurgiolo has worked at the Disability Law Center of Alaska (DLC) for four years as a Legal Rights Advocate. Currently, her work is focused on monitoring a variety of facilities across the state of Alaska and advocating for the rights of Alaskans with mental health disabilities. Earlier in her time at DLC, Abigail worked as an advocate on the Client Assistance Program (CAP), funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the Protection & Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) grant, funded by the Social Security Administration.

Karen Heath, MS

Director

UAA Center for Human Development

Karen Heath, a lifelong Alaskan, is the Director of the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Human Development (CHD). She has been at CHD for 20 years in various roles. She started her career in developmental disability residential and vocational services and served as one of the first job coaches in Alaska. Her favorite projects have been those that champion employment for individuals with disabilities. She is passionate about ensuring individuals with disabilities have opportunities and support that allow them to live their best lives.

Mariah Krueger, MA, CRC

Chief of Services

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Mariah Krueger is the Chief of Services for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. She has over 25 years of experience in the field of VR and 18 years in VR administration. Prior to working for DVR, she was the Project Director for Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Mariah is originally from Galena, Alaska, a small, remote village along the Yukon River. She attended both UAF and UAA, and received her Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Western Washington University.

Carlos Machuca, MBA

AI Resource Program Director

Alaska SBDC

Carlos Machuca is the AI Resource Program Director for the Alaska SBDC, where he helps small businesses, general organizations, and advisors understand, adopt, and use AI in practical, impactful ways. With over 28 years of business development experience, including roles as Business Advisor and Anchorage Center Director, Carlos brings deep expertise in AI strategy, training, and research. He designs advising tools that help entrepreneurs uncover hidden competitive advantages, strengthen operations, make better decisions, and grow in a rapidly changing business landscape. Carlos holds a BBA in Finance and an MBA emphasizing entrepreneurship from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Bridgett Mayorga, MS Ed, RDMS, RVT, RDCS, RT (R)

Assistant Dean, School of Allied Health

University of Alaska Anchorage

Bridgett serves as the Assistant Dean for the School of Allied Health at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). The School of Allied Health includes programs such as Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, and Diagnostic Medical Sonography. With over 30 years of experience in Diagnostic Imaging and teaching, Bridgett brings a wealth of knowledge to UAA. She is a registered radiologic technologist, cardiac, vascular, and general sonographer, and holds a master's degree in education.

Lisa McDonald, CWIC

WIPA CWIC

Center for Human Development

Lisa McDonald is the current WIPA Community Work Incentives Coordinator for the State of Alaska. She is also an advocate for disabilities in the state, serving on two councils: the Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education, and the Statewide Independent Living Council. She looks forward to talking about all things work and disabilities. Anyone needing help setting up an ABLE account is encouraged to reach out to her.

Cathy Muñoz

Commissioner

Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Commissioner Cathy Munoz is a lifelong Alaskan, mother, grandmother, small business owner and former legislator. Appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner in 2018 and confirmed by the Legislature to the position of Commissioner in 2023.

Seth Nielsen, MRC, CRC

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor III

State of Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Seth Nielsen is a seasoned Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with 23 years of experience empowering individuals and transforming lives across the country—from North Carolina to Colorado and Alaska. Having dedicated the majority of his career to the State of Alaska, Seth brings a deep, localized understanding of navigating complex rehabilitation landscapes. He holds a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Utah State University. This year, Seth is excited to share practical insights gained from over two decades in the field. A true Alaskan born and raised, Seth pairs his professional dedication with a passion for outdoor adventures and global travel.

Tori Phipps

Operations Manager

Assistive Technology of Alaska

Tori Phipps has been with Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA), a non-profit organization enhancing Alaskans' quality of life through assistive technology, for over 10 years. She received her BBA in Management and Marketing from UAA in 2017. Since then, she has been working as ATLA's Operations and Outreach Manager, getting excited about finding new opportunities to share how transformative assistive technology can be for Alaskans in need.

Mariko Selle, MPH

Executive Director

Alaska Workforce Alliance

Mariko "Mari" Selle is the Executive Director of the Alaska Workforce Alliance, where she leads statewide efforts to strengthen career pathways and align education, training, and industry needs. She previously served as the Director of Workforce for the Alaska Primary Care Association and the Southcentral AHEC, overseeing apprenticeships, career awareness programming, and health workforce initiatives. Her earlier experience includes rural hospital leadership, quality improvement, and research. A lifelong Alaskan, Mari is passionate about building healthy, resilient Alaskan communities.

Jacqueline Summers

AHWC Program Director

Alaska Workforce Alliance

Jacqueline Summers serves as Program Director of the Alaska Health Workforce Coalition through the Alaska Workforce Alliance, a subsidiary of the Alaska Safety Alliance. She is also the CEO of Paxaro Solutions, providing organizational development, facilitation, project management, and grant services. Summers serves on advisory boards for the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Alaska AI Solutions Consortium, Alaska HOSA, and Comagine Health Alaska, and is a Commissioner for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. An active entrepreneur and mentor, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Colorado Boulder and a master’s degree in Adult Education from UAA.

Russell Thelin, M.S., CRC, CRL

Senior Policy Fellow

ICI at University of Massachusetts Boston

A 36-year vocational rehabilitation professional, Russ Thelin, M.S., CRC, CRL, is a Senior Policy Fellow with the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Russ holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Utah State University and is both a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Leader. Prior to the ICI, he had a 25-year career with the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation, holding several roles for that agency, including Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and agency Executive Director. Russ is the co-founder and co-director of the National Center on Evolutionary Leadership.

Demetria Veasy

Assistant Director

State of Alaska, Department of Labor & Workforce Development/Division of Employment & Training Services

Demetria Veasy is the Assistant Director of Workforce Services and Development, overseeing the Employment & Training Technical Unit, the Adult Education Program, the Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training Program, and serving as the State’s WIOA One-Stop Operator. Throughout her career as a workforce development professional, she has helped countless individuals achieve their career and educational goals. Demetria is deeply passionate about helping others, and her extensive experience and broad scope of work within the Department of Labor have made her a sought-after presenter and workshop facilitator.

Samantha Vetter

Employment and Business Systems Coordinator

Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education

Samantha Vetter is an Alaskan at heart who moved away for a number of years during military service and returned. Samantha enjoys being outside in the beautiful Alaskan environment with family and dogs on a hike or kayaking.

Maggie Winston, MPA

Co-Executive Director

Independent Living Center

Maggie Winston is the Executive Director of Outreach and Advocacy at the Independent Living Center and has more than a decade of professional experience in disability advocacy, policy, and systems change. With a Master's in Public Administration and lived experience with a disability, Maggie is a fierce advocate for independent living, self-determination, and empowerment. She believes people with disabilities belong everywhere, especially in the workplace, and that employment should be driven by choice, opportunity, and the right supports, not assumptions about ability. Maggie brings a little fire, a lot of humor, and an unapologetic perspective.

Catherine Babuscio

Clara Baldwin, M.A.

Dante Barganier

Ashley Barth, Phlebotomist

Dave Berube, M.Ed.

Katrena Betts

Eric Boyer, MPH

Jenn Bozard, MA, CESP

Joy Burress

Ian Clark

Tom Class, COTA/L

Amanda Coelho, MBA

Larrisa Cummings

Naomi DuCharme, CHST, CPRC, CPC

Kathryn Duder, MA, CRC

Tricia Franklin, MPH

Suzzanne Freeze, Masters in Public Administration

Abigail Gurgiolo

Karen Heath, MS

Mariah Krueger, MA, CRC

Carlos Machuca, MBA

Bridgett Mayorga, MS Ed, RDMS, RVT, RDCS, RT (R)

Lisa McDonald, CWIC

Cathy Muñoz

Seth Nielsen, MRC, CRC

Tori Phipps

Mariko Selle, MPH

Jacqueline Summers

Russell Thelin, M.S., CRC, CRL

Demetria Veasy

Samantha Vetter

Maggie Winston, MPA

Catherine Babuscio

Clara Baldwin, M.A.

Dante Barganier

Ashley Barth, Phlebotomist

Dave Berube, M.Ed.

Katrena Betts

Eric Boyer, MPH

Jenn Bozard, MA, CESP

Joy Burress

Ian Clark

Tom Class, COTA/L

Amanda Coelho, MBA

Larrisa Cummings

Naomi DuCharme, CHST, CPRC, CPC

Kathryn Duder, MA, CRC

Tricia Franklin, MPH

Suzzanne Freeze, Masters in Public Administration

Abigail Gurgiolo

Karen Heath, MS

Mariah Krueger, MA, CRC

Carlos Machuca, MBA

Bridgett Mayorga, MS Ed, RDMS, RVT, RDCS, RT (R)

Lisa McDonald, CWIC

Cathy Muñoz

Seth Nielsen, MRC, CRC

Tori Phipps

Mariko Selle, MPH

Jacqueline Summers

Russell Thelin, M.S., CRC, CRL

Demetria Veasy

Samantha Vetter

Maggie Winston, MPA