special education

Mayra graduated with a Bachelor’s in Speech-Language Pathology. She has worked as an ABA therapist in autism centers focusing on early childhood intervention. She soon became a behavior technician for Denver Public Schools and worked in a variety of special needs classrooms, training staff and helping to accommodate the needs of young students. Mayra took a break from special education and taught English in South Korea for over 3 years. Now back in the U.S. she is excited to work once again with children with disabilities and help Hispanic families in her community.

Jeff Althaus runs an estate planning and probate law firm in Northglenn, Colorado. Formerly, Jeff was a lawyer at the office of the Deputy Public Administrator in Adams County where he handled numerous guardianship and conservatorship matters, as well as complex probate issues. While at this office, Jeff dealt with families tearing each other apart trying to fight for inheritances, and many other heart-breaking issues. Through this experience, he has developed a mission to make sure that no one has to end up in these situations. It was at this office that he was first introduced to Arc, as they did amazing work supporting individuals with IDD both in and out of the courtroom. He is very excited to play a more integral role in the organization moving forward!

Pari is a Wyoming native but has spent her professional career divided between Wyoming and Colorado. Pari graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree (B.S.) in Elementary Education and Special Education. She brings 25+ years of experience serving children and adults as well as families and educators/support staff. Some of her experience includes: classroom Special Education teacher, DD Waiver Case Manager for Wyoming, Administrator for a Day Habilitation program, Head Start Education Specialist, and working for the State Department of Education with the Special Programs and Assessment Divisions – focusing mainly on realigning the State standards and bringing a new Alternate assessment to the state. Pari is excited to continue her ‘work’ journey with the Arc, feeling very grateful to have found a spot where the mission and vision so closely aligns with her own.

Al is new to The Arc of Adams County Board, but has a strong business and over 40 years in the financial services industry.  He has years of experience in the corporate world as well as running his own small business.  Although not a native, he has been in this area for approximately 30 years, and has been active in the betterment of our community as well as serving as President of the Westminster Rotary Club two consecutive years. In addition, he was the president of the clubs Foundation with over 1 million dollars in assets.  He also has been active with the local Chamber and served on the board member for the Ranch Country Club for 4 years.  He is proud to be an Arc board member, and believes his business and financial background along with his passion for community service will serve him well in this new roll.

Lina is the newest staff member at The Arc of Adams County. She relocated from California to Colorado in the Summer of 2018. Prior to relocation, Lina’s role as a mother expanded in 2012 to being a foster parent to her two nieces and nephew. She was also a caretaker & advocate for her sister who has a mental illness. During that time, Lina learned the importance of having organizations who specialize in advocating and providing resources for individuals with mental illness and disabilities and support for their family members. She was able to navigate her sister through getting the help and assistance that was much needed because of those resources. We are lucky to have you as our new administrative assistant, Lina! Welcome to The Arc of Adams County.

While growing up in Chicago and experiencing problems in her community, Yulma knew she wanted to work helping people. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Columbia College in Missouri, she worked for child protective services in both Colorado and Missouri.

She is passionate about doing advocacy work because she has experienced the systemic problems in government, and she wants to be a voice for people who do not feel empowered.

Lauren is new to the Arc of Adams County. She has a master’s degree in Special Education and Childhood Education from Dowling College and a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of Delaware. In the years since receiving her master’s degree, Lauren has been working as a special education teacher in public and facility school settings in both New York and Colorado. In her role as a special education teacher, Lauren’s biggest passion has always been for advocacy. She is excited to begin this journey with the Arc of Adams County where she can continue to help empower individuals and their families in knowing their rights and being confident self-advocates. Lauren is a strong believer in seeing the ability in disability and feels grateful to have found an organization that aligns so well with her personal values.

Millie has been advocating in schools since 2013. This experience has provided her the opportunity to join The Arc family in 2016. She knows first-hand how overwhelming the Special Education process can be for parents.  It can be difficult navigating this process alone and not know what steps to take next. Many parents are unaware of their rights and their children’s rights to FAPE.  She is, by nature, a person who asks many questions. As a result, she has found herself feeling frustrated when questions and concerns are not addressed. Conversely, these questions have resulted in many successes in the advocacy experience. Language barriers can increase the difficulty of accessing these services, therefore, she feels grateful to serve the Spanish speaking community, as well as English, in Adams County and encourages parents to continue to be the best advocate for their child.

Michele is new to The Arc of Adams County. She graduated from California State University, Chico with a degree in Communications. After working with the State of California for over 15 years, Michele moved to the Denver area to pursue her goal of working in a field with an emphasis of service to the community. She has relatives with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and feels honored and blessed to be working with advocates for disability awareness, fair treatment and educational equality.

Taylor is new to The Arc of Adams County. She graduated in 2020 from The University of Colorado – Boulder. There, she studied Strategic Communication & Media. Taylor is excited to be beginning her career fulltime after working as an intern for multiple nonprofits.  She knew she wanted to continue working in the nonprofit sector after interning with a day habilitation center for individuals with IDD. She found that her values & morals aligned well with The Arc of Adams County and feels honored to be part of an organization that advocates for individuals with IDD. 

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Trainings offered by the Arc of Adams County staff, these trainings are scheduled by request only.

Self Advocacy Training
This a 4 week class ideal for self advocates to learn and refine their self-advocacy skills. Are you
new to using your self-advocacy skills? Want to increase your skills and confidence to speak up
for yourself? Want to get closer to reaching your goals? This class is for you! Ideal for
independent living programs, day programs, residential programs, advocacy groups. Groups of
10 or less recommended.

View PowerPoint here

For more information contact Joshua Wann, jwann@arcadams.org

Community/Victim Advocacy/First Responder Training
This is a 2 hour in-person/virtual training ideal for professionals wanting to learn more about working with
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community. This training
promotes disability awareness, tips to improve interactions, increase positive outcomes, learn
about community resources, and get any questions asked and answered!

View First Responder PowerPoint here

View Autism Spectrum Disorder PowerPoint here

For more information contact Kari Easterly, keasterly@arcadams.org

Conflict Resolution
This is a 1.5 hour in person/virtual training is ideal for professional in the I/DD system who are struggling with
conflict management. Learn more about your own conflict management style, how to work
better in teams, and how to be more person centered in your approach. Ideal for groups of 10
or less.

View Conflict Resolution PowerPoint here

For more information, contact Kari Easterly at keasterly@arcadams.org

If I Were You and You were Me
This is a 2 hour in-person/virtual training specifically for direct care staff and focused on person centered approaches.
Learn more about how our attitudes and beliefs effect our own behavior, how our behavior
may be contributing to other’s behaviors, learn to be more person centered, and encourage
more positive experiences. Ideal for groups of 10 or less.
For More information, contact Keasterly@arcadams.org

Service and Supports for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
This is a training about Services and supports in the Developmental Disability System. This is an
hour training that is intended to be interactive so you can get all questions asked and
answered. Ideal for anyone but especially for transition aged individuals and parents.

View PowerPoint here

For More information, contact Keasterly@arcadams.org

Other Helpful Trainings on YouTube/Podcasts from Other Professionals
How to Become your Own PASA 
Self Determination 
Supported Decision Making 

This a 4 week class ideal for self advocates to learn and refine their self-advocacy skills. Are you
new to using your self-advocacy skills? Want to increase your skills and confidence to speak up
for yourself? Want to get closer to reaching your goals? This class is for you! Ideal for
independent living programs, day programs, residential programs, advocacy groups. Groups of
10 or less recommended.

Contact Joshua Wann if interested (720) 634-6888 or jwann@arcadams.org

• Make sure you are still taking safety precautions against the transmission of COVID.  Know what you can do to stay healthy. Wear a mask, stay 6 ft apart and wash your hands.
• Remember you can change your mind and decide to get vaccinated at a later date.  If you do decide you do want the vaccine, contact your doctor about what to do next.

For more information: https://selfadvocacyinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Plain-Language-Information-on-Coronavirus.pdf

Remember, the choice of whether or not to vaccinate belongs to you.  Ask questions, learn, and then make the best choice you can!

• Ask your doctor if they know when you can get the vaccine. Who do you need to call to find that out?
• Ask your doctor what COVID-19 safety measures you will still need to take after getting your vaccine(s) and for how long
• Talk with your family and service providers to plan support for getting the vaccine (all required shots) and after care in the event they are feeling yucky for a few days.  You plan should include:
  • where to get the vaccine
  • how to get there
  • who will go with you as support
  • who will support you after you get the vaccine in case you have mild flu like symptoms
• Monitor for side effects. If you have symptoms after the vaccine call your doctor
• Ask your doctor what COVID-19 safety measures you will still need to take after getting your vaccine(s) and for how long
• You will need to continue wearing a mask, social distancing and washing your hands frequently

Information about when you can get the vaccine continues to change.  The changes are based on how much vaccine is available and how people are prioritized.  People are in different phases of the vaccine decisions.  When you get it depends on the phase you are in.

Here are some ideas to help you with the decision:

• Talk to your doctor and any specialists you may have and ask them:
  • Is the vaccination right for you or someone you love?
  • What are your physical health risks if you get the vaccine?
  • What would the risks be if you do not get the vaccine?
  • What are the possible side effects of the vaccine and how they can be treated?
  • If you are worried about getting the vaccine or not getting the vaccine talk to your doctor about why.
• If the vaccine is for someone other than yourself, ask that person how they feel about being vaccinated and what questions they have. Help them get those answers.
• Consider a person’s ability to wear a mask, do social distancing and wash their hands frequently.
• If I get the vaccine or not what how will that make a difference in the things I do or my family member does every day.
• COVID-19 has made changes in what we can do. Many people are not able to see family or friends like they want to. We all have different feelings about this problem. How will getting the vaccine or not getting the vaccine make a difference in the way you feel about your life?

• Vaccines are shots that help protect people from getting sick – like a flu shot.
• The COVID vaccine is free – you do not need insurance to get it.
• COVID-19 vaccines are only for people over age 16 years old.
• EVEN IF YOU HAVE HAD THE COVID-19 VACCINE!  You must keep wearing a mask, washing your hands, and staying at least 6 feet away from people who do not live with you
• There are new vaccines for COVID-19 – scientists all over the world made them.
• Most people who get a vaccine are protected from COVID-19.
• How will you know it is your turn to get a vaccine?
• You will go to a clinic to get the vaccine.
• COVID vaccines are given as 2 shots in the upper arm.
• People who get the vaccine must have both shots a few weeks apart.

Ask your doctor:

• • Is the vaccination right for you or someone you love?
  • What are your physical health risks if you get the vaccine?
  • What would the risks be if you do not get the vaccine?
  • What are the possible side effects of the vaccine and how they can be treated?
  • If you are worried about getting the vaccine or not getting the vaccine talk to your doctor about why.
• If I get the vaccine or not what how will that make a difference in the things I do or my family member does every day.
• COVID-19 has made changes in what we can do. Many people are not able to see family or friends like they want to. We all have different feelings about this problem. How will getting the vaccine or not getting the vaccine make a difference in the way you feel about your life?

• Talk with your family and service providers to plan support for getting the vaccine (all required shots) and after care in the event they are feeling yucky for a few days.  You plan should include:
  • where to get the vaccine
  • how to get there
  • who will go with you as support
  • who will support you after you get the vaccine in case you have mild flu like symptoms
• Monitor for side effects. If you have symptoms after the vaccine call your doctor
• Ask your doctor what COVID-19 safety measures you will still need to take after getting your vaccine(s) and for how long
• You will need to continue wearing a mask, social distancing and washing your hands frequently

Information about when you can get the vaccine continues to change.  The changes are based on how much vaccine is available and how people are prioritized.  People are in different phases of the vaccine decisions.  When you get it depends on the phase you are in.

• There are new vaccines for COVID-19 – scientists all over the world made them.
• Most people who get a vaccine are protected from COVID-19.
• How will you know it is your turn to get a vaccine?
• You will go to a clinic to get the vaccine.
• COVID vaccines are given as 2 shots in the upper arm.
• People who get the vaccine must have both shots a few weeks apart.

Kari graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology.  Post college, she immediately started working in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities and has worked in MN, IL, and South Dakota prior to coming to Colorado in 1997.  She started working at the Arc of Adams County in 2000 as an Adult Advocate and moved into the role of Assistant Executive Director in 2021.  As an Adult Advocate, she provided individual advocacy, worked closely with stakeholder groups regarding systemic advocacy, developed training to community members regarding disability awareness, and screened all adult advocacy requests.  As the Assistant Executive Director, she provides oversight of the individual advocacy program, provides leadership to staff in their advocacy efforts, provides leadership regarding systemic advocacy provided by the advocacy team, and focuses on the agency’s community education and training goals.  When asked what she loves most about working at the Arc of Adams County, she says it is without a doubt the Board’s and staff’s commitment to providing quality individual advocacy supports.

Steve has been a member of the Arc of Adams County board since 2010. He is proud to be a board member because he likes to help people. Steve comments that talking about what the Arc does, helps him a lot too. Steve is a person living with a disability; he reflected that serving as a board member has helped him come a long way in being empowered to ask questions and speaking up about his thoughts and opinions on different subjects. He likes working with the other members of the board. Steve stated that the board members read information aloud for him and they help explain things he doesn’t understand in a way that he can understand it. “I really enjoy it!” he said.

Katie has been so honored to be part of this amazing organization for over 16 years.  The Arc of Adams County leadership, advocacy, and support staff are among some of the most gifted, passionate, and committed individuals she has ever met.  Her own family has benefitted in so many ways from the Arc’s positive influences over the years, and even though there is still so much to do, positive, systemic change is happening here in Colorado, because of The Arc’s hard work and advocacy. As a board member, I am so proud of the work we do to empower families and individuals to be their own advocates. I am grateful to be a small part of it.

Dana has been a resident of Adams County for over 25 years and has a 22-year-old daughter with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).  She became motivated in fighting for the rights of individuals with disabilities when her daughter was born and will continue to make sure that she and others with I/DD have the same opportunities as anyone else. The Arc of Adams County has helped through the years navigate the education system and they have been a great resource over the years. As a board member of the Arc of Adams County, it has helped Dana continue her role of advocacy but on a much bigger scale. It is so important to give back to organizations that have made a difference in our life and being on this board does that each and every day.

Lynnelle joined the board of the Arc of Adams County several years ago when she was working with individuals with I/DD. Lynnelle learned firsthand what an asset the Arc was for those individuals and their families who live in Adams County.  The Arc of Adams provides advocacy and support to people with I/DD that help enrich their lives and assists them with learning to advocate for themselves.  She is proud to be on the board of an agency where the staff is so professional and knowledgeable.

Joshua joined the Arc of Adams County in 2020. Joshua has been a part of the I/DD community for much of his personal life and professional career. He is a brother and friend to people with disabilities, he has worked as a support partner and as a direct care staff member in residential and day habilitation settings. He has served as a program manager and a case worker. Joshua attributes much of the richness of his life to the relationships he has with people in the I/DD community. Joshua’s core values include education, understanding, honesty, compassion, and family. These values are in line with his personal approach to advocacy. Joshua believes in the importance of people understanding their rights and their responsibilities in exercising them, that people deserve respect and fair treatment, and that all people have the capacity to learn, grow, and achieve. Joshua strives to be an agent of peace and reconciliation, to meet people where they are at in life’s journey, and to act and speak in ways that foster healing instead of harm.

Linda’s career journey started in the business world after receiving a degree in accounting.  It then took an unexpected turn to working at an independent living center.  At one point an opportunity arose to be on the Board of Directors of a local Arc unit, which later led to joining the staff.  That path led to other opportunities: providing advocacy at the state level, directing a couple of service agencies and working at a Community Centered Board.  And then, back to independent advocacy — the heart of an advocate doesn’t stray far! Linda has been at The Arc of Adams County since 2015.  It has been a well-rounded and fulfilling career filled with the joy of watching people grow, learn and become more than they thought they could be, and in ways they never dreamed.

Paula started her advocacy efforts with The Arc of Adams County in 1998.  She has a bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Psychology and a master’s degree in City Planning both from the University of Texas.  Her professional life has been a combination of social work, education and health care. Paula is grateful for the vast learning opportunities she has experienced working with families and other professionals.  She values basic human and civil rights for all; no matter the gifts or challenges we each possess.

Kristian began working at The Arc of Adams County in 2017. She is a graduate from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. The Arc has shed light on the injustices and inequalities individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities face daily. Although, she does not provide direct advocacy, she feels there is a vital role each member of society must play to ensure everyone can live an equal and opportune life. There is always room in our hearts for kindness when you realize everyone is deserving of happiness.

Since 1985 Linda has been the Executive Director at the Arc of Adams County.  In the early 1960s she learned alongside peers with disabilities in elementary school.  Linda’s Arc journey started as a young teenager in a Youth Arc.  Volunteering at Summer Camp for children with IDD, being a Citizen Advocate for a man living in an institution and helping to remodel the first group home in her community.  Those years created a lasting impact on her commitment to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has a BA in Social Work and her professional career prior to Arc Advocacy was case management and family support in public schools, institutions and community-based services.

Most of her work is systemic, policy and legislative advocacy.  Connections with adults and families who are impacted by services or a lack of services is critical to driving policy.  Any opportunity to assure that children and adults can live, learn, work, play and be accepted in their communities is worth the energy to get there.

For all people, regardless of their abilities or challenges, having a choice is essential to our wellbeing.  Knowing there is someone who supports you to make decisions is important.  The Arc offers the flexibility and strength to make a difference in people’s lives.  Access to independent advocacy is a rare opportunity for many children and adults with IDD.

Jeannine has been a Child and Family advocate with The Arc of Adams County since 1995. Her background is in Human Services and she has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo. Her passion comes from knowing that all people are of equal value and entitled to the same rights and opportunities. She often shares how grateful she is to have a career that is so aligned with her personal beliefs.