Dale Verstegen, is assigned to a range of research, training and technical- assistance projects related to transition and employment services in various parts of the country. Mr. Verstegen provides consultation and training in the areas of provider transformation, performance management, employer engagement and job development. Dale has developed curriculum and provided training on supported and customized employment for a wide range of universities and state agencies. Dale’s capacity building projects has included the development of a comprehensive training program for all employment specialists in the states of Vermont and Michigan. Given his business background and having been an employer, Dale has focused his research, writing and training on the provision of employment services to the employer community. Dale has provided field based technical assistance to hundreds of employment and transition specialists throughout the country in the area of job development and employer partnerships. Dale has provided technical assistance and coordinate statewide networks on provider transformation and organizational change. Mr. Verstegen has his Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and is currently the past President on the Board of Directors of the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE).

Jeannine Pavlak has been working in the field of disability employment since 1988. She currently leads an organization that provides integrated employment and community services throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut as well as 42 additional states through Social Security’s Ticket to Work program. Jeannine has consulted on several topics including staff development, data collection and benchmarking, best practices in community integrated employment, braiding funding, school to work transition, TTW and self- employment. More recently, Ms. Pavlak began providing technical assistance to organizations interested in transforming their service delivery model from facility based to community based. Ms. Pavlak has her Masters Degree in Non-Profit Management. Jeannine has received numerous awards for her outstanding professional achievement, vision and direction.

Jeffrey Popkin started his professional career in 1977 working for the State of California, in Bakersfield. He has worked in several different direct service and administrative positions in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities over the past 44 years. He has served on both local and statewide committees that have developed laws and policies in the field of disabilities. Jeffrey believes that his greatest accomplishments is that he always strives to listen and understand the needs of the diverse populations of Individuals and families he serves. He works hard to creatively develop solutions that meet unique needs. Even though he has worked in the system for his entire career, he still believes that we should put people before paper. Jeffrey Popkin received his bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Southern California and a Masters in Social Welfare from the University of California, Los Angeles. Jeffrey Is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers, and a Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager.

Tamerla Prince began her career in the field of developmental disabilities in 2001. She has extensive experience in the areas of Supported Living and residential services and is the current President of Positive Purpose LLC in Bakersfield, Ca, working as a vendor for Kern Regional Center providing SLS, ILS, Residential, and Homemaker services. Tamerla serves as the current chair of Kern Regional Center’s Vendor Advisory Committee and provides certification training to Direct Support Professionals working in residential placement across California. In addition, she is a Non-Violent Crisis Intervention instructor and sits on various boards in the community as a volunteer. Tamerla received her B. A. at Cal State Bakersfield, and she is currently pursuing her Masters Degree.

Lisa Jo Gage has been working with individuals with intellectual disabilities since 1995. She has spent the majority of her career working with adults. She is currently the President of Shine Bright Social Services LLC providing Supported Living and Independent Living Services. She provides training to Direct Support Professionals to receive certification as required to work in licensed residential facilities in California. In addition to her current role, her career has included Administrator for ICF/DDH residential facilities, Service Coordinator for Kern Regional Center, crisis response team leader for Kern, Inyo and Mono counties, and a previous Non-Violent Crisis Intervention instructor. Ms. Gage received her Master of Social Work degree at California State University Bakersfield and is currently working on IDD/MI Dual Diagnosis Specialist Certification. She intends to pursue her Doctorate in Social Work.