About Me

FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN/CEO/PRESIDENT

The Courageous Steps Project, Inc. / Stillwater, ME 04489 / February 2014 - Present

 

    • Launched organization in 2014 with help of several individuals;

    • channeled nearly half a million dollars in funding to support children and young adults in our region; 

    • developed connections and partnerships with schools and community partners                         enhancing opportunities for all children with various abilities and challenges; 

    • established partnerships with municipal, state and federal organizations;                     

    • effectively communicate strategic plans and objectives with associated persons; and

    • Acquired the assets to launch a preschool program under our organization revitalizing a longstanding vision that is over four decades old. 

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TRANSITION MAINE CO-CHAIR & FOUNDER

Maine Department of Education Transition Maine Committee / Augusta, ME / December 2021 - Present

    • Leading committee and initiatives on transition and extended eligibility opportunities, with inclusion in mind, in Maine for young scholars transitioning from high school to adulthood; 

 

SELF ADVOCATE & INCLUSION ADVISOR 

Maine Access to Inclusive Educational Resources / Orono, ME / October 2022 - June 2024

    • Advising on self advocacy matters and initiatives related to young adults in college and in 

    high school around the state of Maine; 

 

OWNER / CONSULTANT / ENTREPRENEUR / KEYNOTE SPEAKER

CJA Enterprises, LLC / Stillwater, ME 04489 / July 2016 - Present

    • Keynote Presenter at Colorado Transition Leadership Institute / Denver, CO / June 2024

    • Lead Organizer at Transition Maine I Belong Youth Summit / Auburn, ME / May 2024

    • Guest Presenter at Educate Maine Symposium / Portland, ME / December 2023

    • Strategic Advisor for YEN (Youth Engagement Now) / Pittsburgh, PA / August-September 2023

    • Presenter at Pennsylvania State Transition Conference in State College, PA - August 2023

    • Keynote Presenter at NTACT:C Capacity Building Institute in Charlotte, NC - May 2023

    • Keynote Speaker at Lehigh Carbon Community College in Allentown, Pennsylvania - April 2023; 

    • Guest Presenter at NTACT:C Mid-Year Event in Little Rock, Arkansas - November 2022

    • Guest Speaker at Old Town Rotary Club - May 2022

    • Guest Speaker at Bangor Brewer Breakfast Kiwanis - May 2022

    • Guest Speaker at Marshwood Middle School in Eliot, Maine - October 2021;

    • Webinar Presenter for Maine Autism Institute for Education and Research - 2020 & 2021; 

    • Guest Speaker for Leonard Middle School’s Civil Rights & Kindness Week - Winter 2020; 

    • Guest Speaker for Autism Society of Maine’s Annual Dinner - Fall 2019; 

    • Keynote Speaker at Maine Driver’s Education Association - Spring 2019; 

    • Guest Presenter for Dr. Lewis Libby School 8th Grade Students - Fall 2018; 

    • Guest Presenter for Oak Hill Middle School Grades 6-8 Students - 2018; and

    • Guest Speaker for Walton Elementary School in Auburn - Winter 2017; and 

    • Running consulting, web design, and marketing services company focused on providing quality solutions for customers and businesses small or big.