Tori has a strong work ethic and willingness to learn and grow. She is a fantastic listener, and is hardworking and driven. These qualities have aided her in her team lead position at the Embassy Suites during her internship. She has vast experience with multiple fields of work with the ability to apply skills in different areas. She enjoys coaching elementary students in cheerleading, as well as participating in Color Guard and ceramics. Tori is the Self-Determination Instructor for Kansas City and St. Joseph.

Jeremiah Johnson graduated from the Vocational Skills Program at DePaul Hospital and was hired on at Easterseals Midwest in April of 2023. Since 2019, he has been involved in advocating for himself and others with disabilities. He is a Self-Determination Instructor for St. Louis and St. Charles.

Darrin graduated high school in 2001 and earned his Associate’s Degree in 2018. After being diagnosed with autism at 2 years old, Darrin now uses his knowledge and experience to teach and advocate for others. Darrin is a Self-Determination Instructor for St. Louis and St. Charles.

Shannon has worked with individuals with disabilities for over 18 years. She has been with Easterseals Midwest for six months as a Pre-Employment/Employment Specialist and now as a Self-Determination Project Manager. She has spent her whole life as a self-advocate and is excited to help others learn to advocate for themselves and others through the Self-Determination in Action Program in Kansas City.

Susan is a self-advocate that has paved the way for parents with disabilities, people first language on legal forms and parking signs, and teaching other individuals with disabilities about their human rights and about self-advocacy. Susan leads by example in her everyday life. This is shown through her work as a Self-Determination Instructor, through her many awards as a self-advocate, her work changing Missouri Legislation, and her status as President of the People First Chapter in St. Charles.

Kendyll has worked with individuals with disabilities for over 15 years. She has been with Easterseals Midwest for three years as a community living manager and now a self-determination project manager. She is currently working on her PhD in Human Services with the focus of Family Services and Interventions

Director of Individual Engagement and Self-Determination with Easterseals Midwest. Mollie has been supporting people with disabilities for over 39 years across the world. She has developed, implemented, and managed community living and employment services for adults with disabilities and provided leadership and strategic development support to various service organizations to develop person-centered services for people with disabilities. Internationally, she has worked with governmental ministries and agencies to develop strategies for implementing community based services for people with disabilities.