About Us

We are a Center for Independent Living (CIL). As a CIL we are a community-based, cross-disability, non-profit organization that is designed and operated for people with disabilities by people with disabilities.

Empowering Individuals with Disabilities to Live Independent and Fulfilling Lives

At DNEM, we are dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to live independent and fulfilling lives. Through our programs and services, we have helped thousands of people gain access to transportation, healthcare services, and assistive technology.

Our team of dedicated staff members work tirelessly to answer information and referral requests, providing valuable resources and support to those in need.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

79%

DNEM employs a total of 37 full and 3 part-time employees, of which 79% have a disability.

DNEM staff member hosts mobile outreach event in a community park.
8,200

DNEM answered more than 8200 internet and telephone Information and Referral requests.

930

Consumers set 930 goals related to increased independence and improved access to previously unavailable transportation, health care services and assistive technology.

Two DNEM staff attending a public transit meeting pose for photo near an accessible electric bus

Mission Statement

We are committed to promoting inclusion for all by breaking down barriers and opening paths towards independence and personal choice through resources, advocacy, information, support, and education.

Vision Statement

Together, the work that each of us does helps towards our vision of being a community where those with disabilities are empowered to pursue personal growth and choice through access to community resources and supportive services.

Diversity Statement

We embrace a diverse community and will conduct itself in its interactions accordingly. We seek to enhance the quality of life for citizens with disabilities in Huron, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, and Tuscola counties.

The ability to achieve this mission and foster a commitment to excellence can best be pursued with a governing body, workforce, volunteers, and partners that include individuals of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives.

Diversity encompasses but is not limited to ethnicity, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, economic circumstances, physical and mental abilities and characteristics, and philosophy.

Our Staff

Executive Staff

Kelly Winn

Kelly Winn

Chief Executive Officer
Traci Comer-Scarsella

Traci Comer-Scarsella

Associate Director Oakland & Macomb
Christine Cook

Christine Cook

Associate Director Thumb Region
Carrie Gerdeman

Carrie Gerdeman

Recreation & Health Services Director
Susan Griffo

Susan Griffo

Career & Life Skills Director
Amy Maes

Amy Maes

Access Services Director
Brittany Palin

Brittany Palin

Grants & Contracts Manager
Chip Werner

Chip Werner

Communications & Development Director

Program Support Staff

Mary Adragna

Mary Adragna

Senior Community Information Specialist
Jeffrey Astrein

Jeffrey Astrein

Assistive Technology Specialist & Videographer
Lauren Baker

Lauren Baker

Public Policy & Outreach Specialist
Janeen Bourlier

Janeen Bourlier

Career & Life Skills Facilitator
Angela Bray

Angela Bray

Quality Assurance & Compliance Manager
Sarah Cancel

Sarah Cancel

Community Information Specialist & Office Manager
Cecelia Caponecchia

Cecelia Caponecchia

SSVF Case Manager
Loren Cicalo

Loren Cicalo

Career & Life Skills Facilitator
Dylan Duvall

Dylan Duvall

Community Resource Advocate
Jenna Easlick

Jenna Easlick

SSVF Case Manager
Carolyn Ford

Carolyn Ford

Community Health Worker / Transition Navigator
Brianna Kammer

Brianna Kammer

SSVF Program Manager
Charlotte Kelly

Charlotte Kelly

Recreational Therapist - Thumb Region
Lori Lamoreaux

Lori Lamoreaux

Community Information Specialist & Office Manager
Haley Lauwers

Haley Lauwers

Career & Life Skills Facilitator
Lynn Layer

Lynn Layer

Career & Life Skills Facilitator
Roslyn Mace

Roslyn Mace

Finance Manager
Terry Nichols

Terry Nichols

SSVF Case Manager
Jamie Pickard

Jamie Pickard

Career & Life Skills Facilitator
Leisa Reusser

Leisa Reusser

Career & Life Skills Facilitator
Phyllis Reynolds

Phyllis Reynolds

Community Health Worker / Transition Navigator
Gina Schafer

Gina Schafer

Digital Media Manager & Veterans Services Specialist
Jynil Schneider

Jynil Schneider

Transition Navigator - Thumb Region
Angela Shand

Angela Shand

SSVF Health Care Navigator
Sheryl Stumbaugh

Sheryl Stumbaugh

Community Resource Advocate
Amy Swinson

Amy Swinson

Social Support Specialist
Kim Tosolt

Kim Tosolt

Community Liaison Specialist
Pharaoh Triandaj

Pharaoh Triandaj

Consumer Services Navigator
Sian Washington

Sian Washington

SSVF Case Manager
Nick Watson

Nick Watson

Community Resource Advocate & Community Liaison
Jay Watson

Jay Watson

Career & Life Skills Facilitator
Robert Winn

Robert Winn

ADA Coordinator / Facilities Manager

Join our Team!

Our Board

Adam Rouls
Chairperson
Andrew Maurer
Vice Chairperson
Angelina Spiteri-Bender
Secretary
Mike Cho
Treasurer
Keith Holt
Trustee
Randall Mansour
Trustee
Andrea Reynolds
Trustee
Raymond Smith
Trustee
Kyle Williams
Trustee

Impact Report

View our impact report this past year