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.

82.5%

DNEM employs a total of 40 full and part-time employees, of which 82.5% have a disability.

DNEM staff member hosts mobile outreach event in a community park.
7,096

DNEM answered more than 7,096 internet and telephone Information and Referral requests.

987

Consumers fulfilled 987 Independent Living Goals while working with DNEM Staff.

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

Mission Statement

Disability Network Eastern Michigan is committed to promoting independent living by breaking down barriers and opening paths towards 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.

Our Staff

Leadership Team

Executive Staff

Kelly Winn

Kelly Winn

Chief Executive Officer
Christine Cook

Christine Cook

Associate Director
Brittany Palin

Brittany Palin

Finance Director

Program Directors

Traci Comer-Scarsella

Traci Comer-Scarsella

Advocacy & Outreach Director
Carrie Gerdeman

Carrie Gerdeman

Recreation & Health Services Director
Susan Griffo

Susan Griffo

Career & Life Skills Director
Brianna Kammer

Brianna Kammer

Veteran Services Director
Amy Maes

Amy Maes

Access Services Director
Jynil Schneider

Jynil Schneider

Community Options & Information DIrector

Program Support Staff

Mary AdragnaStaff photo placeholder

Mary Adragna

Community Information Manager
Jeffrey AstreinStaff photo placeholder

Jeffrey Astrein

Assistive Technology Specialist & Videographer
Sarah BaasoStaff photo placeholder

Sarah Baaso

Finance Support Specialist & Options Counselor
Lauren BakerStaff photo placeholder

Lauren Baker

Options Counselor & Public Policy Specialist
Janeen BourlierStaff photo placeholder

Janeen Bourlier

Community Liaison & Outreach Specialist
Angela BrayStaff photo placeholder

Angela Bray

Quality Assurance & Compliance Manager
Cecelia CaponecchiaStaff photo placeholder

Cecelia Caponecchia

SSVF Case Manager
Loren CicaloStaff photo placeholder

Loren Cicalo

Career & Life Skills Facilitator
Dylan DuvallStaff photo placeholder

Dylan Duvall

Community Resource Advocate
Carolyn FordStaff photo placeholder

Carolyn Ford

Community Transition Navigator
Alec GerstenbergerStaff photo placeholder

Alec Gerstenberger

Recreation Coordinator,
Charlotte KellyStaff photo placeholder

Charlotte Kelly

Recreational Therapist
Amber KneislerStaff photo placeholder

Amber Kneisler

Administrative Assistant
Lori LamoreauxStaff photo placeholder

Lori Lamoreaux

Community Information Specialist
Haley LauwersStaff photo placeholder

Haley Lauwers

Community Transition Navigator
Roslyn MaceStaff photo placeholder

Roslyn Mace

Finance Manager
Terry NicholsStaff photo placeholder

Terry Nichols

SSVF Case Manager
Jamie PickardStaff photo placeholder

Jamie Pickard

Career & Life Skills Facilitator
Leisa ReusserStaff photo placeholder

Leisa Reusser

Career & Life Skills Facilitator / Options Counselor
Phyllis ReynoldsStaff photo placeholder

Phyllis Reynolds

Community Transition Navigator
Gina SchaferStaff photo placeholder

Gina Schafer

Digital Media Manager & Veterans Services Specialist
Danielle ScottStaff photo placeholder

Danielle Scott

Community Transition Navigator
Angela ShandStaff photo placeholder

Angela Shand

HMIS System Administrator
Sheryl StumbaughStaff photo placeholder

Sheryl Stumbaugh

Community Resource Advocate
Amy SwinsonStaff photo placeholder

Amy Swinson

Recreation Coordinator
Patrick ThompsonStaff photo placeholder

Patrick Thompson

SSVF Health Care Navigator
Kim TosoltStaff photo placeholder

Kim Tosolt

Community Liaison Specialist
Lisa WarnerStaff photo placeholder

Lisa Warner

SSVF Case Manager
Sian WashingtonStaff photo placeholder

Sian Washington

SSVF Program Manager
Nick WatsonStaff photo placeholder

Nick Watson

Career & Life Skills Facilitator & SHIP Counselor
Jay WatsonStaff photo placeholder

Jay Watson

Deaf Services Manager
Christian WatsonStaff photo placeholder

Christian Watson

SSVF Case Manager
Robert WinnStaff photo placeholder

Robert Winn

ADA Consultant & Facilities Manager
Jenna YearkeyStaff photo placeholder

Jenna Yearkey

SSVF Case Manager

Join our Team!

No open positions right now, but we are always looking for great talent—stay tuned!

Our Board

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

Impact Report

View our impact report this past year