Inclusive Mental Health Symposium: Enhancing Provider Understanding of Mental Health for Persons with Disabilities

Attendees may choose to attend select sessions or all sessions.

Inclusive Mental Health Symposium

Enhancing Provider Understanding of Mental Health for Persons with Disabilities

April 24, 2025

9:30am - 5:30pm

Join Nutley Family Service Bureau for our first online symposium on zoom on April 24th, 2025, for service providers on treating people with mental health issues and other disabilities. This symposium is the culmination of almost 3 years of work around inclusive healthy communities for persons with disabilities. This project is funded by the New Jersey Division of Disability Services through the Inclusive Healthy Communities initiative.

Printable PDF Symposium Flyer

The symposium is a culmination of a three-year IHC grant driven by a community advisory group made up of persons with disabilities and/or lived experience with disabilities, community partners, a community observational assessment and surveying area service providers. This led to a focus on the significant unmet needs related to accessibility and access to services for person with mental health issues and other disabilities.

Symposium sessions are being led by subject matter experts on topics such as special considerations for mental health clinician treating persons with intellectual development disabilities; blindness and low vison; deaf or hard of hearing; disability awareness and inclusion as well as a presentation from the Division of Disability Services.

Symposium Tickets are FREE

To learn more about scholarship opportunities, please contact Delmi Flores at dflores@nutleyfamily.org for further information and application details.

schedule

Download the Symposium Schedule

Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Kaylee McGuire, MBA, CTRS

Presentation:

An Inclusive NJ: Celebrating Progress and Shaping the Future

Kaylee McGuire, MBA, CTRS

Kaylee McGuire is the Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services overseeing the Division of Aging Services, the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Division of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Division of Disability Services and supporting the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Office of the Public Guardian.

McGuire’s background includes working with individuals with disabilities and complex medical needs. Personal caregiving experiences with aging family members led her to public service.

Before joining the Department, McGuire worked as a Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Phil Murphy, where she led on the Administration’s health and human services policy agenda and COVID-19 response. Before joining the Murphy Administration, she served as a health policy analyst in the Assembly Majority Office under Speaker Craig Coughlin, and formerly held a management role at one of the largest pediatric rehabilitation systems in the nation.

McGuire has more than ten years of experience in leading disability services, community programs, and providing recreational therapy and child life services in a variety of settings including medical day care, long-term care, and inpatient rehabilitation.

McGuire received her Master’s in Business Administration from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She was raised in Ocean County, is a loving aunt of seven, and is committed to making New Jersey more inclusive and age-friendly.

Sarah Clark, LMHC, LMFT, LPC

Sarah Clark is the founder of Disability Counseling Institute. She is a licensed professional counselor who specializes in working with people with disabilities. In addition to counseling, Sarah provides training to other professionals on disability related topics including disability awareness, inclusion, and ADA compliance.

Sarah Clark, LMHC, LMFT, LPC

Presentation:

The Basics of Blindness
and Low Vision

Monica Wiley

Presentation:

Accessing Democracy

Monica Wiley

Ms. Wiley was diagnosed with an incomplete spinal cord injury caused by a drunk driver that caused her family to plunge over a 150 ft bridge. Her entire family died, and she was the remaining survivor of the tragedy. Ms. Wiley was nine years old. Ms. Wiley was told that she would be paraplegic for the rest of her life. However, she beat the odds of the diagnosis and was able to begin rehabilitation to walk again. She currently walks with a cane. She is classified at Children Hospital of Richmond, Virginia as the Miracle Child.

Ms. Wiley has over 15 years of experience as a Disability Adviser and Organizational and Relationship Management in the public and private sector. She has worked for some notable leaders ranging from state government to federal organizations on protecting and advancing the rights of people with disabilities and other underrepresented communities. Ms. Wiley served as Field Organizer with President Obama’s grassroots organization-Organizing for America in the Greater Richmond Area. She was the only organizer with a disability.

Ms. Wiley was selected as the Virginia liaison on disability to the White House Disability Group under the ObamaBiden administration. Ms. Wiley was appointed by former Governor McAuliffe of Virginia as a Disability Advisor on Community Integration to the administration. She is the co-founder of the Disability Issues Caucus Constituency Organization for the Democratic Party of Virginia.

In 2017, Ms. Wiley was asked to serve on the National Disability Council under the leadership of former Congressman Tony Coelho, author of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She was the only African American
woman elected as an officer to the council. Recently, Ms. Wiley was employed at the DCCC as the DEI (Diversity, Equity Inclusion) Manager. In this role, Ms. Wiley provided DEIA and racial equity action plans that improved the organization’s strategic plan on workforce culture, communication on racial biases, and HR hiring practices.

Ms. Wiley is currently employed at the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) as the Voter Engagement Specialist. She also provides contractual services to the National League of Cities (NLC) as a DEIA/B consultant on communicating effectively about racial equity and systems change. Recently, Ms. Wiley was nominated and selected to receive the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award; and nominated and selected as one of the top 30 Disability Impact list honoree. Ms. Wiley was crowned Ms. Maryland USA SLICC (Success, through Leadership, Integrity, Character, and Confidence) Ambassador 2023; serves as V. Chair of the United Spinal Association Chapter of Washington, D.C.; appointed to the Junior League of Washington DC.; received the 2023 Presidential Service Award and Letter signed by President Biden.

She also serves on the Board of Directors to United Spinal Association; and has served on the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council board in Governor Moore’s administration. Ms. Wiley is also working on getting her proposed Election Law Curbside Voting Bill (HB317) passed in the state of Maryland for the 2025 legislative session. This measure will allow individuals with disabilities to vote independently from the comforts of their vehicle or respective method of transportation. This service includes pregnant women and veterans. Having this apparatus in place will eliminate stress, anxiety and or physical strain and pressure to an individual disability (s) as well as increase voter engagement and participation from the cross-disability community.

Ms. Wiley holds an AAS in Police Sciences and Criminology from John Tyler
Community College in Chester, VA, a B.S., in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Pre-Law and Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University, a certificate in Policy Making from Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, and a certificate from Emerge America that trains women to run for public office. Ms. Wiley received the 2011 Community Activism Award from Special Olympics, 2011 Tom Whipple Democratic Party of Virginia Service of The Year Award, and 2012
Top 40 under 40 Successful Leaders award by Style Weekly.

Ms. Wiley loves shopping for the latest fashion, traveling, comedy shows and public speaking. She loves to share her story to effectuate change that will improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and other underrepresented communities. As a change agent, it is my responsibility to shift the narrative and perception of people with disabilities by showing society how I’ve utilized my past, stereotypes, adversities, and atrocities in a way that can lead to defining your vision, your purpose, your destiny– how your capabilities will reflect future abilities. I'm using my story, journeys and valleys as a catalyst to promote encouragement, positivity and
determination to achieve your endeavors. One of my favorite mottos is a quote by Nelson Mandela, “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up!” I want to be a model of greatness and a source of inspiration for my community. Ms. Monica Wiley puts the “M” in motivation. She is known among her community as “Ms. Mo” the Motivator”.

Recently, Ms. Wiley was employed at the DCCC as the DEI (Diversity, Equity Inclusion) Manager. In this role, Ms. Wiley provided DEIA and racial equity action plans that improved the organization’s strategic plan on workforce culture, communication on racial biases, and HR hiring practices.

Ms. Wiley is currently employed at the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) as the Voter Engagement Specialist. She also provides contractual services to the National League of Cities (NLC) as a DEIA/B consultant on communicating effectively about racial equity and systems change. Recently, Ms. Wiley was nominated and selected to receive the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award; and nominated and selected as one of the top 30 Disability Impact list honoree. Ms. Wiley was crowned Ms. Maryland USA SLICC (Success, through Leadership, Integrity, Character, and Confidence) Ambassador 2023; serves as V.Chair of the United Spinal Association Chapter of Washington, D.C.; appointed to the Junior League of Washington DC.; received the 2023 Presidential Service Award and Letter signed by President Biden.

She also serves on the Board of Directors to United Spinal Association; and has served on the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council board in Governor Moore’s administration. Ms. Wiley is also working on getting her proposed Election Law Curbside Voting Bill (HB317) passed in the state of Maryland for the 2025 legislative session. This measure will allow individuals with disabilities to vote independently from the comforts of their vehicle or respective method of transportation. This service includes pregnant women and veterans. Having this apparatus in place will eliminate stress, anxiety and or physical strain and pressure to an individual disability (s) as well as increase voter engagement and participation from the cross-disability community.

Ms. Wiley holds an AAS in Police Sciences and Criminology from John Tyler Community College in Chester, VA, a B.S., in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Pre-Law and Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University, a certificate in Policy Making from Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, and a certificate from Emerge America that trains women to run for public office. Ms. Wiley received the 2011 Community Activism Award from Special Olympics, 2011 Tom Whipple Democratic Party of Virginia Service of The Year Award, and 2012 Top 40 under 40 Successful Leaders award by Style Weekly.

Ms. Wiley loves shopping for the latest fashion, traveling, comedy shows and public speaking. She loves to share her story to effectuate change that will improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and other underrepresented communities.

As a change agent, it is my responsibility to shift the narrative and perception of people with disabilities by showing society how I’ve utilized my past, stereotypes, adversities, and atrocities in a way that can lead to defining your vision, your purpose, your destiny– how your capabilities will reflect future abilities. I'm using my story, journeys and valleys as a catalyst to promote encouragement, positivity and determination to achieve your endeavors. One of my favorite mottos is a quote by Nelson Mandela, “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up!” I want to be a model of greatness and a source of inspiration for my community. Ms. Monica Wiley puts the “M” in motivation. She is known among her community as “Ms. Mo” the Motivator”.

Melissa Cheplic, MPH, NADD-CC

Melissa is a Senior Training and Consultation Specialist at The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Developmental at Rutgers Medical School. Melissa develops and delivers training and technical assistance to community providers, state agencies, health professionals, and University students. Melissa holds a master’s degree from the Rutgers School of Public Health and is a NADD certified clinician in dual diagnosis.

Melissa develops nationally recognized curricula and presents at various conferences on behavioral and mental health, health promotion, crisis prevention, emergency preparedness, and workforce development. She coauthored the training manual, “Mental Health Approaches to Intellectual/Developmental Disability.” Melissa is earning a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at Rutgers University.

Melissa Cheplic, MPH, NADD-CC

Presentation:

Mental Health and Dual Diagnosis

Elizabeth Hill, Exec. Dir., NJHS DDHH

Presentation:

Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Mental Health

Elizabeth Hill, Executive Director, New Jersey Human Services Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Elizabeth Hill is the Executive Director of Human Services’ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with 25 years of experience dedicated to expanding access for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, particularly children and families. With a career distinguished by accomplishments in various leadership, Ms. Hill’s career is marked by innovative program development, dedicated leadership, and advocacy for policies enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Ms. Hill pioneered innovative communication and language access grants for New Jersey counties, demonstrating her commitment to increasing inclusivity for deaf and hard of hearing individuals and children. These grants expanded access to sign language and captioning services as well as hearing induction loops, greatly expanding access in the areas where deaf and hard of hearing individuals live and work.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, her leadership was pivotal to increasing access to sign language communications during emergency briefings and other critical announcements. This included providing unprecedented sign language access to the state’s COVID-19 vaccination mega-sites. The Division’s sign language team experienced significant overall growth ensuring broader access to public forums and diverse communication needs.

Under Ms. Hill's leadership, the Hearing Aid Assistance for the Aged and Disabled experienced significant expansion providing more opportunities for qualified individuals to access hearing aids. This marked the first substantial growth of the program since its establishment in 1987. Her creative approach extended to collaborations with Montclair University to expand audiology services' accessibility across New Jersey through the mobile audiologist initiative.

Ms. Hill's visionary leadership extended to the implementation of a groundbreaking model state government program for deaf and hard of hearing children aged 0-5. The program provides language instruction services to children and their families throughout New Jersey, making a significant impact.

Her professional background includes roles as a school social worker serving children and families at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. She also served as Coordinator of Deaf Services with the Alabama Department of Mental Health, where she was responsible for coordinating mental health services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in 24 counties.

She initiated multiple agency partnerships to establish mental health services for deaf and hard of hearing children. In her role as Executive Director of the Kentucky Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, she collaborated with the Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs on legislation standardizing infant hearing screenings. Ms. Hill also served as President of the Pennsylvania Society for the Advancement of the Deaf where she was appointed to key coalitions and committees advancing the interests of deaf and hard of hearing Pennsylvanians.

A Pennsylvania native, Ms. Hill holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Government and a Master of Social Work degree from Gallaudet University in Washington, DC.

Shelley Samuels

Shelley Samuels has 35+ years of experience as a leader in human services and healthcare organizations. Ms. Samuels has provided consulting in the areas of program development and project management as well as quality, licensing, and accreditation. She has expertise in electronic health records (EHRs), fee for service and transition to multiple payment models. Samuels has secured and managed more than $100 million in grants and contracts including foundations, local, county, state, and federal government awards. She has assisted organizations across the US in developing successful service delivery and funding strategies to meet the needs in their communities.

Samuels was COO and Compliance Officer for a national autism organization. Prior to that she was the Chief Program Officer of Easterseals New Jersey while concurrently serving as the COO of Easterseals Solutions, an EHR system administration entity for multiple nonprofit organizations. Ms. Samuels has an MPA in Public Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Finance from Rutgers University. She completed an Executive Leadership Program at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business and a program at New York University Stern School for Executive Education in Finance and Accounting.

Shelley Samuels

Presentation:

Inclusion, Accessibility and The Independent Living Movement

Workshops

Join us for an insightful keynote presentation that underscores the vital importance of fostering an inclusive New Jersey for people with disabilities. This presentation will explore the critical role of the medical and behavioral health sectors in contributing to this vision.

Deputy Commissioner McGuire will highlight initiatives, programs, and funding efforts led by the state Department of Human Services, which have been instrumental in promoting inclusion and supporting community living. Discover the accomplishments achieved thus far and explore the path forward in ensuring a more inclusive future for all.

An Inclusive NJ: Celebrating Progress and Shaping the Future

Presented by Kaylee McGuire

The Basics of Blindness & Low Vision

Presented by Sarah Clark

This presentation covers the basic concepts related to blindness and low vision. Participants will learn appropriate etiquette, terminology, and effective strategies for inclusive interactions. These foundational concepts will help participants understand the cultural and practical differences and allow them to become allies to the blind and low vision community.

Accessing Democracy is a documentary short that follows Monica Wiley, a Black woman with a spinal cord injury, as she travels the East Coast ahead of the 2024 generational election, interviewing voters with disabilities.

Monica asks voters about the barriers they face, both in everyday life and the political system. This short explores how politicians have left behind one of the largest minority groups in the United States and what disabled voters want from their commander in chief.

Accessing Democracy

Presented by Monica Wiley

Mental Health and Dual Diagnosis

Presented by Melissa Cheplic

This session will provide an overview of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring mental health conditions. The session will explore the risk factors and vulnerabilities for mental health conditions in people with IDD, barriers to accurate diagnosis, and the impact of dual diagnosis on quality of life outcomes.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to:

Define terminology related to IDD, mental health, and dual diagnosis.
Identify why people with IDD are at risk for co-occurring mental health conditions.
Recognize barriers to assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions in people with IDD.

This presentation will explore key considerations for effectively serving the mental health needs of deaf and hard of hearing communities. Participants will gain insights into how deafness and hearing loss fit within a holistic framework that acknowledges the whole person. The discussion will also cover the diverse communication and linguistic needs of deaf and hard of hearing individuals and how these factors influence mental health service delivery.

Additionally, an overview of the New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing’s (DDHH) programs and resources will be provided, highlighting how DDHH supports service providers in delivering accessible and culturally competent care.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing & Mental Health

Presented by Elizabeth Hill

Inclusion, Accessibility & The Independent Living Movement

Presented by Shelley Samuels

Attendees will gain a better understanding of persons with disabilities. This presentation includes a discussion of the Independent Living Movement and the effects on our laws, practices and society. Then we move on to inclusion vs accessibility and ways to make society more inclusive of persons with disabilities. We will have time at the end for questions and discussion.

sponsorship opportunities

$2,500 Platinum Sponsor

8 virtual tickets
Logo visibility on the NFSB media and marketing including the event and registration on nutleyfamily.org
Logo on the zoom events virtual portal
6 social media announcements about your company prior to the conference
Announcements of your sponsorship and company during the conference.

$1,000 Gold Sponsor

6 virtual tickets
Logo visibility on the NFSB media and marketing including the event and registration on nutleyfamily.org
Logo on the zoom events virtual portal
4 social media announcements about your company prior to the conference
Announcements of your sponsorship and company during the conference.

$500 Silver Sponsor

4 virtual tickets
Logo visibility on the NFSB media and marketing including the event and registration on nutleyfamily.org
Logo on the zoom events virtual portal
2 social media announcements about your company prior to the conference
Announcements of your sponsorship and company during the conference.

$300 Bronze Sponsor

2 virtual tickets
Logo visibility on the NFSB media and marketing including the event and registration on nutleyfamily.org
Logo on the zoom events virtual portal
1 social media announcements about your company prior to the conference
Announcements of your sponsorship and company during the conference.

Inclusive Mental Health Symposium: Enhancing Provider Understanding of Mental Health for Persons with Disabilities

Attendees may choose to attend select sessions or all sessions.