Please include your APSE Membership Number here: ______Ifyou do not know your membership number, please give your name: ______.
After reading the nominees’ narrativeson the following pages, please cast your vote of confidence for up to 6 (all) of the nominees by marking an X on the line next to the individuals nominated to serve on the PA APSE board. Thank you for submitting your vote(s) of confidence in the nominees for the new PA APSE Board of Directors!
Elizabeth Coles / _____
Randy Dicks / _____
David Giraldi / _____
Verna Morris / _____
Dana Olsen / _____
Corey Smith / _____
Fax this ballot to 804-278-9377 or email to by December 17, 2010.
Pennsylvania 2010 APSE Board of Directors Nominees
Narrative Information
Nominee Name: Elizabeth Coles
History/Nature of involvement in employment for people with disabilities: Elizabeth has a long history of working with people with disabilities. She has a person centered approach that lends itself well to the customized employment process. She manages the day to day operations of a program that focuses solely on customized and integrated employment. She strives to move her colleagues forward by challenging those who believe that facility based employment/training programs give meaning to an individual’s life. She has proven experience in leading a team to success. Additionally, she serves as President of GPSEA (Greater Pittsburgh Supported Employment Association).
Anticipated contribution to the Pennsylvania APSE Board: Drive and determination are two of Elizabeth’s strengths. She will provide momentum to assist in moving Pennsylvania’s employment initiatives forward. She is also professional and well spoken. As a member of the National APSE Communications Committee, she has proven to be dedicated and professional. Bringing this level of performance to her home chapter of APSE will prove to be of great value to the state.
Nominee Name: Randy Dicks
History/Nature of involvement in employment for people with disabilities: Randy first began his work in employment supports in 1993, assisting homeless individuals in transitioning back into the workforce. When Randy began his tenure with SharpVisions in 1999, he started in a combined position, working as direct support staff and program assistant in both the employment and habilitation programs. Randy has spent much of his time with SharpVisions focusing on what works for the people we support. He has risen to a leadership role within the agency and has worked as a program supervisor, program coordinator, staff supervisor, and program manager. Randy has been instrumental in the reorganization of the employment program to ensure its pathway to success by working closely with representatives from Marc Gold and Associates to ensure cutting edge processes are implemented and utilized daily in the actions of job facilitators. Additionally, Randy has presented concepts and lessons learned from SharpVisions’ employment program in Pennsylvania at the PAR (Pennsylvania Association of Resources) conference and at the APSE conference.
Randy has been an active member of APSE for several years, serving on the conference and training committee, as well as pitching in as needed during the annual conference. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Trinity University.
Anticipated contribution to the Pennsylvania APSE Board: Randy is a problem solver; he is adept at facilitating successful communication between individuals with differing viewpoints, making each party feel they have been heard and understood. His communication skills include the ability to write and speak effectively, using humor when possible to engage and move his audience. He has grant writing skills and in particular, he is comfortable with and has an easy understanding of budgeting and fiscally anticipatory projects. He is also a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-it done kind of individual, readily putting in long hours when necessary to achieve goals.
Randy believes that all individuals have a right to lead a rich, full life, which includes the opportunity to work. He wants to be active in PA APSE to further continue his efforts to create a climate of work here, in the Pittsburgh area, and across the state of Pennsylvania
Nominee Name: David Giraldi
History/Nature of involvement in employment for people with disabilities: David Giraldi is the President/CEO of Gateway Employment Resources, Inc., a private nonprofit SE (Employment Services Only) agency celebrating its 25th anniversary! Located in Limerick, western part of Montgomery County PA, Gateway provides comprehensive employment services and supports for people with disabilities throughout multiple counties in PA. Mr. Giraldi has been an APSE national member for many years. He also is the parent of a 15 year old son w/ autism.
Anticipated contribution to the Pennsylvania APSE Board: Passionate about SE and have witnessed the benefits employment can offer a person w/ a disability. Also familiar with public and private funding and the impact especially on SE “only” providers. Motivated to meet the challenge of merging PA SE Providers into a unified and strong voice for the continuation and growth of supported employment.
Nominee Name: Verna Morris
History/Nature of involvement in employment for people with disabilities: 20 years at Threshold, Reading, PA – Director of Employment. Participated in local and state initiatives. Last two years – Executive Director of Quest, Inc. in Lebanon, PA. Continue to participate and move our agency towards employment for all!
Anticipated contribution to the Pennsylvania APSE Board: I have served as the treasurer for the past four years for the PA APSE Chapter. I was a key player in the conference we held in Pittsburgh and will continue to be an active member and do what is needed with the organization.
Nominee Name: Dana Olsen
History/Nature of involvement in employment for people with disabilities: Human Service professional, 36 years; PA Office of Developmental Programs, 34 years; Consultant, 20 years; Direct Support Professional, 3 years; Advocate, 15 years.
Anticipated contribution to the Pennsylvania APSE Board: Understanding of system development challenge; state and federal (national) constructs; ideas and commitment to employment.
Nominee Name: Corey Smith
History/Nature of involvement in employment for people with disabilities: Twenty six years of involvement in supported employment, past Michigan APSE board member and president, PA APSE former board member and president. Career committed to improving employment outcomes and positive systems change.
Anticipated contribution to the Pennsylvania APSE Board: Continue to push for positive change locally, statewide, and nationally.
Instructions: FAX your BALLOT showing your vote of confidence to 804-278-9377 or email to by December 17th.
Thank you for casting your vote of confidence in your PA APSE Board of Directors!