Stacy Driscoll

Stacy Driscoll M.Ed, ATP

Stacy Driscoll M.Ed, ATP, is the new Training Director for NH-ME LEND. She has a background in special education and assistive technology. She joined the Institute on Disability (IOD) in 2014 as Program Coordinator for NH’s statewide AT Act Program, ATinNH. In addition to her work with NH-ME LEND, Stacy is the Staying Safe at Work Training Coordinator. She has provided services to individuals with disabilities for 30 years and has conducted trainings and consultation services regionally and nationally including teaching post-secondary courses in both education and assistive technology.

 

Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates, BA 

Kathy Bates, BA (LEND 2014) comes to the LEND faculty team with decades of experience as an advocate for people with disabilities in the areas of education, employment, self-directed care, and rights – all informed by her personal experience with disability. After graduating from LEND, she joined The New Hampshire Disability and Health Program (DHP).  She has worked extensively with the NH Leadership Series, People First NH, and SALT (Self-Advocacy Leadership Team). Kathy has her own business, Wings and Wheels Consulting Services and writes an amazing blog called From Where I Sit.   Kathy envisions a future where disability is seen as just another form of diversity.

 

Hibo Omer

Hibo Omer, MPH

Hibo Omer, MPH (LEND 2021), is a Program Director and Targeted Case Manager for the ethnically based organization, New Mainers Public Health Initiative (NMPHI).  She works with families with disability to increase parental involvement in their child’s special education plan, increase understanding and acceptance of disability, and connect families to community resources. Hibo provides health education programs to immigrant and refugee families on topics including women and adolescent health, autism awareness and preventive healthcare practices. Hibo aspires to introduce Behavioral Health Professionals (BHPs) ideology to the horn of Africa to brighten the future for children with disability. 

 

Desi Pena

Desi Peña, MS

Desi Peña, MS (LEND 2019) is a Cuban-American and Spanish-bilingual speech-language pathologist (SLP). She owns Panorama Speech Therapy, a private practice dedicated to serving pediatric clients in Maine, especially those of linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. Before becoming an SLP, Desi taught in high school and preschool settings. During her graduate program, she completed a thesis on bilingual language intervention. Desi is passionate about culturally and linguistically responsive language assessment and augmentative and alternative communication.