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More About Uniquely the Same
Dr. Steven Albert (Professor and Chair, Department of Behavioral Health Sciences, PITT Graduate School of Public Health)
Presentation Title: The Need for Community Care (Plenary – Friday Evening)
BIO: Dr. Albert was one of the principal authors of an impact strategy study for vulnerable seniors and persons with disabilities performed in conjunction with the University of Pittsburgh and the United Way. Findings demonstrated that, for persons with disabilities, the most significant challenges identified revolve around high unemployment, lack of preparation for independent living, social isolation and caregiver stress.
As a result of this study, Pittsburgh United Way’s vision is that our neighbors with disabilities will live independently and be well integrated into the community; will have opportunities for gainful employment and community involvement; and their caregivers will be well-supported and knowledgeable about where to turn for help.
Additional Information re: Dr. Albert: http://www.publichealth.pitt.edu/home/directory/steven-m-albert
Ida Blevins (Director of Operations, Uniquely the Same, Inc.)
Presentation Title: Top Ten Difficult Truths…What Families Affected by Disability Would Like You to Know
BIO: Ida is the Director of Operations at Uniquely the Same, Inc. She brings her background and skills to Uniquely the Same, where she is one of three founding Board members. Ida is a married mother of three sons who has spent most of her extensive professional career working in the faith-based not-for-profit health care industry in Illinois. There, she has held a variety of progressive management roles for the past 20+ years – most recently as Director of Case Management at a 600 bed teaching hospital.
In addition, Ida has been a facilitator and strong advocate of RISEN (Reinvesting Spirituality and Ethics in Our Networks) for the past eleven years. RISEN is a nationally-recognized program of applied spirituality for health care organizations. The overall objective of the RISEN program is to enable participants to become more conscious and committed to their own spiritual growth in order to facilitate the healing process in others. Basically, participants are encouraged to take time to focus on their own spiritual journey – and to acknowledge that each person’s journey is different; that we are all God’s creatures, inherently good (“Original Blessing”), created in His image. That is, each of us is “uniquely the same”: beautiful in our uniqueness yet all created in His image – whether rich, poor, disabled, typical, short, tall, etc.
Additional Information re: Ida Blevins: http://uniquelythesame.org/idablevins.html
Presentation Title: Two Perspectives on Disability
BIO: Anna Marie Clark is a sophomore Biopsychology major at Messiah College planning to pursue a graduate degree in Occupational Therapy in order to help individuals with disabilities reach their highest potential. Anna Marie has been involved in disability ministry since the age of four and has loved all 15 years of it. At Messiah College, she uses her welcoming personality to welcome students to campus as a Messiah College Ambassador. She has also come up with innovative solutions to assist people with disabilities through her research in rehabilitation engineering with the University of Pittsburgh. Anna Marie is also pursuing her hobbies of playing the violin, learning American Sign Language, and tap dancing.
Selected Publications and Helpful Documents:
Two Perspectives on Disability - UtS Conference Presentation as of October 4, 2016
Effectiveness of blinding research subjects in limb orthotic and prosthetic research
Calvin Clark (President, Uniquely the Same, Inc.)
Presentation Titles:
Limitation Exercise (Friday Evening)
Biblical Foundations
Words Matter – Disability Prepositions
BIO: Cal is married with three children. He is the Ministry Assistant at New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Monroeville, PA. New Covenant is a growing church committed to worship, community and international missions. Cal is one of three Founding Board Members of Uniquely the Same, Inc., a non-profit organization in western Pennsylvania. Cal is back where he was born in western Pennsylvania after 20 years in Northern Virginia (west of Washington, DC). In Northern Virginia, Cal worked for Oracle and EMC Corporations in various Product Management and Technical Sales roles.
Recently, Cal was a Master of Divinity student at Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) in Orlando, Florida. He is an inactive ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in America. Cal works closely with Joni and Friends, Focus on the Family, and various ministries and non-faith-based organizations in Western PA. Cal and his wife are the Pittsburgh Chair Corps representatives for Joni and Friends International.
Additional Information re: Cal Clark: http://uniquelythesame.org/calclark.html
Presentation Title: Songs with Sam
BIO: Samantha is a Christian singer/songwriter who is dedicated to producing Christ-centered praise and worship music in various musical styles, including traditional hymn, modern hymn, as well as more contemporary styles. She began writing songs in 2008 and has released two albums entitled "This Perfect Love", (2011), and "The Name of the Lord" (2013). She has plans to release several other albums, including songs of prayer as well as a CD of children's praise and worship songs.
Additional Information re: Sam Hasselbusch: http://samanthamusic.webs.com/
Presentation Title: Pampering
BIO: Kim is a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant and generously provides pampering and “me time” to others.
Additional Information re: Kim Haytock: https://www.marykay.com/khaytock
Presentation Titles:
Opening Prayer
Do Community in Community by Community (Pastors’ Luncheon)
BIO: Zach Holler received a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services from Wright State University in June 2012. During his time in college, Zach conducted an internship in Washington D.C. in the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD), working on public policy recommendations. This internship paved the way for his appointment by President Obama to serve on the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID), of which Zach is still a member.
Zach’s work as an advocate has allowed him to see firsthand the need for supportive communities beyond what could be provided by the state and federal governments. This observation gave rise to his passion for Ministry, as a way to build communities of faith within the church - to promote spiritual enrichment and physical well-being for all people; including people with disabilities.
Zach is now a candidate for his Masters of Divinity from United Theological Seminary. He is also a candidate for Ordained Ministry in the United Methodist Church. Zach currently serves at Sulphur Grove United Methodist Church in Huber Heights, Ohio where he is working to develop an inclusive community of faith in which all people can thrive in the presence of Jesus Christ.
Presentation Title: Customizing Curriculum: Techniques & Tips for the Novice or Pro
BIO: Tiffany J. Horvat, M.Ed. studied Elementary and Special Education at California University of Pennsylvania, graduating cum laude in 2002. She pursued a Master of Education from Gannon University graduating summa cum laude in 2006 with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction.
Ms. Horvat taught Special Education for 9 years. She was an Itinerant Learning Support Teacher for kindergarten through sixth grade. In addition, she worked as an Inclusion Specialist, Local Screening Chairperson, Preschool Transition Coordinator, and Special Education Lead Teacher. Tiffany has served on the hiring committee and the School Improvement Team.
Tiffany actively volunteers with Caring Hearts for Special Needs Ministry at church. She is a passionate sports fan. Tiffany has two dogs, Cal a 9 year old Great Dane and Cam a 5 year old Daniff. She lives in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.
Additional Information re: Tiffany Horvat/Caring Hearts Ministry: http://www.murrysvillealliancechurch.org/#/children/caring-hearts-ministry
Stephanie Hubach (Consultant, Mission to North America’s Special Needs Ministry)
Presentation Titles:
KEYNOTE: The Accessible Kingdom of God
Grace-full Caregiving
CLOSING: Flourishing: How the Gospel Changes Everything
BIO: Stephanie Hubach served as Director of Mission to North America’s Special Needs Ministries and continues to serve in a consultant role there. Mission to North America (MNA) is a Permanent Committee of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). She also currently serves on the Lancaster Christian Council on Disability (LCCD). Steph is the author of Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability (P&R Publishing, September 2006) and All Things Possible: Calling Your Church Leadership to Disability Ministry (Joni and Friends, August 2007). She has been published in ByFaith magazine, Covenant magazine, Focus on the Family magazine, and Breakpoint online magazine and produced a Christian Education DVD series based on Same Lake, Different Boat.
Steph and her husband Fred—who is an engineer with Case New Holland—have been married for 33 years. They have two deeply loved sons: Fred and Tim, the younger of whom has Down syndrome. The Hubachs have also added a wonderful daughter-in-law to the family, Cecelia, who is married to Fred.
Additional Information re: Stephanie Hubach: http://www.stephaniehubach.com/
Carolyn Leah (Director of Christian Discipleship, Beulah Presbyterian Church)
Presentation Title: Adapting Programs – Small to Many // Summer Programs at Beulah
BIO: Carolyn Leah is Director of Christian Discipleship at Beulah Presbyterian Church and has been serving churches and ministry organizations in the Christian Education filed for more than 25 years. Carolyn's work at Beulah involves helping lead a mid-week ministry for individuals with special needs as well as pioneering a two week summer sports day camp adapted for those with special needs. Carolyn has a passion for experiential learning and has developed spirituality stations where learners can encounter God through multi-sensory activities. She is currently working in the field of intergenerational experiences with a new model of Christian Education called The Knowing Mat. She has a deep desire for all to experience the wonder of God and to know they are valued as Children of God. She is energized by creativity, resourcefulness and the ability to imagine ways that ministry to those with special needs fulfills the big picture of the Kingdom of God
Additional Information re: Carolyn Leah: http://www.beulahpresby.org/staff
Dr. Deana Mack (Assistant Professor of Education, Waynesburg University)
Presentation Title: Autism Defined: Simple Strategies for Success
BIO: Dr. Deana Mack is an Assistant Professor of Education at Waynesburg University. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and teenagers diagnosed with mental health disorders, autism, and/or other special needs. She has experience teaching in a public school setting, working in Western Psychiatric Hospital, providing wraparound therapy, and teaching future teachers. She has worked with children’s ministry in a variety of roles at West Ridge Christian Community Church located near the Pittsburgh International Airport. Deana is a happily married mother of five children.
Additional Information re: Deana Mack: http://www.waynesburg.edu/blog/education-department-to-guide-local-churches-in-disabilities-ministries
Selected Publications and Helpful Documents:
Sandy Miller (Therapets: Animal Friends)
Presentation Title: Therapy Dogs Interaction and Presentation
BIO: Forthcoming
Additional Information re: Sandy Milligan/Therapets: http://www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org/site/c.elKWIeOUIhJ6H/b.8776477/k.5C85/Animal_Friends_Therapets.htm
Presentation Title: Two Perspectives on Disability
BIO: Rob is a founding member and Information Technology Facilitator at Uniquely the Same. He is a member of Gospel Fellowship PCA where he serves as a Deacon and as Chairman of the Special Needs Ministry Committee. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at just 13 months old Rob had to overcome many obstacles in life to function. Doctors told his parents that he will never walk, or talk. Through his own dedication and determination Rob has proved the medical field wrong.
Rob holds a degree in Computer Aided Drafting from Butler County Community College and also a Certificate in Computer Programming. Rob has worked as a computer programmer consultant for several Technology companies in the Pittsburgh area including Highmark. Rob currently works as a Student Technical Specialist at Butler County Community College. Rob recently became a Certified Leader of the Beyond Suffering Course offered through Joni and Friends International.
Additional Information re: Rob Olszewski: http://www.robospeaks.com/bio.html
Selected Publications and Helpful Documents:
Rev. John Patterson (Ministry Director, St. James Fellowship)
Presentation Title:
Serving the Aged and Disabled Through Worship
BIO: In 2010, Reverend John Patterson began his ministry to persons with Alzheimer’s disease at Arden Courts of Monroeville. This facility did not have a staff chaplain, though many of its residents had been active church members during their life-times. Reverend Patterson shared with them his friendship and understanding of their experiences and limitations. Personal visits with residents addressed their depression, loneliness, and frustration. By listening, supporting, encouraging and befriending these individuals, he replaced their lost ties to the church with a new kind of fellowship.
Soon, Reverend Patterson’s ministry included regular Bible Studies, worship, communion, prayer, spiritual counseling, fellowship and hymn singing, which restored familiar, meaningful spiritual practices to the lives of ministry participants – whether patients or their caregivers. The work quickly expanded to include additional assisted living, nursing care and dementia care facilities in Monroeville, PA as well as a dozen individuals living at home. The objective: to share the hope and love of the Good News of Jesus Christ on a regular basis in small groups, large groups and one-on-one encounters.
Today, the St. James Fellowship reaches 150 of the more than 450 residents living at seven facilities in Pittsburgh’s east suburbs, as well as their caregivers and family members. When residents of these facilities require hospital stays, Reverend Patterson continues to minister to them through the hospital, recovery and rehabilitation processes. In addition, SJF visits individuals in several rehabilitation facilities and hospitals.
Additional Information re: Pastor John Patterson: http://www.stjamesfellowship.org/home.html
Presentation Titles:
Walking Each Other Home (Plenary)
Getting Your Feet Wet: Basic Outreach Ideas
Parallel Journeys: A Basic Caregiving Model
BIO: Deb, a woman of passionate faith and hearty fun, has a vast array of personal and professional experience regarding inclusion and empowerment of people affected by disability. For more than 20 years, At Vineyard Columbus Church, Deb has been the Director of Bridge Builders – a disability ministry to and with people affected by disabilities, their families and friends. As Church Relations Manager for Joni and Friends International Disability Center, Deb spent 10 years training pastors/churches in four states and two countries. Deb currently assists with the HOMEChoice program as well as other C.D.E. support needs in Columbus Ohio as the part-time assistant to Sue Hetrick, Executive Director of the Center for Disability Empowerment. She and Doug, her husband of 31 years, have two daughters. Deb is also the sibling to a man who had severe developmental disabilities and autism. As Deb says, “He was my best teacher for serving, including and advocating for people affected by disabilities.” Deb is hearing impaired and is currently brushing up on her ASL skills.
Dr. Maude Yacapsin (Associate Professor of Special Education, Messiah College)
Presentation Title: It’s All Good! Some Quick, Yet Effective, Behavior Management Strategies at Work
BIO: Dr. Yacapsin, Associate Professor of Special Education at Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, PA, specializes in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. She holds sessions on Christian Faith and Disability for college students and teaches special education courses for both future and in-practice teachers. As an active member of several IT organizations, Maude presents at national conferences each year and has published articles in The Journal of Research in Christian Education and Christian Perspectives in Education. Her doctoral degree is from the University of Nebraska in Higher Education Administration.
Selected Publications and Helpful Documents: