Vol. 8, No. 3 Summer 2000	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
	PDF Version (for printing) Text Version

Meet the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative Staff

Now in its ninth year of operation, the DATI operates four sites with 11 staff statewide. We thought you might like to know a little about the people who are committed to helping Delawareans get the AT devices and services that they need.

Michael Meyreles

Mike has a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology, with a specialization in Rehabilitation Engineering Technology, from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He has worked at the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center in New Castle since 1994, and became the AT Specialist for the New Castle ATRC in 1996. He received his Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP) certification from RESNA in 1997. Mike considers computer access one of his strongest areas, and has good knowledge of the architectural requirements mandated by the ADA.

Dan Fendler

Dan is the "new" Assistive Technology Specialist in the Kent County ATRC. He joined DATI in November 1999. Dan graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Computer Science. Dan brings over twenty years of computer-related experience to the ATRC team. Throughout his career, Dan has worked with people with disabilities through his many volunteer activities.

Amy Bowles

Amy is the Assistive Technology Specialist in the Sussex County ATRC. Amy began working with the DATI in July 1998. She attended Liberty University and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences in May 1998. Amy has participated in presentations about assistive technology for a variety of consumer groups.

Alma Cordero

Alma is the Secretary in the Kent County ATRC. Alma has been part of the DATI for nearly five years. Alma's extensive knowledge of assistive technology makes her a tremendous asset to the team. She is dedicated to providing our consumers with the highest quality service.

Sandy Walls

Sandy is the Secretary in the Sussex County ATRC. Sandy joined the ATRC staff in September 1999. Sandy brings nearly thirty years of administrative and secretarial support skills to the DATI. Her years of experience help keep the ATRC running smoothly.

The DATI ATRC staff (left to right): Front row: Alma Cordero, Sandy Walls, Maureen Schweitzer. Back row: Mike Meyreles, Nancy Ranalli, Amy Bowles, Dan Fendler.

Maureen Schweitzer

Maureen is the Coordinator of the three ATRCs. She has 18 years experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, with eleven years coordinating and managing interdisciplinary teams of therapists in a rehabilitation setting. Maureen has provided training to therapists, educators, parents and consumers on augmentative communication assessment and training. In addition to her responsibilities with the DATI, Maureen is also the Director of Rehabilitation Services for Easter Seals.

Nancy Ranalli, P.T.

Nancy is the Assistant Coordinator for the three ATRCs. She has been a licensed Physical Therapist for 14 years and has worked with children and adults in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. Nancy's primary areas of expertise related to technology are seating/positioning and mobility. Other areas of specialization include early intervention, brain injury and spinal cord injury rehabilitation. In addition to her DATI responsibilities, Nancy is the Chief Physical Therapist for Easter Seals in New Castle and Kent Counties.

The DATI Central Site staff (left to right): Julia Mercier, Beth Mineo, Joann McCafferty, Sonja Simowitz.

Beth Mineo

Beth, the DATI Director, is located at the Central Site. With a doctorate in Communication Disorders, she has 20 years experience providing services and supports to individuals with disabilities and their families. In addition to her DATI responsibilities, she also conducts research leading to new and improved assistive devices. Beth is the author of several book chapters on articles about AT development and applications, and has presented lectures and workshops throughout the country. She provides administrative leadership for the DATI and devotes considerable time to training and advocacy activities.

Joann McCafferty

Joann began working for the DATI as a staff assistant five years ago. Two of Joann's main responsibilities at the DATI are answering inquiries and maintaining the project's recycle program. Joann is committed to helping consumers get the AT they need to improve their quality of life.

Julia Mercier

Julia joined the DATI's Central Site staff as part-time Information & Outreach Coordinator in June 1998. She handles the DATI website, the newsletter, and printed materials for training activities. She is also involved in special projects such as the recent Accessible Housing Project and the upcoming ISAAC Conference.

Sonja Simowitz

Sonja is the Project Coordinator for DATI. Since joining the DATI in 1992, her responsibilities include: overseeing business operations at the DATI, including budget management; purchasing AT items for the ATRCs; subcontract and grant administration; coordination of awareness and training activities; responding to AT-related inquiries; and maintaining DATI's information system.