Board of Directors

Julie Barber

Secretary

Julie Barber has been working at People Inc. for the past 20 years and is the Clinical Vice President. Barber is a licensed clinical social worker and graduated from the University at Buffalo with her Masters in social work. Julie also serves as a board member for Recovery Options Made Easy. She has a passion for being of service to others and helping individuals get on the right path.

Tim Boling

Tim is the Director of Philanthropy at Jericho Road Community Health Center.  In addition to providing excellent medical care, Jericho Road has developed a wide array of community development programs, seeking to address the needs of those they serve more holistically.  He resides in North Buffalo and is the father of an adopted child with special needs.

Michael Cardus

Co-Chairperson

Michael Cardus is an independent organizational development specialist and has been working with companies all around the world for the past 15 years. Cardus previously spent 10 years working with the Get Set grants doing organization development capacity building amongst WNY. Michael is an environmental activist and a proud father to two twins! Mike has a passion to increase advocacy, inclusion, and the voice of parents, guardians, and loved ones of those with I/DD. Michael’s son is diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Charise Cobbs

Charise Cobbs currently is the Program Manager at Saving Grace Ministries Inc. and has been with the agency since 2009. Charise graduated from Buffalo State College and has previously worked at The Arc and OLV Charities. She loves working with people and working in the human service field. Her goal is to help at least 1 person a day and make a difference in their lives. Charise is a mom of a child with a disability and has a passion for helping like-minded parents who also have children with special needs.

Kristin Dudek

Chairperson

Kristin Dudek is a Certified Special Education Teacher and currently the Chief of Student Supports and Information in the Salamanca City Central School District. She has over 22 years’ experience in various capacities of working with families and students with special needs from Birth to age 21 and beyond. She is also currently a stakeholder in Albany regarding upcoming Part 200 regulations.

Michelle Hartley-McAndrew

Michelle Hartley-McAndrew is the Medical Director and Division Chief at Oishei’s Children Hospital Outpatient Center at the Robert Warner Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation. She also works at the Children’s Guild Foundation Autism Spectrum Disorders Center as the Medical Director. Michelle is board certified in pediatrics and child neurology and has several years experience in evaluating and diagnosing children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. Michelle is passionate about supporting parents, families, and patients to help them thrive in the community and in their daily lives since “parenting is a journey.”

Jill Johnson

Treasurer

Jill Johnson is a partner for Lumsden & McCormick, LLP and has been with the company since 2002. She primarily works in the healthcare and human services area as well as employee benefits and real estate. Jill is involved with a few different organizations such as Healthcare Financial Management Association, Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York, Lord of Life Adult and Child Services, and the UB Accounting Advisory Committee. Jill loves working with different organizations to help reach their organizational and funding goals to ensure they can further their mission.

Kim Klima

Kim Klima is the Bank Security Officer at Evans Bank. Kim has 18 years of various banking experience such as branch management experience and physical security and fraud experience. She has her bachelor’s degree from D’Youville College in business management. Kim loves being able to help others in any way she can. Kim has a huge passion for camping and spending quality time with her family. She is a Buffalo native and is a die-hard Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan! Kim is a mom of a child with special needs.

Amanda Newton

Amanda Newton is an Assistant District Attorney in Allegany County NY. She has been an ADA with Allegany County for about 20 years. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in commerce from Niagara University. She went to University at Buffalo Law School and got admitted to the bar of New York State in 2004. She is extremely active with the YMCA to help foster inclusive programming. She is involved with Parent Network’s Family Empowerment Series Leadership Program. She loves athletics and coaching softball.  Amanda is a Buffalo native and has 2 children, one with special needs.

Jason Petko

Jason Petko is the Supervisor of Student Support Services Medical Leave and Home Instruction at Buffalo Public Schools. He previously was the Director of Education at the Beyond Learning Center, a special education teacher for 7 years and an assistant principal and principal for 10 years for a private special education provider school. Jason has published work on how students interpret policy and also stands on the board for the 853 Coalition of Schools. Jason has a drive for bringing people together to solve problems.

Letitia Thomas

Letitia Thomas serves as Assistant Dean for Diversity in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) at the University at Buffalo (UB).  Dr. Thomas is a member of various professional organizations including the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE), American Association of University Women (AAUW), Western New York STEM HUB, and the National Association of Multicultural Engineering Program Advocates (NAMEPA). Dr. Thomas has been honored with several awards, including: the 2016 Mentoring Award from the UB Institute for Research & Education on Women & Gender; 2012 Outstanding Advising Award Winner in the Academic Advising Administrator category from the National Association of Academic Advising (NACADA); and the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service, from the State University of New York (SUNY).

Bradford Watts

Bradford R. Watts, Community Relations Coordinator at People Inc. received a M.A. In Communication Theory from SUNY Buffalo State. He is passionate about service to the community. Mr. Watts serves on boards for The Buffalo Urban League, Housing Opportunities Made Equal, and is Community Council President of Buffalo Promise Neighborhoods. In his other service efforts; he is a part-time mentor to ESL students in the Buffalo Adult Education division as a mentor for Erie Community College, and serves as a NYS Chaplain through his church Dayspring Church of God of Prophecy in Buffalo. Brad is grandparent to children that received early intervention services.