Board of Directors

Tim Boling

Tim is the CEO of Compeer International. Compeer facilitates non-clinical social emotional support through one-to-one volunteer relationships that are vital to an individuals’ mental health recovery.  Compeer is located in 52 locations in four countries and 8 states. He resides on the West Side of Buffalo and is the father of an adopted child with special needs.

Julie Barber

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.

Michael Cardus

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.

Kristin Dudek

Kristin Dudek is a Certified Special Education Teacher and currently a Director of Pupil Personnel Services 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.

Donna Gonser

CPA Treasurer

Donna Gonser is the Director of Auditing and Accounting at Lumsden McCormick, LLP, where her primary client responsibility is management and oversight of services provided to exempt organizations and professional service corporations. She has specific expertise with charitable organizations, foundations, governmental agencies, public authorities and educational institutions, including colleges, universities and private and charter schools.

Janice McKinnie

Chair-Elect

Janice E. McKinnie serves as Executive Director for True Community Development Corporation the community development arm of True Bethel Baptist Church. She is instrumental in the creation of affordable housing and economic development on the East side of Buffalo.  She is committed to providing education and resources to assist families and individuals 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.

Bradford Watts

Chairperson

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.