Jani Kozlowski, MA is a passionate early childhood professional, author, speaker, technical assistance specialist and consultant focused on supporting each and every child and family during the most critical period of development. Jani provides professional development and technical assistance for state leaders, families, educators and other practitioners around topics such as early childhood disability services, supportive learning environments, infant-toddler development, collaborative partnerships, social-emotional development, quality improvement

Her work focuses on inclusive environments where children learn together, supported by strong collaboration between educators and families.

Barb has worked supporting people and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities for 50 years. She has served in many roles including Direct Support Professional, Speech Language Pathologist, Service Coordinator and a variety of administrative roles. She supported people in a variety of settings including: educational, employment, residential, day programs, and anywhere people spent time. She is also a Mentor Trainer in the Learning Community for Person Centered Practices (TLP-PCT). She works for the Nexus as a Coach and Trainer and has supported many to integrate Charting the LifeCourse into their person centered practices. She also works with the Family Resource Network of Ohio, providing training, mentoring and technical assistance to people with lived experience, families and professionals across service systems.

Her passion to support and empower is driven by her role as a sibling. She helped establish two non-profits to support siblings: Ohio SIBS and the international Sibling Leadership Network.

Meredith Evans is a Family Support Specialist with Ohio Family to Family. Drawing on her lived experience as the parent of a child with a disability, Meredith is a dedicated family support professional who helps families navigate Ohio’s complex systems and connect with the resources they need to live their best life. Also a Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador, Meredith is passionate about empowering parents to pursue their vision and build strong, connected community for themselves and their children within the disability space. Her work centers on helping families see what’s possible and supporting them on their journey.

Elaine Hamilton and her husband, Reginald, are the parents of two children, Donovan and Maliyah. When Maliyah was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, Elaine’s personal journey deepened her commitment to supporting families navigating the special education system.

Elaine serves as the Statewide Program Coordinator for the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD), the federally funded Parent Training and Information Center for Ohio. In this role, she provides leadership, guidance, and training to OCECD Information Specialists, Multicultural Information Specialists, and consultants across the state.

In addition to her statewide responsibilities, Elaine works directly with families in Medina County, helping parents and caregivers understand the special education and evaluation process. She provides clear, family-friendly information about parents’ rights, educational programs, services, and available supports for students with disabilities.

Elaine is also a trainer and presenter for Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University, focusing on Family-Centered Care and autism. She is a children’s book author with a series centered on autism and ADHD, using storytelling to promote understanding, inclusion, and empowerment. Elaine’s passion for community engagement extends beyond her professional work, as she has volunteered in numerous roles to support families and strengthen her community.

Erin works for OCECD in the West Central office as an Information Specialist/Trainer. Erin resides in Cuyahoga County with her family. Her responsibilities include providing resources, training, and guidance to families that have children, teenagers, and young adults with special needs. She also attends school meetings and collaborates with school personnel to improve outcomes for children.

Erin is a graduate from North Olmsted High School and a graduate from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor in Fine Arts. She worked as a graphic designer and project manager for ten years.

Erin has two children; her son was diagnosed with moderate Autism at age two and her daughter had some developmental delays early in life. Navigating the medical and educational systems for both her children have been both challenging and educational.

In 2014, Erin graduated from Partners in Policy Making, a legislative class designed to teach people with disabilities and their families the power of advocacy and how to positively change the way people with disabilities are supported, viewed, taught, live, and work. Over the years, Erin has helped facilitate workshops for families the with Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Transition Boosters group.

In 2015 she also founded a local support group for families in Fairview Park called Fairview Park Parents of Special Education. In 2019 Erin ran for her local School Board and won a seat. She is currently the Vice President of the Fairview Park School Board.