2026 APSE MO Board Election

Nominee Name
Sabrina Selvey

Employer
Center for Human Services

Please explain your experience related to employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
My career has been centered around helping individuals with disabilities find, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment within their communities. I have worked in employment services for close to a decade in both direct support and leadership roles, giving me experience across the full employment process, from career exploration and job development to long-term employment retention and advancement. As Director of Employment Services for Center for Human Services, I oversee employment programs serving individuals across multiple Missouri communities. I work closely with individuals, families, schools, employers, Vocational Rehabilitation, DMH, and community partners to create opportunities that lead to Competitive Integrated Employment. I am passionate about Employment First and believe employment should be the expectation, not the exception. Throughout my career, I have focused on expanding opportunities, building employer partnerships, strengthening employment supports, and helping individuals achieve greater independence, community inclusion, and self-determination through work.

Why are you interested in serving on the APSE MO Governing Board?
I am interested in serving on the APSE Missouri Governing Board because I believe strongly in the organization’s mission and the role it plays in advancing Employment First and Competitive Integrated Employment throughout Missouri. I am passionate about helping individuals with disabilities access meaningful employment opportunities and about strengthening the systems that support those outcomes. APSE brings together professionals, advocates, employers, and self-advocates who share that commitment, and I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to those efforts at a statewide level. I am particularly interested in supporting workforce development within our field, strengthening employer engagement, and helping identify practical solutions that improve employment outcomes across Missouri.

What do you feel you would bring to APSE MO while serving as a board member?
I would bring a combination of direct service experience, leadership experience, and a practical understanding of employment services in Missouri. Throughout my career, I have worked directly with individuals and employers while also leading teams, developing programs, and building community partnerships. This has given me perspective on both the day-to-day realities of employment services and the larger systems that influence outcomes. I enjoy collaborating with others, finding solutions to challenges, and looking for ways to strengthen employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. I believe my experience in program development, staff development, employer engagement, and service innovation would allow me to make meaningful contributions to the work of APSE Missouri.

Nominee Name
Morgan Thompson

Employer (if applicable)
Respondent skipped this question

Please explain your experience related to employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
I have extensive experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across residential, behavioral health, and community-based services over the past 15 years. My work has included program oversight, staff development, compliance, and expanding service lines focused on increasing independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with individuals on building daily living, social, and vocational skills that support long-term success in employment and community integration. I have also collaborated with providers, families, support teams, and state agencies to develop person-centered services that encourage independence, self-advocacy, and meaningful opportunities for growth. In leadership and consulting roles, I have assisted organizations with program development, training, compliance, and improving supports that help individuals with disabilities reach their personal and employment goals while maintaining dignity, choice, and inclusion.

Why are you interested in serving on the APSE MO Governing Board?
I am interested in serving on the APSE Missouri Governing Board because I am passionate about improving opportunities, independence, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. After working in the IDD field for the past 15 years in Missouri, I have seen firsthand the importance of strong advocacy, community partnerships, and employment-focused supports that empower individuals to live meaningful and self-directed lives. My experience in residential services, program development, compliance, staff training, and organizational growth has given me a broad understanding of the challenges providers and individuals face across the disability service system. I would value the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals and advocates to promote Employment First principles, strengthen provider support, and help expand inclusive employment opportunities throughout Missouri. I also believe my leadership experience, passion for service, and commitment to person-centered supports would allow me to contribute positively to the board while continuing to advocate for innovation, collaboration, and meaningful outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

What do you feel you would bring to APSE MO while serving as a board member?
I believe I would bring a strong combination of frontline experience, leadership, and passion for advocacy to APSE Missouri while serving as a board member. Having worked in the IDD field in Missouri for the past 15 years, I have experience across residential services, program oversight, compliance, staff development, and expanding service lines that support individuals in living more independent and meaningful lives. I bring a practical understanding of the challenges providers, direct support professionals, families, and individuals with disabilities face within the service system, along with experience developing solutions that improve quality, sustainability, and person-centered outcomes. My background in leadership and consulting has also strengthened my ability to collaborate with organizations, build relationships, support strategic growth, and provide training and guidance to teams. In addition, I am passionate about advocacy, community inclusion, and Employment First principles. I would bring a collaborative mindset, strong communication skills, and a commitment to helping APSE Missouri continue expanding awareness, resources, and opportunities that support competitive and meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities across the state.

Nominee Name
Jada Turley-Winchester

Employer
Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC)

Please explain your experience related to employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
In my current role as a Program Coordinator with the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC), I focus on advancing employment, education, and transportation opportunities for people with developmental disabilities across Missouri. My work centers on promoting self-determination, community inclusion, and equitable access to competitive integrated employment throughout the lifespan. I collaborate with state agencies, community organizations, advocates, and individuals with lived experience to identify barriers and support systems-level change that improves employment outcomes. My background in public health and community engagement has strengthened my ability to build partnerships, communicate across diverse stakeholders, and advocate for policies and practices that create meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to thrive in their communities and workplaces.

Why are you interested in serving on the APSE MO Governing Board?
I am interested in serving on the APSE MO Governing Board because I am passionate about advancing equitable employment opportunities and strengthening systems that support people with disabilities in achieving meaningful, self-directed lives. APSE’s mission aligns closely with both my professional work and personal values surrounding inclusion, dignity, and community participation. Serving on the board would allow me to contribute my experience in public health, systems collaboration, and statewide stakeholder engagement while continuing to learn from leaders, advocates, providers, and individuals with lived experience across Missouri. I value APSE’s commitment to competitive integrated employment and would be honored to help support the organization’s growth, outreach, and impact throughout the state.

What do you feel you would bring to APSE MO while serving as a board member?
I would bring a collaborative leadership style, strong communication skills, and a systems-focused perspective grounded in both public health and disability advocacy. Through my work with MODDC, I have experience building partnerships, coordinating statewide initiatives, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and helping translate complex issues into actionable strategies. I also bring a strong commitment to equity, family and community engagement, and elevating the voices of people with lived experience. I believe my background in outreach, strategic communication, and cross-sector collaboration would allow me to contribute meaningfully to APSE MO’s professional development efforts, community connections, and long-term strategic goals.

Nominee Name
Kelly Dawn Blackford

Employer
Community Support Services

Please explain your experience related to employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
My commitment to employment opportunities for people with disabilities stems from both my 14 years of professional experience and my lived experience as someone who grew up with a learning disability. I was diagnosed in third grade and spent much of my childhood navigating special education systems, frequent retesting, and the emotional weight of being underestimated. Because of this, I deeply understand how labels, environments, and expectations shape a student’s confidence and future. “I know what it feels like to have a learning disability… I was never told by my parents that I was unable to do something because of a learning disability.”” That belief in possibility has guided my entire career.
Professionally, I have spent more than a decade building meaningful, real‑world employment programs for students with disabilities. At McDonald County High School, I created “Mustang Training,” a fully functioning employment‑skills program built from scratch with no funding. My students operated a schoolwide copy center, completed laminating and binding projects, delivered materials, assisted with school events, ran a laundry service for athletics, cleaned the cafeteria, and developed a recycling program. I intentionally avoided “busy work” because I wanted my students to have real-life experiences and complete jobs that had purpose and meaning.”

Why are you interested in serving on the APSE MO Governing Board?
I want to serve on the APSE MO Governing Board because competitive, integrated employment is not just my profession—it is my passion and my personal story. I know what it feels like to be underestimated, mislabeled, or placed in a corner with work that doesn’t match your potential. That experience drives my belief that no individual should ever be limited by their disability. “No child should be boxed into their label… just because they are identified as having a learning disability doesn’t mean they can’t have bigger dreams.”
APSE’s mission aligns with everything I have built throughout my career: meaningful work, dignity, high expectations, and opportunities that lead to independence. I want to contribute to statewide efforts that elevate employment services, strengthen transition programs, and support professionals who often feel isolated. One professional noted, "I wish we had a local Employment Specialist/Job Coaching support group… having a sound board to work on different ideas would benefit everyone.”

3. What would you bring to APSE MO as a board member?
I bring a rare combination of lived experience, classroom experience, community partnerships, and program leadership. Because I grew up with a learning disability, I bring empathy, insight, and a deep understanding of how services impact a person’s confidence, identity, and future. “Parents respect me for looking at their child as more than data or assessment scores; these individuals have extraordinary gifts. "That mindset guides every decision I make."
Professionally, I bring a track record of building programs from the ground up, expanding existing systems, and creating meaningful employment opportunities. I bring creativity, problem‑solving, and a refusal to accept low expectations. I also bring strong collaboration skills — shaped by years of working with families, teachers, employers, and community partners.
I also bring a strong advocacy voice. I do not shy away from challenging systems that limit individuals.

Nominee Name
Sandy Keyser

Employer
Department of Mental Health; Division of Developmental Disabilities

Please explain your experience related to employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
I started my career with the Division of Developmental Disabilities as a Support Coordinator in the St. Louis Region in 2004. During that time, my caseload primarily consisted of transition-age youth & young adults. In this role, I had the pleasure of working directly with individuals & their families to help connect them to resources & services that could then help them achieve their personal goals. In 2012, I transitioned to the Employment First Specialist role - then referred to as Youth Transition Employment Resource Coordinator. In this role, I have had the pleasure of working more with others who provide the direct supports to individuals & families, helping to promote Employment First principles & best practices in coordinating & delivering employment supports. In 2013, I gained the expertise needed to help individuals/families navigate balancing work with maintaining needed benefits. Today, I use that expertise to help mentor other Benefits Planners in the state of Missouri. In 2023, I joined the APSE MO board, where I have had the honor of working with a phenomenal team of professionals to plan and execute some wonderful opportunities for those wanting to learn & be a part of APSE MO.

Why are you interested in serving on the APSE MO Governing Board?
Since joining the board in 2023, I've had the privilege of working with an extremely dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about Employment First. Together, we have been able to provide some awesome learning opportunities to those interested (Employment University in the Spring, APSE MO Summit in the Summer, & Professional Development in the Fall). We have also worked tirelessly to bring more awareness of APSE to those who may not have known much about this organization. APSE MO is one organization that strongly believes everyone can work and should have the dignity of determining their own career path. This is something that I am very passionate about. Everyone, regardless of disability or severity of disability, should have the right & the opportunity to pursue their own career that aligns with their personal interests, abilities, & needed conditions. Being able to continue working with this board would be a great honor.

What do you feel you would bring to APSE MO while serving as a board member?
I am extremely passionate about Employment First. For too long those with disabilities have had limits imposed on them that those without disabilities may not have had to endure. I strongly believe that people with disabilities should have the same opportunities as those without disabilities - regardless of what disability someone may have, how severe that disability is, or what support needs someone may have. We all have support needs. And depending on the circumstances, our personal support needs could be quite extensive. I feel my passion for Employment First, plus my professional knowledge from working at the Division of Developmental Disabilities, helps me to propel the mission, vision, and values of APSE MO.

Nominee Name
Candace Cunningham

Employer
UMKC-IHD

Please explain your experience related to employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
I am a Research Aide at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Institute for Human Development where I support projects focused on disability inclusion, self-advocacy, and community engagement. As a person with Cerebral Palsy, I bring both professional and lived experience to this work. I have participated in leadership and advocacy opportunities that focus on improving access, inclusion, and equitable opportunities for people with disabilities, including employment and community participation. Through my work, I help create plain language materials, support trainings and outreach efforts, and assist with projects that center the voices of people with disabilities. I am passionate about helping individuals with disabilities access meaningful employment, build confidence, and have opportunities to fully participate in their communities.

Why are you interested in serving on the APSE MO Governing Board?
I am interested in serving on the APSE Missouri Governing Board because I want to help strengthen employment opportunities and inclusion for people with disabilities across Missouri. I believe employment is an important part of independence, community involvement, and quality of life. Serving on the board would allow me to use my lived experience, professional background, and advocacy skills to support APSE Missouri’s mission. I am especially interested in helping promote self-advocate leadership, plain language communication, and community engagement so more people can access information and opportunities. I also value collaboration and would enjoy working alongside other board members, professionals, self-advocates, and families to help make a positive impact throughout the state.

What do you feel you would bring to APSE MO while serving as a board member?
I would bring a strong self-advocate perspective, leadership experience, and a commitment to accessibility and inclusion. As someone who works in the disability field and also has lived experience with a disability, I understand the importance of making sure people with disabilities are included in conversations and decision-making. I would also bring skills in outreach, communication, and plain language writing. I enjoy helping make information easier to understand and more accessible to diverse audiences. In addition, I am passionate about building connections, encouraging collaboration, and supporting opportunities for people with disabilities to succeed in employment and community life. I would be excited to contribute new ideas, support APSE Missouri’s mission, and help strengthen engagement with self-advocates and community partners across the state.

Nominee Name
Amy Gessert

Employer
UMass Boston - Institute for Community Inclusion

Please explain your experience related to employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Over the course of my career, I have worked extensively to advance competitive, integrated employment opportunities for people with disabilities at the local, state, and national levels. My work has focused on helping service providers, state systems, businesses, and communities move away from segregated and subminimum wage models and toward meaningful employment and community inclusion. I currently provide training and technical assistance nationally to organizations and systems working to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities, with a strong emphasis on person-centered practices, business engagement, benefits education, and organizational transformation. I have experience supporting employment professionals in areas such as discovery, job development, workplace inclusion, customized employment, and long-term supports, as well as helping organizations build cultures that presume employability for all people. I frequently train providers on how work impacts public benefits and how accurate benefits information can reduce fear and support informed decision-making. In addition, my background as a small business owner and former Chamber of Commerce Executive Director gives me a unique perspective on employer engagement, workforce needs, and building strong partnerships with businesses.

Why are you interested in serving on the APSE MO Governing Board?
I am interested in continuing to serve on the Governing Board of APSE Missouri because I deeply believe in the organization’s mission and the important role it plays in advancing competitive, integrated employment across Missouri. Since joining the Board in 2020, I have valued the opportunity to work alongside passionate advocates, providers, self-advocates, family members, educators, and professionals who are committed to improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Serving on the Board has allowed me to contribute both my professional expertise and my strong commitment to systems change, workforce development, and community engagement. I am especially passionate about helping providers and communities move toward innovative, person-centered employment practices while also strengthening the leadership pipeline within our field. I believe APSE Missouri plays a critical role in creating opportunities for collaboration, professional development, advocacy, and statewide impact. I am interested in continuing my service because I want to help build on the strong momentum the organization has established in recent years.

What do you feel you would bring to APSE MO while serving as a board member?
I bring a combination of statewide and national experience, strong community relationships, and a deep commitment to advancing competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities. Through my work providing training and technical assistance across multiple states, I have experience supporting organizations and systems as they navigate transformation, workforce development, policy change, and best practices in employment services. I believe this perspective helps me contribute both strategic thinking and practical real-world solutions to the work of APSE Missouri. I also bring strong skills in communication, collaboration, and community engagement As a board member since 2020, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to APSE Missouri’s mission and growth. I believe I bring reliability, creativity, a collaborative approach, and a willingness to step in wherever needed to support the organization’s goals. Most importantly, I bring a genuine passion for helping create systems and communities where people with disabilities are fully includ

Nominee Name
Cassidi Jobe

Employer
Summit Future Foundation

Please explain your experience related to employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
I am the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Summit Future Foundation, a Kansas City-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering teens and adults with developmental disabilities. Our organization focuses exclusively on advancing Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) opportunities, helping individuals secure meaningful, community-based employment alongside their peers. Through Summit Future Foundation, I have led efforts to build partnerships with employers across a wide range of industries, resulting in employment opportunities for more than 50 individuals in CIE settings across 28 different business sectors. My experience includes workforce development, employer engagement, job placement strategy, advocacy for inclusive hiring practices, and creating sustainable employment pathways that promote independence, dignity, and long-term success for people with disabilities.

Why are you interested in serving on the APSE MO Governing Board?
Serving on the APSE Missouri Governing Board over the past seven years has been one of the most meaningful and impactful experiences of both my personal and professional life. Through my involvement with APSE, I have gained invaluable tools, knowledge, and professional relationships that have strengthened my ability to advance Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) opportunities throughout the Kansas City region. Beyond the professional impact, APSE’s work has also been deeply personal for me. As a parent of sons who experience developmental and learning disabilities, the organization’s advocacy, resources, and network have helped provide pathways to meaningful employment and greater independence for my own family. I am passionate about APSE’s mission and committed to ensuring that Missouri continues to grow as a national leader in innovative, inclusive employment practices for individuals with disabilities. I would be honored to continue contributing my experience, advocacy, and leadership to the Governing Board in support of that vision.

What do you feel you would bring to APSE MO while serving as a board member?
One of the greatest strengths I would bring to the APSE Missouri Governing Board is my lived experience as both a professional advocate and a family member directly impacted by disability employment systems. I understand firsthand the challenges that individuals with disabilities and their families face when pursuing and sustaining Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). Over the years, I have transformed those experiences into meaningful action by developing programs, partnerships, and employment strategies that promote full participation in the general workforce. My work has focused on improving systems, influencing inclusive practices, and expanding outreach efforts to ensure individuals with disabilities have access to equitable and meaningful employment opportunities. In addition, I bring a strong commitment to collaboration, advocacy, and community engagement. I am passionate about helping APSE Missouri continue advancing policies and practices that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve independence, economic mobility, and long-term success in integrated employment settings.