Speakers
Moderator

Kaylee McGuire
Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services
Kaylee McGuire is the Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services overseeing the Division of Aging Services, the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Division of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Division of Disability Services and supporting the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Office of the Public Guardian.
McGuire’s background includes working with individuals with disabilities and complex medical needs. Personal caregiving experiences with aging family members led her to public service.
Before joining the Department, McGuire worked as a Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Phil Murphy, where she led on the Administration’s health and human services policy agenda and COVID-19 response. Before joining the Murphy Administration, she served as a health policy analyst in the Assembly Majority Office under Speaker Craig Coughlin, and formerly held a management role at one of the largest pediatric rehabilitation systems in the nation.
McGuire has more than ten years of experience in leading disability services, community programs, and providing recreational therapy and child life services in a variety of settings including medical day care, long-term care, and inpatient rehabilitation.
McGuire received her Master’s in Business Administration from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She was raised in Ocean County, is a loving aunt of seven, and is committed to making New Jersey more inclusive and age-friendly
Panelists

Angel H. Heinz
Public Policy Manager for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

Antoinette ‘Toni’ Gingerelli, MPP
Director of Policy and Advocacy for the National Alliance for Caregiving
Antoinette ‘Toni’ Gingerelli is the Director of Policy and Advocacy for the National Alliance for Caregiving where she helps guide the organization’s work to translate research into policy action on behalf of America’s 53 million family caregivers. She has worked on a variety of policy initiatives and advocacy efforts at the local, state, national, and international level. Prior to NAC, Toni served as Chief of Staff for New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal where she oversaw office operations, communications, and legislation. In this role, she assisted in drafting, analyzing, and passing a variety of bills related to healthcare, labor, and education. She also led the office’s COVID-19 relief efforts including the creation of the district’s Economic Recovery Advisory Council. Prior to the Senator’s Office, Toni served as Deputy Director of RepresentWomen. In this role she oversaw the development of the organization’s flagship research reports. She also designed advocacy tools, social media kits, reports and talking points for activists and stakeholders, and further developed RepresentWomen’s partnerships.
As a Dukakis Fellow, Toni worked on public policy issues for the Office of Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. As a fellow, she developed a public report assessing the impact of equity and inclusivity initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic and proposed recommendations for future crisis management. Additionally, Toni worked as a consultant and research assistant for the Project on Workforce where she worked on a variety of projects focused on healthcare innovation, certified nursing assistant recruitment and retainment, and career ladders for peer support workers.
Toni received her Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School and was the recipient of the Public Service Fellowship. She also graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Rutgers University, New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science and Women’s and Gender Studies.

Kathleen Otte
Regional Administrator for CMS New York Regional Office
Kathleen Otte is the Regional Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), within the Office of Program Operations and Local Engagement (OPOLE). In this capacity, Kathleen is responsible for outreach, stakeholder engagement and environmental scanning related to all of CMS’ programs. Stakeholder engagement informs CMS of ‘on the ground’ impact of its policies, programs and initiatives.
Prior to joining CMS, Kathleen served as the Regional Administrator for the Administration for Community Living and served as the New Hampshire State Director for the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, NH Department of Health and Human Services. Previous to her in government positions, Kathleen worked for Genesis Healthcare Corporation as a Nursing Home Administrator and Assisted Living Director in the State of New Hampshire.
Kathleen is the recipient of a Malcom Baldrige Award for Innovation from the American Healthcare Association for the implementation of a Single Dose Medication Administration Program and two Innovation Awards from the Council of State Governments for implementing a Consumer Directed, Caregiving Program and Adult Protection Protocols, statewide. In 2015, Kathleen received the Jane Addam award from ‘Be the Evidence International’ for her work in Social Justice.
In 2024, CMS team received CMS Honor Awards for leading the national Medicare Open Enrollment Campaign and the CMS National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.
Currently, Kathleen and the CMS Regional Team (New York) are leading the National Outreach Campaign for Medicare Open Enrollment 2025 and the National Strategy for Family Caregivers.
Kathleen holds a Masters Degree in Organizational Development and a Bachelors Degree in Social Work (gerontology) from the University of Oklahoma.

Scott B. Badesch
Senior Legislative Advisor on Autism and Brain Health to Congressman Chris Smith
Scott is a senior executive with 48 years of experience providing guidance and leadership within the private sector, local, state and national government entities and NGOs. Scott has had successful and extensive experiences in business development and program development, turning around NGOs, fund raising, marketing, strategic positioning and navigating the autism space for private business entry, as well as new start up efforts to assist individuals impacted with autism with respect to housing, employment and adult services as well as expansion within and performance in the autism service delivery community. Scott also has extensive experience in autism including knowledge of autism policies, legislation, funding and research. Scott was recognized by Congressman Chris Smith and Congressman Mike Doyle, co-chairs of the Congressional Autism Caucus for his leadership within the autism community.
From 2020 to May 2024, Scott was the President/CEO of Badesch and Associates LLC with clients in Israel, Denmark, England, Canada and the United States. Clients included, but not limited to, private equity firms, NGOs, technology startups, autism program startups as well as existing autism entities, educational institutions, community based NGOs, ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) private sector entities as well as private sector technology product developers.
Since May 2024, Scott has been serving as senior policy advisor to Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey. His portfolio of work includes autism and brain health issues.
Speakers

Elizabeth Marcketta
Elizabeth Marcketta has been a member of the Children’s Specialized Hospital Family Faculty team since 2018 and has also served as a member of the Family Advisory Council since 2016. Elizabeth was first introduced to the hospital when her daughter became a patient at the age of two, her son later became a patient as well and received a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Receiving services at Children’s Specialized has helped her children thrive, and Elizabeth was thrilled when the opportunity to join the Family Faculty team was presented. Elizabeth has participated in numerous presentations, webinars and advocacy events on behalf of the hospital.
Elizabeth has also sat on hospital committees including the Scientific Advisory Committee, the Patient Safety Committee and the Workplace Violence Prevention Committee. Above all, Elizabeth is grateful to have the chance to provide support to families and staff by drawing on her experience as a parent raising two children with specialized needs.

Jennifer Jenkins
Jennifer Jenkins is an award-winning author, military caregiver for her brother, Specialist James W. Smith, US Army Retired, mother of a United States Marine, and wife of a Navy veteran. She is a graduate of Indiana University and has dedicated her career to advocacy and communications. She is a Fellow Alum with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, and the Daughters of the American Revolution, and a recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Dr. Jossolyn Edwards
Dr. Jossolyn Edwards, CHES is a distinguished health education specialist with over 20 years of experience working with faith-based organizations, military, and state government agencies. As a dedicated caregiver and advocate, she has spent 14 years supporting senior citizens and their families across Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia.
Dr. Edwards holds a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy, a Master of Science in Health Education from Howard University, and a Doctor of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the founder and CEO of The Whole U, a wellness organization committed to enhancing health knowledge, improving quality of life, and fostering positive health behaviors and attitudes.
Her professional affiliations include membership in the Junior League of Prince George’s County, the American Heart Association Mid Atlantic Education Subcommittee, and The Maryland Society of Health and Physical Educators.

Dr. Katandria Demps & Keith Demps
Keith Demps, of Orlando, FL, is co-founder of KLD Consulting, which specializes in self-
care caregiver wellness. He is co-creator of the D.E.M.P.S. caregiver wellness
roadmap. Keith is a nationally certified caregiver by the American Caregiver
Association (ACA) and is married to his wife, Dr. Katandria (Kat) L. Demps.
Katandria Demps is co-founder of KLD Consulting. She is a multi-lingual, nationally
certified speech-language pathologist, linguist, certified autism specialist, certified
public health researcher and certified in the practice of cognitive rehabilitation, ACA
advanced national caregiving and assisted living. Kat is founder and director of Dr.
Love’s Healthcare®,501(c)3, K&K Services and Dr. Love’s Integrative Nutrition &
Lifestyle Medicine, PLLC.

Kelly Uhland
Kelly Uhland is the Assistant Director of Education and Outreach with the New Jersey Self-Help Clearinghouse and Consumer Connections at the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. With extensive experience in community mental health, Kelly has dedicated her career to providing effective education and support to the peer workforce and support group facilitators throughout New Jersey.
Certified by the Advocates for Human Potential as an Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator, Kelly specializes in Wellness Recovery Action Planning and Psychiatric Advanced Directives. She is passionate about promoting self-care and self-advocacy, and takes pride in educating the public on these crucial topics.
Kelly’s professional journey includes working in various direct service settings, where she has continuously demonstrated her commitment to improving mental health services and support systems. Her expertise and dedication have made her a respected figure in the field, and she remains steadfast in her mission to empower individuals and communities through education and outreach initiatives.

Linda Monterroso Hurtado
Dr. Monterroso Hurtado is a clinical research director who specializes in qualitative research. She is a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities fellow at the University of Nevada, Reno and received her Doctorate in Health Sciences from George Washington University. She focused her research on the impact support has on caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities, and their health. In addition, Dr. Monterroso Hurtado received her Master’s in Health Sciences from George Washington and a Bachelor’s in Individualized Study from New York University.
Dr. Monterroso Hurtado resides in Las Vegas and serves as member of the Board of Directors for the Sibling Leadership Network. She is a Community Advocacy Committee member for the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities at the University of Nevada at Reno and previously served as a member of the Tennessee Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Dr. Monterroso Hurtado has a brother with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) who resides in the Bronx. Despite the distance, Linda is involved in his care and is committed to finding ways for people with IDD and their families to live full lives.

Linda Waddell
Linda Waddell Family Faculty Supervisor, has been employed at Children’s Specialized Hospital as a Family Faculty since June of 2008 and a member of the Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Family Advisory Council since 2014. On behalf of the hospital, Linda has presented with her team on Patient and Family Centered Care at regional, national, and international conferences. Most recently, Linda was a member of a panel that presented at the 2024 RISE Summit Addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH): A Look into Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Program in NJ and Beyond. Linda has participated in various hospital committees such as Patient Experience, Environment of Care, Schwartz Rounds Steering Committee, Experience Council, and Workplace Violence Committee. Linda is also a member of The International Pediatric Rehabilitation Collaborative since 2022. Linda was the 2019 recipient of the Lester Z. Lieberman Humanism in Healthcare Award and received the IPFCC 30th Anniversary 2022 Partnership Award on Social Determinants of Health.
Linda received her Bachelors of Science degree in Business Management from Kean University. Linda works side by side with senior leadership and hospital staff to support and assist patients and families at our hospital. Linda’s first experience with Children’s Specialized Hospital began in 1999 receiving multiple services for her newborn, medically fragile baby. Linda is most appreciative for the opportunity to serve and support the patients, families and staff at Children’s Specialized Hospital by utilizing her experience as a caretaker for her special needs daughter.

Sandy Tovray Greenberg

Tovah Segelman
Taking Care of Others; Taking Care of Ourselves

Twylia G. Reid
From Tragedy To Working Strategies – Turning Your Tragic Events Into Empowering Moments