Robert H. Gattis, Jr.

 

Robert H. Gattis, Jr. is a founding partner and the President of Meeting the Challenge, Inc. Mr. Gattis provides the leadership for all day to day activities of MTC and establishes the vision for the organization. He is a Senior Advisor to the Rocky Mountain ADA Technical Assistance Center. In this capacity he oversees the performance evaluation for the Center. Mr. Gattis received the B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University in 1971 and the M.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 1987. Mr. Gattis currently resides in Vancouver, British Columbia providing MTC with a Canadian presence for work in that country.

Randy W. Dipner is a founding partner of and senior advisor to Meeting the Challenge, Inc. He also serves as a Senior Advisor to the Rocky Mountain Technical Assistance Center. In 1981 Mr. Dipner was recognized by the Johns Hopkins 1st National Search for Computer Applications to Aid People with Disabilities for his invention of a desk top Braille production system. From 1994 through 1999, Mr. Dipner sat on two Federal Advisory Committees to establish accessibility standards for electronic and information technology and facilities. Mr. Dipner provides leadership for all of MTC's facility survey activities. Mr. Dipner received B.S. degrees in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering and Computer and Information Science from the Ohio State University in 1972.

Randy W. Dipner

Jana Burke
 

Dr. Burke is the Principal Investigator and Project Director for the Rocky Mountain ADA Technical Assistance Center. She is a researcher, trainer, and consultant who specializes in the ADA employment provisions and workplace strategies for ADA compliance. She has conducted over 100 ADA-related training sessions for employers, businesses, professional organizations, attorneys, state and local government entities, disability organizations, and people with disabilities. She is the editor of the ADA Quiz Book, 3rd Edition and has authored several ADA-related training curricula including HR Strategies for ADA Compliance, Nonprofits & the ADA, and Marketing Job Seekers with Disabilities. Dr. Burke received her masters in nonprofit management from Regis University and her PhD in organization and management at Capella University.

Cristi Harris has been with MTC since 1999. She oversees product development for the Rocky Mountain ADA Technical Assistance Center, including the website and multi-media creations. She was the project director for the Center's latest DVD release, the award-winning Getting it Right: Etiquette Tips. She also provides corporate expertise in electronic and information technology accessibility. Ms. Harris is the Project Manager for MTC's FTA-funded project for the development of technical assistance materials on tranist systems. Cristi received her B.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

Cristi Harris

Patrick E. Going
 

Patrick Going joined MTC in 1991 as an Information Specialist on the Rocky Mountain ADA Technical Assistance Center. He served as the Project Manager of the Center for over ten years and currently is a Senior Advisor to the project. Mr. Going served on the Access Board’s Reg/Neg Committee for Outdoor Recreation Access Standards. He has served as a board member for many Colorado disability organizations. He is also the inventor of Great Grips - a low-cost device that makes it easier to grip and turn round doorknobs. Mr. Going graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a BS degree in Business Finance and Administration in 1966 and an MBA degree in 1967.

Sandy Lahmann is an Information Specialist with the Rocky Mountain ADA Technical Assistance Center. She is author of Disability 101, a disability awareness and etiquette column published by the Summit Daily News. She has also been involved working with the Summit Stage transportation authority to improve accessibility on their fixed route bus service. Ms. Lahmann received her B.A. in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley and taught for seven years as a licensed special education teacher.

Sandy Lahmann

Maggie Sims

 

Maggie Sims is an Information Specialist with the Rocky Mountain ADA Technical Assistance Center. She is also the editor of the Center's print and electronic newsletters. Ms. Sims has a particular interest in the areas of effective communication. She has done course work in American Sign Language and has received ADA training from the U.S. Department of Justice, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and The National Technical Institute for the Deaf. She has worked at MTC since 1992.

Cindy Powell has served people with disabilities and interpreted for the Deaf since February 1975. Ms. Powell’s background includes the continuum from infants who are “at risk” for developmental delays to elderly persons with severe disabilities. In addition to providing direct services, She has been a residential and day program administrator in Colorado and Montana. She has also instructed specialized sign language courses since 1979. As a Colorado Disability Program Navigator, Ms. Powell was recipient of International Association of Workforce Professionals’ 2006 Services to Specialized Populations award.

Cindy Powell

Rob Gilkerson

 

Rob Gilkerson is MTC’s accessibility specialist on the Rocky Mountain ADA Technical Assistance Center staff. Mr. Gilkerson has an extensive background in accessibility related issues and has authored six wheelchair access guides starting with his first in 1988. He has worked with numerous organizations to develop ADA transition plans including Colorado State University, the White River and Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests, the Colorado Springs School District 11, and Kaiser Permanente medical facilities. Rob was instrumental in creating a DVD based on the “Existing Facility Checklist” by providing both photos and technical interpretation of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Mr. Gilkerson earned his B.A. in Sociology from Colorado State University in 1992.

Chantal Woodyard has worked with the disability community since 1989. Prior to joining the MTC staff, She was an Independant Living Specialist for the Independent Living Center in Southern Colorado. At the IL Center, She was responsible for the blind, outreach, and employment programs, as well as case management.  Ms. Woodyard spent many years working in residential services for people with developmental disabilities. This included various positions such as Senior Medical Coordinator and Program Manager. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Human Services at The University of Phoenix.

Chantal Woodyard

Geoff Ames

 

Geoff Ames  came to MTC as an accountant/office manager in 2001, and became an Information Specialist on the Rocky Mountain ADA Technical Assistance Center in April, 2002. He has specialized in ADA transportation issues. Mr. Ames continues to function as MTC's corporate accountant. Mr. Ames has owned and operated small businesses in Colorado for 20 years and uses this background to provide guidance to small businesses on effective ways to improve business opportunities by complying with the ADA. Mr. Ames holds a bachelor's degree in theology and philosophy from Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. 

Candice Brandt is the Training Coordinator for the Rocky Mountain ADA Technical Assistance Center. Ms. Brandt has worked actively as an sign language interpreter. She is a member of S.C.R.I.D. (Student Colorado Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf), where she sets up opportunities for hearing interpreting students to interact with members of the Deaf community. Ms. Brandt developed MTC's Sign Language poster, which is available from the DBTAC. She is also featured in the “Vital Signs” poster and pocket guides, as well as the “Access to Voting” poster and pocket guides. Ms. Brandt is heavily focused on outreach and training efforts in the ADA center's six-state region. She currently works with several disability organizations to improve services and access to the Deaf community in Colorado. Candice recently graduated from Pikes Peak Community College, with a major in sign language interpreter.

Candice Brandt