MASS 25 Year Anniversary Gala & Self-Advocacy Conference

181 Boston Post Road West,Marlborough MA 01752

19 May, 2023

Description

Join us for a fun-filled and busy two days of workshops, keynote speakers, awards, and in-person friendship and networking. Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20, 2023! Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel in Marlborough, MA Save the date for the MASS 25 Year Anniversary Gala and Self-Advocacy Conference on Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 10am - 5pm, at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel in Marlborough, MA! This will be a fun-filled and busy two days of workshops, keynote speakers, awards, and in-person friendship and networking! Keynote Speaker - Marissa Pike We're excited to announce our 2023 self-advocate keynote speaker - Marissa Pike! As someone who spent 10 years in the foster care system, Marissa Pike became interested in self advocacy as she felt that her life was not becoming what she intended it to be. She was at a point in her life where self-advocacy was going to be the bridge to her success and getting the support she needed to secure housing, finish school, and start her career. Marissa holds an associates in Early Childhood Education, a certificate in Developmental Disabilities, and a bachelors in Criminal Justice. She currently serves on the North Shore Citizens Advisory Board, as well as the self-direction advisory board. She works as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), working the North Shore 911 system. Along with self-advocacy, Marissa serves and assists with many local agencies within her city. Her primary interest being an organization by the name of Prevent the Cycle that focuses on racial justice. Marissa is passionate about advocacy on many levels. During the municipal elections, you can often find her assisting with a campaign or two. She also enjoys assisting with community events. She volunteers at the local soup kitchen, as well as provides respite for families with children on the Autism Spectrum. In addition to the community work, Marissa often speaks about her role in advocating for a correct diagnosis. Marissa for years felt that a piece of her was missing. She speaks about the way finding the correct diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder changed her care, as well as her life. When Marissa is not working or volunteering you can find her spending time with her Aussiedoodle Hoss. She also recently started traveling. In Marissa’s spare time, she takes guitar lessons, enjoys reading, and loves to cook. Additional Speakers Matt Brown Matt Brown was a 15-year-old sophomore at Norwood High School in Massachusetts when he suffered a spinal cord injury during a high school hockey game in 2010. He spent 21 days at Children’s Hospital Boston, then 100 days in Atlanta, GA at the Shepherd Center Rehabilitation Center before returning to his home town of Norwood. From the beginning, Matt was determined that he was not going to let the injury define the way he was going to live his life. Matt had missed 4 months of school but had a goal of graduating with his class. He committed to taking classes over the summer, started his junior year on time and one year later graduated from high school on time, receiving the “Golden Diploma Award” for overcoming adversity. He went on to attend college at Stonehill College in Easton MA, where he lived on campus all four years and earned a degree in Communications. Matt is the author of the book Line Change, which he wrote with Todd Civin, which chronicles his experiences, from the day of the accident to current day. The book gives the reader a personal account of what Matt was feeling and experiencing over the last 10 years, as well as hearing from his family and friends on how Matt has affected their lives. In his spare time, Matt is a motivational speaker to high schools, colleges, and professional organizations about dealing with challenges and change and overcoming adversity. Matt likes to stay active in his spare time and he and his running partner have completed 11 marathons in the assisted runner category in Boston, New York City, and Hyannis. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys travel. Robert Schmus Robert Schmus, MSW, LCSW serves as a clinician at Youth Consultation Services. In his practice, Robert supports adolescents with developmental disabilities, including autism, utilizing a variety of therapeutic interventions. His experience as a clinical professional on the spectrum of autism places him in a very unique role. He holds degrees from Concordia College of New York and the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice and is licensed in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He served as a board member of ASCEND (Autism & Asperger’s Alliance of Greater Philadelphia) and in an advisory capacity for the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute of Philadelphia. Robert was also on the Alumni Association Board of Directors at Concordia College of New York. Among Robert’s publications are his regular contributions to The Mighty. He writes on important topics ranging from addressing the struggles individuals with autism can experience with anxiety (https://themighty.com/2017/10/anxiety-and-autism-coping-strategies/) to growing leadership and advocacy within the autism acceptance movement (https://themighty.com/2018/04/autism-acceptance-fight/). Robert is in the unique position of supporting his peers, as well their loved ones and family members. As a self advocate, Robert brings his refreshing, insightful perspectives as a clinician and a person with autism to his presentations, providing helpful information to families, autistics and other neurodivergents, as well as people who support them. Robert is eager to expand his advocacy through speaking engagements. Past speaking experiences include giving talks at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as at The Art of Self-Advocacy: Successful Journeys of Adults with Autism Workshop, hosted by Advo-Kids/The Fusion Academy. In fact, he was recently the keynote speaker at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s 44th Annual Developmental Disabilities Conference in October 2022. His work has also led him to receive the Concordia College of New York Young Alumni of Distinction Award in 2018. Robert has also been interviewed on the YouTube channel On The Spectrum with Teri Matthews, as well as on the podcast Special Education Out Loud, both of which he talked about living in the spectrum and self advocacy. It should also be noted that he and a colleague have created a motivational speaking firm known as Schmus & St. Clair. In his free time, Robert loves to workout, go for a run, read, paint, write, travel, attend festivals, visit museums, listen to music, as well as meetup with family, friends, and spend time with his fiancée. Entertainment - the Plugged In Band Program Since 2002, Plugged In Band Program has educated and celebrated performers at all stages of their music-making journeys. A non-competitive approach to learning, a sense of community, and positive change-making through music are core components of Plugged In courses, which prioritize inclusivity above all else. Our young musicians thrive in a space without hierarchies or band leaders, where those of all abilities and skill levels are met where they are. In this environment of compassion, our students learn the power of helping others and loving themselves. We are committed to delivering an individualized, fulfilling experience to every student. Whether that means providing financial assistance or extra support due to a disability, Plugged In makes it possible for everyone to access our programming.