Staff
Mary Anne Harvey
Executive Director
Mary Anne Harvey has extensive experience in the management and leadership of human service organizations. Since 1980, she has been executive director of Disability Law Colorado.
Mary Anne has been active in the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) as a former board member, past president, and trainer. She developed the orientation that NDRN sponsors for new executive directors. In addition, she participated in the development of national standards and outcome measurements for Protection and Advocacy systems. Mary Anne has also served as a volunteer on multiple boards and committees including the Colorado Nonprofit Association, the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, Warren Village, the Executive Leadership Institute and the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council.
Mary Anne was initially attracted to Disability Law Colorado because the organization enforced the recently passed federal special education law, and she thought it would be an interesting job for a few years. She found that she loved all of the aspects of the organization’s civil rights work and making the law accessible to individuals, families and professionals. Since 2005 she has edited and published Disability Law Colorado’s award-winning publications for national distribution.
In 2012 she received the prestigious William Funk Award for Building Community from the Colorado Nonprofit Association.
Mary Anne has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Wyoming. She has taken graduate course work in education at Wichita State University, and in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. maharvey@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Alison L. Butler, Esq.
Director of Legal Services
Alison L. Butler is the Director of Legal Services. She was named to this position in 2015. In her role, Alison oversees all of the legal work at Disability Law Colorado, including investigations of abuse and neglect, individual representation in workplace or housing discrimination issues, assistance to students and parents with disability-related legal issues in schools and working with residents of institutions when they seek a less restrictive placement in the community, among others.
Alison is active in providing trainings state-wide to other lawyers, organizations and members of the community on a multitude of disability topics, including: special education law, housing discrimination, the Americans with Disabilities Act, service and companion animal issues, the use of restraint in public schools and general disability awareness. She also advocates for the rights of people with disabilities through legislative and committee work.
Alison joined Disability Law Colorado in 2007 and previously coordinated the Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights (PAIR) program and worked in the Special Education program. Prior to joining Disability Law Colorado, Alison worked in private practice on employment and housing discrimination issues, as well as in the Public Defender’s Office in Palm Beach County, Florida. She is licensed to practice law in Colorado, Florida and New York. Alison received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University in 1994 and her law degree from Columbia University School of Law in 1997. abutler@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Mark Ivandick, Esq.
Denver Office Managing Attorney/Program Coordinator
Mark J. Ivandick, Esq. started as an attorney in the Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Program at Disability Law Colorado in 1999, and in 2004 was promoted to Managing Attorney for the Disability Law Colorado Denver Office. Mark works in all protection & advocacy programs, with an emphasis in the Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Program, investigating complaints from facilities such as county jails, state and federal prisons, youth corrections and psychiatric hospitals. He also works on legislation and systemic issues affecting individuals with mental illness. Prior to coming to Disability Law Colorado, Mark was in private practice in Tennessee and worked for the Judge Advocate General’s Corps while assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. He holds degrees from The United States Military Academy, Western Kentucky University and St. Louis University School of Law. mivandick@dev.disabilitylawco.org
David Monroe
Grand Junction Office Managing Attorney
David Monroe joined Disability Law Colorado as the Grand Junction Office Managing Attorney in January 2017. He graduated from the University of Colorado-Boulder in 1988 with a degree in history and obtained his law degree from CU in 1992. David began his career in law as criminal defense attorney in private practice back in 1992. Over the past 25 years he has worked as an educator, educational and grant administrator and as executive director of a non-profit agency providing services to people with disabilities, as well as continuing in the practice of law. In his role as managing attorney of the Grand Junction office he represents individuals with workplace and housing discrimination issues as well as students and parents with disability-related legal issues in schools. dmonroe@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Kaytie Angeli
Administrative Assistant/Intake Specialist
Kaytie Angeli is originally from Louisiana and graduated from LSU, in 2014, with a Bachelor’s in Political Science. Two years ago, Kaytie visited Colorado and loved it so much she decided to stay indefinitely and joined Disability Law Colorado in 2016. She has always wanted to be able to constructively help others who have difficulties helping themselves. Therefore, she strives to create a sense of comfort and relief by positively engaging and interacting with those in need. Kaytie believes that working at DLC allows her to use her skills to better influence and impact the lives of others in and around the community. At DLC, she is able fulfill that desire on a daily basis. kangeli@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Meghan Baker, JD, MSW
Facilities Attorney
Meghan Baker has been practicing law in Colorado since 2011. Meghan completed her undergraduate education at the University of Texas at Austin where she majored in Plan II Honors. Meghan graduated from the University of Houston with a JD and an MSW in May 2011, after which she accepted a position with the Colorado Office of the State Public Defender. In that capacity, Meghan represented adults and youth charged with crimes, in El Paso and Arapahoe counties. From 2015-2017, Ms. Baker worked as a guardian ad litem through The Law Offices of Meghan Baker LLC, advocating for the best interest of children involved in various types of court cases, in Denver County. Having worked at the Protection and Advocacy organization in Texas during law school, Meghan is thrilled to return to serving people with disabilities and applying the knowledge and experience she has gained about systems in Colorado to bringing about lasting and systemic change for youth and adults in our state. Meghan has a particular interest in issues related to juvenile justice and the child welfare system, as well as special education and mental health treatment in jails and prisons. Meghan lives in Denver with her wife, two dogs, and a cat. In her spare time, Meghan mentors young people and also enjoys yoga, the arts, and travel. mbaker@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Jeremy Bell
Asst. State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Jeremy completed his undergraduate education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He earned his MBA at Pepperdine University, and studied at the Straus Institute where he graduated with a Masters in Dispute Resolution. Jeremy began working within long-term care in 2007; accepted a position in Seattle as the Director of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in 2015; and as the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for Indiana. jbell@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Julie Z. Busby
Office Manager
Julie Z. Busby was Disability Law Colorado’s office manager from 2000 to 2013. From 1/2014 - 12/2016, she was Disability Law Colorado’s director of development where she had the opportunity learn about donor relations, fundraising and event planning. In January 2017 Julie returned to the role of office manager. Her hobbies include gardening, rooting for the Broncos and finding treasures at second-hand stores. jbusby@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Bill DeSonier
Representative Payee Investigator
Bill is a US Navy Operations Specialist veteran who has a Criminal Justice and Psychology degree from Columbia College. Bill worked for the State of Colorado as a District Court Probation Officer and with the State of Texas in their Child Protective Services and Office of Inspector General departments. He has also worked with the Arapahoe County Department of Human Services and with the Arapahoe County Attorney’s Office as a Welfare Benefits Fraud Investigator. bdesonier@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Shelbie Engelking
State PACE Ombudsman
Shelbie Engelking joined Disability Law Colorado as the State PACE (Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) Ombudsman in January 2020. Previously, she worked with the Larimer County Office on Aging as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Shelbie has also worked for the Larimer County Single Entry Point as an intake case manager and has a background as a nursing home social services director. Shelbie is a Colorado native and has bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Social Work and a master’s degree in Social Work from Colorado State University. sengelking@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Vinni Ferrara
Ombudsman Program Manager
Vinni Ferrara became a long-term care ombudsman in 2008 after taking care of her parents for seven years so they could live out their lives in their own home surrounded by family. The experience of being their caregiver and serving as a hospice volunteer, gave her a passion for advocacy for seniors. The ombudsman position offered the opportunity to create positive change in long-term care communities and to be the voice of the residents. She finds the work of an ombudsman to be both gratifying and educational, and feels fulfilled when she can see the joy in a grateful resident who has a better quality of life and care because of the ombudsman’s efforts. vferrara@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Anna French
Program Coordinator, Rights Advocate
Anna French’s background includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a graduate certificate in alternative dispute resolution from the University of Denver, and a background in small business and biotechnology. She has been with Disability Law Colorado since 2002. Anna is an advocate in the Client Assistance and the Protection & Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security programs. She advocates for the rights of clients who receive services from the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Colorado’s independent living centers, and the state’s employment networks. afrench@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Angela Garberding
Senior Intake Specialist
Angie Garberding has been with Disability Law Colorado since September 1998. She is the intake specialist for the Special Education, Protection & Advocacy for Individual Rights, and Protection and Advocacy for Developmental Disabilities programs. Angie received her paralegal certificate from the Denver Paralegal Institute in 1997. She graduated in 1993 from Arapahoe Community College with an associate’s degree. Angie enjoys spending time with her family, birds and hiking Colorado 14ers. agarberding@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Emily Harvey, Esq.
Team Leader, Attorney
Emily Harvey graduated from Virginia Intermont College in 2007 and George Mason School of Law in 2013. While attending George Mason she was a Research Editor on the Civil Rights Law Journal, and attended two semesters as a visiting student at the University of Denver. She joined Disability Law Colorado as a legal fellow in March of 2014, and was ultimately hired as a staff attorney in September of 2014. Emily is the Team Leader of the Intake Team and coordinates the assistive technology grant. She is also a staff attorney on the Access, Education, and Community Integration Teams. Emily is also the co-founder and president of LIM359, a nonprofit that provides activities-based support for people with limb loss and limb difference. eharvey@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Georgia Kasow
Administrative Assistant/Intake Specialist
Georgia joined Disability Law Colorado in June of 2019. She is originally from Vermont but has been in Colorado since June of 2018. Georgia has a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University in Health Science, Society and Policy. Most recently, she worked as a Transition Coordinator transitioning people with disabilities from nursing homes into the community.
Liz Kenny
Facilities Team Leader, Attorney
Liz joined Disability Law Colorado as Facilities Team Leader in August of 2018. Prior to joining DLC, Liz spent a decade working in the Colorado Public Defender system and at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia’s Mental Health Division. Through her extensive experience in criminal litigation, Liz developed a passion for working with clients who were diagnosed with a mental illness, were involuntarily hospitalized or committed for mental health treatment, as well as clients struggling with drug addiction. Liz attended law school in her home city of Chicago, at Northwestern University School of Law. Liz likes to spend her spare time reading, hiking, and biking with her family. During college basketball season you can find Liz cheering for her alma mater, the University of Maryland. lkenny@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Mark Kollasch
Access Team Attorney
Mark Kollasch joined Disability Law Colorado as an Access Team attorney in 2019. He graduated from Colorado State University in 2013 with an English Literature degree and from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2019 with certifications in Intellectual Property Law and Workplace Law. Mark’s past experience includes work with nonprofit groups and advocating for individual rights. He loves spending time with his wife and cheering on the Colorado Avalanche. mkollasch@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Miriah Lawson
Administrative Assistant/Intake Specialist - Grand Junction
Miriah has been part of the Western Slope her entire life. She has over ten years of experience in customer service and previously worked as an intake specialist. Miriah also has previous experience in administration and book keeping, and a strong passion to help individuals with disabilities. In her spare time Miriah enjoys spending time with her husband, dog, friends and family. mlawson@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Kelsey Lesco
Legal Assistance Developer for the Elderly
Kelsey Lesco obtained her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Arizona and her law degree from the University of Oregon. In July 2014, Kelsey was hired as a staff attorney for the Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Program. Kelsey coordinates Disability Law Colorado's Olmstead Program, including extensive work on the Nursing Home Project, which helps to move people with mental illness and developmental disabilities living in nursing homes back into the community. kmeredith@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Jennifer Levin, Esq.
Education Team Leader, Attorney
Jennifer Levin graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1991 and from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1994. She joined Disability Law Colorado in 2009 as an Equal Justice Works Fellow, sponsored by the law firm of Greenberg Traurig LLC. In 2011, Jennifer became a full-time employee working on the Individual Rights, Client Assistance, Beneficiaries of Social Security, and the Special Education programs. In 2014, Jennifer became coordinator of the Vote! Program, and in 2015, she became the leader of the Education Team, which focuses on rights of students in pre-school through 12th grade. In addition to representing individuals with disability rights claims, Jennifer presents trainings on voting rights for people with disabilities, special education, and the rules governing restraint of school children with disabilities. jlevin@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Jim McBride
Director of Administrative Services
Jim McBride began working for Disability Law Colorado in 1987 and for 28 years he has managed our accounting systems. Before coming to Disability Law Colorado, Jim worked in theatre and opera production management. Originally from Ohio, he came to Colorado in 1981 with his wife, Beth, to work at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. His hobbies include woodworking, gardening, and golf. jmcbride@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Leah McMahon
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Leah McMahon joined Disability Law Colorado as the State PACE Ombudsman in 2017 and was named Colorado State Long-Term Care Ombudsman in September 2019. Previously, she worked in the Single Entry Point managing the care manager program for home community based services. Leah has also been a local Ombudsman at Denver Regional Council of Governments and supervised the assisted living team. Early in her career, she served as a counselor for children and adolescents who live with trauma and severe mental illness. Leah has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in Counseling from Regis University. lmcmahon@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Erica Newton
Housing Advocate
After graduating in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree from Elmira College, Erica moved back to her home state of Maine and begun her career working for children with disabilities and their families, first in residential care and then as a Wraparound targeted case manager. She and her husband moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in late 2010 where she worked as a court advocate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. In 2012, they moved to Denver, and Erica spent seven and a half years working for a non-profit agency which provides donated dental care to people who are either elderly, medically fragile, or have a disability and have no other means to obtain the care they need. While there, she helped coordinate over 3 million dollars in donated care for people in need all over the country. Erica currently is an executive co-chair of the Colorado Interagency Coordinating Council, a state council appointed by the governor whose role is to advise and assist CDHS in the development and implementation of early intervention policies as appropriate. She has represented the CICC on the Early Childhood Leadership Commission’s Program Quality and Alignment Subcommittee, which advises the state with the implementation of the Preschool Development Grant. In her free time, Erica shares her time as a Daisy Girl Scout troop leader. She also enjoys reading, hiking, art, and spending time with her husband and their 6-year-old daughter. enewton@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Rebecca Paruta
Representative Payee Investigator
Rebecca Paruta graduated from Canisius College in 2015 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Criminal Justice, and SUNY Buffalo State in 2017 with a Master’s in Criminal Justice. Rebecca has worked in diverse fields, including for a non-profit disability agency, Adult Protective Services, mental health, and a jail-based competency restoration program. Rebecca moved from New York to Colorado in early 2019, and recently joined Disability Law Colorado in September 2019 to utilize her unique skills and passion for justice. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys hiking, aerial arts, and spending time with her fiancé and two cats. rparuta@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Jennifer Purrington, Esq.
Access Team Leader, Attorney
Jennifer Purrington is a staff attorney with Disability Law Colorado and leads the Access Team, which focuses on housing and employment discrimination, as well as public accommodations and higher education. She graduated from the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law in May 2012. Prior to her law school experience, Jennifer was a special education teacher and AmeriCorps member, teaching in California, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. jpurrington@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Mike Robbins
Director of Development & Marketing
Mike Robbins joined Disability Law Colorado as Director of Development and Marketing in April 2017. In his role, Mike directs resource development efforts including the identification, cultivation and stewardship of fundraising to support DLC programs and services. Additionally, he leads DLC’s marketing and communications initiatives via storytelling, messaging, community engagement, and brand awareness by employing a balanced marketing equation of print, electronic, video, and social media strategies. Prior to joining Disability Law Colorado, Mike worked with youth and families at Littleton United Methodist Church; Mental Health Colorado in development and communications; and Warren Village in public relations and marketing. What drives and motivates Mike is his passion for cause-driven storytelling, social justice, disability rights, mental health, poverty, homelessness, and youth issues. Mike received his bachelor's degree in journalism and marketing from Kansas State University, and is a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer. mrobbins@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Elina Rodriguez
Administrative Assistant - Development & Publications
Elina Rodriguez recently graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s in English. She also earned a certificate in Human Rights from Duke University as part of the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program. Elina joins the staff as an administrative assistant with a special focus in development and marketing. She has experience at public defenders’ offices in Louisiana and New York where she worked in community organizing, client services, and reentry services. Interested in criminal justice reform and restorative justice, Elina is particularly passionate about the intersection of criminal justice and art. She also has a background in graphic design and arts administration. She loves to cook, read, and make linocut prints. Originally from the South, Elina recently moved to Colorado and loves seeing all the mountains, Subarus, and dogs that Denver has to offer. erodriguez@dev.disabilitylawco.org
Patrick Thibault
Housing Advocate
Patrick is a fourth generation Coloradan and born and raised in Denver. He joined the DLC staff as a Housing Advocate on April 1, 2020. Patrick has 10 years of experience working on local issues and connecting the community to the legislative process. He has worked for a State Senator and a State Representative, in the Colorado State Legislature, and as the Political Action Chair for NAACP Denver’s executive board. Patrick is passionate about working to make sure all Coloradans have accessibility to safe and sustainable housing. Patrick’s passion for the disabilities community began from his work has a peer mentor and adaptive technologies trainer at the Community College of Denver’s Accessibility Center. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys volunteering in the community, playing Ice Hockey, and seeing performances at the Vintage Theater. pthibault@dev.disabilitylawco.org
