Posted 4/3/2026
Kasheena Henry and Laura Yannes, both Executive Directors at Merakey, spent March 24 and 25 at the Pennsylvania Advocates and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (PAR) Policy conference in Harrisburg, PA.
Both employees are currently enrolled in the Institute for Leadership Excellence on a year-long journey to help improve their leadership skills through PAR.
They attended legislative sessions with Minority Chair Doyle Heffley of R-Carbon Co., heard federal updates from Sara Meek of Patterson and Meek, and attended Judy Dotzman’s presentation on the importance of DSP advocacy and communication. Judy is the president and CEO of SPIN Inc. They ended their day meeting with Kristin Ahrens, Deputy Secretary from the Office of Developmental Programs.
The following day, both ladies traveled to the Capitol, attending legislative visits and a press event. They met with two senators’ offices and advocated for the following:
- Enacting annual rate increases
- Eliminating the waiting lists
- Keeping money in our system
- Eliminating degree requirements for program specialists
- Rounding partial units
- Increasing CPS group sizes
Thank you for your meaningful work, Kasheena and Laura!