The Arc ADventures in Learning: Friendship

About Luke:

As the Director of Outreach, Education, Communications & Policy, Luke Wheeland is responsible for the administration of all educational offerings, community outreach activities, public policy, and coordination of communications at The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties (The Arc ADE). Luke graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.  Post college, he immediately started working in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Luke has nearly 20 years of professional experience in operations, leadership, project management, and customer service and support. Luke has worked in many facets of the intellectual and developmental disabilities world, from working as Direct Support Professional (DSP) to Program Manager for a Program Approved Service Agency (PASA), to being a Case Manager and also a Senior Program Manager at a Community Centered Board, before joining The Arc ADE.

Luke is a Colorado native, born and raised in the Denver metro area. During his life, he has witnessed firsthand the transition and steady progression of the quality-of-life options for individuals with disabilities, as his parents worked in the IDD field for over 35 years. Luke grew up around people with disabilities and individuals striving to achieve independence and a meaningful life. Luke has found that his values and morals aligned well with The Arc’s overall mission and feels honored to be part of an organization that advocates for individuals with IDD.

About Michelle:

Before working at The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties, Michelle spent time working in various social work settings. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work and has dedicated her time working with school age children, youth, adults and the homeless population. Michelle is passionate about empowering and educating families. She was a Social Caseworker B – Intake working for the Child and Adult protection Services (CAPS) Division for Arapahoe County Department of Human Services. She is enthusiastic with the ability to work with families and other professionals in a team setting.

Michelle was born in Texas and moved to Colorado in 2005. She is first-generation graduate of her family. She enjoys traveling, snowboarding, and spending time with her dog.

Antes de trabajar en The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties, Michelle pasó un tiempo trabajando en entornos de trabajo social. Tiene una licenciatura en trabajo social y ha dedicado su tiempo a trabajar con niños, jóvenes, adultos y homeless. Le apasiona empoderar y educar a las familias. Ella era una trabajadora social de casos B -Admisión trabajando para la División de Servicios de Protección de Niños y Adultos (CAPS) para el Departamento de Servicios Humanos del Condado de Arapahoe. Ella es entusiasmada con la capacidad de trabajar con familias y otros profesionales en un entorno de equipo.

Michelle nació en Texas y se mudó a Colorado en 2005. Ella es primera generación de su familia. Le gusta viajar, hacer snowboard y pasar tiempo con su perro.

More About Cg:

Cg La Scala works primarily with families who have school-aged children with disabilities. A former teacher, Cg spent several years with Developmental Pathways serving adults with IDD and mental illness in program management before she started her career with The Arc Arapahoe Douglas, & Elbert Counties in 1984. Cg has a great sense of the practical application of state and federal laws in advocating for people with disabilities drawn from a wealth of experience.

Cg and her husband raised four children in Colorado schools, two with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Three of her children (who are now adults) have children of their own. Of her five grandchildren, two have had IEPs. All have lived “happily ever after”!

Cg also acts as guardian agent for two men with intellectual disabilities, one of whom she has known for more than

About Lee:

Lee Ray has been an advocate with The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties for 20 years. Prior to his tenure with The Arc, his career experience consisted of a decade in residential services, providing family support during the early years of Supported Living Services (SLS), and at a state run facility in Texas.

During his career, Lee has witnessed the transition and steady progression of the quality of life options for individuals with disabilities. Advocating during a time when people with disabilities were limited to highly restrictive settings and now currently assisting people in creating lives of independence and worth.

Lee feels incredibly grateful for the opportunities he has had during the course of his career. He believes the fulfilment he receives on a day-to-day basis in his capacity as an advocate is immeasurable.

About Pam:

Pam Bailey started working with The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties in 2000.  She is responsible for the administration of all things related to the building and the maintenance of it.  She also provides information and referral to new families, maintains the general bookkeeping, database system, insurance policies, coordinates volunteer opportunities within the organization, and supports staff members and the board of directors. Pam is also responsible for various aspects of membership recruitment and grant writing.

Pam has an Associate Degree in Office Administration and past career experience working at The Arc of Aurora and the Arapahoe Early Childhood Network. Her commitment to supporting individuals with IDD is an important part of her life. Pam is the mother of two young adults and has a cousin with Down syndrome.

About Genene:

Dr. Genene Duran grew up in northeast Denver in the Montbello community and is an alumna of Montbello High School. She holds a Doctorate in Human Services, Master’s in Healthcare Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. In addition, she is also a certified Mediator and has a certification in Public Relations as well. Dr. Duran has subject matter expertise in the fields of health care policy, managing federally qualified health centers, human services, community outreach and engagement, health systems change and cultural competence in health care. Dr. Duran is the Executive Director at The Arc, Arapahoe, Douglas, & Elbert Counties, as well as being the Chief Operating Officer of her own consulting firm Ducks in a Row, LLC.

Dr. Duran is the Chair of the Board of the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, the Chair of the Advisory Board for the City and County of Denver’s Agency on Human Rights and Community Partnerships, serves on the Family Advisory Council for Every Child Pediatrics, sits on the Board of Directors for Womxn’s March Denver, is on the Doctoral Advisory Board for the University of Arizona Global campus, is a Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Denver Moves Everyone Steering Committee Advisory Board member, a National Association for Career and Technical Education board member, and serves as the Co-Chair of the Denver African American Commission.

Although she has accomplished a great deal, she remains most proud of her 20-year-old son and 19 year old daughter, both who are juniors at Colorado State University, and 16-year-old daughter who is junior at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College. Dr. Duran’s greatest passions include providing a voice for underserved communities and affecting positive change through leadership, strategic planning, relationship building, effective change management, advocacy, social justice, and organizational training.

About Tona:

Tona Collins taught life skills to individuals with acquired brain injuries at Developmental Disability Consultants before joining The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties. She is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Breakthrough Parenting Instructor, and recognized parenting expert in Adams, Jefferson, and Denver County. Tona has a knack for meeting people where they are in life and helping them gather the resources they need to sustain their household and wellbeing. During her career, she has provided intensive home-based wrap around services to individuals with IDD, supervised visitations for families involved with the Department of Human Services, and facilitated parenting groups tailored to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Tona advocates for adults, children, and families on behalf of our chapter; providing education and support. Her outreach efforts include serving families and students with individualized education programs (IEPs) and 504 plans, transition planning, waiver programs and appeals, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Tona is a mother and grandmother who loves her family very much. She is passionate about advocating for others and empowering them to succeed.

About Michelle:

Michelle has over eighteen years of experience working with children and individuals with disabilities. She ran a licensed home daycare center and worked in the foster care system for eight years as a foster care provider. Both of these positions gave her the opportunity to provide care for children with developmental disabilities.,

Before working at The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties, Michelle worked as a case manager with Developmental Pathways where she assisted children and adults with developmental disabilities. Michelle is committed to and passionate about supporting, empowering, and advocating for individuals in the IDD community. Michelle and her husband have three children, one with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), along with family members with special needs

About Whitley:

Prior to working at The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties, Whitley was an Early Intervention Specialist for a pediatric home health company helping families get connected with Community Centered Boards to start therapy services before the age of three. She has been passionate about helping within the IDD community since a very young age and has learned a lot through her mother, who was a Speech Language Pathologist for an elementary school. For over 15 years, Whitley has provided direct care for individuals with IDD but has recently gained experience in the case management and administrative side of the field. She has earned her Associates Degree in Physical Therapy Assistance and is EMT trained.

Whitley is a Colorado native who grew up in the Thornton area and she plays semi-professional women’s tackle football for the WNFC on the Denver Bandits.”

About Julie:

Julie’s passion for working with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities started while working as a Para in Special Education classrooms where she saw great potential and abilities of her students. Julie knew she wanted to work with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for her career. She soon transitioned into a Case Manager role at Developmental Pathways, working her way up to becoming a Program Manager. Julie has many years of experience navigating the IDD systems care and looks forward to her new role at our chapter.

Julie is a Colorado native and grew up in Aurora. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and raising her young daughter. Julie is an outgoing and fun loving person. When not working, Julie can be found playing soccer, camping, or spending time with friends and family.

About Brittany:

Before working at The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties, Brittany spent time in various special education settings. Her drive to support students and their families came from her time working as a paraprofessional in the SED classroom. She has a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and has dedicated her time working with youth and young adults. Being able to empower and support individuals in the IDD community is something she commits to by continuing her education and building relationships.

Brittany is a Colorado native and grew up in the Aurora area. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her dog, and hanging out with friends.