Gwen Squire

Ms. Squire earned her Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Buffalo. While earning her Masters degree, she worked at a rehabilitation center with children with disabilities, first as a volunteer then as a counselor-assistant.

After earning her Master's degree, Ms. Squire worked at a vocational rehabilitation center as a job club instructor with individuals who had developmental disabilities and with individuals who were in recovery from drugs/alcohol addiction.

After leaving the vocational rehabilitation center, Ms. Squire volunteered for and then became employed by the Self Advocacy Association of NYS (SANYS). She polished her skills in public speaking, team leadership and advocacy. She has organized numerous fundraising events and has done a considerable amount of advocacy and public speaking. Since joining the Self Advocacy movement she has become even more passionate about promoting disability awareness. Currently, Ms. Squire works for People, inc, a not-for-profit organization, as an Advocacy Support Professional. She works with people of various ages and with various disabilities.

Mike Rogers

Michael received his Bachelors of Science from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. Mike has been employed with the Self-Advocacy Association since 2009 and before that as an Americorps Member. During his time as an Americorps Team Leader, Mike honed his skills as a Public Speaker and gained the ability to help others become Self Advocates and share their stories with the world around them.

He is co-chair of the ARISE WNY task force which focuses on equity and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Since 2007 Mike has been a sitting member of the Board of Visitors for the Western New York area. He is the president of the board. 

Mike is also the President of the Board for the Center for Self Advocacy.

Alex Jusko

I am a life coach and spiritual consultant. I was certified as a spiritual coach by the Life Purpose Institute in 2020. I am also an advocate for people with disabilities and an entrepreneur. 

I was placed in family care/ state foster care in 1999. I fought for and succeeded in gaining my independence; to live and thrive on my own as a person with a disability thanks to the patience, care, and love of the people around me who helped me cultivate love, strength, perseverance, and faith in myself and my skills.

I graduated in 2014 with a bachelor's degree with a focus in Psychology from SUNY Fredonia.

Lee Allan Hartlieb

Lee graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania after seven years with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Resource Management in spite of his physical limitations. He became physically disabled due to a head injury he acquired in 1981. Lee also spent a year in Australia during 1978. He is a published poet as well as amateur playwright and President of Exceptional Entrepreneurs of America