Welcome to a special live edition of CP State(d) — recorded at the 2025 CP State Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs! This year’s theme, Powering Progress, is all about innovation, leadership, and the people driving the future of services for New Yorkers with disabilities.

In this episode, we’re spotlighting the Emerging Leaders Committee — a dynamic group of professionals from CP State Affiliates across the state who are shaping the next generation of leadership in our field.

Joining us for this conversation are:

• Nichole Belonge, Director of OPWDD Services at the Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country

• Brianne Flewelling, Senior Team Director at Racker

• Laura Beth Malkowski, Vice President of Day Services at Aspire of WNY

• Donovan R. McKenzie, Sr., MSA, Senior Coordinator of Operations at ADAPT Community Network

Together, they’ll share what inspired them to step into leadership, how they’re fostering growth and innovation across their agencies, and how emerging leaders can influence systems change statewide.

We’ll also explore the committee’s two major initiatives — a supervisor training series designed to strengthen the workforce and this very podcast, CP State(d) — which gives a platform to fresh voices in the disability field.

So, get ready to hear from four leaders who are not just imagining the future — they’re Powering Progress right now.

How can nonprofits build digital resiliency in a rapidly changing world? In this episode of CP State(d), CP State Technology Specialist Kelsey Massyk interviews Adam Eads, Senior Program Manager at TechSoup, about cybersecurity, technology literacy, and creating a culture that embraces innovation.

Together, they explore how nonprofits can protect themselves from emerging threats, overcome barriers to tech adoption, and build the confidence needed to integrate new tools effectively. Whether you’re just starting your digital journey or looking to elevate your organization’s practices, this episode offers actionable insights to keep your mission secure and sustainable.

In this episode of CP State(d), we preview the keynote address from communication expert and author Tim David at the CP State Annual Conference on October 9.

Tim shares why strong human connection is a learned skill -not an innate gift - and how it can transform leadership, teamwork, and the quality of our lives.

From the science behind his bestselling books to practical takeaways for everyday interactions, this conversation offers a taste of what’s in store at the conference.

Learn more about Tim at https://www.timdavidspeaks.com/.

In this episode of CP State(d), we sit down with Sara Trowers from Jawonio to talk about Brick It Again,  an innovative LEGO resale shop that provides job training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Sara shares the story behind the program, how it’s grown,and the impact it’s having on both the community and the individuals it supports. We’ll also look ahead to Brick-A-Palooza, an exciting event happening on September 20 that brings LEGO fans of all ages together to celebratecreativity, inclusion, and possibility.

Whether you’re passionate about employment opportunities, creative programming, or just love LEGOs, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical ideas.

Dr. Maria Kansas Devine, Chief Medical Officer at theCenter for Disability Services, joins CP State(d) to discuss what it takes to deliver better medical care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

From expanding telehealth options and addressing unconscious biases, to empowering patients and families through advocacy, Dr. Kansas shares actionable strategies for creating more equitable and effective healthcareexperiences.

Whether you’re a clinician, caregiver, or advocate, thisconversation offers valuable insight into making care more person-centered, accessible, and respectful.

In this Short Stated episode, Dr. Maria Kansas Devine, Chief Medical Officer at the Center for Disability Services, offers a brief but vital look at how diabetes uniquely impacts people with developmental disabilities.

She shares clinical insights on early warning signs, barriers to effective care, and why person-centered education and proactive monitoring are essential. Whether you're a provider, family member, or caregiver, this quick hit will help you better support the health and well-being of those you serve.

In this episode of CP State(d), we sit down with Constance Harrington, Director of Education and Accreditation for Tech First SHIFT, to explore the real-world impact of enabling technology in disability services.

Constance shares how SHIFT is helping organizations across the country adopt tech-forward, person-centered supports that promote independence and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We cover what enabling technology really means, how to get started, how to train staff, and what funding options exist in New York to make it all possible.

Whether you're new to enabling tech or looking to deepen your impact, this conversation offers insight, guidance, and inspiration.

Layla Hazlett is the Director and Clinical Coordinator of Adult Services at Pathfinder Village, a community in Otsego County, New York for people who have Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. She joins us to talk about Pathfinder's Farmstead Market Project.

The Farmstead will be the new home for Pathfinder Produce, a business that offers vocational training opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities and helps meet the fresh produce and staple food needs in a USDA-designated food desert community. The Farmstead Market and Community Center will feature local farm products, goods created by local artisans, and specialty items created by businesses owned by entrepreneurs in the disabilities community.

The Farmstead will also offer:

• Culinary training classes and Grab ‘n Go lunch menus to serve our community.
• Training services for adults with disabilities who desire community-based jobs
• Community events and enrichment activities
• Space rental options for small businesses, private events.

Welcome to the first episode of CP State(d). Huge thanks to our guests for kicking things off with such heart and honesty. Their reflections on what drives them - whether it’s the people, the purpose, or the possibilities - set the tone for the conversations ahead.

We’re just getting started. In upcoming episodes, we’ll explore critical topics shaping our field, including advocacy that drives real change, the financial realities behind supporting quality services, and more conversations with the people who keep our system strong.

Make sure to subscribe, follow, and share CP State(d) with your network. We’re here to inform, inspire, and amplify the voices moving disability services forward.

Stay connected, stay committed, and stay CP State(d).

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