Alexandra Mikowski (she/her) serves as Executive Director for Access To Independence. Alex oversees all operations and program staff to ensure high quality services. Alex works with community partners to help deliver resources and advocacy to people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. Alex strives to develop meaningful relationships with local nonprofits, businesses, donors and foundations, and community members to explore innovative and collectively promote independence and inclusion.

Rick Hinkle (he/him) serves as Administrative Assistant for Access To Independence. Rick provides advanced administrative and program support for the Agency’s various programs. He provides primary oversight of reception protocols and coordinates the Agency’s consumer computer lab, community room, and video & book resource loan closet. Rick also provides primary support for the Agency’s newsletter production process and fundraising efforts.

Ally McCabe (she/her) serves as Project Director for the Cortland County Coalition on Cannabis & Alcohol – Neighbors with Disability & Lived Experience at Access to Independence (CANDLE Coalition). CANDLE is a peer-led coalition dedicated to reducing substance misuse within Cortland’s disability community. CANDLE places great value in its peer-driven approach and is committed to providing education and leadership opportunities for all coalition members.

Cora Mae Williams (she/ her) serves as the 1115 waiver coordinator for Access To Independence. She coordinates the training, implementation, and services provided through the 1115 waiver by the staff. Cora Mae helps to support individuals by addressing their health-related social needs, in the areas of housing, nutrition, transportation and enhanced case management.

Dave Deckard (he/him) serves as NY Connects Coordinator for Access To Independence. He works with people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers to provide unbiased information and connections to providers of long-term supports and services. Dave conducts education and awareness presentations to community partners, groups, and individuals about NY Connects and local long term supports and services. He also coordinates the Agency’s collaboration with the Cortland County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) on its NY Connects initiative.

Jeffery Schloupt (he/him) serves as Peer Advocate for Access To Independence. He assists people in nursing homes transition back into the community, as well as answers questions and concerns that arise in the process. Jeffery also covers the front desk and supports other programs as needed.

Jessica Hazel (she/her) serves as Peer Advocate for Access To Independence. She uses lived experience to support and provide resources to nursing home residents who are interested in transitioning to community-based living. Jess also assists with referrals to ATI’s Transition Program and provides peer and outreach support to ATI’s CANDLE Coalition.

Mark Holley (he/him) serves as an employment specialist for Access To Independence. His primary clients are people who work or are in danger of working in a sheltered, subminimum wage workshop. Mark also conducts educational outreach to local schools.

Michael Eastman (he/him) serves as Independent Living Coordinator for Access to Independence. He provides peer counseling to ATI’s consumers one-on-one and in class settings. He is a Certified Benefits Counselor and helps people navigate SSI/SSDI and other benefits. Michael also provides advanced operations support for the management of consumer data.

Payton Corl (she/her) serves as a Customized Employment Specialist for Access To Independence. She supports individuals currently in or considering segregated, subminimum wage employment to transition into meaningful, competitive, and integrated work opportunities. Payton helps people identify their strengths, explore career paths, and jobs that foster independence and inclusion in the community.

Samantha McMahon (she/her) serves as a Housing and Independent Living Specialist with the Olmstead Housing Subsidy for Access To Independence. She works with people that are interested in returning to the community after an extended stay in a nursing facility. Samantha ensures that the participant meets the qualifications and works diligently to identify and secure appropriate housing. Once the participant is housed, she works with them to identify and eliminate any barriers. Samantha works closely with many local agencies to help bring supports and services to participants in need.

Terri Rigge (she/her) serves as Transition & Housing Specialist for Access To Independence. She works with service providers, as well as social workers in nursing homes, to coordinate the access and delivery of supports and services to individuals interested in home and community-based living rather than institution-based living. Terri identifies and helps eradicate barriers to community integration while also coordinating the Agency’s Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) program.

Tina Carden (she/her) serves as Director of Community Impact for Access To Independence. She oversees all aspects of the Agency’s outreach, fundraising, and marketing efforts and assists with data tracking and reporting. Tina also provides public education and outreach services to people with disabilities and their families, community organizations, businesses, and government entities.

Sherry Lewis (she/her) serves as Human Resources and Finance Manager for Access To Independence. She oversees all aspects of the Agency’s budgeting and bookkeeping needs and provides assistance in the areas of human resources and grant writing.