Current PaRC Members including their Category of Representation are listed below.
Julia Barol, Vice Chair
CATEGORY OF REPRESENTATION: COMMUNITY REHABILITATION PROVIDERCommittees: Executive, Chair of Transition & Education, Vice Chair of CareerLink/WIOA, Vice Chair of Governance, Vice Chair of OVR Policy/State Plan/Customer Satisfaction, Legislative/Public Awareness
“I joined the PARC as President of PA APSE to share my knowledge and experience to help advance the employment of people with disabilities.”
Christie Cyktor
CATEGORY OF REPRESENTATION: CURRENT/FORMER CUSTOMERCommittees: Executive, Chair of Legislative/Public Awareness, OVR Policy/State Plan/Customer Satisfaction, Transition & Education
“Serving on the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council, and especially chairing the Legislative Committee, has been a powerful way to bridge my lived experience with systems-level advocacy. It gives me a platform to amplify the voices of people with disabilities, challenge structural barriers, and push for policies that make vocational rehabilitation and competitive integrated employment truly accessible, inclusive, and person driven. It’s not just about policy, it’s about progress, equity, and ensuring every Pennsylvanian with a disability has the opportunity to thrive.”
Cindy Duch
CATEGORY OF REPRESENTATION: PARENT TRAINING AND INFORMATION CENTER (PEAL CENTER)Committees: OVR Policy/State Plan/Customer Satisfaction, Transition/Education
“I joined the Council as a Director at the PEAL Center, PA’s Parent Training and Information Center. We have direct contact with youth and families throughout the state. We help youth and families navigate the school system to create vision and possibilities when transitioning from high school to adulthood. With the help of OVR, students are provided pathways to a richer, independent and community-based life.”
Joan Myers Goodman
Category of Representation: Business/Labor/IndustryCommittees: Executive, Chair of Action/Social Media, CareerLink/WIOA
“Joining PaRC seemed like a match for me. I was disabled as a teen, had positive
experiences with OVR services and a career in human resources. It’s time for
me to give back.”
Kait Gillis
CATEGORY OF REPRESENTATION: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARDCommittees: Action/Social Media, CareerLink/WIOA
Lynn Heitz
Category of Representation: Sensory DisabilitiesCommittees: Executive, Chair of OVR Policy/State Plan/Customer Satisfaction, Vice Chair of Legislative & Public Awareness, CareerLink/WIOA, IHO/Mediators Ad hoc
“As a person with a disability, I believe strongly in the phrase “Nothing About Us Without Us”. So many times, decisions are made for people with disabilities without their input. I want to be part of this change!”
Passle Helminski
Category of Representation: Cognitive DisabilitiesCommittees: CareerLink/WIOA, Governance, Legislative/Public Awareness, OVR Policy/State Plan/Customer Satisfaction
“I want to make our mission statement a living, breathing part of everyday life, which is the reason I wanted to become a member of the PaRC.”
Twana Jones
CATEGORY OF REPRESENTATION: BUSINESS/INDUSTRY/LABORCommittees: Executive, Chair of CareerLink/WIOA
“Rob Wallington knew I would be an excellent candidate to pick up where he left off. I have served for over 25 years doing Union representation and always ensure the Disability Act is being followed without prejudice in reference to work accommodations. The opportunity to assist in a broader aspect is exciting.”
Michelle Mitchell, Chair
Category of Representation: Rehabilitation CounselorCommittees: Chair of Executive and ex-officio member of all Committees
“Helping people “Find Their Own Way” has been my lifelong mission. That’s why I became a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor – to tear down the walls keeping people from their best lives. My purpose is to open those doors of opportunity for everyone, so they can pursue the training they need to become who they were always meant to be. I am part of PaRC because I am passionately committed to ensuring Pennsylvania holds true to his promise of helping every individual achieve employment.”
Andrew Pennington
Category of Representation: Client Assistance Program (CAP)Committees: CareerLink/WIOA, Chair of IHO/Mediators Ad hoc, Transition & Education
Dorian Rhodes
CATEGORY OF REPRESENTATION: VETERANCommittees: CareerLink/WIOA, Legislative/Public Awareness
Julianna Rodrigues, Member-at-Large
CATEGORY OF REPRESENTATION: COMMUNITY REHABILITATION PROVIDERCommittees: Executive, Vice Chair of Action/Social Media, Governance, Legislative/Public Awareness, OVR Policy/State Plan/Customer Satisfaction
“I joined the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council because OVR helped me discover my passion for empowering others to achieve independence. Through their support, I found the career I was meant to be in- helping people live fuller, more independent lives. As a person with a disability, I wanted to give back by using both my lived experience and the knowledge I’ve gained over the years, first as a client and now as a professional in the human services field. Serving on the Council is my way of making sure others have the same opportunities to succeed and thrive.”
Susan Tomasic
Category of Representation: Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)Committee: Executive, Chair of Governance Committee, Action/Social Media, OVR Policy/State Plan/Customer Satisfaction, IHO/Mediators Ad hoc
“I am the Chair of the PA SILC and serve as the SILC representative on the Council.”
Robert Wallington
Category of Representation: Business/Industry/LaborCommittees: Action/Social Media, CareerLink/WIOA, Governance
“The most important reason I chose to serve on the PaRC is to advocate for marginalized communities and help ensure they have the support and opportunities needed to earn a livable income — creating a positive and lasting impact in their lives.”