Julie Gerhart-Rothholz is a wife, mom, pharmacist, and Medical Affairs professional with a deep commitment to advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Inspired by her son Evan’s post-birth diagnosis where the focus was on potential medical problems and not resources, she began advocating in 2010. She has since worked at the local, state, and national levels to advance inclusion, access, and support for people with disabilities, caregivers, and allies.

A co-founder of the Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition and active member of the National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition, Julie has led grassroots efforts, engaged Pennsylvania and US policymakers through hill visits and community outreach, and presented at several National Down Syndrome Congress advocacy training. She also brings experience as a global employee business resource group leader focused on disability inclusion.

When not advocating or cheering Evan on at sporting events, Julie enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and organizing auctions and raffles. She believes in learning from those ahead of us on the journey and reaching back to propel forward those who are behind us.

​Michael Dever is an attorney who practices in Pittsburgh.  He received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from West Virginia University and a law degree from the University of Notre Dame.  Michael has been a member and past chair of the board of Achieva as well as a board member of the Arc of Greater Pittsburgh.  He was inspired to advocate for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities by his brother who was born with Down syndrome.

I have been the legislative advocate for The Arc of Philadelphia since 2015. In addition, I organize conferences and meetings with policymakers. I also help with the HealthMeet program, an initiative of The Arc of the U.S. to conduct trainings to medical professionals to provide information and increase awareness of health issues that impact people with disabilities.

I received my Associates degree in journalism from Edinboro State University. I live in my own home, and I enjoy sports, politics, and spending time with my family and friends.

Mr. Broderick joined the board of The Arc of PA in June 2018 as a presidential appointee. He recently retired from The Arc of North Eastern PA after serving that chapter for 46 years, 40 as Executive Director. Don holds degrees in Psychology and Rehab Counseling, both from the University of Scranton. He has been a respected and tireless advocate for the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at home, in Harrisburg, in Washington D.C., and across the nation.

Don and his wife, Rosemary, live in the Clarks Summit area of North Eastern PA. She is President and CEO of Summit Peak Associates, a consulting firm. They have two children, Stephen, 29, Washington D.C., and Sara, 26, London, U.K.

Lucille Piggott-Prawl is a Special Education/ Disability Rights Advocate. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science/Urban Studies from Rutgers University. Presently she is working on completing her Masters in Community Economic Development at Penn State. Lucille has certification from Temple University in the fields of Grant Writing and Nonprofit Fundraising.

Her professional experience includes Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities, State and Federal Government, Education, Intensive Case Management, and Housing. Lucille serves on the boards and committees of the Pennsylvania Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP), Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania, Monroe County’s Women’s Commission, Pennsylvania Right to Education Task Force, Local Right to Education Taskforce IU 20 and 21 – Past Co Chair, Co-Founder Pleasant Valley School District Diversity Task Force, and the United Way of Monroe County PA – Funds Distribution Committee Member.

Lucille Piggott-Prawl resides in Kunkletown with her family.

Josh began at The Arc of York County as a high school student working at Camp Pennwood in 1984. He began working as a full time employee in 1987. Since that time, Josh has held several positions including Director of Recreation, Employment Training Specialist, Penn Employment Coordinator, Director of Supported Employment, and Director of Operations. He was named Executive Director in October of 2017.

Kaitlyn Anderson is a self-advocate from the Pittsburgh area.  She is a graduate of Baldwin High School and The St. Anthony Post-Secondary Transition Program at Duquesne University.  She works several part-time jobs as a Cashier, Barista, and an Administrative Assistant.  She is an Ambassador for Best Buddies, is a past member of the Pennsylvania Best Buddies Student Advisory Board and currently serves on the Best Buddies Pittsburgh Advisory Board.  Kaitlyn also competes in multiple sports for Special Olympics and is a Special Olympics Global Messenger.

Additionally, Kaitlyn is an Alumni of the Bender Leadership Academy and a member of the 2025-2026 cohort for the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disorders (LEND) program at the University of Pittsburgh.  She is the proud recipient of the 2020 Achieva Cecil and David Rosenthal Community Award. Kaitlyn also plays baseball, sings and dances in annual musical productions, is in her 19^th year of dance, and takes guitar lessons.  Kaitlyn loves using her voice to advocate for individuals with disabilities and is excited to serve on the Board for the Arc of PA.

Rebekah (Becky) Cunningham is the Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Centre County. Becky joined The Arc as a Direct Support Professional in 2000 and subsequently has held a variety of roles in Residential and Community-Based Services, Training, and Human Resources before becoming Chief Operating Officer and, in 2013, Chief Executive Officer. She studied Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation Services at Penn State. For over 25 years, Becky has dedicated her career to empowering people with disabilities and advocating for their right to live self-directed, fulfilling lives.

Jennifer Dales resides in a small rural community near Pymatuning State Park in Crawford County. In 2019, she stood at a crossroads. After sending her only child to college at the end of summer, she found herself with an empty nest. Having earned her BS in Psychology from the University of Phoenix in 2013, she contemplated returning to school in pursuit of a graduate degree; however, life had other plans.

In the summer of 2020, Jennifer’s life calling found her in the form of an unplanned pregnancy and an unexpected extra 21st chromosome. Her son Riley’s prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis changed her life in unimaginable ways. Jennifer frequently finds herself pushed outside of her comfort zone — often in the best ways.

Jennifer’s days are currently filled with various Early Intervention therapies, children’s books, nursery rhymes, and naptime. But Riley won’t be a preschooler forever, so Jennifer is preparing for life to change again soon. Presently, she works with a group of dedicated moms whose children share a diagnosis of Down syndrome to create a group focused on parental support, shared experiences, and social outings that accommodate the unique needs of children with disabilities. As Riley grows, Jennifer hopes to gain a better understanding of the needs of members of the disability community and their families in rural areas and how she can best help to fill those needs.

Jeanne Downey is a speech-language pathologist and provides early intervention speech therapy in the Erie area. She received her master’s degree in speech pathology from Clarion University. She has been an advocate for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Jeanne has completed two terms as President of The Arc of Pennsylvania and begins a new term on The Arc Board. Her youngest daughter has Down syndrome and this has been a driving force for Jeanne’s focus on families and people with disabilities. Jeanne especially loves spending time with her two young granddaughters who live in Erie.

Mary Anne was appointed as a member of the Board by long-time friend, Sara Wolff, co-president from Lackawanna County.  Mary Anne is a mother of three adult children, including a 20 year old daughter with Apert Syndrome, for whom she had to advocate strongly throughout her developmental years.  She is an attorney for O’Malley & Langan, P.C. where she has spent the last 29 years seeking justice for the injured and disabled.  Although she was only recently appointed to the ARC Board of Directors, she has a strong passion and interest in supporting the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

I am a proud mother of two incredible daughters. My eldest, now 25, is diagnosed with Intellectual Disability and Autism, and my youngest, 21, is currently a student at East Stroudsburg University. This fall, she will begin an internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as a Medical Technician student.

My personal journey has fueled my passion for advocacy, particularly for individuals who cannot advocate for themselves. Over the years, I’ve sought guidance and wisdom from seasoned advocates in the disability community, and I feel truly fortunate to have learned so much from their experiences. Advocacy is not just something I do; it is a deep calling and a central part of who I am.

Currently, I serve as a Direct Support Professional for my daughter, which gives me daily insight into both the rewards and challenges of this vital work. Every day is a learning experience, and I continue to grow in understanding and commitment.

Experience includes: Former Chair and Co-Chair- Right to Education Local Task Force 20, and Committee Member of Project SEARCH, Colonial IU20, Employment Coalition, MHDS of Monroe County (active as available, Regional Collaborative, MHDS of Monroe County (active as available), Quality Assurance Council, MHDS of Monroe County (active as available), Human Rights Committee, MHDS of Monroe County (active as available), Human Rights Committee, Monarch Behavioral, Bethlehem (active as available), 21 & ABLE Initiative, Transportation Work Group with the Public Health Program Administrator, PA Department of Health, Bureau of Family Health, and Self-Advocacy Leadership Writing Team, Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council– RFA Writing Team

As a parent, I’ve brought my lived experience to these roles, offering insight, perspective, and a strong voice for families navigating the disability system.

Catherine Siris has been advocating for children with disabilities and supporting families throughout Pennsylvania for the past 8 years. She has served as the parent co-chair for Early Intervention Connections (the Local Interagency Coordinating Council for Cumberland, Perry, and Dauphin Counties), started the Special Education Parent Advisory Council in Derry Township, and has participated in numerous speaking engagements for promoting family engagement. Her passion for disability rights stems from her experiences with her own child with Down Syndrome. Catherine holds an MBA from the George Washington University and a BA from the University of Virginia.  In her free time, she enjoys reading and playing with her husband and 3 children.

Board member Vicki Wertman leads by example. She lives independently, has worked at Knoebels Amusement resort for five years in catering, and has been a part of The Arc Susquehanna Valley’s Self-Advocacy Group for over 8 years. Vicki brings lived experience to The Arc of Pennsylvania’s Board of Directors. Vicki enjoys being with people, so The Arc is a great fit. Vicki is very proud to serve! She loves the entertainer Tony Orlando, she’s attending her 10th Tony Orlando concert this winter. (Vicki is featured in the photo attending a Halloween dance).