Meghan Suttlehan is an OPWDD Certified Independent Start Up and Support Broker, that serves the Capital, Hudson Valley and Taconic Regions.

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Meghan is the mother of a beautiful daughter with a disability who has developmental delays. Meghan's daughter has inspired her to become her voice and greatest advocate. Going through her own experiences with her daughter has led Meghan to this rewarding career as a Start Up and Support Broker. Meghan realized that other individuals deserve the same support.

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The greatest lesson Meghan has learned so far through experience as a Broker is communication! It takes a village to support and make a difference for an individual. Without constant communication the ship may sink. That is where Meghan's role as a Broker comes into play. Not only is Meghan there to keep the team together and work cohesively but also to bring honesty, be the voice of reason, be the ear to listen to the individual or supporting the guardian/parent when things get overwhelming.

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Meghan has a plethora of experience working in Health Care, Emergency Medical Technician, Family Advocate, and Operations Management. Meghan holds a Bachelor of Science, specifically in Business, Management and Economics from Empire State College.

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Meghan has been able to take all the different skills that she learned over the years and meshed them all into one to create a positive Start Up and Support Broker experience.

Jim Dame is Director and Co-Founder of Inspiring Independence & Opportunity LLC. He is also an experienced OPWDD Certified Independent Support Broker and Broker Mentor who serves the Capital District, Hudson Valley and Taconic Regions.

​Jim is the father of a daughter with a disability who has developmental and health challenges.
Years of being a proud parent of a child with a disability has been the inspiration and driving
force behind Jim helping others navigate the self-direction process. His experience as a parent and as a Support Broker has provided him with a well-rounded perspective that he applies to helping every individual.

​Jim feels that the most important aspects of being an effective Support Broker are patience, good communication, active listening, and honesty. He has learned that focusing on these qualities helps him to understand an individual’s needs while focusing on solutions through a team approach to build confidence and hope for individuals and their families.

​Jim has a diverse background with many years of experience as a scientific consultant, company manager, tax professional and business owner.  He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology and a minor in Mathematics from Lyndon State College.

 

​Jim is grateful to have the opportunity to help individuals find the resources needed to achieve happiness and greater independence.

Erin Pashley is an OPWDD Certified Independent Support Broker serving the Capital Region, Hudson Valley and Taconic Regions.

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Erin has been in the Self Direction arena for many years prior to becoming a Support Broker as she is the Founder/Executive Director of a Therapeutic Riding Facility located in Guilderland, NY where 95% of the
clients served are Self Directed. She has seen first-hand how beneficial Self Direction is to her clients and families and that is why she became a Support Broker.

Erin enjoys being a Support Broker because the position allows her to assist a person in increasing their opportunities to participate in activities within their community, recognize their individual desires, interests and dreams and through a team effort develop a plan to turn those desires and dreams into
reality.

Erins brings to the team over 30 years of Accounting and Business Management experience with an Associate Degree in Business Management from Schenectady Community College as well as an Associates Degree in Human Services from Empire State College.

Becky is an OPWDD Certified Independent Support Broker serving the Capital Region, Hudson Valley and Taconic Regions.

 

She moved to Schenectady County in 2001 where she and her husband raised their
three children and are now enjoying being grandparents to three grandchildren. Becky initiated her finance career in 2004. With a robust background in finance spanning over two decades, she is now dedicated to assisting individuals in achieving self-direction and establishing a route to independence
and community integration.

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As your Support Broker, her primary goal is to advocate for your needs, preferences, and aspirations.

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Becky holds a degree in business from Schenectady County Community College.

Carrie is an OPWDD Certified Independent Support Broker serving the Capital Region, Hudson Valley and Taconic Regions.

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Carrie started her career as a teacher and spent 18 years teaching and supporting students to achieve their goals.  Carrie has worked as a Direct Support Professional supporting individuals living in various residential settings.  Working as a DSP exposed Carrie to the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of People with disabilities.  Carrie moved into Care Management and has become an expert at assisting families with enrolling for and managing a Self-Direction budget.  Carrie believes in creating a relationship with her clients that is based on respect, honesty and communication.  

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Carrie holds a BA in Child and Family Services from Empire State College and a MS in Education from Plattsburgh State College.