Our Staff
Our team has a range of experiences supporting people with developmental disabilities—both personal and professional. Most of our staff are trained social workers and educators, and a few have developmental disabilities themselves or family members with developmental disabilities. What we all have in common is a passion for helping you achieve your goals.
Jennifer Roccanti, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
My first day at OMO: August 7, 2017
A little about me: I’m responsible for managing all aspects of our organization and ensuring our staff have the resources they need to provide the highest-quality support to our members. Before I came to On My Own of Michigan, I was the Chief Performance Officer for Miriam’s Kitchen—a nonprofit working to end long-term homelessness in Washington, DC. I also had a career in community relations for minor league baseball teams and even spent some summers dressed as a mascot. I have a Bachelor of Science in Print Journalism from Suffolk University, certificates in nonprofit management and strategy and performance management from Georgetown University, and a Master of Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University. Recently, I was named a Notable Woman in Nonprofits by Crain's Detroit Business, inducted into the Oakland County 40 Under 40 Class of 2023, and awarded the Distinguished Service Award by The Arc of Oakland County.
Contact me: jennifer@onmyownofmi.org // (248) 649-3739 x 223
My pronouns: she/her/hers
Emily Lourim, MA
Director of Education
My first day at OMO: August 22, 2022
A little about me: I’m responsible for developing and leading our programs for teens and young adults: Independence Prep and Independence College. I came to On My Own of Michigan with more than a decade of experience working with neurodiverse students, most recently as a special education teacher and founder of Lemonade Learning, a small business providing vocational and independent living skills training to neurodiverse teens and young adults. I have a Bachelor of Science in Childhood and Special Education from New York University and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Eastern Michigan University. Recently, I was honored with the Inspiration Award from The Arc of Oakland County.
Contact me: emily@onmyownofmi.org // (248) 649-3739 x 221
My pronouns: she/her/hers
Kayla Gaffney
Lead Instructor
My first day at OMO: August 23, 2023
A little about me: I’m responsible for teaching our Independence Prep and Independence College students how to live independently. I was previously a special education teacher and have a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Michigan State University.
Contact me: kaylag@onmyownofmi.org // (248) 649-3739 x 226
My pronouns: she/her/hers
Leigh Rydell
Assistant Instructor
My first day at OMO: December 9, 2024
A little about me: I work with our Independence College students in the classroom and at their job sites, providing support to help them build their independence. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wayne State University and spent several years as an instructor for OpenSpot Theater company. For the last few years I've been working on live tours throughout North America.
Contact me: leigh@onmyownofmi.org
Kristi Davis, CTRS
Recreation Specialist
My first day at OMO: March 14, 2022
A little about me: I’m responsible for developing and managing our Skill Building Program activities. In addition to my work at On My Own of Michigan, I'm also the Dementia and Disabilities Supportive Services Program Coordinator at the Alzheimer's Association Greater Michigan Chapter. I was previously the Recreation Manager at JARC and a certified therapeutic recreation specialist for people with traumatic brain injuries. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic Recreation from Western Washington University.
Contact me: kristi@onmyownofmi.org // (248) 649-3739 x 100
My pronouns: she/her/hers
Shannon Graham, LLBSW
Senior Independent Living Coordinator
My first day at OMO: September 11, 2019
A little about me: I’m responsible for providing personalized independent living support to our members. I came to On My Own of Michigan as an intern while I was completing my social work degree and was hired into my current role in April 2020. I have a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Wayne State University.
Contact me: shannon@onmyownofmi.org // (248) 649-3739 x 230
My pronouns: she/her/hers
Amanda Juliano, M.Ed
Senior Independent Living Coordinator
My first day at OMO: May 9, 2022
A little about me: I’m responsible for providing personalized independent living support to our members. I came to On My Own of Michigan with 10 years of experience in the education field, most recently serving as a middle school ASD teacher. I have a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Special Education with an ASD concentration, both from Oakland University.
Contact me: amanda@onmyownofmi.org // (248) 649-3739 x 225
My pronouns: she/her/hers
Darius Watkins, BSW
Independent Living Assistant
My first day at OMO: February 1, 2023
A little about me: I work with our Independent Living Program members, teaching them independent living skills 1:1. I came to On My Own of Michigan as an intern with four years' experience working with people with developmental disabilities and was hired into my current role in January 2023. I have a Bachelor of Social Work degree and am now pursuing my masters in social work at Oakland University.
Contact me: darius@onmyownofmi.org // (248) 649-3739 x 231
My pronouns: he/him/his
Colleen Burtka
Revenue Development Manager
My first day at OMO: April 1, 2024
A little about me: I manage our fundraising and marketing efforts and came to On My Own of Michigan with more than a decade of similar experience working with the OPC Social and Activity Center and Angels' Place. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Michigan State University.
Contact me: colleen@onmyownofmi.org // (248) 649-3739 x 229
My pronouns: she/her/hers
Our Board
Our work is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees, 75% of whom have a family member with a developmental disability.
The board’s role is to ensure our organization is meeting the needs of our members and remains financially sustainable. They meet every other month to discuss the strategic progress we’re making.
Dave Konop
President
Principal, KPMG
Jim Skrobosinski
Treasurer
Partner, UHY LLP
Doug Labadie
Secretary
Managing Director, KPMG
Rhoshonda Knox
Trustee
HR Director, Flint Center for Educational Excellence
Katy Levinson
Trustee
Co-Founder, My Relationships Project
Molly O'Shea, MD
Trustee
CEO, Marvel Management
Kathy Remski
Trustee
Realtor, @Properties and Co-Founder, SAIL: Solutions for Adult Interdependent Living
Lisa Toenniges
Trustee
CEO, Innovative Learning Group
Our Family Support Organization
The Family Support Organization (FSO) is made up of families of our members, and is designed to support On My Own of Michigan families, members and the organization as a whole. The FSO oversees the bylaws for On My Own of Michigan and appoints our Board of Trustees.
Quarterly meetings provide opportunities for families to share experiences, learn about and become involved in the organization’s programming, and discuss common concerns and ideas.
Nancie Munselle
President
Diane Mueller
Vice President
Michele Koziara
Treasurer
Tamra Pickthorn
Secretary