Our Staff
On My Own of Michigan is currently supported by a staff of five. Four of those members are on our program team and dedicated solely to supporting your progress.
Our staff comes to On My Own of Michigan with a range of experiences supporting individuals with developmental disabilities—personal, educational and professional. Some are trained social workers and educators. A few have family members with developmental disabilities. What we have in common though is a passion for helping you achieve your goals.
Jennifer Roccanti
Executive Director
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 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.
Ask me about: our plans for the future, our finances, ways you can invest in our work and the daily operations of the organization
Contact me: jennifer@onmyownofmi.org // (248) 649-3739 x 223
Rachel Newbill
Independent Living Program Manager
My first day at OMO: December 2, 2015
A little about me: I’m responsible for developing and managing our robust suite of individualized support services, and for ensuring our members have the skills and support they need to live independently. Before I came to On My Own of Michigan, I worked as a resident advocate and crisis line staffer at Turning Point, Inc. I have a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Oakland University and am also a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional.
Ask me about: our independent living program
Contact me: rachel@onmyownofmi.org // (248) 649-3739 x 228
Alexa Cotter
Skill-Building Program Manager
My first day at OMO: September 19, 2018
A little about me: I’m responsible for creating the curriculum to help our members develop and refine their independent living and social skills. Before I came to On My Own of Michigan, I worked as an elementary school teacher. I have a Bachelor of Arts in English and Education and a Master of Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University.
Ask me about: our skill-building program.
Contact me: alexa@onmyownofmi.org // (248) 649-3739 x225
Natalie Jackson
Independent Living Program Coordinator
My first day at OMO: September 3, 2019
A little about me: I’m responsible for providing one-on-one independent living support to 16 of our members. I came to On My Own of Michigan shortly after I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan.
Ask me about: independent living support services
Contact me: natalie@onmyownofmi.org // (248) 649-3739 x 226
Michaela Smith
Independent Living Program Aide
My first day at OMO: November 21, 2016
A little about me: I’m responsible for providing one-on-one skill-building support to 10 of our members. I came to On My Own of Michigan while studying for my Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education at Wayne State University, which I will complete later this year.
Ask me about: independent living direct care services
Contact me: michaela@onmyownofmi.org // (248) 649-3739 x 229
Our Board
Our work is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees, currently comprised of 8 members of our community. Three of our trustees have family in On My Own of Michigan programs.
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.
Kathleen Tillson
President
Pat McFawn
Vice President
Barb Baker
Treasurer
Tom Welbourn
Trustee
Ann Patronik
Trustee
Lisa Toenniges
Trustee
Dave Konop
Trustee
Tieast Leverett-Thornton
Trustee
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.
Every-other-month 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
Deb Schultz
Vice President
Michele Koziara
Treasurer
Chris Harman
Secretary