OUR STAFF

Sheldon Schwitek

Executive Director
Sheldon comes to Community Advocates with more than 30 years of experience supporting people who experience disability which began with the birth of his youngest brother when he was 13 years old.

With a firm grounding in Person Centered Work through long associations with Inclusion Press and the Toronto Summer Institute, Sheldon’s focus has always been on encouraging people to “dream bigger” as a pathway to true citizenship. He is passionate about people living meaningful lives of contribution in their communities.

In 2011, Sheldon began to work with The Center for Positive Living Supports and their implementation of a Culture of Gentleness in Michigan. This work solidified his knowledge that relationships and community connections are fundamental to a safe and happy life. 

Recently, Sheldon has been working nationally and internationally weaving together his experience in Person Centered Work and mentorship as exemplary tools to assist people to realize full potential as citizens. 

The key message in Sheldon’s work is that all people can lead lives that are rich and meaningful and that this is the our most important work. He is excited to continue to deepen his practice and understanding of this work at The Arc Community Advocates in Kalamazoo; a community that is committed to social justice for all.

Anne Gaertner

Director of Outreach & Advocacy

Annie joined The Arc Community Advocates on January 16, 2018. She has extensive knowledge of community resources, and has experience advocating for families that are in need. Additionally, Annie has a long history working with children in Special Education, and adults with Mental Health diagnosis. Annie has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Health Education and Promotion from Central Michigan University. In her spare time, Annie is an accomplished musician, performing in local concert bands and theatre pit orchestras. She enjoys spending time with her family, attending music festivals, and thrift shopping.

LaTaynia Conant

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

LaTaynia has over 17 years of non-profit experience, specializing in event planning and management, social media marketing and maintaining large databases including data entry and reporting. In her experience she has helped raise thousands of dollars for non-profits through an Annual Auction, Annual Golf Scramble, Luncheons, and many other events. LaTaynia has always worked in a non-profit whose focus has been community inclusion which is why having her at The Arc Community Advocates will help us achieve our mission. 

Jackie Van Horn

Individual & Family Advocate

Jackie brings a diverse skill set to the Arc Community Advocates.  With a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Western Michigan University in Psychology and Sociology, she focuses on behavior as communication, and looks at situations as more than just the “moment”.  

As a mom of a child with special needs, she has worked with son’s school system from First Grade until his Graduation.  Along this journey, she focused on also teaching Self Advocacy Skills to her son, so he can be successful in both school and future employment.  She has been an active participant in her Parent Advisory Committee for 10 years.  

As a La Leche League Leader, she understands supporting families as they are, in the moment.  Previous employment includes 4 years as a Parent Mentor with Michigan Alliance for Families.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, singing, rescuing dogs, and getting in touch with nature.  

Kim Hinds-Lepsy

Individual & Family Advocate

Kim joins the Arc Community Advocates after gaining 20+ years of

experience working with several of Kalamazoo’s most dedicated

community organizations including Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, Ask

Services for Kids, Head Start and Living Ways. She is also a mother of 4,

learning first-hand the challenges of navigating the Mental Health

System and using those experiences to empower others.

Kim believes in making her community the best it can be for everyone,

that being uniquely authentic is better than being perfect and that The

Beatles are the greatest Rock band in history, but Prince’s performance

of “While my Guitar Gently Weeps” at his induction into the Rock & Roll

Hall of Fame can’t be beat.

Sarah Carmany
Legislative Liaison

Sarah Carmany has been advocating personally and legislatively for over a decade. She is the Vice Chair of the Self- Advocates of Michigan (S.A.M.) board, and a board member for Integrated Services of Kalamazoo. Sarah is also involved on a number of committees at the local, state and national level, advocating for fair representation and inclusion of people who experience IDD. Additionally, Sarah is an experienced presenter on topics related to promoting self-advocacy, self-determination and inclusive employment for individuals with developmental disabilities in Michigan.