OUR STAFF

Rhasheda Shepherd

Executive Director

Rhasheda served as the Chief Operating Officer for InterAct of Michigan Inc., the Contract & Compliance Manager for Residential Opportunities Inc., and has succeeded in leadership roles at Kalamazoo RESA, Kalamazoo County Government, and Bronson Methodist Hospital.  

She is pursuing a Doctorate of Education and Leadership in Healthcare from Nebraska Methodist College. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration from Davenport University and a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University, where she served as Vice-Chair of WMU’s SPAA Advisory Council.  Rhasheda is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha Global Honor Society for Public Affairs & Administration and The Kalamazoo Civic Theater board of directors.

Anne Gaertner

Director of Outreach & Advocacy

Annie joined The Arc Community Advocates in January of 2018 as an Individual & Family Advocate, and transitioned into The Director of Outreach & Advocacy in the Fall of 2021. She brings 25 years of experience working directly with families and individuals that experience barriers.

Annie started her career doing In-Home Crisis Intervention, and transitioned to Community Mental Health, supporting adults that experience disabilities. From there, she went into Special Education and MTSS/Behavior Intervention Support at the St. Joseph County ISD and Portage Public Schools. Annie also has extensive knowledge of Community Resources and targeted skills to connect families in need. 

Annie is known for being a collaborative and resourceful Advocate, working diligently to meet families and individuals where they are at, utilizing strength-based practices, and ensuring that all children have what they need to make progress at school.

LaTaynia Conant

Marketing & Communications Coordinator 

LaTaynia  brings over 19 years of nonprofit experience rooted in advocacy, inclusion, and community empowerment. She is deeply committed to organizations that promote equity and ensure all individuals have a voice and place in their communities.

Known for her exceptional organizational skills and creative versatility, LaTaynia has played a key role in social media marketing, graphic design, website development, data reporting, and fundraising event planning. Her efforts have helped raise thousands of dollars through successful events such as auctions, golf scrambles, and luncheons, all in support of inclusive programs and services.

Outside of her professional work, LaTaynia is a proud mom, an avid sports fan, and a loyal Detroit Lions supporter—no matter the season. She enjoys camping, crafting, and spending meaningful time with friends and family. Passionate, dedicated, and community-driven, LaTaynia brings heart and purpose to everything she does. 

Jackie Van Horn

Individual & Family Advocate

Jackie joined The Arc Community Advocates in 2021, and brings a diverse skill set to the team.  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 the mom of an adult child who experiences a disability, she has personally navigated the system of Special Education, promoting Self-Advocacy, collaboration with the school, and planning for his employment success.

She served as a La Leche League Leader for 14 years, and as an active participant in her local Parent Advisory Committee for 10 years. Additionally, Jackie worked as a Regional Parent Mentor with Michigan Alliance for Families for 4 years. She is currently serving on Berrien RESA’s Board of Education.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, singing, rescuing dogs, crocheting and getting in touch with nature.  

Kallie Griffin-Pena

Individual & Family Advocate

Kallie comes to The Arc Community Advocates with a diverse skill set. Kallie graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree from Western Michigan University in Health and Physical Education, and began her education journey working in many area districts such as Paw Paw, Lawrence, KRESA and Portage, where she developed her passion for working with children in Special Education. While working in the various Special Education programs, Kallie became the go to person when it came to behaviors, as she met each student where they were at, and viewed their behaviors as a means of communication. Her unique approach helped her to build relationships with her students and their families. 

In her free time, Kallie enjoys being active and outside with her family, as well as camping and traveling to Disney World every year with her family and making magical memories that last a lifetime. She currently is the Director and Vice-President of the Challenger Little League, Kalamazoo's inclusion softball program run out of Milwood Little League, which quickly became her passion as soon as she stepped onto the field. When she isn't on the field coaching Challenger, you can find her on the field watching her son play baseball and football or on the court playing basketball. 

Stephanie Huizar (Sutton)

Individual & Family Advocate

Stephanie comes to The Arc Community Advocates with over 15 years of experience in youth development, starting as a Preschool Teacher, and growing into roles as a Parent Educator, After-School Program Coordinator, and Youth Development Coordinator. She’s passionate about advocating for young people, which began with her work with the Life Guides program at Goodwill SWMI, where she championed youth success and empowerment.  

When Stephanie’s not busy making an impact, she’s likely at one of her son’s sporting events—whether it’s football, basketball, or golf—or cheering on the Detroit Lions, U of M teams, and her favorite IndyCar racers. A lover of adventure, she enjoys traveling, discovering new places, and savoring all the tacos she can find. 

Approachable, dedicated, and full of energy, Stephanie brings enthusiasm and heart to everything she does. 

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.