Wade Wingler is vice president at Easterseals Crossroads and provides executive leadership and support to a wide variety of quality, innovative services to people with disabilities and their families. (Assistive Technology, Autism, Adult Day Services, Home Modification, Adaptive Driving and Enterprise IT) He is the agency's information security officer and ensures HIPAA compliance throughout the agency’s data systems. He did his undergraduate work at Butler University, holds an MBA from Indiana State University, is a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP) and a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist (CEAS). He launched and grew the INDATA Project's social media platforms, including the creation and hosting of the #1 podcast on assistive technology, Assistive Technology Update. He is a well-known speaker at national and international conferences and has taught college-level courses on disability, accessibility and technology at Indiana University, Purdue University and Vincennes University. He is a past-chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disability-City of Indianapolis, a past-president of the Indiana Rehabilitation Association, and he serves on a variety of advisory boards and committees for organizations such as The Human-Computer Interaction Department at the School of Informatics at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and the Government Affairs Committee for the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities. Wade’s personal mission statement is “to be a great husband and father as well as a non-profit-focused, tech savvy senior executive who helps lead people and organizations in reaching and exceeding their goals.”
Brian is the director of assistive technology at Easterseals Crossroads. He is responsible for the agency’s assistive technology service line that includes clinical assistive technology and the INDATA Project, a federally-funded statewide assistive technology program for the agency. He began working at Easterseals Crossroads as an employment consultant in 1997 and made the transition into assistive technology in 1999 as a trainer. He now utilizes his many years of experience to provide direction, leadership and training to a diverse and highly-skilled team of AT professionals. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Anderson University and is a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist (CEAS). He hosts a popular internet radio program and podcast “ATFAQ – Assistive Technology Frequently Asked Questions,” is a well-known speaker at state and national conferences, and serves on several advisory boards for organizations such as the Indiana Traumatic Brain Injury Board, Indiana Agrability, International Association of Audio Information Services and Indiana Arts Commission. Brian’s personal mission is “to love his family well and to help people lead more independent and fulfilling lives through the use of assistive technology.” When he isn’t at work, he enjoys time with his family, working in the yard and watching/playing sports.
Josh has worked at Easterseals Crossroads since 2011, first in employment services and then moved to the assistive technology department. In 2016, he was promoted to the manager of clinical assistive technology. Josh holds a Bachelor of Public Affairs in nonprofit management with a minor in sociology and is a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP). In 2018, Josh took over hosting duties of Assistive Technology Update, the #1-ranked assistive technology podcast. Josh is also a panelist on the podcast “ATFAQ – Assistive Technology Frequently Asked Questions.” Josh has “always had a drive to help others achieve their goals and realize their full potential, which led me to Easterseals Crossroads.” As an assistive technology specialist, he assists individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals in life with the assistance of technology. Josh’s personal mission is “to be the best he can be for his consumers, family and friends and to have a job that has meaning helping others.” He strives to have fun in everything he tackles and makes the process enjoyable for all his consumers.
Tracy worked in the Wayne Township school district before joining our team at Easterseals Crossroads as a ReUse technician. As a ReUse technician, she is responsible for getting donated computers in working condition to be given out to people with disabilities in the state of Indiana. When working in the school district as a teacher's assistant, she spent her time helping students with math and reading. She also continues to volunteer at MSD Wayne Township in their HOST program, a program designed to help students become better readers. Tracy completed her associate degree in education at Ivy Tech in May 2015 and plans to return to school to obtain a degree in information technology. Her personal mission is “to lead by example,” and she enjoys helping people in need. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family playing games. She and her husband also enjoy listening to Bachata music and dancing.
As the INDATA equipment specialist, Justin procures new assistive technology for the loan library and assists members of the community with equipment loans and device demonstrations. Justin is known for his over-the-top pride as a Purdue University alumnus. During his undergraduate career at Purdue University, he received a Bachelor of Science in human services with a minor in organizational leadership and supervision. Justin’s personal mission is “to provide at least one person a day with a smile and a hearty laugh.” Outside of work, you will most likely find Justin enjoying the adventures of parenthood with his wife, Esther. You might also find him exploring the latest local restaurants and breweries or watching his favorite professional sports teams (Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks).
Steve’s career started in 1978 at Snap On Tools, a manufacturer of hardware products. He left the company in 1980 and joined the Marines. He was stationed in California for four years before he received an honorable discharge. Steve then went back to Snap On Tools in 1984 for another 12 years and decided to join the Army National Guard, where he served on weekends while living and working in Indiana. He now works as an equipment specialist in the INDATA Project’s equipment loan library, assuring devices get loaned to consumers in a timely manner. He is responsible for taking care of and organizing the equipment. He prides himself on doing his job to the best of his ability. Steve graduated from John Marshall High School and then served in the Marines. Steve’s personal mission is “to do the best job he can to help others who need assistive technology.” When he is not working, he loves to spend time with his grandkids and also likes to play ping-pong and pool.
Alvin was a volunteer with the Assistive Technology Center for quite some time before becoming an employee. His education, background and previous experience working in information technology has made him a valuable employee in the ATC department. He now is the ReUse coordinator who oversees “The Depot” equipment reuse program. He is passionate about getting donated computers into the hands of folks with disabilities who may not otherwise be able to afford a computer. Alvin received his Bachelor of Science in computer science at the University of the Philippines and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management at IUPUI’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Alvin’s personal mission is “to take over the world with kindness … or something with more modest scope.” When he is not at work, Alvin loves to eat. He is the “foodie” of our team and is particularly nuts about coconuts and a self-professed “coconut expert.” On other days, he enjoys spending time with family, maybe on the courts or in his yard.
Nikol worked in the employment division at Easterseals Crossroads from 1998 to 2003. Then, she moved to California and became a stay-at-home mother. She returned to Indiana to be closer to her family and began working at Easterseals Crossroads again in 2010 in the assistive technology department as the community outreach coordinator. It is her passion to help people, and she is often referred to as the “front door of the assistive technology department.” Nikol’s goal is to help others recognize there are assistive technology solutions to everyday struggles and help them get connected to those resources. She is passionate about understanding consumers’ needs and educating them about resources and services that will enable them to make well-informed decisions. She is a taskmaster who gets great satisfaction out of helping people find information that will relieve their stress and improve their lives. Nikol holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University in psychology with a minor in social work. Her motto is “to be kind and helpful to everyone because you don’t know their story and what they could be going through.” Her personal mission is “to be the best she can be with all the hats she wears, including the most important, which is mother to two children.” When she is not at work, she loves to spend time with family and friends doing any outdoor activities, dancing, traveling and consuming music, art and adventures.
Laura began her career at Easterseals Crossroads as INDATA’s intern and eventually landed a permanent position as INDATA’s social media content specialist. Laura is responsible for researching and writing the content found on our blog. She is also the host of our Accessibility Minute podcast, a 60-second podcast covering everything accessibility which airs every Friday. During her college career at Ball State University, Laura studied special education but eventually switched to creative writing. Her background in both special education and writing made her an ideal candidate for becoming our social media content specialist. Laura’s mission can be summed up in this quote by Benjamin Franklin: “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” When she is not at work, she enjoys painting, visiting museums and cuddling with her American Bulldog named Winnie Eleanor.
Belva started her career with Easterseals Crossroads as an assistive technology trainer in 2004. Belva is currently an assistive technology specialist and is the team lead for the vision/sensory team. Belva holds many certificates in assistive technologies and Microsoft. Belva is known throughout Indiana as one of the most talented trainers ever to work in the field of assistive technology. Her ability to present highly technical information in a clear and concise manner is unmatched. Belva uses her passion and expertise in technology to assist individuals with assistive technology. She is known throughout the state for her skill and compassion in encouraging people with different abilities to achieve more than they ever thought they could. Belva’s personal mission is “to be kind and rewind.” She loves inspiring others to gain access to the world in different ways. When she isn’t at work, she enjoys her family, friends, movies, baseball, traveling and stock car racing.
Craig has been involved in the assistive technology (AT) field since 1996, when he started working for a leading augmentative & alternative communication manufacturer (AAC). As an assistive technology specialist, he uses this expertise to help people find new ways to communicate and access tools. Craig has worked extensively with eye tracking for computer access and AAC and has developed iPhone apps for individuals with learning disabilities. He is a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) and a Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist (CEAS). Craig enjoys matching technology solutions to an individual’s abilities and their work or educational goals. He is always looking for cutting-edge technology and designing solutions that incorporate new ways of thinking to assist his consumers. He excels at listening to an individual’s story and relating technology that can help them fulfill their story. Craig’s personal mission is “to blend the difficulties of the merger of technology and daily living needs in a way that people work naturally.” When not at work, he enjoys playing golf and building custom golf clubs, playing guitar, writing and spending time with his three grandchildren.
Jim joined Easterseals Crossroads in 2014 after serving as a counselor and supervisor at Vocational Rehabilitation Services and as a counselor/trainer in the WorkOne system. As an assistive technology specialist, he serves the northern part of Indiana. Jim holds a Master of Arts in counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science in telecommunications from Ball State University. He also holds the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification and is a Certified Workforce Development Specialist. As an assistive technology specialist, Jim works to determine assistive technology needs, provide solutions and train people on how to use assistive technology equipment or software. He particularly enjoys the “ah ha” moment when a consumer “gets” an assistive technology they have been working with and watching them use their assistive technology solution to help them with their work and/or life goals. His personal mission is “to use what gifts he has to try to help others.” When not working, Jim enjoys spending time with his wife, playing the trumpet and umpiring fast-pitch softball and baseball.
Anna joined Easterseals Crossroads in 2012. She is an assistive technology specialist for the sensory team in the clinical assistive technology program. Although she did not start her career in assistive technology, she has been helping people with disabilities on accessing information and learning daily living skills since high school. She aims to provide pleasant learning experiences to her consumers and help Easterseals Crossroads with the mission to improve the lives of people with special needs by promoting inclusion, independence and dignity. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a master’s degree from Bentley University. She is a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and an adjunct faculty member for Indianapolis University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Vincennes University. Anna’s personal mission is “to keep a healthy work and family balance and be the best she can in each of these roles.” When she is not working or teaching, she enjoys spending time with her families and her kitties, listening to music and podcasts, studying languages, traveling and assisting nonprofit organizations with community events.
Lisa is an assistive technology technician on the mobility and cognition team. Lisa earned her degree in computer information technology from Purdue University. Her role in computer support for Purdue University and Indiana University sparked an interest to teach, leading her to a career as a productivity consultant, helping companies in the Midwest use technology more efficiently through education, automation, workflow studies and consulting. During that time, she began working with assistive technology to aid some of the employees she worked with. Helping people with the use of assistive technology became her passion for more than 15 years. In 2004, Lisa moved back to her hometown to become a stay-at-home mother and to care for her father. She is so excited to see all the changes to assistive technology and how much more obtainable and convenient it has become! Successes of the people she works with drives Lisa. She loves it when someone sees technology as a help and not a chore. When she is not working, Lisa, her husband and daughter have a small hobby farm in northern Indiana. She loves gardening, art and making memories with her family and friends. One of Lisa’s favorite quotes is by Benjamin Franklin: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
June started working as the administrative assistant for the department in February 2004. She works the morning shift on the switchboard for Easterseals Crossroads and then begins her duties for the assistive technology department. June is the friendly voice that is often the first you hear when you call the Assistive Technology Center. As the “super glue” that holds the department together, she is responsible for all administrative duties. She also assists with other clerical duties, such as creating Braille materials and assisting in data collection in programs such as iCanConnect. June graduated from Arsenal Tech Day Adult in 1985 and proceeded to get her certificate form beauty college. June also went to trade school to be a nurse assistant. Her exceptional organizational skills and positive attitude assures that information flows smoothly in the department and consumers’ needs are met. She is well known for her easygoing and courteous approach to assisting our consumers. Her personal mission is “to help others and be a good parent to her children and grandchildren.” She holds a certificate for Heal at Home and Comfort Keeper Services and said, “I feel I was put on this earth to serve.” When she isn’t at work, June loves to watch movies and spend time with family.