Susan G. “Sue” Killam, M.Ed., CWIC, CESP
Susan “Sue” G. Killam has worked has worked in the area of employment and disability policy for over 25 years. She has a Master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and worked at the federally funded Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Supported Employment. Sue began her career in Louisiana in 1990 as the Lead Trainer for the Supported Employment Systems Change Grant. At the conclusion of that grant, she served as Director of AcME, Inc. (an employment agency initiated by six parents of individuals with disabilities) for 10 years. Ms. Killam has published several articles on supported employment and disability services and is one of the authors of APSE’s Ethical Guidelines. Ms. Killam has consulted and provided training and TA on supported employment and disability policy throughout the US and Canada. She has served on numerous governor-appointed councils and boards and is one of the founding members of the Louisiana SE Network (now LA APSE) and served as President from 1996-2001 and Vice President from 2003-2007.
Laura Stazio, MS, CESP
Laura Stazio’s role in HDC’s Employment Initiatives since 2012 has been to increase the capacity of Supported Employment Agencies in Louisiana through training and mentoring. Laura is a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) and is president of Louisiana Association for Persons Supporting Employment First (APSE). She is currently serving as a Governor’s appointee on the Louisiana Rehabilitation Council (LRC) to ensure the involvement of individuals with disabilities in the development and delivery of vocational rehabilitation services to Louisianans with disabilities. She is one of the lead trainers for HDC’s Employment First Core Training that meets the requirements for Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) accreditation.
Carmel Polk, M.S., CESP
Carmel Polk is an experienced Transition Support Specialist with the Post-Secondary Apprenticeship for Youth (Pay Check) Program. Carmel earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Services and her Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Southern University A&M College. She is also a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP.) Driven by a desire to encourage the youth to reach their full potential, she takes pride in providing the best individualized support possible. As a transition support specialist, her goals include teaching work related and community skills.
Michael Curry, BS
Associate Trainer
Michael Curry is the Assistant Transition Specialist with the Human Development Center’s Northshore PAY Check Program. As an Assistant Transition Specialist, his goals are to teach young adults self-advocacy and work-related skills so that they may reach their full potential. Michael has several years of experience working with individuals with disabilities to gain independent-living skills at home and in the community. He is driven to bring individualized supports to youth seeking higher education and competitive employment. He takes pride in providing young adults with the tools necessary to be valued members of their community and have full participation in community life. Michael is a graduate of LSU with a Bachelors in Psychology. He is also a certified personal trainer.
