Aaron Gutzke is a Deaf leader and systems change strategist with deep expertise in language access, adult education, and disability justice. As the founding Executive Director of ThinkSelf, Inc., he leads transformative programs that empower Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing adults to access education, employment, and safety.
Based in Minnesota, Aaron holds a Master’s degree in Public Affairs and Disability Policy from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School. His work centers on dismantling systemic barriers created by language deprivation and advancing culturally responsive services. Under his leadership, ThinkSelf has become a national model for Deaf-led programming in adult basic education, justice advocacy, and trauma-informed support.
Aaron’s contributions have been recognized with several honors, including the University of Minnesota Polaris Award, the Minnesota Alliance on Crime Spotlight Award, and the Rise Organization of the Year Award. At AccessPlus Global, Aaron serves as a Subject Matter Expert in language justice and community-based solutions, bringing his lived experience and policy expertise to drive equity and belonging.
Bonnie Kaplan is a Deaf advocate and subject matter expert in criminal justice, abuse prevention, and cultural accessibility. Based in Boston, she brings decades of experience supporting Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals through trauma-informed advocacy, policy development, and communication access.
As a Deaf Victims Advocate at Tri-County Community Action in Rhode Island, Bonnie ensures equitable access to justice by developing communication systems, supporting survivors, and training professionals. She is extensively trained by Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (ADWAS) and has led statewide efforts in outreach, accessibility, and cultural inclusion.
Bonnie’s past roles include Outreach Specialist for Sprint/T-Mobile Accessibility and Program Coordinator at the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. A cancer survivor, her personal resilience deepens her commitment to systemic change. At AccessPlus Global, she advances equity and safety as part of the Minnesota Olmstead Plan team.
Walter Waranka is a seasoned disability advocate and employment specialist with over 40 years of experience advancing equity and inclusion. Blind since birth, he has dedicated his career to empowering people with disabilities through employment and community leadership. Originally from Milwaukee, Walter earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and Public Relations from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and a master’s degree in Religious Studies from Cardinal Stritch College. He founded CHANCE, a nonprofit focused on competitive employment for disabled individuals, and later served as an Employment Specialist with Lifetrack Resources and Lutheran Social Services.
Walter has held leadership roles with the Minnesota Chapter of the American Council of the Blind, the Minnesota Rehabilitation Association, and the Mayor’s Advisory Council for People with Disabilities in Saint Paul. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to creating accessible, inclusive opportunities for all.
Katelyn Patterson is the Marketing Manager at AccessPlus Global. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science and has demonstrated a remarkable ability to transition across diverse fields. Katelyn began her career in sales at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., where she quickly advanced to Assistant Marketing Manager, significantly boosting sales productivity. Leveraging her academic background, she later worked as a Veterinary Technician Assistant.
Katelyn’s leadership skills and positive attitude have consistently placed her in key roles, where she excels at uniting teams and driving success. Her creativity and innovative approach to marketing have enabled her to engage customers effectively and push the boundaries of conventional strategies. Her approach is informed by her experience with a non-apparent disability, emphasizing inclusivity in every strategy she develops.
Crystal Gagnon, a content writer for Access to All, brings over 20 years of experience working with diverse individuals with disabilities. As a rehabilitation counselor for Vocational Rehabilitation in New Hampshire, she applies a deep understanding of disability advocacy to her role. Her contributions to Mélange Accessibility for All magazine highlight her commitment to promoting inclusive practices. Crystal’s personal journey with a non-apparent disability adds invaluable insight to her advocacy, enhancing her effectiveness in championing accessibility. Holding a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from St. Cloud State University and being a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Crystal is dedicated to creating a world where accessibility is a lived reality for all.
Grace Grell, a dynamic advocate and student pursuing a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling: Clinical at St. Cloud State University, is set to complete her degree in May 2025. Legally blind since childhood due to cancer, Grace employs her personal experiences to promote a more inclusive and accessible world. Grace utilizes her platform to advocate for disability rights and inclusion. Her commitment also extends to Gift with Grace, a nonprofit she founded to support international charities.
Despite facing vision loss during critical stages of her life, Grace’s resilience is evident in her various accomplishments, including winning the title of 2023 Miss Minnesota for America Strong. Her journey not only reflects personal triumph but also enhances her role in educating professionals about disability accessibility and inclusion.
Peter Slatin, founder of Slatin Group LLC, skillfully merges his roles as a disability consultant, writer, advocate, and content creator for Access to All. Blind himself, Peter is deeply committed to advancing disability inclusion, focusing on education, training, and service excellence. He has been recognized as an Accessibility Champion by Visions/Services for the Blind and serves as a prominent keynote speaker, notably at the 2023 Access U conference. Peter’s leadership experience includes director roles at Empire State Employment Resources for the Blind and the Colorado Center for the Blind. An award-winning journalist, he has contributed to The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, with a focus on architecture and finance.
Peter also founded Grid magazine, addressing architecture and commercial property, and is a recipient of the Oculus Award for Excellence in Architectural Journalism. His diverse expertise and personal insights significantly enrich the discourse on disability accessibility and inclusion.
Heather Rood is a Career Rehabilitation Counselor with Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services, where she leverages her extensive fourteen-year background in disability advocacy. Heather’s expertise in curriculum development and program management previously enriched her roles, and she now applies this experience to promote inclusive practices within employment settings. Her personal journey with a non-apparent disability deeply informs her commitment to creating accessible and inclusive environments. Heather has collaborated with various businesses to develop best practices for job accommodations, underscoring her strong dedication to disability rights.
She holds a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, actively contributing to the National Rehabilitation Association. Heather’s work is pivotal in advancing a society that embraces equality and accessibility for all.
Adeshola Adeniji is a Mental Health Practitioner at the Amherst Wilder Foundation. She previously was a Project Assistant for the Center for International Disability Advocacy and Diplomacy at St. Cloud State University. Adeshola stands out as an essential member of Access to All’s Disabled disability experts, drawing from her personal experiences with a non-apparent disability from early childhood. As the Co-founder and Executive Director of GivFree Africa, she is passionately dedicated to improving lives in Nigeria, particularly focusing on empowering youth with disabilities through education and skills development. Her journey embodies resilience and commitment to inclusivity, making her work essential in ongoing efforts for disability accessibility and inclusion globally.
Sherri Rademacher, now retired, was an accomplished educator and advocate. She served as the Assistant Director of Outreach and Special Projects at the Center for International Disability Advocacy and Diplomacy at St. Cloud State University. Deaf since the age of 18 months, Sherri’s experiences shaped her into a strong leader and influential community member. She began her advocacy work at the Center for Independent Living in Illinois, advancing to roles such as Deaf Services Coordinator and Executive Director for the Tennessee Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Sherri brings her unique perspective and skills to our team of disability experts.
Rebekah Punch is the Operations Manager at AccessPlus Global, where she leverages her extensive background in retail and sales to enhance customer engagement and drive team performance. Before her current role, Rebekah progressed from Assistant Manager to Store Manager in a specialty boutique, significantly improving store operations and customer satisfaction. Her diverse career also includes positions as an Inside Sales Representative and Daycare Teacher, showcasing her broad expertise in sales strategies and educational engagement.
Known for her strong problem-solving skills and commitment to excellent customer service, Rebekah excels in leading teams to success. She uses her experience with a non-apparent disability to advocate for inclusivity and accessibility, making significant contributions to the organization’s goals.
Beckie Dupre, a seasoned professional in patient finance, billing, and insurance, continues her work at St. Cloud State University in roles that leverage her over 20 years of experience in customer service, project management, and budget oversight. Beckie, who is hard of hearing, brings a personal perspective to her work, enhancing her advocacy and support for individuals with disabilities, especially in educational settings. Beckie remains actively involved with AccessPlus Global, contributing to content creation and production. Beckie’s responsibilities include coordinating projects and organizing events.
Additionally, her role as a director of filming and editor showcases her versatile skills, making her an invaluable asset in advancing the mission of empowering individuals with disabilities.
Dr. Amy Hebert Knopf is the visionary founder and owner of AccessPlus Global and the creator of the Access to All educational platform. As a disabled queer individual with a non-apparent disability, she offers a profoundly personal and informed perspective in the field of disability rights and advocacy. Her career is marked by a steadfast commitment to advancing inclusive policies and practices across various sectors.
Before founding AccessPlus Global, Dr. Hebert Knopf served as the Director of Education and Research at the Center for International Disability Advocacy and Diplomacy at St. Cloud State University. Her work in disability is distinguished by a fellowship at the Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement, where she contributed significantly to shaping inclusive public policies.
Dr. Hebert Knopf’s mission is to create a world where accessibility is the standard, and everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. Her leadership continues to drive meaningful change in the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society.
