Description: The Tennessee Center for Decision-Making Support is a NEW virtual resource center that provides decision-making information, resources, and tools to assist individuals with disabilities, their families and support providers when planning for their future. During this webcast, we will introduce attendees to the Tennessee Center for Decision-Making Support website and Center resources, and decision-making support for students with disabilities.

Presenters:

Elisa Hertzan
Disability Rights TN, Supported Decision-Making Attorney
Elisa has practiced law for over 30 years and was the Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Middle and West TN prior to joining Disability Rights TN (DRT). Elisa joined DRT in Oct. 2020 as their Supported Decision-Making Attorney. Elisa is committed to advancing supported decision making and advocating on behalf of those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Elisa has volunteered with Better Decisions, an organization that teaches reentry skills to women leaving prison and has coauthored reentry training manuals and tools for volunteer instructors.

Camron Hurt
Disability Rights TN, Decision-Making Supports Paralegal

Camron Hurt grew up in Europe and relocated to Nashville when he was a teenager. He is a proud graduate of Tuskegee University where he received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sociology. After graduating undergrad, he moved to Hawaii to pursue his master’s degree in diplomacy. He adopted his son and made his home in Hawaii for 7.5 years. His time in Tennessee has had him working not only in the legal sector but also education and civil rights, respectively. He is so proud and honored to work with Disability Rights Tennessee as a paralegal for the Decision-Making Supports Division.

Penny Johnson
Arc Tennessee, CDMS Program Coordinator

Penny has worked in various social service roles for over 16 years ranging from eligibility worker to program manager. Penny joined the Arc Tennessee in July 2020 as the Program Coordinator for the TN Center for Decision-Making Support. Prior to joining the Arc Tennessee, she worked as the Pre-ETS Coordinator for the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center in Smyrna working with youth with disabilities. In addition to her social service work, Penny worked in medical office administration for disability service providers. Throughout her experience, Penny has been dedicated to supporting and advocating for vulnerable populations, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Penny is passionate about helping individuals with disabilities achieve their greatest potential and success in life.