Iris Mehler has 25 years of professional experience and 15 years of personal experience as a parent and advocate, breaking down barriers and advocating for equality. In her previous life, she completed a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a post-graduate certification in Assistive Technologies. Iris also holds bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Developmental Education. She focused on alternative learning methods while teaching in Tel Aviv, Israel, and San Diego, CA, child development centers. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and currently manages a team of 14 (professionals and paraprofessionals) in her daughter’s home-based, interdisciplinary rehab team. Iris has worked extensively with people with disabilities as a career counselor through individual counseling and leading support groups. In addition to supporting families with communication challenges, Iris provides individual support to families in crisis after a new diagnosis and consults businesses and organizations on creating barrier-free and inclusive environments.

Alma Schneider is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has over three decades of practice under her belt. She is a mother of four children, one of whom has Prader-Willi Syndrome, Autism, ADHD, and unbeatable charm and good looks. In 2010, Alma created the Montclair Friday Group, a free support and social policy group assisting hundreds of NJ parents in navigating schools, family life, and society while raising children with disabilities. In 2021, Alma was asked to be on the People with Disabilities Advisory Committee of the town council of Montclair, NJ, to assist in making the town more inclusive and accessible. In 2022, Alma co-founded 1in6 Consulting to assist companies and organizations in becoming more supportive and inclusive of employees who are caregivers of children with disabilities.