I was born with Larsen syndrome, a genetic physical disability. I first ventured into disability advocacy at age 10 when I appeared on Sesame Street. That’s the getting-to-know-you fun fact I share at parties.
I’m from Long Island, New York, where I graduated with a B.A. in English from Adelphi University in 2013.
My first book, Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be An Ally, was published by Ten Speed Press in September 2021. I’m proud to be represented by Laura Lee Mattingly at Present Perfect Literary and by Kaley Baron at the Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau.
I provide communications and social media strategy consulting as well as editorial services for multiple disability-related organizations and initiatives. I’m currently the Editor of Able News at The Viscardi Center. Previously, I served in roles including Digital Content Manager for the Disability & Philanthropy Forum, Editor of the Voices of Disability Economic Justice, and the founding Editor in Chief of the Rooted in Rights Blog. And, I co-host The Accessible Stall Podcast with one of my best friends, Kyle Khachadurian.
I’m a lover of theater, museums, and engaging in new cultural experiences. Because of this, I’m committed to creating more accessible cultural institutions for all. I’ve provided cultural access consulting for entities including the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center, and the Friends of the High Line. And I’ve also combined my love of cultural engagement and editorial practice, working with The Architectural League of New York as an editor on their “Making Inclusive Museums Now” report.
In 2017, I was named one of Adelphi’s 10 Under 10 Young Alumni and had the honor of serving on Adelphi’s Board of Trustees for four years. In 2018, I was selected for the American Association of People with Disabilities’ Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award. In 2022, the Jewish Federations of North America and the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism honored me with their Disability Advocate of the Year Award, the New York City Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities honored me with the Frieda Zames Advocacy Award, and The Viscardi Center honored me with the Henry Viscardi Achievement Award, which recognizes international leaders with disabilities. And in 2023, I received the Progressive Women’s Voices IMPACT Award from the Women’s Media Center.
This site is my little space to share my passion for disability rights and social justice. All of my activism is driven by my belief that it is by sharing our stories and making the disability experience accessible to the world that we will reach a world that is accessible to the disability community.