Our Trainers
Therese Willkomm
Dr. Willkomm is the Director of the New Hampshire State Assistive Technology Program (ATinNH) at the Institute on Disability and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of New Hampshire. In addition, Dr. Willkomm is the coordinator of the Disability Studies Minor. She has been providing and managing assistive technology services for over 28 years in the areas of home, school, and worksite modifications for persons with disabilities. She is known nationally for her work in rural rehabilitation and is referred to as “The MacGyver of Assistive Technology.” Dr. Willkomm has presented in 38 states, five foreign countries, and three U.S. territories and authored 22 publications including her most recent book titled “Make a Difference Today-Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes.”
Laurie Lambert
Having come up through the education ranks as a paraprofessional, Title 1 tutor, general education teacher, special education teacher and inclusion facilitator, Laurie brings a wide variety of experience, perspectives and expertise to the education of children with disabilities.
Laurie has had significant training in the many areas of educating students with disabilities obtaining Graduate Certification in the areas of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Always looking for ways to enhance learning for students with disabilities, Laurie also has a great deal of experience using assistive technology to support students with disabilities in the general education classroom.
Laurie has also done significant work in the Beyond Access for Students with Disabilities Project, the Beyond Access for Assessment Accommodations Project and the Gaining Access to What Student with Cognitive Disabilites Know Project, as well as the National Inclusive Education Initiative, all research projects that are part of the work of the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire.
Dan Herlihy
Dan has been in the education field for over 24 years working in wilderness programs for at-risk students, in special education classrooms, and as a private consultant providing training and professional development to school systems. He is also an Intellitools Training Specialist. He presents nationally on numerous topics including creating access on the fly, working with high and low incidence disabilities, creating accessible test, quiz and alternate assessment activities, and more. He has written numerous books and articles on technology integration, as well as producing CD’s of education activities for students. His expertise is in taking diverse technologies and connecting them together to provide solutions for access to the curriculum.
Nicole Finch
Nicole Finch received her master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of New Hampshire in May 2011. She is currently pursuing her graduate certificate in assistive technology from UNH. As part of her graduate assistantship, Ms. Finch worked with Therese Willkomm, PhD, ATP, who is known nationally and internationally as “The McGyver” of Assistive Technology. In this role, Ms. Finch provided assistive technology education and training to individuals, rehabilitation professionals, and educators. Training sessions focused on the use of the iPad for individuals of all abilities were developed and provided to professors and students within the education department at UNH, as well as professionals at The Institute on Disability/UCED, Wentworth-Douglas Hospital, and East Kingston Elementary School.
Jason Paradis
Jason is an information technology professional. Jason has been with the IOD since 2005 serving in various information technology functions and as a web developer. His current interests include the accessibility of new IT equipment and websites as well as the development of protocols for accessibility testing.
Phyllis Watson
Phyllis Watson, CCC-SLP, is currently employed by Crotched Mountain Atech Services. She is a speech-language pathologist and AAC specialist with more than 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults with severe disabilities, in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, developmental day programs, and the public schools. She has also taught courses at several universities, including Butler University, Indiana University and University of NH. Phyllis has presented at local and national conferences.