Oklahoma ABLE Tech Advisory Council

Dale Oard

Dale Oard came to ABLE Tech originally as a client interested in our Access to Telework loan program, where he was able to acquire a Laser Engraver to start his own business. Since that time Dale joined not only our advidory panel and also has ties to Statewide Independent Living Centers and the Blackwell and Ponca City Chambers of Commerce. Dale attended Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa as a Social Science major. He has a son, Dewey age 23; and enjoys Oklahoma State University sports, bowling, church and spending time with his family. 

Contact Dale: daleoard@yahoo.com

Theresa Hamrick

Theresa Hamrick has 20+ years in various levels of rehabilitation, retrieval and distribution with lending closets. She currently works with the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council, the Oklahoma Transition Council, Senior Resource Law Center, and Projects for Optimal Emergency Medical Services for Seniors. She received a B.A. in Management, as well as a certificate for Work Incentive Benefits Planning. She enjoys spending time outdoors, antiques, traveling and working with non-profits. 

Contact Theresa: thamrick@okdrs.gov

Michael O'Brien

Micheal O'Brien works for the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services and has worked with AT for over 25 years. He has links to CSAVR, CRCC, CORE, NRCA, VECAP, RESNA and multiple state agencies. He received his Doctorate in Education from Oklahoma State University, after receiving his Masters in Education. He has four children and eight grandchildren, and enjoys hunting and golfing. 

Contact Michael: mobrien@okdrs.gov

Phyllis Taylor

Phyllis Taylor, a representative of Stillwater Group Homes, as well as being a member of the ABLE Tech Advisory Council is also the President of the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation. Through her work with Stillwater Group homes she obtains AT for the residents there such as wheelchairs, communication devices, hearing aids, or adaptive utensils. She also is a monitor for Oklahoma AIM. Phyllis received a B.A. from Oklahoma State University, and enjoys dogs, cats, reading and antiques. 

Contact Phyllis: phyllis.taylor@stillwatergrouphomes.org

Jan Lavine

Jan Lavine, works for OSU FPP and  is experienced in braille-generating computer software/hardware, and screen enlarging software. She is linked to Life Member, National Braille Association; Hadley School for the Blind and National Federation of the Blind. Her hobbies include reading, braille, cooking, and home improvement. 

Contact Jan: JLavine@osufpp.org

Charlie Jones

Charlie Jones works for East Central University. He Graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Masters in Business Administration and has over 40 years of experience with various assistive technologies including electric wheelchairs, modified vans for driving, voice-recognition computer software, and various personal aides. Charlie is also linked to the Office of Disability Concerns, and OkAT.He loves spending time with his wife Sara and Stepdaughter Ashley and in his free time enjoys gardening and fishing. 

Contact Charlie: ccj442@hughes.net
 

Melinda Fruendt

Melinda Fruendt currently works for the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services but is also linked to the Farm Bureau, 4-H, and Lutheran Women's Missionary League. Her personal experience with assistive technology is in the area of professional administration, promoting ABLE Tech, AgrAbility, and any assistive technology use to consumers with disabilities.She received her Bachelor's Degree in Science and Masters of Science - Agricultural Education, Professional Service from Oklahoma State University. Her husband Paul runs the Farm on homestead of Fruendt Farms and in her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking, beading, and reading. 

Contact Melinda: mfruendt@okdrs.gov

Brian Smith    

Brian Smith a Bachelor of Sciences major in Journalism from the University of Kansas and received his Masters in Non-profit management and leadership from Oklahoma City University. He currently works at the Center for Learning and Leadership. He is linked to ODDC, ODLE, People first Inc., and The Greater Oklahoma Disabled Sports Association. His personal experience with Assistive Technologies include, Alpha Smart, Dragon Naturally Speaking, car knobs to assist with driving, and a bar for turn signals. In Brian's free time he enjoys sports, volunteering, and listening to a wide variety of music.

Contact Brian: brian-smith@ouhsc.edu

Andrea Kunkel

Andrea Kunkel works for the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) and is also linked to the Oklahoma Department of Directors of Special Services, and the Professional Advisory Board to Learning Disabilities Association of Oklahoma. She has a Bachelors Degree in Literature and is a Masters of Science in Teaching, Learning and Leadership from OSU- Tulsa. Her hobbies include her husband John and daughter Meredith, as well as reading, dogs, and keeping up with current events.

Contact Andrea: kunkel@ccosa.org

Christine Ormsbee

Christine Ormsbee works for Oklahoma State University in the Institute for Teaching and Learning Excellence (ITLE). She received her Bachelors and Masters degree in Special Education from Emporia State University and her Ph.D from the University of Kansas in Special Education: Learning Disabilities and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders. She is also linked to Oklahoma Commission on Teacher Preparation, Council for Exceptional Children, Learning Disabilities Association, and Autism Society of America. Christine has a daughter and in her spare time loves to read, craft, and travel.

Contact Christine: ormsbee@okstate.edu

Jim Grennan

Jim Grennan is a private attorney located in Oklahoma City, OK. He is linked to the Oklahoma Bar Association's closed network and has represented many clients seeking social security disability since 1971. He is passionate about work and computers.

Contact Jim: jim.grennan@cox.net

Tricia Hansen

Tricia Hensen currently works for the Oklahoma Department of Education but has 6 years paraprofessional experience, was a SPED teacher for 7 years, and for the past 2 years has taught in a Specialized Autism Class. She has a Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies and a Masters in Special Education. She has recently moved back to Oklahoma from San Diego, CA with her husband and three children. 

Contact Tricia: tricia. hansen@sde.ok.gov

Dolores Shangreaux

Dolores Shangreaux works for MPower Inc and graduated from Oglala Community High School in May of 1962. She has fostered more than 12 children and ran a daycare for 5 years. Her youngest and first foster child had developmental disabilities and her 25 year old daughter has had to use a walker and several speaking devices. She is linked to Stillwater Group Homes and Team Stillwater (Special Olympics). Dolores enjoys getting together with her whole family for "powwows", sewing, and beadwork. 

Contact Dolores: dshangreaux@brightok.net

John Gajda

John Gajda is the Executive Director of the Tulsa ARC, a company with social service and welfare organizations. His area of expertise is in computer hardware and software applications. He is linked to Oklahoma People First, Advisory Committee on M.R. Services, Tulsa Area Alliance on Disabilities, Oklahoma Chapter of AAMR, UAP Policy Advisory Council, and Partners and Policymaking. 

Contact John: jgajda@ddadvocacy.net

Shannon Esmeyer

Shannon Esmeyer works for the Special Education Resolution Center (SERC) and is linked to SERC Advisory, OkAT Advisory Board, NOFAS, and GEAR UP for Catoosa Public Schools. Her daughter has needed assistive technology many times due to being diagnosed with CP and Tourette's Syndrome. Shannon actively participates in Oklahoma Special Olympics, Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, and DeMolay. She is married to a Dental Lab Technician Larry and they have four children.

Contact Shannon: shannon.esmeyer@okstate.edu