About Us

Ability Ambassadors running a vendor table

Mission Statement

Post College Connections, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3), was created in 2019 by a group of parents as a grassroots movement to fill the unmet needs of young adults with disabilities who strive to fully participate in the community.

The Ability Resource Center, through Post College Connections, Inc., is a disability-led organization that programs and hosts fully inclusive events. To ensure everyone’s voices are heard, all programming is cultivated through input and feedback from members. Leading the way in supporting young adults with intellectual disabilities, the Ability Resource Center helps individuals build self-confidence, gain new connections and achieve personal goals.

Our Story

  • August 2018

    Dr. Dedra Hafner, EdD, founder of the Cutting Edge program at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin, interviewed several alumni members to identify what it is like for alumni after college. This collection of research found that life after college is a confusing time for young adults with intellectual disabilities. The alumni stated that, even though they were working and living independently, life after college was scary. It took them a long time to adjust to not being with their friends. It was hard to make their own decisions. Alumni voiced their feelings of loneliness, isolation, and being disconnected.

    Dr. Hafner knew that it was possible to create a support system that empowers young adults with intellectual disabilities to actively engage in an organization that focused on belonging, identity, and connections.

  • November 2018 - May 2019

    A group of parents of the alumni met several times and created an innovative model of services that would allow young adults to gather with others who have shared experiences. In May 2019, the parents established the Alumni Resource Center organization, through Post College Connections, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3).

    November 2018 - May 2019

  • May 2019 - September 2019

    As part of this grassroots initiative, one of the parents generously acquired and donated a house that could be used as a gathering space. The neighborhood where the house was located was familiar to the members, and it was within walking distance to UW-Madison and a bus line. A financial plan was established – the facility and operational costs were to be covered by membership fees and private donations. Based on feedback from the founding members, the house was outfitted with furniture and equipment designed to meet their needs.

    On September 6, 2019, the Alumni Resource Center held its grand opening to celebrate its new space.

  • September 2019 - Current

    Member-led committees meet regularly to facilitate event planning and organizational advisory.  Our event planning committee, for example, meets twice a month to create a monthly calendar of events, all targeted to the interests of our members. The events include clubs, info sessions, and community trips. Members choose the sessions they wish to attend based on their personal preferences. There are “day trips” such as ghost tours, theater performances, and sporting events, just to mention a few.

    September 2019 - Current

  • September 2024

    To be more inclusive and better reflect our identity as a group, the Alumni Resource Center was renamed the Ability Resource Center.

Who’s Who

Dedra Hafner

Dr. Dedra Hafner

CEO

In 2019, Dr. Dedra Hafner completed her pioneering dissertation on breaking barriers to inclusion in college for individuals with intellectual disabilities. As the founder of this innovative approach, she served as the Director of the Cutting Edge Program and Assistant Professor at Edgewood College from 2008 to 2018. Dr. Hafner’s impact extends nationally and internationally, recognized through awards and as a sought-after speaker on disability inclusion. Her current focus includes the Ability Resource Center, addressing post-college needs, and the Ability Ambassador Project, partnering with former students to advocate for disability inclusion in businesses.

Brit Lucas

Brit Lucas

Director

Brit joined the Ability Resource Center in June, 2024. She has a background in human geography, disability theory, family and sibling mentorship, inclusive education, activism and social change. Having a sister with Down syndrome, and as a person with invisible disabilities, she believes a lot of work is yet to be done to open society to leaders with disabilities to determine inclusive direction.

Katelyn Williams

Katelyn Williams

Program Coordinator

Katelyn joined the Ability Resource Center team in March 2023. She has six years of experience working with people who have disabilities of all ages and in many settings. She hopes her work at the Ability Resource Center will help to create a more inclusive society.

Member Committees

Hiring Committee

Bryce Trost

Bryce Trost

Brandon Smith

Brandon Smith

Michael Hwang

Michael Hwang

Emily Krueger

Emily Krueger

Olivia Parry

Olivia Parry

George Keenan

George Keenan

Tyler Newberry

Tyler Newberry

Ability Advisory Panel

Emily Krueger

Emily Krueger

President
George Keenan

George Keenan

Vice President
Taylor Petrusky

Taylor Petrusky

Treasurer

Hope Lane

Hope Lane

Secretary
Michael Hwang

Michael Hwang

Alex Shmerler

Alex Shmerler

Abby Tessmann

Abby Tessmann

Tyler Newberry

Tyler Newberry

Event Planning Committee

Lily Giroux

Lily Giroux

Sarah Maring

Sarah Maring

Brennen Bunn

Brennen Bunn

Emily Krueger

Emily Krueger

SAFE Committee

Tad Korslin

Tad Korslin

Nick Lindenau

Nick Lindenau

Chelsea Lucas

Chelsea Lucas

Board Members

Gary Shmerler

Gary Shmerler, President

(2019-current)

Gary is a successful local entrepreneur who brings years of leadership experience to the role of President of the Ability Resource Center. Witnessing firsthand the challenges adults with intellectual disabilities face has fueled his commitment to making a meaningful difference in their lives. Through the use of strategic planning and team member collaborative efforts, he aims to ensure the organization meets or exceeds the needs of the community it serves today and for years to come.

Dedra Hafner

Dedra Hafner, CEO

(2019-current)

In 2019, Dr. Dedra Hafner completed her pioneering dissertation on breaking barriers to inclusion in college for individuals with intellectual disabilities. As the founder of this innovative approach, she served as the Director of the Cutting Edge Program and Assistant Professor at Edgewood College from 2008 to 2018. Dr. Hafner’s impact extends nationally and internationally, recognized through awards and as a sought-after speaker on disability inclusion. Her current focus includes the Ability Resource Center, addressing post-college needs, and the Ability Ambassador Project, partnering with former students to advocate for disability inclusion in businesses.

Karen Diamond

Karen Diamond

(2021-current)

Karen is a parent of a current Ability Resource Center member. She is a retired software developer who, after retirement, was excited to join the board and help the organization grow. Karen is certain that the Ability Resource Center can have an amazing impact on the lives of so many extraordinary young adults, and she is honored to be part of its mission.

Lori Fatla

Lori Fatla

(2021-current)

As a parent of an adult daughter with a disability and a retired Special Education Teacher, Lori continues to work both in the Milwaukee and Madison areas supporting adults with disabilities. The Ability Resource Center provides a unique approach promoting independence and social opportunities while enhancing abilities within the community and in the workplace. The future looks bright for young adults to be part of the dream of living independently and thriving in the community enhanced by the support of the Ability Resource Center.

Mary Parry

Mary Parry

(2021-current)

Mary joined the board after being involved with the Ability Resource Center since its inception. Mary’s daughter, Olivia, is a member of the Ability Resource Center and the programs and activities have supported her independence. Mary sees the value of membership and wanted to be part of the organization’s success.

Ellen Heaghney

Ellen Heaghney

(2023-current)

Ellen previously worked as a Program Assistant with the Ability Resource Center, and she is delighted to continue being a part of the organization. She especially values the collaborative and supportive community that the Ability Resource Center fosters, and she is very excited to see how our members continue to grow, learn, and thrive together.

Marsha Wilson

Marsha Wilson

(2024-current)

Marsha Wilson was born and raised in Rock County, Wisconsin and moved to Dane County in 2014. She has worked within the Rock and Dane County legal systems for the last 27 years. She has specialized knowledge in the Wisconsin judicial systems and has a deep understanding of the services offered by the government to the community due to her years of legal work. Marsha looks forward to giving back to Dane County and having a greater impact on the lives of its members through her involvement with the Ability Resource Center.

Prior Board Members

In gratitude, thank you for your participation.

Martine Banda-Wolk

(2021-2022)

Maggie Korslin

(2021-2023)

Diversity / Inclusion Statement

Diversity Statement:

It is our mission for every individual to feel welcomed and accepted at the Ability Resource Center. Our staff serve as role-models, teaching our members how to celebrate individual differences and promote learning about what makes each of us unique.

Inclusion Statement:

Post College Connections, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) created in 2019. To assure the highest level of integrity, the board of directors committed itself to upholding the core principles of inclusion.

These core principles include:

  • Disability Community Engagement
  • Disability-Inclusive Language
  • Accessible Events
  • Inclusion Audits and Reviews

Contact Us

Program Coordinator:
(608) 219-1603
Director:
(608) 219-7952‬
Email Us

2411 Monroe Street
Madison, WI 53711

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