Page Last Updated June 22, 2023.
The following is a list of citizens who serve on the
Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues. Commissioners are appointed by the mayor following formal approval by the Phoenix City Council. Once approved by the Phoenix City Council, the commissioner serves a term of up to three years. Members are expected to attend bimonthly commission meetings and any committee meetings that they may participate in.
Nicole Anderson, Chair
Since 2007, Nicole Almond Anderson's career at Arizona State University has provided her with experience in nonprofit leadership and management, event planning, donor engagement and marketing and communications. As the Executive Director of Branding and Communications at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, she leads a diverse and talented team within a globally-renowned institution. Previous to her current role, Anderson was the Director of Communications at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law and before that role she was the Manager of Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Relations for the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation for nearly eight years.
When Anderson's first daughter was 15 months old, she was diagnosed with Pitt Hopkins Syndrome, an ultra-rare, neurodevelopmental disorder. At the time, Alexandra was the third child in Arizona living with this disorder. Her daughter serves as her daily dose of inspiration as she combines her passion to serve along with advocating for those who are developmentally disabled. She is the current chair of the City of Phoenix Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues, and she serves on the board of directors for United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona and the Pitt Hopkins Research Foundation. Anderson is also the CEO and Founder of RareiTees for a Cure, an online clothing brand with a mission to bring awareness to rare diseases with 100% of proceeds going to research.
By serving on the Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues, Nicole is able to contribute to creating a more inclusive and accessible community for her daughter and all others living with a disability.
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Carrie Collins-Fadell
An established leader in the field, Carrie brought her passion for well-run nonprofits to the Brain Injury Alliance in 2015 as the CEO. She has an extensive background in nonprofit management, government, and public policy, after career stops with United Way and the Alzheimer’s Association. Carrie embraces the challenges that come with being at the helm of the only organization in Arizona providing lifelong support, resources, and empowerment activities for survivors of all types of brain injury, their families, and the professionals who care for them.
Carrie is currently pursuing her PhD in industrial and Organizational Psychology with an emphasis on improving the experience, outcomes, and disability accommodations for remote workers. Carrie serves on the Advisory Board of the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center and is on the United States Brain Injury Alliance Board. She is a founding member of the Brain Health Magazine Editorial Board.
A Michigan native, Carrie promptly adopted six rescue Chihuahuas upon moving to Arizona and fell in love with desert gardening. A member of the Central Arizona Cactus & Succulent Society, she is currently trying to keep over 90 species of cacti alive in her backyard, with varying degrees of success.
Carrie is proud to serve on the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues because it’s amazing to see the commission working together to integrate the voice of the disability community through all aspects of city services and government.
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James Deibler
James Deibler lives in Phoenix, AZ. James attends Glendale Community College working towards attaining his Developmental Disabilities Certificate. In 2020, James graduated from Arizona State University with his Bachelor of Science in Public Service and Public Policy. In 2015, James graduated from Glendale Community College with his Associate degree in General Studies and a Photography Certificate. James is an intern at Glendale Elementary School District to help students with developmental disabilities learn and grow in the special needs’ environment. For example, he helps disability students live independently. James advocates on behalf of individual with disability and accessibility of sidewalks and buildings to ensure it complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
James serves as a Commissioner for the Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities Issues. He serves on the Commission because he’s passionate for helping the individuals with disability community. Since living in Arizona for the past 34 years, he has seen Arizona evolve through the years, including the improvement of public transportation in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Outside of work, James favorite hobbies are photography, working on computers, and attending the city council meetings to voice his concerns in the community. .
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Asma Isack
Asma Isack is an advocate, educator, and friend to underserved populations. She currently works as a birth doula and supports a woman’s right to birth how and where they want. Asma volunteered as a children’s rights advocate in Phoenix to protect our most vulnerable population. She has worked to make recess a right for all children in Arizona. She helped develop STEM curriculum for middle schoolers while at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She volunteered to bridge reading gaps for children falling behind. Asma has a BS in Political Science from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Arizona. Caring for her brother who lived 25 years with a hypoxic brain injury created a deep desire to improve the lives of our disabled population. She is the proud mother of three sons all born in Phoenix and wife to a Phoenix native. Asma is grateful for the opportunity to serve her adopted community.
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Meaghan Kramer, Vice Chair
Meaghan Kramer is a Staff Attorney at the Arizona Center for Disability Law (ACDL), where she advocates for Arizonans with disabilities, focusing in the areas of employment law and healthcare litigation. The ACDL uses advocacy, lobbying, and impact litigation to bring positive change to Arizona’s disability community. Meaghan also presents and writes on topics related to workplace accessibility, accommodations, and discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Outside of work, Meaghan is the Board Chair of The Center for Habilitation (TCH), a non-profit supporting Arizonans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. TCH provides employment opportunities, day programs, home support, and group homes for Arizonans with disabilities. Meaghan also serves on the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners, which regulates the practice of licensed behavioral health professionals for protection of the public. Meaghan and her partner, Emily are active members of their synagogue, Temple Chai, and live in Phoenix with their dog, Ronnie.
Meaghan joined the Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities Issues in order to make our city a more accessible and welcoming home to Phoenicians with disabilities. .
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Bill Manson
Bill Manson was born in Longview, WA and has resided in Arizona for 50 years. He previously called Lake Havasu City home until graduating high school and then attended Grand Canyon College on a full-tuition scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music/Secondary Education. Mr. Manson has since lived in the City of Phoenix for 46 years.
Bill currently holds the title of Vocational & Employment Administrator for United Healthcare as of June 2023. In this role the Employment Administrator is an essential element of the integral care team, coordinating and advocating for member needs, while overseeing supported employment service providers as it relates to the Medicaid delivery system of Arizona, coordinates service delivery within a matrix organization to ensure quality services are provided to the end users, develops and sustains relationships with employment providers, community-based organizations and system stakeholders, identifies and analyze patterns of utilization through measurable outcomes and statistical data, while monitoring employment outcomes through reported data. Bill represents UnitedHealth Group at community events, forums, and provider meetings.
He has served on the Maricopa Workforce Connections Board, Maricopa Human Capital Collaboration, V.P. of Board for Phoenix Conservatory of Music, Board President of NETPA and Chair of the bi-annual DREAM Job Fair focused on partnering people with disabilities with employers practicing inclusive hiring methods.
Bill stated it is an honor to serve the community on the Mayors Commission on Disability Issues as his passion is to serve others, especially diverse populations that include individuals living with disabilities, a silent but powerful sector of our community.
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Jordan Moon
Jordan Moon is the Public Relations and Events Coordinator at SAAVI Services for the Blind. Jordan is the Vice President and the Co-Legislative Director for the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona. Jordan is the Chair of the Vision Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Expo (VRATE.) Jordan, who grew up in California, graduated from Arizona State University with degrees in journalism and political science. Jordan interned with the National Center on Disability and Journalism during its launch. He has contributed articles in the Arizona Republic and other local publications. Jordan’s hobbies are closely following sports, playing drums, and reading about breakthrough technology. He lives in Phoenix with his wife and daughter. Jordan, who is blind, believes that blindness is just a characteristic and doesn’t define who he is and doesn’t dictate what he represents.
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Jill Pleasant
Jill S. Pleasant, MA, OTR/L retired as the Associate Director for the Institute for Human Development at Northern Arizona University – a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. She was responsible for a wide range of Community Service Programs with direct impact on persons across disability categories and age ranges for the Institute for Human Development and has many years of experience providing leadership for assistive technology services in Arizona. Currently she provides consultation services nationally on disability and assistive technology issues through JSP Consulting LLC.
Jill has a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, an MA in Educational Leadership, and a Certificate in Assistive Technology Applications. She is a licensed occupational therapist with experience providing Occupational therapy services in healthcare, education, and community environments. Jill’s professional perspective as an Occupational therapist and personal experiences as a family member of an individual with disabilities, underscores her belief that supporting persons with disabilities to engage in self-determined, meaningful activities is critical for independence and true community integration. She is a published author and has presented on disability related topics locally, nationally, and abroad.
Jill serves on the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues because as a city of Phoenix resident, and as a person whose entire professional career has centered on supporting people with disabilities to be as independent as possible, Jill wants to contribute to Phoenix’s ability to promote positive attitudes, equity, and access to services for all residents and visitors to our city.
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Jason Snead
Jason Snead is the Research and Communications Specialist for Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council. (ADDPC) Jason holds a double major in Political Science and Economics from the University of Houston. In 2016, he graduated with his Juris Doctorate from the Arizona Summit Law School. Jason also serves on the Arizona Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Oversight Committee.
Jason is a proud father to his two sons and is happily married. Jason has Cerebral Palsy and is focused and passionate about employment disability issues. Jason serves on the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues to advocate for individuals with Cerebral Palsy and fight for equality and equity for everyone.
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David Steinmetz
David Steinmetz is the Community and Public Relations Manager at Arizona Industries for the Blind in Phoenix. David works to “change the perception of blindness” through his advocacy and public relations efforts. Mr. Steinmetz serves as the Public Information Committee Chair on the Governor’s Council on Blindness & Visual Impairments (GCBVI) and is a Board of Director on the Vision Rehabilitation Assistive Technology Expo and Arizona Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired. David is a graduate of Arizona State University and participated in the National Industries for the Blind Business Management Training program through the Darden School of business. In 2008, David was the recipient of the National Industries for the Blind Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement award. This prestigious award recognized Mr. Steinmetz for his career achievements and community service work.
David enjoys spending time with his family, fishing and traveling across the United States. David joined the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues because he believes that every person who is blind and/or lives with a disability deserves the right to full participation in work, community, and life. With the right training, right technology, and right attitude it is possible.
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Damir Tursanovic
Damir Tursanovic, a Traumatic Brain Injury survivor, an active member of the Arizona Disability Coalition and Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council. Experienced in community engagement. Leads with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Coaching, Team Building, Public Speaking, and Facilitation. Strong community and social services.
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