Meet The Fellows

Meet The 2024 - 2025 Fellows

Nicole Coratti - Naples

Nicole has a bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Central Florida and is a Partners in Policymaking graduate. She is actively involved in StarAbility in Naples, most recently as a mentor and writer for their newsletter. This experience has assisted her in finding her voice, which she now uses to help other self-advocates in her sphere of influence. Nicole loves raising awareness about inclusion by taking part in a variety of activities in her community, including the Naples on the Gulf Kiwanis Club, I’m a Star at the Naples Performing Arts Center, and as a past member of the Residential Options of Florida (ROOF) board of directors.

Chatequa Pinkston - Tampa

Chatequa has the heart to encourage individuals with disabilities through her life experiences. She was born with cerebral palsy. She earned a Master’s of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of South Florida. She is an entrepreneur, an ordained minister, an author of several self-published books, and a public speaker. Chatequa is the founder of Hidden Treasures Ministries, which works to empower people with disabilities. She also serves on several other disability-related boards.

This is a photo of Patrick D'Arcy (a man) smiling. This photo was taken indoors with a brown background with a grey painting on the top of the background. Patrick has short brown hair. He is wearing brown-rounded glasses, a marroon shirt and a black lanyard.

Patrick D'Arcy - Orlando

Patrick is a self-advocate on the autism spectrum who is passionate about making our community a more inclusive place. He graduated from Valencia State College in 2022 with an associate degree in United States government. After leaving college, Patrick joined MAGICAL Self Advocacy that serves the Greater Orlando area to make advocacy grow across the state. Disability justice is a key issue that interests him. After being told that he would never amount to anything in high school, Patrick was challenged to became involved in empowering others to achieve their goals. His hobbies are reading, traveling to new places, and doing voiceovers.

A woman with black, medium-length hair stands outside smiling. She is wearing a blue shirt.

Katie Kaiser - Deland

Katie Kaiser was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in 2014. Since her diagnosis, she has dedicated herself to advocating for individuals on the spectrum who may not have a voice to speak for themselves. Katie has volunteered with multiple special needs groups, serves as a team lead for Capernaum Young Life, and coaches special needs buddies at her church, Journey. She also works as a preschool teacher for Head Start. Her advocacy stems from a desire to help people better understand autism and support those within the community.

Michelle Zeman - Orlando

Michelle was diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder-not other specified when she was three years old and was considered “borderline severe.” Despite being told she would never be a functioning member of society, she earned her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in autism and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2016. She discovered the value of self-advocacy and activism through her career in behavior analysis and her time in Partners in Policymaking (as she is a 2023 graduate). She is passionate about policy change in mental health services and disability training for all community workers.

Matthew Walzer - Jacksonville

Matthew lives with cerebral palsy, affecting his mobility, vision and dexterity. Matthew is unable to tie his shoes. At 16, aspiring to go away to college he penned #NikeLetter, asking for accessible footwear. Nike collaborated with him, launching FlyEase in 2015. Empowered by FlyEase, Matthew pursued college, graduating from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2018. His story has been featured on major platforms like The Drew Barrymore Show and NPR since 2021. On a personal advocacy level, Matthew aims for change in the education, transportation, and government sectors.

A woman with short red hair and round black/brown glasses smiles in front of a tan wall. She is wearing a marroon shirt.

Amanda "Mandy" Ranochak - Orlando

Amanda "Mandy" Ranochak is the founding member and former president of MAGICAL Self Advocates of Greater Orlando, FL SAND’s self-advocacy group in Greater Orlando. Born legally blind and later diagnosed as autistic, Mandy began her journey in self-advocacy after a friend tricked her into presenting an "About Me Box" at a self-advocacy conference in Rhode Island during college. A graduate of Partners in Policymaking (PIP) 2024 and recipient of PIP's Alan C. Wesley Award, she holds an associate's degree in advertising from Johnson & Wales University. Mandy also blogs for "The Mighty," works as an administrative assistant for a social services agency, and creates TikToks for United Against Poverty Orlando in her spare time.

Rachel Robinson - Fort Myers

Rachel has more than 20 years of experience as a caregiver for her autistic child, now an accomplished young adult. Passionate about supporting the differently abled community, she educates families on resources that enhance daily living. Rachel shares a personal connection to the need for support, having relied on it herself to overcome challenges. She holds degrees in computerized business systems and computer science, along with certifications in American Sign Language and Microsoft Office technical support. In addition, Rachel was a key leader in “Wings and Prayers,” an inclusive worship ministry for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her mission is to empower others by providing resources and support to help them live fulfilling, accessible lives.